The Australian Department of Home Affairs has officially announced that, effective 1 July 2025, the salary thresholds for the Temporary Skill Shortage (Subclass 482), Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186), and Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Subclass 494) visas will all be increased by 4.6%, rising from AUD 73,150 to AUD 76,515. In addition, the income threshold for high-income professional streams will increase from AUD 135,000 to AUD 141,210.

This adjustment reflects shifts in Australia's labour market dynamics and the rising cost of living. The government aims to ensure that visa holders' salaries are aligned with broader economic development. However, this presents new challenges for both applicants and employers:

• 1.Applicants will need to ensure their offered salaries meet the new thresholds when seeking jobs or negotiating contracts.
• 2.Employers will face higher labour costs and will need to reassess their recruitment and sponsorship strategies.

There is some good news — a transitional arrangement will apply. Those who already hold these visas or have lodged nomination applications before 1 July 2025 will continue to be assessed under the current thresholds and are not affected by the changes.

If you are preparing to apply for these visas, we recommend taking action immediately:

• 1.Review your job role and salary: Ensure your salary offer meets the new requirement or discuss adjustments with your employer.
• 2.Stay updated on detailed policy changes: Closely monitor announcements from the Department of Home Affairs to ensure your application remains compliant.
• 3.Seek professional advice: Consulting a registered migration agent can help you navigate the changes and avoid costly mistakes.

If you have any questions or would like professional assistance, please feel free to contact us at Riverwood Migration (Email: enquiry@riverwoodmigration.com). We are committed to providing transparent, expert migration services to help you achieve your dream of moving to Australia.

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