With the financial year wrapping up and an election season on the way, it’s a crucial time for Australian employers to get on top of immigration changes—especially if your business depends on international talent.
Here’s a simplified rundown of recent announcements from the Department of Home Affairs and what steps you can take now to keep your hiring plans on track.
What’s Changing: New Salary Requirements for Skilled Visas from 1 July 2025
From 1 July 2025, the minimum salaries for employer-sponsored skilled visas will go up by 4.6%. This means higher salary benchmarks for businesses looking to hire international workers.
New base salary thresholds:
- Core Skills (CSIT): Increasing from $73,150 to $76,515
- Specialist Skills (SSIT): Moving from $135,000 to $141,210
- TSMIT: Also increasing to $76,515 (subject to final approval)
These figures don’t include superannuation, which will also rise from 11.5% to 12%.
CSIT vs SSIT: What They Mean
These thresholds set the minimum salary you must offer skilled visa holders—distinct from the standard market salary rate.
- CSIT applies to most skilled visas, such as:
- Temporary Skills Shortage visa (subclass 482)
- Regional Sponsored visa (subclass 494)
- Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186)
- SSIT targets highly paid roles under the Specialist Skills stream of the 482 visa and isn’t restricted by an occupation list.
All new job offers made from 1 July 2025 must reflect these updated salary levels.
Application Costs & Timing: Why Planning Matters
Government visa fees usually increase on 1 July each year. If your business plans to sponsor workers soon, consider submitting applications before then to reduce costs and avoid potential delays.
End-of-year periods often see long processing times, so acting early can make all the difference.
Labour Market Testing: Avoid Last-Minute Stress
If you plan to sponsor a worker, start job advertising well ahead of July. Remember: the 28-day advertising period must be completed before lodging the application.
Leaving ads until May or June may cut it too close and risk missing the deadline.
A Spike in Demand: 482 Visa Surge
From December 2024 to February 2025, weekly employer-sponsored visa applications jumped to over 3,000—a 60% increase from the same time last year. As a result, visa processing delays are being felt across the board.
Tighter Oversight: Know Your Sponsorship Duties
The government has signaled a tougher stance on sponsor compliance, especially for accredited businesses. This includes ensuring roles are properly classified and paid according to updated salary expectations.
If you’re unsure whether your current processes align with the new requirements—or need help crafting job ads that meet upcoming rules—reach out to enquiries@ausphin.edu.au. Our team can help you stay compliant and confident in your hiring strategy.