Australia Raises Employer-Sponsored Visa Salary Threshold

The Australian government has announced an increase in the salary threshold for employer-sponsored visas, setting the new minimum salary benchmark at AUD 52,545. This change, effective from July 1, 2025, is part of an effort to align the pay of foreign workers with domestic wage standards.

The updated threshold will affect various migration pathways, including the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa (subclass 494), the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (subclass 187), and the Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 482). High-end specialist professions will require meeting significantly higher income benchmarks, with some set at AUD 141,210 and AUD 96,454.

This adjustment is part of Australia's annual wage index policy and aims to ensure that foreign workers are not underpaid compared to Australian employees. The government will continue to review the threshold annually, with the next adjustment scheduled for July 1, 2026.

New applicants will face stricter compliance requirements to demonstrate that offered salaries meet the updated market rates.