Key Australian Migration Updates for July 2025: Income Thresholds, Fee Increases, and Program Changes

Major migration changes are set to take effect from 1 July 2025, impacting visa sponsors, applicants, and other key stakeholders. The updates include increases to skilled visa income thresholds, revised application and review fees, and new developments in the South Australian migration program. These Australian visa updates aim to maintain labour market integrity, ensure sustainable visa processing, and open new pathways for skilled workers. Here is what you need to know about the 1 July changes.

A Look Back at 2024's Migration Reforms

The 2024 migration landscape was reshaped by the government's landmark Migration Strategy, which initiated a cascade of significant reforms. A central change was the phasing out of the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa, replaced by the new Skills in Demand (SID) visa featuring a three-tiered system: the Specialist Skills Pathway, the Core Skills Pathway guided by the new Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), and the planned Essential Skills Pathway. This overhaul was supported by an increase in the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) to $73,150. The permanent Migration Program also saw a strategic shift, reducing allocations for the Skilled Independent visa to prioritise Employer Sponsored, State/Territory Nominated, and Regional visa pathways. For innovators and entrepreneurs, the Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP) was officially closed, with the Global Talent visa being replaced by the more focused National Innovation visa. International education underwent a major shake-up with the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement being replaced by a stricter Genuine Student (GS) test, alongside heightened English language requirements. Collectively, these changes marked a decisive move towards a more targeted and strategically managed migration system for Australia.

Annual Indexation of Skilled Visa Income Thresholds

From 1 July 2025, skilled visa income thresholds will increase annually in line with the Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE). This reform, introduced under the Migration Strategy, ensures that skilled migration remains fair and does not undercut wages for local workers.

New Core and Temporary Skilled Income Thresholds

The Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) and the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) will both increase from $73,150 to $76,515 AUD. This change affects visa subclasses including the Skills in Demand (subclass 482), Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186), and Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (subclass 494) visas.

New Specialist Skills Income Threshold

The Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT) will increase from $135,000 AUD to $141,210 AUD. This threshold applies to the Specialist Skills stream within the Skills in Demand visa category.

Who Do These Threshold Changes Affect?

The new income thresholds apply to nomination applications lodged on or after 1 July 2025. Existing visa holders and applications submitted before this date will not be affected. All sponsors must still meet the annual market salary rate requirements.

South Australian Migration Program Updates

Positive changes have been announced for migrants considering South Australia, including extended Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs) and a new innovation-focused nomination pathway.

SA DAMAs Extended and Improved

South Australia’s two DAMAs have been extended to 30 June 2026. Key concessions, such as the age limit of 55, a 10% reduction on the TSMIT, and various occupation-based waivers, have been retained. Importantly, the permanent residency pathway for subclass 482 holders under the DAMA has been reduced from three years to just two.

ROI Open for Subclass 858 National Innovation Visa

Registrations of Interest (ROI) for the Subclass 858 National Innovation Visa South Australian nomination are now open for onshore and offshore applicants. Anyone considering this pathway should refer to the official South Australian government website for detailed eligibility criteria.

Government Visa and Review Fees Increasing 1 July 2025

From 1 July 2025, the Australian Government will increase visa application and review fees across a range of visa subclasses. Applicants should factor these changes into their planning to avoid unexpected costs.

Updated Visa Application Charges (VACs)

• Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand) Visa: increasing from $3,115 to $3,210
• Partner Visa: increasing from $9,095 to $9,365
• Student Visa: increasing from $1,600 to $2,000
• Contributory Parent (Subclass 143) Visa: increasing from $48,495 to $48,640

New Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) Fees

• Migration Review: increasing from $3,496 to $3,580
• Protection Review: increasing from $2,151 to $2,203

Please note, these figures represent government charges only and do not include professional fees for migration assistance.

How Australian Migration Lawyers Can Help

Navigating Australia’s migration landscape can be complex, but our team at Australian Migration Lawyers is here to guide you. Our experienced lawyers advise on new skilled visa income thresholds, can help you prepare an application ahead of fee increases, and provide strategic guidance on regional programs like the SA DAMA. For personalised migration advice anywhere in Australia, contact us today to schedule your consultation.