If you’re planning to migrate to Australia, it’s essential to stay up to date with recent policy changes. From July 1, 2025, the Australian Government has rolled out several important updates that impact skilled visa applicants, students, employers, and even future citizens.
Skilled Visa Income Thresholds Increased
To protect migrant workers from underpayment and reflect rising wages in Australia, the government has increased skilled visa income thresholds by 4.6%, in line with national salary trends (AWOTE).
New income thresholds (effective July 1, 2025):
Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT):
From $73,150 → $76,515
(Applies to Subclass 482 – Core Skills and Subclass 186 – ENS)
Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT):
From $135,000 → $141,210
(Applies to Subclass 482 – Specialist Skills)
Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT):
From $73,150 → $76,515
(Applies to Subclass 494 – SESR and Subclass 187 – RSMS)
Employers must ensure that salaries meet the higher of either the new threshold or the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR). These updates affect new applications only — existing visa holders are not impacted.
Superannuation Guarantee (SG) Final Increase
From July 1, 2025, the Superannuation Guarantee rate reaches its final legislated level of 12%. Employers need to adjust salary packaging to reflect this, especially when offering gross salaries, to avoid falling below visa thresholds like TSMIT or CSIT.
Non-compliance can lead to penalties and may jeopardize visa sponsorship obligations.
Visa Application Charges (VACs) Increased
Most visa application fees have increased by 3%, indexed to inflation and rounded to the nearest $5. These apply to all applications lodged on or after July 1, 2025.
Examples of updated visa fees:
Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage):
$3,146 → $3,210
Subclass 186 & 494 (Permanent Skilled Visas):
$4,818 → $4,910
Subclass 485 (Graduate Visa):
$1,965 → $2,300
Subclass 462 (Work & Holiday):
$657 → $670
Bridging Visa B:
$186 → $190
Student Visa Application Fee Raised to $2,000
The student visa fee has increased significantly to AUD $2,000. This change follows a previous 125% hike and is part of the government’s effort to ensure greater program integrity. However, it has raised concerns due to increased refusals and the financial strain it puts on education providers — with some institutions already feeling the impact.
Citizenship Application Fees Adjusted
Planning to become an Aussie? Take note of the updated citizenship fees, now in effect for all applications received on or after July 1, 2025.
By descent: $360 → $370
By conferral (general): $560 → $575
Evidence of citizenship: $275 → $280
Higher Fees for Administrative Reviews and Court Matters
Fees for reviewing visa decisions or pursuing legal action have also increased:
Administrative Review Tribunal (ART):
Migration reviews: $3,496 → $3,580
Protection visa reviews: $2,151 → $2,203
Federal Circuit Court (Migration matters):
Full fee: $3,920 → $4,015
Reduced fee: $1,960 → $2,005
Launch of Interim Tertiary Education Commission (ATEC)
On July 1, 2025, Australia launched the Interim Australian Tertiary Education Commission (ATEC) to lead long-term reform in the education sector. The aim is to align education pathways with Australia’s evolving workforce needs — including a forecast shortage of 250,000 skilled workers by 2030.
ATEC may influence how international students are integrated into Australia’s future workforce. Full operations are expected by 2026, pending legislation.
These updates mark a significant shift in Australia’s migration and education landscape. Whether you’re applying for a skilled visa, considering study options, or planning to become a citizen, it’s important to understand how these changes might affect your plans.
Need help navigating the latest changes? Get in touch with our expert migration agents — we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
