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09/03/2026

Annual Indexation of the CSIT and SSIT - Impacting the 482 and 186 nomination and visa applications lodged post 1 July 2026

The Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) and the Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT) are automatically indexed each year for the Subclass 482 and Subclass 186 programs, in accordance with the formula prescribed in regulation 5.42A of the Migration Regulations.

For these visa programs, a new legislative instrument is not required to update the CSIT and SSIT. Regulation 5.42A applies the Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE) figures for the relevant reference quarter and base quarter to determine the indexed amounts. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has now released the November 2025 AWOTE data, which is used to calculate the thresholds applying from 1 July 2026.

For the 2026–27 program year, commencing 1 July 2026, the indexed thresholds will be:

CSIT: $79,499 (current 2025–26 value: $76,515)
SSIT: $146,717 (current 2025–26 value: $141,210)
These updated thresholds will apply to all relevant 482 and 186 applications lodged on or after 1 July 2026.
Kind regards,

07/11/2025

186 Visa Processing Times

The Department’s Employer Sponsored Program Delivery (ESPD) team has advised that it is currently receiving a high volume of applications under the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa program.

On 31 October 2025, the ESPD confirmed that while it cannot provide a definitive timeframe for assessment, it is currently assessing Sc 186 nomination and visa applications lodged in:

• April 2025 for occupations in designated regional areas
• April 2025 for healthcare and teaching occupations
• October 2024 for applicants nominated by an Approved sponsor with Accredited Status
• March 2024 for all other applications

07/11/2025

Current Subclass 482 Visa Processing Times

482 visa – Specialist Skills Pathway

minimum salary $141,210 (processing time 16 days-66 days)

482 visas – Core Skills Pathway

Salaries of $76,515-$141,209 (processing time 3 months -6 months)

07/11/2025

Please find an update below in relation to the Skilled Nominated Subclass 190 and Skilled Work Regional Provisional Subclass 491 State Allocations

NSW Skilled migration allocations
The NSW Government have confirmed that it has received its skilled migration allocation for the 2025-26 program year.
NSW has been allocated 3600 places, divided as follows:
2100 places for the Skilled Nominated (Sc 190) visa
1500 places for the Skilled Work Regional (Sc 491) visa
ACT Skilled migration allocations
The ACT Government has confirmed that it has received its skilled migration allocation for the 2025-26 program year.
The ACT has been allocated 1600 places, divided as follows:
800 places for the Skilled Nominated (Sc 190) visa
800 places for the Skilled Work regional (Sc 491) visa
The ACT Government is in the process of scheduling its next invitation round, this information will be displayed on the ACT website once it is finalised.

WA interim skilled migration allocations
The WA Government has not yet announced its final skilled migration allocation for the 2025-26 program year, but has advised that it has been provided with an additional interim allocation, which will be used to conduct a November invitation round.

The number of places provided as part of the interim allocation has not been released.
https://migration.wa.gov.au/our-services-support/state-nominated-migration-program

Tasmania skilled migration allocation
The Tasmanian Government has confirmed its final allocation for the 2025-26 program year.
Tasmania has been allocated 1850 places, divided as follows:
1200 places for the Skilled Nominated (Sc 190) visa
650 places for the Skilled Work regional (Sc 491) visa
Migration Tasmania has commenced weekly nomination invitation rounds. Migration Tasmania will publish weekly updates on the number of Registrations Of Interests (ROI's) invited, lowest scores, nomination places available and Registrations of Interest (ROIs) on hand on its website.
The final allocation for Tasmania is expected to be confirmed in the coming weeks.
https://www.migration.tas.gov.au/news/2024-25_program_open_to_rois

South Australia interim skilled migration allocation
The South Australian government has not yet announced its final migration allocation for the 2025-26 program year, but has advised that it has been provided with an additional interim allocation.

The number of places provided to South Australia as part of the interim allocation has not been released.

The South Australian Government will continue to invite applicant's that contribute to the state's workforce requirements, including the ROIs that were submitted in the 2024-25 program year.
Members are advised to review the South Australian government website for any announcements regarding the opening of ROIs for the 2025-26 program year.
https://www.migration.sa.gov.au/news-events/update-on-interim-allocations-2025-26-program-year

Victoria, Queensland and Northern Territory skilled migration allocations not updated
Victoria, Queensland and the Northern Territory have not yet released details of their final or interim skilled migration allocations. You can continue to monitor updates on their websites.

Invitation Round – Skilled Independent (Sc 189) visa
The Department has announced that an invitation round for the Skilled Independent (Sc 189) visa (points‑tested stream) will be held on 13 November 2025.
It is advisable to ensure that the Expressions of Interest (EOI) are current and up to date ahead of this round.

Have a beautiful weekend

Limor Grinberg
MARA Reg No. 9793031

The Australian Government has provided South Australia with an additional number of interim allocations for the 2025-26 program year. Our Skilled and Business Migration team continue to invite strong applicants contributing to the state’s workforce requirements, including the ROIs submitted in the...

26/09/2025

Employer Sponsored Visa Processing Updates as at 26/09/2025
(Please note that processing times are subject to change)

482 SID visa – Skills in Demand Visa -Specialist Skills Pathway
minimum salary $141,210
50% of applications: 19 Days
90% of applications: 85 Days

482 SID visas – Skills in Demand Visa -Core Skills Pathway
Salaries of $76,515-$141,209
50% of applications: 90 days
90% of applications: 5 months

186 Employer Nomination Scheme Visa – Direct entry Pathway
50% of applications: 12 months
90% of applications: 18 months

186 Employer Nomination Scheme Visa – Transition Pathway
50% of applications: 12 months
90% of applications: 17 months

400 Temporary Activities Visa
50% of applications: 6 Days
90% of applications: 23 Days

407 Occupational Training Visa
50% of applications: 8 months
90% of applications: 10 months

30/06/2025

Income Threshold from 1 July 2025 - Employer Sponsored Migration Pathways

From 1 July 2025, skilled visa income thresholds will be increased by 4.6%. This is in line with changes to the annual Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE) - https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/labour/earnings-and-working-conditions/average-weekly-earnings-australia/latest-release
This delivers on the commitment outlined in the Migration Strategy, as recommended by the Migration Review.

Income thresholds are indexed annually so wages for skilled migrants increase at the same rate as Australian workers. This ensures that people cannot use skilled migration to undercut Australian workers.

From 1 July 2025, indexation changes will be as follows:

The Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) will increase from AUD73,150 to AUD76,515. This will impact nomination applications for the Core Skills stream of the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) and the Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186).

The Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT) will increase from AUD135,000 to AUD141,210. This will impact nomination applications for the Specialist Skills stream of the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482).

The Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) used for the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa (subclass 494) and the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) (subclass 187) will increase from AUD73,150 to AUD76,515. This is in line with the CSIT and subject to approval of relevant legislation.

New nomination applications from 1 July 2025 must meet the new relevant income threshold or the annual market salary rate, whichever is higher.

This change will not apply to existing visa holders and nominations lodged before 1 July 2025.

Estimates of weekly earnings classified by industry, sector, state and territory

09/04/2025

Increase to 482 and 186 Minimum Salaries

1 July 2025 is around the corner and we are going to see an increase in Government lodgement fees as well as increase to the minimum salary level for both the 482 and 186 visa pathways.

The upcoming changes include:

1. Skilled Visa Income Thresholds to increase
These will increase by 4.6% from 1 July 2025, aligning with annual changes in Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE).

2. Income thresholds to increase
Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) will increase from $73,150 to $76,515 (impacts Subclass 482 and 186);
Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT) will increase from $135,000 to $141,210 (impacts Subclass 482 and 186); and
Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) will increase from $73,150 to $76,515 (impacts subclass 494).
Please note that these salary changes will not apply to existing visa holders or nominations lodged before 1 July 2025.

3. Potential Increase in visa application fees
Government fees for Australian visa applications may also increase. The exact amounts have yet to be confirmed.

05/04/2025

Subclass 482 processing times has increase and below are current published processing times. Please note that these are subject to change and are correct as at 05/04/2025.

Core Skills Pathway (this is for applicants with a salary of under $135,000 per annum)

50% of cases are processed in 41 days
90% of cases are processed in 61 days

Specialist Stream Pathway (this is for applicants with a salary of over $135,000 per annum)

50% of cases are processed in 13 days
90% of cases are processed in 38 days

09/12/2024

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05/12/2024

SUBCLASS 482 SKILLS IN DEMAND (SID) VISA LAUNCHES ON 07 DECEMBER 2024 – A NEW ERA FOR EMPLOYER SPONSORED MIGRATION.

WHAT WE THINK WE KNOW SO FAR…….. As with everything, be wary of the fine print. Until such times as the Migration Regulations 1994 are amended to include this new visa category, and policy around the criteria is released, exact specifics are unknown. We will continue to update you as we know more.

The Australian Government has released a new Core Skills Occupation list that lists 456 occupations identified through labour Market analysis and stakeholder engagement that is led by jobs and Skills Australia and is intended to be more in line with Australia’s current labour market needs, making is easier for employers to meet labour demands in critical industries.

The (CSOL) which will apply to the Core Skills stream of the new Skills in Demand visa, is expected to replace the Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) visa on 7 December 2024.

The Skills in Demand (SID) (subclass 482) visa Replaces 482TSS Temporary Skills shortage Visa with the aim of providing more flexibility to skilled workers and employers. The visa is designed to address Australia’s labour market needs and skill shortages across a broad range of industries and sectors.

All pathways of the Skills in Demand (SID) visa have a clear route to permanent residency in Australia via the Employer Nomination Visa (ENS) Subclass 186 visa.

It is expected that there will be more mobility between sponsors.

The new CSOL will also be the basis for applicants who are seeking permanent residency under the 186 Employer Nomination (ENS) scheme visa.

The Skills in Demand Visa is broken down into the following three pathways/streams:

SSP - Specialist Skills Pathway
• This Specialist Skills Pathway (SSP) is for highly skilled migrants.
• Minimum salary $135,000 per annum plus super
• Visa term – up to 4 years
• No occupation list and available to all occupations except for trades workers, machinery operators, drivers and labourers.
• Members of your family unit can be included in your application.
• Priority processing time of 7 days
• English language needs to be met.
• Need to meet the skill level requirement.
• Need to have an employer who is willing to sponsor you to fill a genuine position.
• Need to meet health and character.
• Pathway to permanent residency for applicants who meet the eligibility criteria.

CSP – Core Skills Pathway
• The Core Skills Pathway (CSP) is available for a wider range of occupations which will include registered nurses, trades workers and certain machinery operators.
• Occupations eligible to be sponsored under this pathway must be on thehttps://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/Documents/core-sol.pdf
• Individuals sponsored under this pathway will need to meet the Core Skilled Threshold (CST) salary requirement which will be indexed annually and is currently $73,150.00.
• Visa term – up to 4 years
• Members of your family unit can be included in your application.
• Processing times for this visa are targeted at a median of 21 days.
• English language needs to be met.
• Need to meet the skill level requirement.
• Need to have an employer who is willing to sponsor you to fill a genuine position.
• Need to meet health and character.
• Pathway to permanent residency for applicants who meet the eligibility criteria
ESP – Essential Skills Pathway
• The Essential Skills Pathway (ESP) is available to skilled workers who will earn under $73,150 per annum and is dedicated to address the skill shortages faced across a range of industries and in particular the care and support economy.
• Likely to be sector specific with stronger regulatory framework by way of consultation with State/territories, unions, business and migrant workers.
• Members of your family unit can be included in your application.
• English language needs to be met.
• Need to meet the skill level requirement.
• Need to have an employer who is willing to sponsor you to fill a genuine position.
• Need to meet health and character.
• Pathway to permanent residency for applicants who meet the eligibility criteria.

(SID) Skills in Demand Labour Agreement Stream
• Under Development

Possible inclusions to the changes:

Skilling Australia Fund
Consideration is being given to collecting the SAF training levy in smaller increments over time in recognition of the greater freedom of visa holders to be able to change employers.

Labour Market testing (LMT)
The validity for LMT may increase from 4-6 months.

03/12/2024

New Core Skills Occupation List to target the skills Australia needs

On 3 December 2024,​ the Australian Government announced the release of the https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/Documents/core-sol.pdf.

The new CSOL fulfils the Government’s commitment to replace complex, out of date and inflexible occupation lists in the temporary skilled visa program. The CSOL is a single consolidated list, informed by labour market analysis and stakeholder consultations by Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) that provides access to temporary skilled migration for 456 occupations.

The CSOL will apply to the Core Skills stream of the new Skills in Demand visa, which will replace the Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) visa on 7 December 2024. The CSOL will also apply to the Direct Entry stream of the permanent Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa.

More details on other reform taking place on 7 December 2024, including the Skills in Demand visa and National Innovation visa, will be announced shortly.

This means that applicants who have an occupation on the CSOL can apply for either the 482TSS visa and the 186TSS or 186DE pathways.

We do not have all of the information available at this time and we will continue to update you as things further progress.