Salary thresholds, Superannuation, and Immigration Fees to Rise from 1 July

A number of key regulatory changes have taken effect from 1 July 2025, impacting both employers who sponsor overseas workers and individuals navigating visa, citizenship, and review processes. These updates include increases to Skilled Visa Income Thresholds, the final Superannuation Guarantee rise, and adjustments to visa application charges, citizenship fees, Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) costs, and Federal Circuit Court application fees. 

Employers offering gross salary packages and visa holders earning near threshold levels should take note of these changes, particularly as they may influence eligibility, nomination approvals, and overall costs. 

Income threshold increases: CSIT, SSIT and TSMIT 

As announced on 24 March 2025, the Australian Government has increased skilled visa income thresholds in line with Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE) to reflect rising national salary benchmarks. The new thresholds apply to nomination applications lodged on or after 1 July 2025 and are as follows: 

Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT):

• Increasing from $73,150 to $76,515 

• Applies to Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand – Core Skills) and Subclass 186 (ENS) 

Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT):

• Increasing from $135,000 to $141,210 

• Applies to Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand – Specialist Skills) 

Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (SSIT): 

• Increasing from $73,150 to $76,515 

• Applies to Subclass 494 (SESR) and Subclass 187 (RSMS) 

Employers must ensure that new nomination applications meet whichever is higher between the updated threshold and the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR). These increases may impact eligibility for applicants who were previously nominated on lower salaries, especially in roles where gross salary includes superannuation. 

Superannuation final rate increases to 12% 

The Superannuation Guarantee (SG) rate has reached its final legislated increase of 12%. This applies to all salary and wages paid on or after 1 July, even if the pay period includes days before that date. 

Employers offering gross salary packages must ensure that the super component is accurately calculated at the new rate, or risk unintentionally falling below visa income thresholds (e.g. TSMIT or CSIT). 

Key considerations: 

• Review employment contracts to confirm whether super is included or paid on top 

• Use the ATO Superannuation Guarantee Calculator to verify contributions 

• Make quarterly payments on time — the next due date is 28 July 2025 

Non-compliance with super obligations can result in penalties and may also impact the assessment of fair employment terms for sponsored visa holders. It will also be a potential breach of Sponsorship obligations.

Visa application fee increases 

From 1 July 2025, most Visa Application Charges (VACs) have increased by 3%, in line with annual indexation based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). These increases are part of the Migration Amendment (Visa Application Charges) Regulations 2025, with charges rounded to the nearest $5. 

This adjustment applies to the majority of visa subclasses; however, some exceptions apply, for example, the Pacific Engagement Visa (Subclass 192 – Treaty Stream) remains unchanged. 

The updated charges apply to all visa applications lodged on or after 1 July 2025. Employers and applicants are encouraged to consult the Department of Home Affairs website to confirm the new VAC amounts. Below are some visa subclasses with increased application fees:

Citizenship application fee increases 

Citizenship application fees have also increased and all applications, whether submitted online or by post, are now assessed under the new fees if received on or after 1 July. 

• Citizenship by descent: $370 (up from $360) 

• Citizenship by conferral (general): $575 (up from $560) 

• Conferral (no test, e.g. applicants aged 60+): $350 (up from $345) 

• Evidence of Australian citizenship: $280 (up from $275) 

Important timing notes: 

• Online applications: the applicable fee is based on the submission date, not when the application was started. ImmiAccount will automatically apply the new fee for applications submitted on or after 1 July 2025. 

• Paper applications: these are considered received only when physically delivered to the Department. Posting before 1 July may not be sufficient, applicants should have allowed extra time to ensure delivery before the fee increase took effect. 

Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) application fees 

Application fees for the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) have increased in line with CPI: 

• Migration decision reviews: $3,580 (up from $3,496) 

• With a 50% fee reduction granted: $1,790 

• Protection visa review: $2,203 (up from $2,151) 
  (Note: This fee usually applies only if the application is unsuccessful) 

These new rates apply if the application fee is paid on or after 1 July, regardless of when the application itself was lodged. 

Federal Circuit Court fee increases 

The following fee changes now apply to migration-related matters filed in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia: 

• Full fee: $4,015 (up from $3,920) 

• Reduced fee (if approved under s 2.06A): $2,005 (up from $1,960) 

Applicants should check eligibility for reduced fees and refer to the Court’s official website or the Government Gazette for confirmation. 

Stay informed and compliant 

Whether you are an employer lodging new nominations, reviewing employment contracts to meet superannuation changes, or an individual planning to apply for a visa, citizenship, or a tribunal review, these updates carry important financial and procedural implications. 

For tailored support across visa pathways, nomination compliance, superannuation obligations, or citizenship matters, contact our team at aisupport@absoluteimmigration.com. 

For expert assistance with complex immigration cases, including Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) matters and Federal Circuit Court filings, reach out to our Absolute Immigration Legal team at admin@absoluteimmigrationlegal.com 

Staying ahead of regulatory shifts is essential to protect your interests and remain compliant.