2025-26 Federal Budget: What It Means for Skilled Migrants & Employers in Australia

Australia’s 2025-26 Federal Budget, announced on 25 March 2025, brings important updates that will impact migrants, sponsoring employers, and the wider immigration landscape. With a federal election now scheduled for 3 May 2025, migration policies are a key focus for both the government and opposition.

At Global Vision Migration (GVM), we’re here to help you navigate these changes and ensure your visa plans are future-proof.

Key Takeaways for Skilled Migration

1. Skilled Visa Income Thresholds Are Increasing from 1 July 2025

The Department of Home Affairs has confirmed a 4.6% indexation on income thresholds for employer-sponsored visas. This includes:

• Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT): Increasing from $73,150 to $76,515 (applies to Subclass 482 – Core Skills Stream and Subclass 186)
• Specialist Skills Income Threshold: Increasing from $135,000 to $141,210 (applies to Subclass 482 – Specialist Skills Stream)
• Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT): Also increasing to $76,515 (affects Subclass 494 and Labour Agreements)

2. Migration Planning Levels Steady – But Watch This Space

• The 2025 Permanent Migration Program is currently set at 185,000 places, with no changes announced in this budget.
• The Opposition has proposed reducing this by 25% to 140,000, depending on the election outcome.

3. Net Migration Declining Post-COVID Boom

• Expect fewer migrant arrivals in 2024-25, partly due to the expiry of post-pandemic visas.
• This could lead to more opportunities for high-demand skilled migrants in 2025-26.

4. Increased Scrutiny & Compliance

• The Government is ramping up efforts to ensure employers meet sponsorship obligations, with more targeted education and audits.
• Slight increase in funding for visa appeal processes through the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART).

5. New Support Measures for Migrants

• The Leaving Violence Program will provide $925.2 million in support for women, including migrants, facing domestic violence – regardless of visa status.
• The Economic Pathways to Refugee Integration program is being extended with an extra $7.7 million, boosting job opportunities for refugees.

6. Ban on Foreign Buyers

From 1 April 2025, a two-year ban is in place on foreign residents buying houses in Australia. This includes temporary residents and foreign-owned companies.

How GVM Can Help

Whether you’re a skilled migrant or an Australian business looking to sponsor overseas talent, GVM is here to guide you through the evolving immigration framework. We offer expert migration advice, employer sponsorship solutions, and visa compliance support across Australia.

With the upcoming election and income threshold changes just around the corner, now is the time to get your skilled visa or sponsorship applications in order. Contact Global Vision Migration for a personalised consultation and stay one step ahead of the changes.