Our Spotlight on APAC series focuses on immigration updates from around the region. In this post we look at the upcoming practical changes for those using Australia’s employer sponsored visa categories and what you could be doing to prepare before the mid-year point.
We know that the Department of Home Affairs will index skilled‑visa income thresholds on 1 July 2026, new occupation priorities are in place and faster decisions for “decision-ready” applications.
Indexation of income thresholds on 1 July
Employers should consider budgeting now for annual indexation of the skilled‑visa income settings that will align salary requirements with the market rate requirement.
Skilled‑visa income thresholds are indexed annually, with updates taking effect on 1 July each year.
Under the Skills in Demand visa program, sponsors must meet both the market salary rate and the stream‑specific threshold: the Core Skills Income Threshold for the Core Skills stream and the Specialist Skills Income Threshold for the Specialist Skills stream.
Faster decisions under the Skills in Demand visa if you lodge ‘Decision Ready’
The current average decision times for applications that have been submitted with all necessary documents of correct substance and format are:
- 7 business days for Specialist Skills stream cases
- 21 business days for Core Skills stream cases
In practice, this means ensuring that all health, character and, where required, the skills assessment; aligning the employment contract to the market rate and the relevant stream threshold; and attaching the financial capacity evidence the Department expects to see with modern nominations, are submitted at the outset of the application.
Accredited sponsors continue to receive priority across employer‑sponsored programs, so accreditation remains worth the effort if you are a company that hire at scale.
Occupation lists, caveats and the ANZSCO 2022 shift
The Core Skills Occupation List is now set in a legislative instrument made in December 2024.
Using the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) 2022 for the Skills in Demand visa and the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186).Many roles now carry caveats that narrow eligibility in these categories.
Employers should map each role to the correct ANZSCO 2022 code and check the applicable caveats early; if a caveat applies it is worth re‑evaluating the position or moving streams where necessary to meet eligibility requirements.
New migrant‑worker protections
In the last year, the Australian Government has tightened up on compliance activity. Sponsors must notify the Department of Home Affairs of key changes, such as a sponsored worker ceasing employment or significant duty changes, within 28 days.
The Department also highlights its monitoring powers towards right‑to‑work checks, market rate evidence and record‑keeping, and publishes sanctions for sponsors who fall short.
What practical steps can employers take?
The most effective mobility programmes are making three key adjustments now.
- Firstly, they are improving and enhancing application preparation with eligibility assessments to ensure that they can meet the Department’s “decision‑ready” mark and to avoid any pitfalls under the new Core Skills Occupation List.
- Secondly, they are taking a close look at improving systems and protocol for notification and compliance systems to meet the 28‑day window.
- Lastly, they are upskilling on sponsor obligations, migrant‑worker protections and the consequences for non‑compliance.
If you would like assistance with your immigration planning for Australia, please contact Antonia.grant@magrath.co.uk for advice.
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