Australia has rolled out important updates that affect those applying for employer-sponsored visas as well as the businesses looking to bring in skilled workers. These changes directly impact key visa categories such as the Skilled Employer-Sponsored Regional (subclass 494), the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186), and the Temporary Skills in Demand (subclass 482).
One of the biggest adjustments is the increase in income thresholds. Employers who wish to sponsor overseas workers now need to meet higher salary levels that are tied to market wages. These thresholds are reviewed against the Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE) and the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT), ensuring that migrant workers are not offered wages below Australian standards. For applicants, this means greater financial security and more assurance that the role is fairly paid.
At the same time, the government is tightening the rules around sponsorship obligations. Employers must now demonstrate stronger compliance with fair pay requirements, ensuring that overseas hires receive the same or better pay as their Australian counterparts in similar roles. Authorities are also stepping up audits and monitoring, requiring sponsors to maintain accurate employment records and meet higher standards of workplace protection. These measures are designed to curb underpayment, exploitation, and any practices that undermine the local labour market.
For skilled migrants, the changes are mostly positive — higher salaries and better safeguards mean more stability when moving to Australia for work. For employers, however, the updates mean that sponsorship is no longer just about filling a skills gap; it requires careful planning, compliance, and the ability to offer competitive wages that meet the new thresholds.
Overall, these updates highlight Australia’s continued focus on ensuring that skilled migration supports both the economy and the fair treatment of workers.
📖 Source: Smith Stone Walters