Skip to content 
Australia’s skilled migration program has long been a critical part of its economic growth and development. What if the pathway to becoming a permanent resident in Australia just became more accessible? Skilled professionals around the world may soon find it easier to migrate to Australia thanks to recent changes in the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program. These reforms are reshaping the landscape for international talent and Australian businesses facing regional labour shortages.
Australia’s General Skilled Migration (GSM) Program
Australia’s GSM program remains one of the country’s most vital immigration strategies. Its goal? To attract skilled workers from across the globe to fill labour shortages in sectors crucial to Australia’s economic prosperity. The program includes several key visa categories:
- Skilled-Independent Visa (subclass 189)
- Skilled-Nominated Visa (subclass 190)
- Skilled Work Regional Visa (subclass 491)
A significant component of the GSM program is the Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190), where skilled workers can obtain state or territory sponsorship to migrate to Australia. Additionally, the Skilled Work Regional Visa (subclass 491) targets specific regional needs, offering a temporary solution to pressing labour shortages.
Challenges Faced by Regional Businesses in Australia
Despite the GSM program’s success in attracting skilled talent, Australian businesses—especially those in regional areas—have encountered several challenges. In places like South Australia, businesses are facing severe staff shortages, and these difficulties have been compounded by recent changes to the migration program.
Some regional employers are finding it increasingly difficult to find skilled workers due to the recent reforms that reduce incentives for migrants to settle in regional areas. This issue highlights the need for further changes to ensure businesses in these areas can attract and retain talent from abroad.
Key Changes to the GSM Program in 2024-2025
In response to evolving global and local economic conditions, the Australian government introduced changes to the GSM program, effective from July 2024. These changes include:
1. Increase in the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT)
The Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) has been raised from AUD $70,000 to $73,150. This new threshold means that employers sponsoring overseas workers must now offer a higher minimum salary. While this increase helps ensure that migrants are compensated fairly, it may also present challenges for smaller businesses, especially in regional areas which may may struggle to meet these higher wage requirements.
2. Emphasis on Skills Recognition
Another key aspect of the 2024-2025 reforms is a stronger focus on skills recognition. This shift aims to ensure that the skills of incoming migrants align with the needs of the Australian workforce, attracting high-quality talent that will contribute to the country’s economic growth and productivity.
The Impact on Regional Businesses and Labour Markets
While the changes to the GSM program aim to attract higher-skilled professionals, they also have significant implications for regional businesses, which often rely on migrant workers to fill vacancies in industries such as hospitality, agriculture, and healthcare. In South Australia, businesses have expressed concern over the increased salary thresholds and the reduced incentives for skilled migrants to move to regional areas.
Looking Towards the Future
For skilled professionals seeking to move to Australia, now is an ideal time to explore the opportunities available under the GSM program. At Visa Home Lawyers, we offer migration assistance to help you navigate the complexities of the skilled migration visas and take advantage of the exciting opportunities that await in Australia.