Salary Thresholds for Work Visas in 2025: What You Need to Earn!

Securing a work visa in 2025 isn’t just about skills and experience—your salary plays a crucial role too. Many countries have updated their minimum salary thresholds, making it essential to stay informed before applying.

From Australia’s increased TSMIT to the UK’s significantly higher Skilled Worker Visa requirement, understanding these changes can help you plan your next career move abroad. Here’s a country-by-country breakdown of the latest salary requirements.

Salary Thresholds for Work Visas in 2025

1. Australia

Australia has updated its visa salary requirements. As of July 1, 2024, the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) for employer-sponsored visa programs increased to AUD 70,000, up from AUD 53,900. This applies to visas such as the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa.

2. Canada

Canada’s approach remains multifaceted. The Temporary Foreign Worker Program requires the offered wage to be at least equal to the median wage for that specific occupation in the region where you’ll be working. For example, as of January 2025, the minimum wage in Ontario was $17.20 per hour, while in Quebec it was $15.75 per hour 

On the other hand, the Express Entry program doesn’t have a direct salary cut-off; instead, your job offer and salary are evaluated alongside other factors in your overall immigration application.

3. Germany

Germany has adjusted its salary thresholds for the EU Blue Card in 2025. The minimum salary is now €48,300 per year for non-shortage occupations and €43,759.80 for shortage occupations, up from €45,300 and €41,041.80, respectively.

For the general work visa, there’s no specific salary threshold, but the offered salary must comply with collective bargaining agreements or meet the national minimum wage.

4. Japan

Japan’s Highly Skilled Professional Visa continues to operate on a points-based system, where your annual income contributes to your overall score. Higher earnings can enhance your application’s success. The traditional Japan Work Visa requires a salary comparable to what a Japanese worker would earn in a similar position.

5. Singapore

Singapore has increased its salary requirements for work visas. From September 1, 2023, the minimum qualifying salary for new Employment Pass (EP) applications is SGD 5,000, with higher thresholds for older applicants. For the financial services sector, the minimum is SGD 5,500.

For S Pass applicants, the minimum qualifying salary increased to SGD 3,150 from September 1, 2023, and is set to rise to SGD 3,300 from September 1, 2025.

6. Sweden

With the median salary rising to 35,600 kronor per month, the new minimum threshold is now set at 28,480 kronor per month. This applies to all new work permit applications and renewals submitted on or after this date. If you are planning to work in Sweden, ensure your salary meets these updated requirements to avoid delays or rejections.

7. Switzerland

Switzerland does not have a set minimum salary for work visas. The key is for your offered salary to be comparable to what Swiss workers typically earn in similar roles and sufficient to support yourself and any dependents.

8. United Arab Emirates (UAE)

The UAE doesn’t have a nationwide salary requirement for work visas. However, the offered salary needs to meet the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s standards, ensuring fair compensation and the ability to support oneself and any dependents.

9. United Kingdom

The UK has significantly increased its salary thresholds for the Skilled Worker Visa. As of April 2024, the minimum salary requirement is £38,700 per year, up from £26,200. Exceptions exist for certain roles, such as health and care workers, where the threshold is £29,000.

Additionally, applicants with relevant PhDs or roles on the shortage occupation list may benefit from lower thresholds.

10. United States

In the United States salary requirements depend on the visa type and location. The H-1B visa requires a salary that meets the “prevailing wage,” meaning it must be at least as high as the average wage paid to similar workers in your specific area or the national average for that job, whichever is higher.

The O-1 visa, targeted at individuals with extraordinary abilities, doesn’t have a set salary requirement but requires evidence of exceptional achievements and recognition within the industry.

Beyond Salary: Additional Considerations

While meeting the salary threshold is crucial, other factors play a significant role in securing a work visa:

• Job Offer: A legitimate job offer from a licensed employer in your desired country is essential.
• Experience and Qualifications: Relevant skills and experience strengthen your application.
• Educational Background: Some countries have specific educational requirements for certain professions.

Stay Informed

Staying informed about the latest immigration policies and salary thresholds is vital, as these can change annually. Consulting with immigration experts or official government resources can provide tailored guidance for your situation.

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