What the 1 July visa changes mean for the ECEC workforce

Changes to skilled migration and student visa rules will take effect from 1 July 2025, with implications for the early childhood education and care (ECEC) workforce. Here is what providers and educators need to know.

Australia’s early learning sector, which continues to face workforce shortages, is likely to be affected by a suite of visa changes coming into effect from 1 July. The updates cover skilled worker income thresholds, student visa work entitlements and visa application fees.

 

With many early childhood educators currently holding skilled or student visas, these changes could impact staffing, recruitment and long-term workforce planning across services.

 

Skilled visa income thresholds to increase

 

The Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT), which underpins eligibility for many skilled migration pathways, will increase from $73,150 to $76,515. The threshold for specialist roles will also rise to $141,210.

 

These changes affect visa subclasses such as the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa (subclass 494) and the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (subclass 187). While existing visa holders and nominations lodged before 1 July are exempt, all new applications must meet the updated thresholds.

 

For context, an ECEC diploma-qualified educator earning under $76,515 would not meet the new income requirement for sponsorship under subclass 494.

 

According to the Department of Home Affairs, income thresholds are indexed annually to maintain parity with average wages, helping ensure skilled migrants are not employed at rates that undercut Australian workers.

 

More flexibility for student visa holders

 

Student visa holders studying a bachelor’s degree, a common qualification pathway for aspiring educators, will be able to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time, up from the previous limit of 40 hours per fortnight.

 

It is important to note that this work entitlement applies to all subclass 500 visa holders, not just those studying ECEC courses.

 

Postgraduate students undertaking a Master by Research or PhD continue to have unrestricted work rights. However, those enrolled in coursework-based Master programs remain subject to the 48-hour per fortnight limit, consistent with other subclass 500 holders.

 

All student visa holders may work full time during official college or university breaks.

 

These changes are intended to ensure that international students can support themselves during their studies while contributing meaningfully to Australia’s workforce.

 

Partner and family visa updates

 

Changes to the partner visa process may also affect educators planning to remain in Australia long-term with their families.

 

Providers employing educators on partner or family-related visas may wish to support staff in checking documentation or planning ahead for possible fee changes.

 

Key takeaways for providers

 

• Review current salaries for sponsored workers to ensure compliance with the new thresholds
• Support student visa holders in understanding their updated work entitlements
• Ensure HR and payroll teams are aware of the changes to avoid unintentional breaches
• Plan for recruitment timelines that may be affected by higher costs or revised visa requirements

 

Why this matters for ECEC

 

These changes form part of the Australian Government’s broader workforce and migration strategy, which includes planning for housing, infrastructure and essential services.

 

The early childhood sector has long relied on both domestic and international educators to meet growing demand. By staying informed and proactive, providers can better support their current teams, recruit effectively and navigate the evolving regulatory environment with confidence.

 

For full details about the 2025 visa changes, visit the Department of Home Affairs.

 

Editor’s note: This article was updated on 19 June 2025 to clarify student visa work rights. Only Master by Research and PhD students have unrestricted work entitlements, while coursework students follow standard subclass 500 conditions. The updated limit for all subclass 500 holders is 48 hours per fortnight, with full-time work permitted during official breaks.