Securing a work visa in 2025 involves more than just having the right skills and experience—your salary is now a crucial factor. Many countries have updated their minimum salary thresholds, making it essential for prospective workers to stay informed before applying.
From Australia’s increased Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) to the United Kingdom’s significantly higher Skilled Worker Visa salary requirement, understanding these changes is key to planning your next career move abroad. Below is a country-specific breakdown of the latest salary requirements.
Salary Thresholds for Work Visas in 2025
Australia
Australia has revised its visa salary requirements. Starting from July 1, 2024, the TSMIT for employer-sponsored visa programs rose to AUD 70,000 from the previous AUD 53,900. This increase applies to various employer-sponsored visas, including the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa.
Canada
Canada’s approach remains flexible, depending on the visa category. The Temporary Foreign Worker Program requires that the offered wage matches or exceeds the median wage for that particular occupation in the region where the applicant will be employed. For instance, as of January 2025, Ontario’s minimum wage was $17.20 per hour, while Quebec’s was $15.75 per hour.
However, the Express Entry program does not impose a strict salary cut-off. Instead, a job offer and salary are assessed as part of the overall immigration application, considering additional factors such as work experience, education, and language proficiency.
Germany
Germany has updated its salary thresholds for the EU Blue Card in 2025. The minimum salary requirement is now set at €48,300 annually for non-shortage occupations and €43,759.80 for shortage occupations, an increase from the previous €45,300 and €41,041.80, respectively.
For the general work visa, there is no specific salary threshold. However, the offered wage must align with collective bargaining agreements or at least meet the national minimum wage to be considered valid.
Japan
Japan continues to follow a points-based system for its Highly Skilled Professional Visa, where annual income plays a significant role in the overall evaluation. Higher earnings improve the applicant’s chances of securing the visa.
For a traditional Japan Work Visa, there is no fixed salary requirement. However, the pay offered must be comparable to what a Japanese worker in a similar role would earn.
Singapore
Singapore has raised its salary requirements for work visas. Since September 1, 2023, the minimum qualifying salary for new Employment Pass (EP) applications has been set at SGD 5,000, with a higher threshold for older applicants. In the financial services sector, the minimum salary requirement is SGD 5,500.
Additionally, the minimum qualifying salary for S Pass applicants increased to SGD 3,150 in 2023 and will further rise to SGD 3,300 on September 1, 2025.
Sweden
Sweden has adjusted its work permit requirements in line with rising wages. The median salary in the country has increased to 35,600 kronor per month, with a new minimum threshold of 28,480 kronor per month for work permit applications. These new thresholds apply to all fresh applications and renewal requests submitted after the enforcement date.
Prospective workers aiming to relocate to Sweden must ensure their offered salary meets these revised benchmarks to avoid delays or rejection.
Switzerland
Switzerland does not enforce a fixed minimum salary for work visas. Instead, the offered wage must align with what Swiss employees typically earn in comparable positions. Additionally, it should be sufficient to support the applicant and any dependents they plan to bring along.
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
The UAE does not implement a nationwide salary requirement for work visas. However, employers must ensure that their offered salary complies with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s fair compensation standards. The salary should also be adequate for applicants to sustain themselves and their families.
United Kingdom
The UK has implemented a substantial increase in its Skilled Worker Visa salary thresholds. As of April 2024, the minimum salary requirement surged to £38,700 per year, up from £26,200.
There are some exceptions, particularly for healthcare and social care roles, where the threshold is set at £29,000. Moreover, applicants with a PhD relevant to their job or those applying for positions listed under shortage occupations may qualify for reduced salary requirements.
United States
In the United States, work visa salary requirements vary depending on the visa category and job location.
For an H-1B visa, the offered salary must meet the “prevailing wage” criteria, meaning it should either match the average wage paid to workers in a similar role within the same region or be equal to the national average for that occupation—whichever is higher.
For individuals applying for an O-1 visa, which is designed for those with extraordinary abilities, there is no strict salary threshold. However, applicants must provide sufficient evidence of their exceptional achievements and industry recognition.
Beyond Salary: Additional Considerations
While meeting the salary threshold is a critical requirement, other factors also influence work visa approvals, including:
Job Offer – A legitimate employment offer from a licensed employer is essential for visa eligibility in most countries.
Experience and Qualifications – Relevant work experience and specialized skills can strengthen an applicant’s visa application.
Educational Background – Some countries enforce educational prerequisites for specific professions, requiring applicants to hold certain degrees or certifications.
With countries tightening their work visa policies and raising salary thresholds, staying updated on these requirements is crucial for professionals considering international job opportunities in 2025.