Employers and visa applicants under the Far North Queensland Designated Area Migration Agreement (FNQ DAMA) should be aware of important changes taking effect from 1 July 2025. The Australian Government has announced its annual increase to the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT), also referred to in some communications as CSIT (Concessional Salary Income Threshold), which will apply to new nomination applications lodged on or after this date.
What Has Changed?
From 1 July 2025, all new nominations under employer-sponsored visas—including those under the FNQ DAMA—will need to meet the updated TSMIT/CSIT threshold. This annual adjustment is typically indexed to reflect changes in the Australian cost of living, and is intended to ensure that skilled visa holders receive a fair market wage.
Key points to note:
- Skill Level 3 to 5 occupations within the FNQ DAMA continue to benefit from a concession of up to 90% of the updated TSMIT/CSIT, provided this remains consistent with the market salary rate for the nominated role.
- The increased threshold will only apply to new nominations lodged on or after 1 July 2025.
- Nominations lodged before 30 June 2025 will continue to be assessed under the current (pre-July) salary threshold.
- Existing visa holders and nominations already approved will not be affected by the new threshold.
Why This Matters
Timing is critical for both employers and visa applicants. Those intending to sponsor skilled workers under the FNQ DAMA may find it more financially viable to lodge their nominations prior to the 1 July 2025 threshold increase.
Historically, the Cairns Chamber of Commerce—the body responsible for DAMA endorsements in Far North Queensland—has received a surge in endorsement requests in June as employers seek to submit applications before the annual salary increase takes effect.
However, the Chamber has issued a clear warning: while they endeavour to process all requests efficiently, they cannot guarantee that last-minute applications submitted in June will be endorsed in time to meet the 30 June 2025 deadline for lodging nominations.
What You Should Do
If your business is planning to sponsor overseas workers under the FNQ DAMA in the near future, now is the time to start the process and plan ahead. Early preparation ensures that you:
- Avoid delays caused by late submission of endorsement requests,
- Benefit from the current salary thresholds, and
- Give your prospective skilled employees the best possible chance for a timely visa outcome.
We also encourage all stakeholders to keep an eye out for the updated FNQ DAMA Information Guide, which the Cairns Chamber of Commerce has confirmed will be re-released by the end of this week. This guide is an essential resource that outlines the latest conditions, processes, and requirements for DAMA-related sponsorships.
How NB Migration Law Can Help
At NB Migration Law, our experienced migration lawyers understand the intricacies of regional migration pathways like the FNQ DAMA. We work closely with employers and skilled workers to:
- Navigate the endorsement and nomination process,
- Ensure compliance with salary and market rate requirements,
- Meet critical deadlines ahead of annual policy changes, and
- Provide ongoing support throughout the visa process.
If you are considering lodging a nomination under the FNQ DAMA or are unsure how the upcoming changes might impact your situation, we invite you to speak with one of our expert migration lawyers.
👉 Book your free consultation today to receive tailored advice and support for your migration journey.