If you're considering a career as a case officer within the Australian Department of Home Affairs (formerly known as the Department of Immigration), one of the most pressing questions you likely have is: How much do immigration case officers really earn in Australia in 2025?
In today's economy, job stability, career growth, and competitive salary packages matter more than ever. Case officers play a crucial role in managing visa applications, investigating compliance, and ensuring Australia’s immigration framework is fair and secure.
This comprehensive 2025 guide explores everything you need to know about the Department of Immigration case officer salary in Australia, including:
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Entry-level and senior officer salary range
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Pay by years of experience
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Differences in pay across Australian states
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Allowances, bonuses, and other benefits
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How to become an immigration case officer in Australia
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Answers to common questions from job seekers
Let’s break down the earning potential of this government role and what it really means to be a case officer in Australia's immigration system.
What Is a Case Officer in the Department of Immigration?
A case officer is a government professional who works within the Department of Home Affairs (previously known as the Department of Immigration and Border Protection). Their responsibilities typically include:
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Assessing visa applications
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Conducting background checks
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Communicating with applicants or their representatives
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Ensuring applications meet legal and procedural requirements
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Making decisions or recommendations on immigration cases
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Managing complex immigration matters
Case officers often work with migrants, refugees, international students, and skilled workers seeking to live or work in Australia. Their decisions can change lives — which makes their job both demanding and deeply impactful.
Department of Immigration Case Officer Salary in Australia (2025 Breakdown)
In 2025, the salary of an immigration case officer in Australia depends on several factors including:
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Grade or classification under the Australian Public Service (APS)
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Years of experience
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Location and cost of living adjustments
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Job-specific allowances
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Security clearances or language proficiency bonuses
Here’s a breakdown of how much case officers are paid in 2025 based on real APS salary bands and government remuneration guidelines.
Entry-Level Case Officer Salary in Australia (APS 4 – APS 5)
Most entry-level case officers start at APS 4 or APS 5 levels. These classifications apply to staff who are relatively new to the service but are qualified for independent decision-making.
APS 4 Pay Range in 2025:
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Annual Salary: AU$73,500 – AU$79,100
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Monthly Salary: AU$6,125 – AU$6,591
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Weekly Salary: AU$1,413 – AU$1,522
APS 5 Pay Range in 2025:
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Annual Salary: AU$80,200 – AU$86,500
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Monthly Salary: AU$6,683 – AU$7,208
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Weekly Salary: AU$1,541 – AU$1,663
These roles typically require a university degree (in law, public policy, or international relations) or equivalent experience.
Mid-Level Case Officer Salary (APS 6 – EL1)
Experienced case officers who have demonstrated strong performance or manage more complex tasks move into the APS 6 or Executive Level 1 (EL1) bands.
APS 6 Pay Range in 2025:
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Annual Salary: AU$89,000 – AU$99,700
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Monthly Salary: AU$7,416 – AU$8,308
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Weekly Salary: AU$1,710 – AU$1,915
EL1 Pay Range in 2025:
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Annual Salary: AU$107,200 – AU$122,300
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Monthly Salary: AU$8,933 – AU$10,191
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Weekly Salary: AU$2,062 – AU$2,353
These roles may include team leadership responsibilities and often require deeper knowledge of immigration law, policy, and risk assessment procedures.
Senior Case Officer Salary (EL2 and Above)
Executive Level 2 (EL2) and Senior Executive Service (SES) levels oversee entire departments, manage policy directions, and supervise high-level immigration operations.
EL2 Pay Range in 2025:
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Annual Salary: AU$135,000 – AU$159,400
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Monthly Salary: AU$11,250 – AU$13,283
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Weekly Salary: AU$2,596 – AU$3,065
SES Band 1 and Above:
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Annual Salary: AU$170,000 – AU$230,000+
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Monthly Salary: AU$14,166 – AU$19,166
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Weekly Salary: AU$3,269 – AU$4,423
Only a small percentage of case officers reach this level, but it represents the top of the career ladder in immigration casework.
How Experience Affects Immigration Case Officer Salary
The more experience a case officer gains, the faster they can climb APS grades and increase their salary. Here’s a general breakdown by experience:
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0–2 Years (APS 4–5): AU$73,500 – AU$86,500
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3–5 Years (APS 6): AU$89,000 – AU$99,700
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6–10 Years (EL1): AU$107,200 – AU$122,300
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10+ Years (EL2 or SES): AU$135,000 – AU$230,000+
Government promotions are based on merit, internal performance, and vacancy availability. Additional qualifications and cross-department experience also boost prospects.
Case Officer Salary by Location in Australia (2025)
Pay rates are generally consistent nationwide due to APS standards. However, some locations have allowances or slightly higher ranges due to the cost of living or remote placement.
Estimated Salary Adjustments by Location:
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Canberra (Base HQ): No change
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Sydney & Melbourne: +2–5% for cost of living
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Darwin & Alice Springs: Remote location allowances + relocation benefits
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Regional Offices: Often include vehicle and housing support
Some remote officers may receive extra allowances for hardship postings or relocation packages.
Additional Benefits and Allowances for Case Officers
In addition to the base salary, immigration case officers are entitled to:
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15.4% Superannuation Contributions
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Annual Leave (4–5 weeks)
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Personal Leave and Carer’s Leave
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Flexible Work Arrangements (Remote or Hybrid)
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Language Proficiency Bonuses (for bilingual officers)
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Security Clearance Allowances
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Professional Development and Study Assistance
These benefits make the total remuneration package for case officers highly competitive within the public sector.
How to Become a Case Officer in Australia
Interested in joining the Department of Home Affairs as a case officer? Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Obtain a Relevant Degree
Preferred fields include Law, Public Administration, Criminology, Political Science, or International Relations.
Step 2: Apply Through APS Jobs
All government case officer roles are listed on www.apsjobs.gov.au. Applications require a tailored resume and statement addressing selection criteria.
Step 3: Pass Background Checks
Applicants undergo thorough character assessments, including police checks, citizenship verification, and security clearances.
Step 4: Complete Onboarding and Training
Once selected, officers undergo policy training, legislative education, and systems onboarding.
Step 5: Continue Career Development
Performance reviews and skill development open pathways to promotion and higher salary levels.
FAQs About Case Officer Salary in Australia
1. Do case officers in Australia get paid overtime?
Yes, but most are compensated with flex-time arrangements or TOIL (Time Off in Lieu).
2. Can international applicants become immigration case officers?
No. You must be an Australian citizen and pass security checks.
3. Is this a high-paying government job?
It ranks in the upper-middle tier, especially at EL1 and EL2 levels.
4. What is the highest salary a case officer can earn?
Up to AU$230,000+ for SES roles, depending on responsibility and performance.
5. Are there performance bonuses?
Some departments offer performance-linked progression, but cash bonuses are rare.
6. Can I work remotely as a case officer?
Many roles offer hybrid or flexible work options in 2025.
7. Are there language bonuses?
Yes, officers fluent in priority languages can earn additional bonuses.
8. What are the working hours like?
Standard hours are 7.5 hours per day, with flexible arrangements depending on department needs.
9. Is there job security?
Yes. As a government role, it offers strong job security and structured career progression.
10. What’s the difference between a visa processing officer and a case officer?
Visa processing is more administrative. Case officers assess and decide complex applications.
Final Thoughts
Working as a case officer in the Department of Immigration offers a meaningful career, strong job stability, and an attractive salary especially for those committed to long-term growth in public service. In 2025, the salary structure reflects Australia's emphasis on professional, capable public servants who manage sensitive immigration tasks with fairness and precision.
If you're qualified, passionate about migration policy, and ready to serve the public interest, now is a great time to apply for a role in immigration case management.