Australia’s Skilled Visa Income Thresholds Increased from 1 July 2026
From 1 July 2026, Australia increased skilled visa income thresholds by 3.8%. This guide explains the new Core Skills, Specialist Skills and regional thresholds, who they affect, and the practical steps employers and skilled workers should take before lodging a nomination.
Published
Australia’s skilled migration settings continue to evolve. One of the most important recent changes for employers and skilled workers is the annual indexation of skilled visa income thresholds from 1 July 2026.
The Department of Home Affairs increased the relevant thresholds by 3.8% in line with Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings. These thresholds matter because an employer’s nominated salary must meet the applicable minimum at the time a sponsorship or nomination application is lodged. They are not simply a guide for budgeting.
What changed on 1 July 2026?
For nomination applications lodged from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027, the key thresholds are:
Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT): AUD 79,423. This applies to Skills in Demand (subclass 482) Core Skills stream nominations and Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) nominations lodged on or after 7 December 2024.
Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT): AUD 146,576. This applies to Skills in Demand (subclass 482) Specialist Skills stream nominations.
Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT): AUD 79,423. This applies to Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (subclass 494) and Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (subclass 187) nominations.
The Department’s salary-requirements guidance confirms that these figures apply according to the nomination lodgement date. A nomination lodged before 1 July 2026 is assessed against the applicable threshold for its own lodgement period; a new nomination lodged from 1 July 2026 must meet the updated figure.
Why the income threshold is only one part of the salary test
Meeting the threshold does not remove the need to meet the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR). Where the proposed salary is below AUD 250,000, an employer must be able to show that the overseas worker will not be paid less than an equivalent Australian worker and that both the AMSR and the worker’s guaranteed annual earnings meet the relevant threshold.
For regional nominations assessed against the TSMIT, non-monetary benefits such as accommodation or a car do not count toward the threshold. They must be provided in addition to the required salary where applicable. Employers should check the current Home Affairs guidance and the facts of their own role before lodging.
Who should review their plans now?
This update is especially relevant for:
Employers preparing a new employer-sponsored visa nomination.
Workers expecting to be nominated for a Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visa.
Employers and applicants considering an ENS (subclass 186) Direct Entry pathway.
Regional employers planning a subclass 494 or relevant subclass 187 nomination.
Businesses that prepared salary packages before 1 July 2026 but have not yet lodged.
A salary package that was sufficient before the indexation date may need to be reviewed before a new nomination is submitted. The salary must also be appropriate for the occupation, location, seniority, hours and local market.
2026–27 migration program context
The threshold change arrives alongside the Australian Government’s 2026–27 permanent Migration Program. The program remains at 185,000 places, with 132,240 places allocated to the Skilled Migration Program. Within that program, the Employer Sponsored category has 58,040 places, while State and Territory Nominated has 35,500 places and Regional has 14,110 places.
Planning levels are not individual visa guarantees or processing-time promises. They help explain the government’s broad program priorities. Eligibility, nomination criteria, occupation requirements and the evidence in each application still matter.
Practical checklist before lodging
Confirm the correct visa stream. Check whether the position is intended for the 482 Core Skills or Specialist Skills stream, ENS, 494 or another pathway.
Check the lodgement date. Use the threshold in force when the nomination will be lodged.
Review the market salary evidence. Ensure it supports the salary offered for the genuine role.
Check the occupation and applicant requirements. Salary alone does not establish eligibility; occupation lists, skills, experience, English and licensing requirements may also apply.
Keep employment documents consistent. The employment contract, nomination form, position description and supporting payroll or market evidence should align.
Final thoughts
Annual indexation is a recurring feature of Australia’s skilled migration framework, but its effect can be significant when a salary is close to the threshold. Employers and applicants should review the proposed package early and use the current official guidance before lodging.
For tailored help with an employer-sponsored or skilled migration pathway, book an appointment with Possible Migration.
Official sources
Department of Home Affairs: Salary requirements to nominate a worker
Department of Home Affairs: Permanent Migration Program planning levels
Department of Home Affairs: Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482)
Information checked 26 July 2026. This article is general information only and is not legal or migration advice. Visa rules and policy settings can change.