Skilled Visa Income Thresholds in Australia Increasing from 1 July 2026

Key Takeaways

• Skilled visa income thresholds in Australia will increase from 1 July 2026
• The Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) will rise to $79,499 AUD
• The Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT) will rise to $146,717 AUD
• Changes affect subclass 482 and subclass 186 employer sponsored visas
• Applications lodged before 30 June 2026 will use current thresholds

The Australian Government will increase the skilled visa income thresholds in Australia from 1 July 2026. These changes affect employer sponsored skilled visas, including the Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visa and the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa.

The updated thresholds form part of the Government’s annual indexation process designed to ensure overseas workers are paid fairly and that Australia’s migration program remains aligned with current labour market conditions.

If you are an employer intending to sponsor a worker, or a visa holder planning to lodge or renew an application, these changes may affect you.

What are Skilled Visa Income Thresholds in Australia?

Employers who nominate overseas workers for certain skilled visas must meet strict salary requirements.

There are two key salary concepts:

1. Annual Market Salary Rate (‘AMSR’)

The AMSR is the amount an Australian worker would earn performing the same role in the same location. Employers must demonstrate that the sponsored worker will not be paid less than an equivalent Australian employee.

This ensures that overseas workers receive fair wages and that local labour standards are not undercut.

2. Skilled Visa Income Thresholds

In addition to meeting the AMSR, the sponsored worker’s guaranteed annual earnings (excluding non-monetary benefits such as accommodation or vehicles) must also meet or exceed the relevant income threshold.

These thresholds act as a minimum salary safeguard. They are indexed annually to:

• Protect overseas workers from underpayment;
• Ensure wages reflect current market conditions; and
• Maintain the integrity of Australia’s skilled migration program.

Importantly, the salary offered must meet whichever is higher — the AMSR or the applicable income threshold.

What’s Changing from 1 July 2026?

The following income thresholds will increase for nominations lodged on or after 1 July 2026:

Core Skills Income Threshold (‘CSIT’)

• New threshold: $79,499 AUD
• Previously: $76,515 AUD

Specialist Skills Income Threshold (‘SSIT’)

• New threshold: $146,717 AUD
• Previously: $141,210

These thresholds apply to certain streams of the Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visa and related employer sponsored visa pathways.

Who Will be Affected by the 2026 Skilled Visa Changes?

These updated income thresholds will apply to employer-nomination applications (i.e. Skills in Demand (subclass 482) Visa and Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) Visa).

If an application is lodged before 1 July 2026, the current thresholds (2025-2026 figures) will remain in place.

What Should Employers and Applicants Do Now?

1. Review Salary Packages

Employers should assess whether their planned salary offers meet the upcoming thresholds before lodging any nomination application. If salaries are below the new CSIT or SSIT, adjustments and negotiations may be required.

2. Consider Strategic Timing

If you are currently eligible and an employer can meet the existing 2025–26 thresholds, you may benefit from lodging nominations before 30 June 2026 to avoid the increased requirements.

3. Prepare for Renewals and Future Planning

Existing skilled visa holders are not immediately affected by these changes. However, future renewals, transitions, or new nominations lodged after 1 July 2026 will need to satisfy the updated thresholds. Early planning ensures continuity and avoids surprises.

Indexation of income thresholds is now a regular feature of Australia’s skilled migration framework and reflects the Government’s commitment to fair remuneration and labour market integrity.

Employers and prospective migrants should stay informed of these annual changes to ensure compliance and strategic planning for skilled visa pathways.

ALL ACCESS MIGRATION – HOW WE CAN HELP

If you are an employer planning to sponsor a worker or an individual seeking advice about employer sponsored visas, our team has considerable expertise assisting both businesses and visa applicants.

We can provide guidance on subclass 482 visas, subclass 186 visas, employer nominations, and compliance with skilled visa income thresholds in Australia.

We are happy to arrange an obligation-free consultation to assist you in navigating the relevant legislation and visa requirements based on your circumstances.

The content of this article is intended to provide general guidance to the subject matter and must not be relied on as legal advice.  Specific advice should be sought about your circumstances.