From 1 July 2026, Australia’s skilled visa income thresholds will increase. This change is important for employers and applicants considering employer-sponsored visa pathways such as the Subclass 482 Skills in Demand visa, Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa, and some Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme applications.
According to the Department of Home Affairs, new nomination applications must meet the relevant income threshold or the Annual Market Salary Rate, whichever is higher.
New Income Thresholds from 1 July 2026
From 1 July 2026, the updated thresholds are expected to be:
| Threshold | Current Amount | From 1 July 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Core Skills Income Threshold | $76,515 | $79,499 |
| Specialist Skills Income Threshold | $141,210 | $146,717 |
| Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold | $76,515 | $79,499 |
These thresholds are indexed annually in line with wage growth. The Department previously confirmed that skilled visa income thresholds are indexed using Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings data.
What Does This Mean?
This means that from 1 July 2026, employers planning to nominate overseas workers may need to offer a higher salary than before.
However, meeting the threshold alone may not be enough. The employer must also show that the salary is consistent with the Annual Market Salary Rate for that position. If the market salary is higher than the threshold, the higher amount must be paid.
Example
If an employer wants to sponsor a Chef under the 482 visa and offers a salary of $78,000, this may not meet the new threshold from 1 July 2026, because the Core Skills Income Threshold will increase to $79,499.
In this situation, the employer may need to review the salary package before lodging the nomination.
Visas That May Be Affected
The change may affect employer-sponsored visa pathways, including:
- Subclass 482 Skills in Demand visa
- Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa
- Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa
For the 482 Core Skills stream, the Department states that applicants must be paid the Annual Market Salary Rate for the nominated occupation.
What Employers Should Do
Employers should review salary arrangements before lodging a nomination on or after 1 July 2026. They should check:
- whether the offered salary meets the new income threshold;
- whether the salary reflects the market rate for the occupation;
- whether the employment contract and supporting documents are consistent;
- whether the business can meet the ongoing salary obligation.
What Applicants Should Know
Applicants should not rely only on the job title or occupation list. Salary is a key part of employer-sponsored nominations. A position may be eligible by occupation, but still face issues if the salary does not meet the required threshold or market salary rate.
Important Reminder
The Department of Home Affairs may update rules, thresholds and visa requirements at any time. Employers and applicants should always check the official Department website before making a decision.
Disclaimer
This article provides general information only. It is not migration advice, legal advice or employment advice. Number One Service Australia provides assistance mainly with Skills Assessment services. For visa advice, please consult a Registered Migration Agent or qualified legal professional.
