Effective July 1, 2026, the minimum income thresholds for employer-sponsored skilled visas in Australia will be raised by the Department of Home Affairs. Subsequent annual indexation is anticipated. The Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT) will increase from AUD 135,000 to AUD 141,210, while the Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) and Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) will both increase from AUD 73,150 to AUD 76,515. These thresholds apply to key visa subclasses, including Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand), 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme), 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional), and 187 (Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme
The Numbers You Need to Know:
Here’s a breakdown of the new income thresholds that will apply to new nomination applications submitted on or after 1 July 2026:
| Threshold Type | Previous Threshold | New Threshold (Effective 1 July 2026) | Applies To | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) | AUD 73,150 | AUD 76,515 | – Core Skills stream of Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visa – Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa | Designed for skilled workers in core occupations. The threshold increase ensures applicants are offered salaries aligned with Australia’s wage growth. |
| Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT) | AUD 135,000 | AUD 141,210 | – Specialist Skills stream of Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visa | Targets highly specialized professionals. The raised threshold reflects the high value and demand for specialist expertise in Australia. |
| Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) | AUD 73,150 | AUD 76,515 | – Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (subclass 494) visa – Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (subclass 187) visa | Applies to regional employer-sponsored skilled migrants. The increase supports fair pay for those settling and working in regional Australia |
One significant change is that all new nomination applications must satisfy the new threshold or the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR), whichever is greater. This guarantees equity and prevents wage undermining in the Australian labor market.
What This Means for Skilled Workers Globally?
For skilled professionals hoping to build a future in Australia, this update brings both challenges and opportunities.
1# A Higher Standard of Entry:
The new thresholds indicate that Australia is focusing on professionals with a higher level of talent who are offered competitive salaries. Employers are now required to demonstrate that they are providing compensation that are in accordance with market realities. This action safeguards local workers from wage suppression and enhances integrity.
2# More Competitive Applicants Will Thrive:
Your path to Australia has just become more robust if you are a tech expert, engineer, medical professional, specialist in demand, or have experience in high-value roles with competitive salary offers. The heightened thresholds serve as a filter, guaranteeing that only individuals who are legitimately skilled and well-compensated are admitted to the skilled migration system.
Check Also: Latest Skilled Jobs in Australia – Apply Now
3# Plan Now, Apply Early:
This is an opportunity for individuals who intend to apply under these skilled migration streams to review their employment offers, salary contracts, and timelines. If your current salary offer is just below the new thresholds, it may be advantageous to submit a nomination before July 1, 2026. The updated requirements must be met by new applications after that date.
Frequently Asked Questions:
When do the new income requirements take effect?
Effective July 1, 2026, Australia’s government will implement updated salary thresholds for employer-sponsored skilled visas, in line with annual indexation to match workforce wage trends
What are the new income thresholds?
While the exact July 2026 figures are expected to follow prior patterns (e.g., 4.6% increases seen in last year), the current thresholds from July 1, serve as a baseline:
Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT): AUD 76,515
Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT): AUD 141,210
Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT): AUD 76,515
Expect a similar percentage uplift (approximately 5%) on these values from July 2026.Which visas are affected?
The salary updates apply to employer-sponsored visa streams:
Core Skills & TSMIT: Subclass 482 (Core Skills), 494 (Regional), 186 (ENS)
Specialist Skills: Subclass 482 (Specialist Skills stream)
All new nominations lodged from July 1, 2026 must meet the higher thresholds or corresponding Market Salary Rate—whichever is greater.
