Australia Raises Skilled Visa Salary Thresholds by 3.8% from July 1, 2026: New CSIT, SSIT & TSMIT Rates Explained
- Xavi
- Jul 8
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 8
CANBERRA — July 8, 2026 — The Australian Department of Home Affairs has officially increased the minimum salary thresholds for employer-sponsored skilled visas by 3.8 per cent, effective 1 July 2026. The annual indexation, aligned with the Australian Bureau of Statistics' Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE) data, ensures that skilled migrant wages keep pace with Australian workers and prevents the exploitation of foreign talent to undercut local wages.
The changes impact new nomination applications for several key visa subclasses, including the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482), the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186), the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa (subclass 494), and the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (subclass 187).
Key Date: Applications lodged on or after 1 July 2026 must meet the new thresholds. Current visa holders and applications submitted prior to this date remain unaffected.
New Skilled Visa Income Thresholds (2026–2027)
Threshold | Previous (2025–2026) | New (2026–2027) | Increase | Applicable Visas |
Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) | AUD 76,515 | AUD 79,423 | +AUD 2,908 | Subclass 482 (Core Skills stream) & Subclass 186 |
Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT) | AUD 141,210 | AUD 146,576 | +AUD 5,366 | Subclass 482 (Specialist Skills stream) |
Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) | AUD 76,515 | AUD 79,423 | +AUD 2,908 | Subclass 494 & Subclass 187 |
Visa Application Charges Also Rise by 25%
In addition to the salary threshold increases, the Department of Home Affairs has raised Visa Application Charges (VACs) for employer-sponsored and skilled visas by approximately 25 per cent from 1 July 2026.
Visa Subclass | Previous Base VAC (Primary) | New Base VAC (Primary) | Increase |
Skills in Demand (subclass 482) | AUD 3,210 | AUD 4,015 | +AUD 805 |
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (subclass 494) | AUD 4,910 | AUD 6,140 | +AUD 1,230 |
Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) | AUD 4,910 | AUD 6,140 | +AUD 1,230 |
Important: The fee increases are significantly higher than the standard Consumer Price Index (CPI) indexation applied to most other visa categories.
What This Means for Employers
1. Review Your Sponsorship Pipeline
Employers should review active and planned sponsorship matters to identify any nominations that may be affected by the higher income thresholds.
2. Check Salary Proposals
Where a proposed salary sits close to the current threshold, employers should confirm whether the role will still satisfy the relevant income threshold and the annual market salary rate (AMSR) requirements at the time of nomination lodgement.
3. Budget for Higher Visa Costs
With visa application charges rising by 25%, employers should factor in the increased upfront costs for sponsoring overseas workers.
4. Ensure AMSR Compliance
For salaries under AUD 250,000, employers must prove that the guaranteed annual earnings are at least equal to what an equivalent Australian worker would earn for the same position in the same area.
What This Means for Foreign Workers
For New Applicants
Higher salary expectations: New nomination applications from 1 July 2026 must meet the increased thresholds.
Higher visa costs: Budget for the increased visa application charges.
For Existing Visa Holders
No immediate impact: The changes do not affect current visa holders or nominations lodged before 1 July 2026.
Future renewals: When applying for a new nomination or visa extension, the new thresholds will apply.
Practical Advice for Employers and Applicants
For Employers
Lodge Early: If you have a nomination ready, consider lodging it before 1 July 2026 to avoid the higher thresholds and fees.
Review Salaries: Ensure that all sponsored employees' salaries meet or exceed the new thresholds.
Update Contracts: Adjust employment contracts to reflect the new salary requirements.
Budget Accordingly: Plan for higher visa application charges in your recruitment budget.
For Applicants
Apply Early: If you are eligible, submit your application before 1 July 2026 to benefit from the lower fees and thresholds.
Check Your Salary: Ensure your offered salary meets the new threshold for your visa stream.
Monitor Updates: Stay informed about further changes to Australia's immigration policies.
Official Resources
FAQs: Australia Skilled Visa Salary Thresholds 2026
Q1: What is the new Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) for 2026?
A: The CSIT has increased from AUD 76,515 to AUD 79,423.
Q2: Which visas are affected by the CSIT increase?
A: The Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) Core Skills stream and the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186).
Q3: What is the new Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT)?
A: The SSIT has increased from AUD 141,210 to AUD 146,576.
Q4: Which visa uses the SSIT?
A: The Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) Specialist Skills stream.
Q5: What is the new Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT)?
A: The TSMIT has increased from AUD 76,515 to AUD 79,423.
Q6: Which visas use the TSMIT?A: The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa (subclass 494) and the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (subclass 187).
Q7: Do these changes affect existing visa holders?
A: No. The new thresholds apply only to new nomination applications lodged on or after 1 July 2026.
Q8: Why are the thresholds increasing?
A: The annual indexation aligns skilled migrant wages with changes to Australia's Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE).
Q9: Have visa application charges also increased?
A: Yes. Visa application charges for employer-sponsored visas have risen by approximately 25 per cent.
Q10: Where can I find the official salary requirements?
A: The Department of Home Affairs publishes salary requirements on its official website.
For the latest Australia visa updates, salary threshold changes, and 2026 immigration news, visit: visasupdate.com/blog/categories/australia
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