Australian Immigration Changes from 1 July 2026
Australian Immigration Changes from 1 July 2026: Visa Fees and Salary Thresholds Increase
The Australian Government has confirmed significant changes to immigration fees and skilled visa salary thresholds effective 1 July 2026, impacting employers, skilled migrants and visa applicants.
Skilled Visa Salary Thresholds
For nomination applications lodged on or after 1 July 2026:
• Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT): $79,423 (previously $76,515)
• Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT): $146,576 (previously $141,210)
• Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT): $79,423 (previously $76,515)
Employers must continue to pay sponsored workers at least the relevant income threshold and the Australian market salary rate. Where guaranteed annual earnings are below $250,000, employers must also demonstrate that sponsored workers receive remuneration equivalent to an Australian employee performing the same role.
Fair Work Changes
From 1 July 2026:
• High Income Threshold: $190,100
• National Minimum Wage: $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week)
• Modern Award wages: Increased by 4.75%
Visa Application Charges
Visa Application Charges (VACs) have increased across many visa subclasses from 1 July 2026, with many fees rising by approximately 25%. The Student visa application charge has increased from $2,000 to $2,500, while Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) has increased from $4,600 to $5,750. Reduced charges apply to eligible passport holders from Pacific countries.
The summary below details the new charges for visa subclasses commonly used by Australian employers:
Skills in Demand (Subclass 482)
Primary:$4,015
Adult dependant:$4,015
Child:$1,005
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Subclass 494)
Primary: $6,140
Adult dependant: $3,070
Child: $1,535
Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)
Primary:$6,140
Adult dependant:$3,070
Child:$1,535
Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) (Subclass 400)
Primary: $535
Adult dependant:$535
Child:$135
Training (Subclass 407)
Primary:$535
Adult dependant:$535
Child:$135
The new application charges apply only to visa applications lodged on or after 1 July 2026.
At this stage, there are no changes to the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy, nomination application fees or Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS) application fees.
What This Means
These changes reinforce the importance of planning ahead for both employers and visa applicants. Businesses sponsoring overseas workers should review salary offers to ensure compliance with the new income thresholds, while visa applicants should budget for the increased government application charges before lodging an application.
Need Advice?
Whether you are an employer planning to sponsor overseas workers or an individual applying for an Australian visa, understanding these changes is essential to ensuring your application meets the latest legislative requirements.
Milne Migration Solutions provides expert advice on employer sponsorship, skilled migration, permanent residency and Australian visa pathways. Our team can help you assess your eligibility, navigate the new requirements and develop a migration strategy tailored to your circumstances.
Contact Milne Migration Solutions today to discuss how the 1 July 2026 immigration changes may affect your business or migration plans.