Australia will increase the minimum salary thresholds for employer-sponsored skilled visas from 1 July 2026 following the annual indexation process under Regulation 5.42A of the Migration Regulations. The adjustments apply to Subclass 482 Skills in Demand (SID) visa and Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa, ensuring wages for sponsored workers remain aligned with national earnings data.
The thresholds are indexed annually using Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE) published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). Because the increases occur automatically under the Migration Regulations, no additional legislative instrument is required.
New Skilled Visa Income Thresholds (2026–27)
The following salary thresholds will apply to all new relevant applications lodged on or after 1 July 2026:
- Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT): increasing from $76,515 to $79,499
Applies to Subclass 482 Core Skills Stream and Subclass 186 ENS visa nominations. - Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT): increasing from $141,210 to $146,717
Applies to Subclass 482 Specialist Skills Stream nominations
These revised salary requirements will apply to
Purpose of Skilled Migration Salary Thresholds
The CSIT, SSIT and TSMIT set the minimum salary levels for employer-sponsored migrants in Australia. These thresholds help ensure skilled visa holders receive fair market wages comparable to Australian workers and maintain the integrity of Australia’s skilled migration program.
Labour Market Testing Deadline
Employers seeking to lodge nominations before 30 June 2026 under the current thresholds must begin Labour Market Testing (LMT) as soon as possible. LMT generally requires positions to be advertised for at least 28 days, demonstrating that no suitable Australian workers are available.
Delays in advertising or recruitment may result in nominations being assessed under the higher salary thresholds from 1 July 2026, potentially increasing sponsorship costs.
What Employers Should Do Now
Businesses sponsoring skilled workers should review workforce planning and visa timelines ahead of the July changes. Key steps include:
- Starting Labour Market Testing early where required
- Preparing nomination documentation in advance
- Reviewing salary packages and employment contracts
- Incorporating annual indexation increases into recruitment planning
With employer-sponsored visa requirements continuing to evolve, early preparation is essential to minimise delays, manage costs and maintain compliance with Australia’s skilled migration framework.
Need assistance
Milne Migration Solutions can provide clear, practical guidance to employers navigating employer sponsored visa requirements as salary thresholds change.