Effective 1 July 2026, the Australian Government officially adjusted statutory income thresholds across employer-sponsored skilled visa programs. This annual indexation aligns temporary skilled migrant compensation with domestic wage growth and prevents wage undercutting.
These updated thresholds directly impact applicants for Subclass 482, Subclass 186, Subclass 494, and Subclass 187 visas, as well as Australian employers sponsoring international talent.
Why Are Skilled Income Thresholds Indexed?
Each financial year, the Department of Home Affairs indexes migration thresholds against Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE). This benchmark guarantees that sponsored workers receive competitive compensation that reflects market rates while maintaining wage parity with the Australian workforce.
Updated Income Thresholds Effective 1 July 2026
1. Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) & TSMIT
The baseline Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) and Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) have increased to AUD 79,423 per annum (exclusive of superannuation). This applies to nominations under Subclass 482 (Core Skills Stream), Subclass 186, Subclass 494, and Subclass 187.
2. Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT)
For high-earning professionals under the Specialist Skills Stream of Subclass 482, the threshold is now set at AUD 146,576 per annum.
Who Is Impacted?
- Skilled professionals preparing nominations for Subclass 482, 186, 494, or 187.
- Australian businesses recruiting international specialist talent.
- Temporary residents progressing toward permanent residency via employer sponsorship.
Requirements for Sponsoring Employers
Sponsoring businesses must ensure that employment contracts submitted on or after 1 July 2026 meet or exceed AUD 79,423 per annum. Furthermore, employers must satisfy the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR) requirement, demonstrating that the nominated salary aligns with prevailing market pay for equivalent domestic roles.
Considerations for Skilled Workers
Prospective visa applicants should review employment offers and remuneration packages prior to lodging nomination applications. Meeting statutory wage floors is mandatory for nomination approvals across all employer-sponsored categories.
The indexation of skilled migration salary thresholds reinforces Australia’s emphasis on skilled migration integrity. Consulting registered migration professionals ensures that employment packages and nomination documents fully comply with the latest Home Affairs standards.
Source: Department of Home Affairs
