Skilled visa income threshold changes have officially taken effect in Australia from 1 July 2026. It brings higher salary requirements for several employer-sponsored visa programs. The annual update highlights that there has been a 3.8% increase in line with Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE) and is intended to keep migrant wages aligned with local market conditions.
Moreover, the revised thresholds apply to new nomination applications for eligible visa subclasses, which makes it necessary for both employers and prospective skilled migrants.
Skilled Visa Income Threshold Changes Take Effect from 1 July 2026
The applicable Australia skilled visa income threshold changes are:
- Skilled visa income thresholds have increased by 3.8%, in sync with annual changes to AWOTE.
- The revised thresholds apply to new nomination applications lodged on or after 1 July 2026.
- The changes affect eligible nominations under Subclass 482, Subclass 186, Subclass 494, and Subclass 187 visas.
- Existing visa holders and nominations lodged before 1 July 2026 are not affected.
Also Read: Temporary Travel Restrictions Announced For Iranian Visitors To Australia
Latest Skilled Visa Income Threshold Updates for 2026
The table given below shows the latest TSMIT salary threshold changes and revised CSIT and SSIT figures that establish the new minimum salary requirements:
| Income Threshold | Previous Amount | New Amount (From 1 July 2026) | Increase | Affected Visa Programs | Who Must Meet It? |
| Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) | AUD 76,515 | AUD 79,423 | 3.8% | Skills in Demand (Subclass 482) Core Skills stream and Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) visa | Employers lodging new nomination applications on or after 1 July 2026 for eligible Core Skills positions. |
| Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT) | AUD 141,210 | AUD 146,576 | 3.8% | Skills in Demand (Subclass 482) Specialist Skills stream | Employers sponsoring workers under the Specialist Skills stream must make sure that the guaranteed annual earnings meet or exceed this threshold. |
| Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) | AUD 76,515 | AUD 79,423 | 3.8% | Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Subclass 494) and Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (Subclass 187) | Applies to new employer nominations lodged from 1 July 2026 under the relevant regional employer-sponsored visa programs. |
Who Will Be Affected by the New Skilled Visa Income Threshold?
The new income threshold for skilled worker visa applications applies only to specific employer-sponsored nominations, and thus, the following will be affected:
- Applicants seeking sponsorship under the Skills in Demand Subclass 482, Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186), Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Subclass 494), and Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (Subclass 187) may be affected, depending on the visa stream.
- Employers submitting new nomination applications on or after 1 July 2026 must mandatorily meet the updated salary thresholds.
- Existing visa holders are not affected by the revised income thresholds.
- Nominations lodged before 1 July 2026 will still be assessed under the previous income threshold requirements.
- Finally, employers have to make sure that the offered salary satisfies both the applicable income threshold and any relevant Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR) requirements.
Also Read: Australia Announces New Changes to Training Visa 407 Requirements
Conclusion
Therefore, the revised skilled visa income thresholds mark yet another important update in Australia’s employer-sponsored migration program. Consequently, employers and applicants should review salary requirements minutely before submitting an application. However, if you are unsure about how these changes apply to your circumstances, it is best to seek advice from a registered migration agent Perth.
FAQs
What is the new skilled visa income threshold from 1 July 2026?
From 1 July 2026, the income threshold for skilled worker visa applications will increase to AUD 79,423 for CSIT and TSMIT. SSIT will increase to AUD 146,576.
Which visas are affected by the new salary thresholds?
Under the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold 2026 changes, updated thresholds are applicable to eligible streams of Subclass 482, Subclass 186, Subclass 494, and Subclass 187 visas.
Does the TSMIT increase affect existing visa holders?
No. The TSMIT Australia 2026 update applies only to new nomination applications lodged on or after 1 July 2026.
What is the new Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) in Australia?
The Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) Australia has increased from AUD 76,515 to AUD 79,423 for eligible employer-sponsored visa nominations.
When do the new skilled visa income thresholds apply?
The revised thresholds apply to new nomination applications that will be lodged from 1 July 2026.
