Australia Raises Salary Requirements to AUD 79,423 for Skilled Work Visas to Attract Top Global Talent. Apply Now!

Australia has increased the minimum salary thresholds for employer-sponsored skilled visas by 3.8% from July 1, 2026. The Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) and Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) have increased to AUD 79,423, while the Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT) has increased to AUD 146,576. These revised thresholds apply only to new employer nomination applications lodged on or after July 1, 2026.

The revised salary thresholds are effective from July 1, 2026. They apply only to employer nomination applications submitted on or after this date. Applications lodged before July 1, 2026, will continue to be assessed under the previous salary requirements. Existing visa holders are also not affected by the updated thresholds.

The revised thresholds apply to several employer-sponsored visas, including:

• Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482) – Core Skills stream
• Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482) – Specialist Skills stream
• Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186)
• Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa (Subclass 494)
• Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme Visa (Subclass 187)

The revised salary thresholds affect employers and overseas workers submitting new employer nomination applications from July 1, 2026. Existing visa holders and applicants whose nominations were lodged before this date will continue under the previous salary thresholds. The change is intended to ensure newly sponsored skilled workers receive salaries aligned with Australia's current wage levels.

The Australian Government reviews salary thresholds annually based on Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE). The 3.8% increase reflects national wage growth and aims to ensure employer-sponsored migrants are paid fairly. It also helps prevent employers from using the skilled migration program to undercut wages for Australian workers.

No. Meeting the minimum salary requirement is only one of several eligibility criteria. Applicants must also:

• Have an eligible occupation
• Receive sponsorship from an approved employer
• Satisfy skills and work experience requirements
• Meet English language standards where applicable
• Complete health and character checks before a visa can be granted

The Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) is the minimum annual salary employers must offer workers nominated under the Core Skills stream of the Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482) and the Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186). From July 1, 2026, the CSIT has increased from AUD 76,515 to AUD 79,423.

The Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT) is the minimum salary requirement for applicants under the Specialist Skills stream of the Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482). Effective July 1, 2026, the SSIT has increased from AUD 141,210 to AUD 146,576, reflecting Australia's annual wage indexation.

Yes. Existing visa holders are not affected by the revised salary thresholds. The updated income requirements apply only to new employer nomination applications lodged on or after July 1, 2026. Individuals who already hold an eligible visa or whose nomination was submitted before this date will continue under the previous salary rules.

1. Secure a job offer from an approved Australian employer.
2. Ensure your occupation is eligible.
3. Meet the applicable salary threshold.
4. Satisfy the required skills and English language requirements.
5. Complete the required health and character checks.
6. Have your employer submit the nomination.
7. Lodge your visa application with the required supporting documents for assessment by the Australian Government.