Australia raises salary requirement for skilled work visas

Australia has increased the minimum salary thresholds for several employer-sponsored skilled visas by 3.8% from July 1, 2026, in line with annual wage growth. The change applies to new nomination applications lodged on or after July 1 and is aimed at ensuring skilled migrant wages keep pace with those of Australian workers.

The Australian Department of Home Affairs said the revised income thresholds are based on changes in the country's Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE). The department said the annual indexation helps ensure that skilled migration is not used to undercut Australian workers.

New income thresholds

Under the revised rules, the Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) has increased from AUD 76,515 to AUD 79,423. The new threshold applies to nomination applications under the Core Skills stream of the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) and the Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186).


The Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT) has risen from AUD 141,210 to AUD 146,576. This applies to the Specialist Skills stream of the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482).

The Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) has also increased from AUD 76,515 to AUD 79,423. It applies to the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa (subclass 494) and the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme visa (subclass 187).

Who is affected?

The new salary thresholds apply only to new nomination applications submitted from July 1, 2026.

The Department of Home Affairs said the increase does not affect existing visa holders or nomination applications lodged before July 1, 2026.