Australia has officially updated the income thresholds for employer-sponsored visas following the release of the November 2025 AWOTE figures by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
From 1 July 2026, new salary benchmarks will apply to certain applications under Subclass 482 and Subclass 186 visas. If you are an employer sponsor or skilled migrant planning to apply, understanding these changes is essential.
What Has Changed?
The updated thresholds are as follows:
| Income Threshold Type | Previous (2025–26) | New Value (From 1 July 2026) |
| Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) | $76,515 | $79,499 |
| Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT) | $141,210 | $146,717 |
These figures are indexed based on national wage growth data.
Important: Applications lodged before 1 July 2026 will continue to be assessed under the existing thresholds.
Which Visas Are Affected?
The updated income thresholds apply to:
- Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage Visa)
- Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme)
These visas fall under Australia’s skilled migration employer-sponsored pathways.
Why Do Income Thresholds Matter?
Income thresholds ensure that:
- Overseas workers are paid at or above a minimum benchmark.
- Sponsored employees are not undercutting the local labour market.
- Employers comply with Australian wage standards.
Sponsors must meet:
- The relevant income threshold (CSIT or SSIT)
- The Australian Market Salary Rate (AMSR)
- Labour Market Testing (where required)
Failure to comply can lead to sponsor penalties or refusal of applications.
How This Affects Employers
Higher Salary Budget Planning
Employers must adjust salary packages for future nominations lodged after 1 July 2026.
Labour Market Testing Campaigns
Salary ranges advertised must align with the updated threshold.
Sponsor Compliance
Existing sponsors should review remuneration structures to ensure ongoing compliance obligations are met.
How This Affects Skilled Migrants
If you are planning to apply under Subclass 482 or 186:
- Your nominated salary must meet the new threshold.
- Offers below the updated benchmark will not qualify after July 2026.
Early planning may help avoid eligibility issues.
Strategic Considerations Before 1 July 2026
- Review nomination timelines
- Confirm salary structure compliance
- Conduct updated market salary benchmarking
- Ensure contracts reflect accurate remuneration
Policy settings may evolve, so always verify details against official Department of Home Affairs guidance.
FAQs
When do the new income thresholds apply?
From 1 July 2026, for new applications.
Do these changes affect already lodged applications?
No. Applications submitted before 1 July 2026 remain under the previous thresholds.
Does this apply to all employer-sponsored visas?
The update specifically impacts Subclass 482 and Subclass 186 pathways.
Will thresholds increase every year?
Income thresholds are indexed based on national wage data and may change annually.
Disclaimer: All information is provided as a general guide only and does not constitute legal advice. It is important to note that immigration policies and operational practices are subject to sudden and unexpected changes.
Need Guidance on Employer-Sponsored Visas?
Salary thresholds, compliance rules, and nomination requirements can be complex. Professional assessment helps ensure applications meet current policy settings.
Book a consultation to review your eligibility and salary compliance before lodging your application.