Employer-Sponsored Visa Salary Thresholds Are Rising on 1 July 2026

Australia's employer-sponsored migration program will see salary thresholds increase from 1 July 2026. The changes affect employers planning to sponsor overseas workers and prospective applicants under employer-sponsored visa pathways. Understanding the new requirements is important when preparing nominations after the commencement date.

What's Changing?

The Australian Government has announced increases to key employer-sponsored visa salary thresholds from 1 July 2026. Salary must meet the threshold in cash, excluding compulsory super. "$79,499 plus super" does NOT qualify.

Threshold	Current (Until 30 June 2026)	From 1 July 2026	Relevant Visas
Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT)	AUD 76,515	AUD 79,499	Subclass 482 (Core Skills Stream) Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS)
Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT)	AUD 141,210	AUD 146,717	Subclass 482 (Specialist Skills Stream)
Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT)		For Subclass 494 and 187 confirm which threshold applies (TSMIT or CSIT) at the time of nomination.	Subclass 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional) Subclass 187 Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme

Why Is It Increasing?

The increases reflect annual indexation linked to growth in Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE). For 2026–27, the adjustment is approximately 3.9%, helping ensure employer-sponsored visa salary settings remain aligned with Australian wage growth and labour market conditions.

Who Is Affected?

The new skilled visa salary thresholds will apply to nomination applications lodged on or after 1 July 2026.

The increase does not affect:

• Existing visa holders.

• Nominations lodged before 1 July 2026.

  
  

For employer-sponsored visas, the applicable salary threshold is generally determined by the date the nomination is lodged.

Sectors to Watch

Aged care may be particularly affected, as salaries in some occupations can sit close to the minimum threshold requirements. Employers in this sector should review proposed salaries carefully to ensure future nominations remain eligible.

What To Do Now

• Review upcoming nomination applications that may be affected by the new thresholds.

• Assess whether eligible nominations can be lodged before 1 July 2026.

• Update salary and workforce budgets to account for the increased requirements.

  
  

Meeting the threshold is not enough on its own — the salary must also meet the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR) for the role and location, whichever is higher.

Book a Consultation

If you are planning to sponsor an overseas worker or apply under an employer-sponsored visa pathway, Australian Portal Immigration can help you understand how the 1 July 2026 changes may affect your eligibility and sponsorship strategy. Contact our team to discuss your circumstances and receive tailored migration guidance.

Disclaimer: This article contains general information only and does not constitute migration advice. Migration legislation, policy, and eligibility requirements may change. Professional advice should be sought before making any migration-related decisions.