Skilled migration income thresholds are indexed every year on 1 July. On 1 July 2026 they rose by 3.8%, in line with average weekly ordinary time earnings.
The new thresholds
- Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT): AUD76,515 to AUD79,423. Applies to the 482 Core Skills stream and the subclass 186.
- Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT): AUD141,210 to AUD146,576. Applies to the 482 Specialist Skills stream.
- Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT): AUD76,515 to AUD79,423. Applies to the subclass 494 and 187.
Who is affected?
The new figures apply to nominations lodged from 1 July 2026. They don’t apply to people who already hold a visa, or to nominations lodged before that date.
The market salary rate still applies
Meeting the threshold isn’t always enough. If the salary is less than AUD250,000, the employer must also pay at least the annual market salary rate for the role.
Other employer costs
- Standard business sponsorship: AUD420
- Skills in Demand nomination: AUD330, or Employer Nomination Scheme nomination: AUD540
- Skilling Australians Fund levy: AUD1,200 or AUD1,800 per year for a 482 worker, or a one-off AUD3,000 or AUD5,000 for permanent employer-sponsored visas, depending on turnover
Before you lodge, check the salary in the contract and position description against both the threshold and the market rate.
This article is general information, current at September 2026. It isn’t legal or migration advice. Check the Department of Home Affairs website or speak with a registered migration agent before you act.
