Australia Skills in Demand Visa July 2026: Core Skills AUD 79,423 & Specialist AUD 146,576 — New Salary Thresholds Now in Effect
From 1 July 2026, Australia's annual indexation of the Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) and Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT) took effect. The increase of 3.8%, aligned with Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE) data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, applies to all new nomination applications for the Skills in Demand (subclass 482) and Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visas lodged on or after 1 July 2026.
If you are an employer sponsoring overseas workers, or a visa holder planning an extension or permanent residence pathway, here are the exact new figures and what you must do.
Contents
New Salary Thresholds Stream-by-Stream Breakdown Employer Obligations Employer Action ChecklistNew Salary Thresholds Effective 1 July 2026
The updated thresholds apply automatically under regulation 5.42A of the Migration Regulations — no new legislative instrument is required each year.
| Visa Stream | Previous (1 Jul 2025 – 30 Jun 2026) | New (1 Jul 2026 – 30 Jun 2027) | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core Skills Stream (CSIT) Subclass 482 & 494 | AUD 76,515 | AUD 79,423 | +3.8% (+AUD 2,908) |
| Specialist Skills Stream (SSIT) Subclass 482 only | AUD 141,210 | AUD 146,576 | +3.8% (+AUD 5,366) |
Key rule: These thresholds apply to nominations lodged on or after 1 July 2026. Existing nominations lodged before 1 July 2026 are assessed against the old thresholds. Existing visa holders are not affected unless a new nomination is lodged.
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Browse the Directory →Stream-by-Stream Breakdown
Core Skills Stream (AUD 79,423 floor)
For occupations on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) paying between AUD 79,423 and AUD 146,575. This is the largest stream. Excludes trades workers, machinery operators, drivers, and labourers (those fall under different arrangements).
Specialist Skills Stream (AUD 146,576 floor)
For senior, highly skilled roles paid AUD 146,576 or above (excluding trades, machinery operators, drivers, labourers). Processing is prioritised with a service standard of ~7 days for many cohorts. This stream targets global talent where Australia genuinely competes.
Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT)
Aligned with CSIT for transitional visa cohorts. From 1 July 2026, TSMIT = AUD 79,423.
Employer Obligations & Compliance
The Migration Amendment (Strengthening Employer Compliance) Act increases penalties for non-compliance. Employers must ensure:
- Base salary meets or exceeds the applicable threshold (CSIT or SSIT) for the nominated occupation.
- Market salary rates are continually reviewed — sponsored workers must be paid at least equivalent to an Australian citizen/permanent resident in the same role and location.
- Annual earnings include guaranteed components only (base salary, guaranteed allowances). Bonuses, overtime, equity, and non-monetary benefits do NOT count toward the threshold.
- Contract renewals and role changes after 1 July 2026 trigger the new thresholds — even for existing visa holders.
Non-compliance risks include: nomination refusal, visa cancellation, civil penalties, and inclusion on the public register of non-compliant sponsors.
Employer Action Checklist (Do This Now)
- Audit all pipeline nominations — any lodged on/after 1 July 2026 must meet AUD 79,423 (Core) or AUD 146,576 (Specialist).
- Review current sponsored workers' salaries against new thresholds before their next nomination/extension.
- Update payroll budgets for the 2026–27 program year; note 3.8% was the indexation applied for 1 July 2026 (ABS AWOTE Nov-2025 basis) — future years will be indexed separately.
- Verify occupation eligibility — confirm the role is on CSOL (Core) or qualifies for Specialist stream.
- Document market salary evidence — retain salary survey data, enterprise agreements, or job ads supporting the nominated rate.
Official Sources & Resources
Verify and act using official Australian Government publications:
- Home Affairs: Salary Requirements to Nominate a Worker — https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/employing-and-sponsoring-someone/sponsoring-workers/nominating-a-position/salary-requirements
- Home Affairs: Skills in Demand Visa (subclass 482) — https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/skills-in-demand-visa-subclass-482
- Baker McKenzie: Australia Skilled Visa Income Threshold Indexation 2026–27 — https://www.bakermckenzie.com/en/insight/publications/2026/03/australia-skilled-visa-income-threshold-indexation-2026-27
- KPMG Flash Alert 2026-069: New Salary Thresholds Effective 1 July 2026 — https://kpmg.com/xx/en/our-insights/gms-flash-alert/2026/flash-alert-2026-069.html
- Migration Regulations 1994 — Regulation 5.42A (Indexation Formula) — https://www.legislation.gov.au/Series/F2014C00604
Thresholds are set in legislation and index automatically each 1 July. WorkRemotelyNow does not provide migration advice; always confirm current requirements on immi.homeaffairs.gov.au or with a registered migration agent.
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Browse the Directory →How to Verify These Figures
Before lodging any nomination, confirm the current thresholds:
-
Visit immi.homeaffairs.gov.au → 'Salary requirements to nominate a worker' — the page shows current CSIT/SSIT figures.
Check the 'Skills in Demand visa' page for stream eligibility and processing times.
Confirm the occupation is on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) via the Home Affairs website.
For legal certainty, consult a registered migration agent (OMARA-registered) before lodging.