Australian employers and sponsored employees should take note of this important update.
From 1 July 2026, the minimum income thresholds for employer-sponsored visas will increase. Any new nomination lodged on or after this date must meet the updated salary requirements.
Increased Income Thresholds
1. Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT)
Increasing to $79,499
(Currently $76,515)
2. Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT)
Increasing to $146,717
(Currently $141,210)
3. Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT)
Expected to increase to $79,499, subject to legislative updates aligning it with CSIT.
This means TSMIT is intended to match CSIT, with formal implementation pending legislative confirmation.
Visas Affected by Increased Income Threshold
These updated thresholds apply to nominations under:
1. Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage visa
2. Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa
Any nomination lodged from 1 July 2026 onwards must meet the new income requirements.
Important Recommendation for Corporate Clients
If you are:
• Planning to lodge a new Subclass 482 nomination
• Moving an employee from 482 to Subclass 186 (PR pathway)
• Offering salaries that are close to the current minimum thresholds
You must carefully review the updated figures.
Why?
Because from 1 July 2026:
- Even a small shortfall below $79,499 or $146,717 can result in nomination refusal.
- Salary adjustments may be required before lodgement.
- Delayed planning could impact PR eligibility timelines.
- Workforce continuity and project planning may be disrupted.
If an employee’s salary is currently near the existing threshold, waiting until after 1 July 2026 could create unexpected compliance risks.
Why Early Planning Matters in Increased Income Threshold
Employers should now:
- Review sponsored employee salary levels
- Identify cases close to current thresholds
- Assess whether to adjust salary packages
- Consider nomination timing before 1 July 2026
- Recalculate FY2026 hiring budgets
Strategic workforce planning today can prevent costly refusals or last-minute salary increases tomorrow.
Compliance Reminder
Meeting the income threshold is only one requirement. Employers must also ensure:
- The salary reflects the market salary rate
- Compliance with Fair Work obligations
- Ongoing sponsorship compliance duties
A proactive compliance strategy is essential in the current regulatory environment.
Need Strategic Guidance?
Not sure how these changes impact your business or sponsored employees?
Book your Free Discovery Call with Immigration Hotspot today and plan your next move with confidence.
We’ll assess your situation; review affected employees and help you build a compliant and future-ready sponsorship strategy.
Plan early. Stay compliant. Stay ahead.
