482 and 186 Visa Salary Thresholds Increased from 1 July 2026
New Salary Floors for 482 and 186 Visas Took Effect on 1 July 2026
From 1 July 2026, Australia’s employer-sponsored visa program introduced new salary thresholds for the Skills in Demand (Subclass 482) and Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) visas. These updated thresholds apply to nominations lodged from 1 July 2026 onwards and are designed to reflect national wage growth.
The changes occur automatically each year under Regulation 5.42A of the Migration Regulations 1994, using Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE) data published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). No separate ministerial instrument is required, as the annual indexation takes effect automatically on 1 July.
The 2026 increase of approximately 3.9% marks the second consecutive year of meaningful salary threshold increases for employer-sponsored visas.
It is important to note that nominations lodged before 1 July 2026 will continue to be assessed against the previous salary threshold of $76,515, even if the Department makes its decision after 1 July 2026.
Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT)
The Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT), which applies to the Skills in Demand (Subclass 482) Core Skills stream and the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186), has increased to:
$79,499
This is an increase from the previous threshold of AUD 76,515 and applies to all nominations lodged from 1 July 2026.
Employers preparing new nominations should ensure that the proposed salary meets or exceeds the updated threshold before lodging an application.
482 and 186 Visa: Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT)
The Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT), which applies to the fast-tracked Specialist Skills stream of the Skills in Demand (Subclass 482) visa, has also increased.
The threshold has risen from:
AUD 141,210 → AUD 146,717
This new minimum salary applies to all eligible nominations lodged from 1 July 2026.
Important Reminder for Employers
A salary that met the previous threshold may no longer satisfy the current requirements.
For example, a nomination offering AUD 76,515 that is lodged on or after 1 July 2026 will be refused, as the new minimum salary requirement is AUD 79,499.
Before lodging any new Subclass 482 or Subclass 186 nomination, employers should review employment contracts and salary packages to ensure they comply with the updated income thresholds. For more updates, visit us at https://immivisa.com.au/
