The Australia skilled visa salary threshold rose on 1 July 2026, and it affects anyone sponsored on the Skills in Demand (subclass 482) or Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visas. Erickson Immigration Group reports that the Core Skills Income Threshold is now AUD 79,499, up from AUD 76,515. This explainer sets out the numbers, how they are set, and what it means for workers and employers.
At a glance
The numbers
Under the figures reported by the law firm, the Core Skills Income Threshold rose from AUD 76,515 to AUD 79,499, and the Specialist Skills Income Threshold rose from AUD 141,210 to AUD 146,717. Both apply to subclass 482 and 186 applications lodged on or after 1 July 2026. Khaleej Times repeats the same figures in its roundup of 2026 visa changes. Note that the source is a law firm rather than the government, so confirm the amounts with the Department of Home Affairs before lodging.
How the threshold is set
The thresholds are indexed every year under regulation 5.42A of the Migration Regulations, using Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings data. The firm says the 2026-27 figures use data for November 2025, are about 3.9% higher, and take effect automatically on 1 July with no new legislative instrument needed. The underlying earnings series comes from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
Who it affects
The thresholds apply to the salary an employer offers a sponsored worker, on top of market-rate and other sponsorship requirements. Employers hiring overseas will need to budget for the new floor, and workers negotiating offers can use it as a minimum. The changes only apply to applications lodged from 1 July, so earlier lodgements follow the previous figures.
A worked example
Imagine a hypothetical Pakistani IT specialist, Hira, offered AUD 78,000 by a Melbourne employer for a role under the core skills pathway. Before 1 July that salary would have cleared AUD 76,515. For an application lodged now it falls below AUD 79,499, so the employer would need to raise the offer or the role would not qualify under that pathway. The example is for illustration only and does not account for market-rate checks.
If you are comparing destinations, read our coverage of Australia’s student visa reform and the UK rule changes, or run your profile through the visa eligibility checker.
Salary threshold FAQ
What is the new Core Skills Income Threshold?
AUD 79,499 for applications lodged on or after 1 July 2026, per Erickson Immigration Group.
What is the Specialist Skills Income Threshold now?
AUD 146,717, up from AUD 141,210.
Which visas does it cover?
The Skills in Demand subclass 482 and Employer Nomination Scheme subclass 186.
How much did it rise?
About 3.9%, according to the firm’s reading of the indexation formula.
Where do I check the official figure?
On the Department of Home Affairs website before lodging an application.
More from us: the Australian student visa changes.