Skilled visa income thresholds from 1 July 2026
The income thresholds for employer-sponsored skilled visas were indexed on 1 July 2026. The new figures apply to nominations lodged on or after 1 July 2026, and remain in place until 30 June 2027.
The 2026–27 thresholds
- Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT): $79,423. Applies to Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) Core Skills stream nominations and Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) nominations.
- Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT): $146,576. Applies to subclass 482 Specialist Skills stream nominations.
- Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT): $79,423. Applies to Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa (subclass 494) nominations.
The salary must meet the market rate as well
Meeting the threshold is not enough on its own. The salary offered must be at least the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR) for the role, or the relevant income threshold, whichever is higher. If Australian workers in the same role and location are paid more than the threshold, the nomination must offer at least that market rate.
Which figure applies to your nomination
- The threshold that applies is the one in force on the day the nomination is lodged.
- Nominations lodged on or before 30 June 2026 are assessed against the 2025–26 figures.
- Visa holders already granted are not affected by the new thresholds.
Previous figures (2025–26)
For nominations lodged from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026, the CSIT was $76,515 and the SSIT was $141,210. The regional threshold for subclass 494 was also $76,515.
Why the thresholds change
The thresholds are indexed each year on 1 July in line with Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings. From 1 July 2026, the TSMIT is set at the same amount as the CSIT and is indexed with it in future years.
If you are an employer planning a nomination, or a worker checking whether an offer meets the requirements, contact EMC Australia (MARN 1800335) for advice on your situation. This article is general information only and is not legal advice.