The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has confirmed that, from July 1, 2026, skilled visa income thresholds have increased by 3.8%. This is in line with changes to the annual Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE).
Income thresholds are indexed annually so wages for skilled migrants increase at the same rate as Australian workers. This ensures that people cannot use skilled migration to undercut Australian workers.
From July 1, 2026, indexation changes will be as follows:
- The Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) has increased from AUD 76,515 to AUD 79,423. This impacts nomination applications for the Core Skills stream of the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) and the Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186).
- The Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT) has increased from AUD 141,210 to AUD 146,576. This impacts nomination applications for the Specialist Skills stream of the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482).
- The Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) has increased from AUD 76,515 to AUD 79,423. This impacts nomination applications for the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa (subclass 494) and the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) (subclass 187).
From July 1, 2026, new nomination applications must meet the new relevant income threshold.
This change does not apply to existing visa holders and nominations lodged before July 1, 2026.
Erickson Insights and Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue monitoring developments and sharing updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or if you have case-specific questions.