Higher migration salary thresholds and visa fees from 1 July 2026: what employers need to know
The Department of Home Affairs has confirmed that minimum annual earnings thresholds for employer-sponsored visa programs will increase by 3.8 per cent from 1 July 2026.
The increase in earnings thresholds forms part of the annual indexation process under the Migration Regulations and is aligned with Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE) data for the November 2025 period published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
The updated thresholds will apply to all subclass 482, subclass 494 and subclass 186 nomination applications lodged on or after 1 July 2026. The new thresholds will not apply to existing visa holders or nominations lodged before that date.
The Department has also increased visa application charges from 1 July 2026, with base visa application charges rising by approximately 25 per cent for employer-sponsored visas.
New minimum annual earnings from 1 July 2026
| Previous minimum annual earnings (1 Jul 2025 – 30 Jun 2026) | New minimum annual earnings (1 Jul 2026 – 30 Jun 2027) | |
|---|---|---|
Subclass 482 – Skills in Demand Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) | A$76,515 | A$79,423 |
Subclass 482 – Skills in Demand Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT) | A$141,210 | A$146,576 |
Subclass 494 - Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) | A$76,515 | A$79,423 |
Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) | A$76,515 | A$79,423 |
Increases in government lodgement fees from 1 July 2026
The Department has also confirmed increased government lodgement fees for visa applications lodged on or after 1 July 2026. The base visa application charges listed below will rise by approximately 25 per cent, significantly increasing upfront visa costs.
| Previous base visa application charge | New base visa application charge | Increase | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subclass 482 – Skills in Demand | A$3210 | A$4015 | A$805, approximately 25% |
| Subclass 494 - Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa | A$4910 | A$6140 | A$1230, approximately 25% |
| Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme | A$4910 | A$6140 | A$1230, approximately 25% |
| Subclass 820/801 – Partner visa | A$9365 | A$11,710 | A$2345, approximately 25% |
Key employer-related costs remain unchanged, including:
- Standard Business Sponsorship application charge: A$420;
- Subclass 482 nomination charge: A$330;
- Employer Nomination Scheme 186 nomination charge: A$540, subject to stream and location; and
- Skilling Australians Fund levy, with the amount continuing to depend on the sponsor’s annual turnover and, for some visas, the proposed period of stay.
What this means for employers
Employers should review active and planned sponsorship matters now to identify any nominations that may be affected by the higher income thresholds or increased visa application charges from 1 July 2026.
Where a proposed salary sits close to the current threshold, employers should confirm whether the role will still satisfy the relevant income threshold and the annual market salary rate requirements at the time of nomination lodgement.
Employers that have historically paid visa application charges in full may also wish to revisit their policy position. Split fee arrangements may be appropriate in some circumstances, but mandatory nomination charges and the Skilling Australians Fund levy must continue to be paid by the sponsor and cannot be recovered from the visa applicant.
Given the increased cost of sponsorship, employers may also wish to consider use of clawback arrangements for discretionary, non-mandatory contributions to visa application charges. These arrangements should be reviewed for legal compliance before use.
Please contact our Migration Team if you would like assistance with reviewing upcoming sponsorship matters, optimising budgets in light of increased visa costs, or preparing a legally compliant clawback agreement for your organisation.
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