The Australian Department of Home Affairs has updated the minimum salary thresholds for employer-sponsored visas for the 2025–2026 period.
The new income requirements apply to nomination applications submitted between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026. Authorities revise these thresholds each year based on national wage data to maintain fair pay for both migrant and local workers.
Why Australia Adjusts Salary Thresholds
Australia updates visa salary limits according to Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE), ensuring wages offered to overseas workers remain competitive with those paid to local employees.
The rule applies only to new nomination applications lodged after July 1 each year, when updated thresholds take effect.
Officials say the policy helps protect migrant workers from underpayment while maintaining fairness in the labor market.
New Minimum Salary Requirements
For applications submitted between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026, the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) has been set at AUD 76,515 per year.
This requirement applies to several employer-sponsored visa categories, including:
- Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa (Subclass 494)
- Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme Visa (Subclass 187)
- Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482)
- Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186)
These visas are commonly used by Australian employers to fill labor shortages in sectors such as healthcare, engineering, IT, hospitality, and construction.
Higher Threshold for Specialist Roles
For highly skilled professionals in specialized roles, the Specialist Skills Income Threshold has increased to AUD 141,210 per year.
This higher salary requirement typically applies to senior or specialized positions that demand advanced expertise.
| Visa Salary Category | Previous Threshold (2024–2025) | New Threshold (2025–2026) | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core Skills Income Threshold | AUD 73,150 | AUD 76,515 | + AUD 3,365 |
| Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold | AUD 73,150 | AUD 76,515 | + AUD 3,365 |
| Specialist Skills Income Threshold | AUD 135,000 | AUD 141,210 | + AUD 6,210 |
Employers Must Meet Market Salary Rate
Authorities emphasized that meeting the minimum threshold alone is not sufficient.
Employers must also demonstrate that they are paying the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR), ensuring that foreign workers receive the same pay as Australian workers performing similar roles.
This rule aims to prevent wage undercutting and maintain fair competition in the job market.
What the Update Means for Foreign Workers
For foreign professionals planning to work in Australia through employer sponsorship, the updated rules mean slightly higher salary requirements.
Officials say the changes reflect rising wages across the country while ensuring skilled migration continues to support labor shortages without affecting local employment conditions.
Applicants are advised to check salary eligibility before submitting their visa applications to avoid delays or refusals.
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