Australia has officially increased the minimum salary thresholds for employer-sponsored skilled work visas, introducing new requirements for the 2025–2026 period.
The update, announced by the Australian Department of Home Affairs, applies to nomination applications submitted between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026. The revised thresholds are part of an annual adjustment based on national wage trends to ensure fair compensation for both migrant and local workers.
New Salary Thresholds Announced
Under the updated rules, the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) has been set at AUD 76,515 per year, up from AUD 73,150 in the previous cycle.
This requirement applies to several key 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 visa pathways are widely used by Australian employers to address workforce shortages in sectors such as healthcare, IT, engineering, construction, and hospitality.
Higher Pay Requirement for Specialist Roles
For highly skilled and specialized positions, Australia has also raised the Specialist Skills Income Threshold to AUD 141,210 per year, compared to AUD 135,000 previously.
Officials say this higher threshold targets senior professionals and niche roles that require advanced expertise.
Annual Adjustment Based on Wage Data
The salary limits are revised annually using the Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE) benchmark. This ensures that wages offered to overseas workers remain aligned with those earned by local employees.
According to authorities, the rule only applies to new nomination applications lodged after July 1 each year.
Employers Must Meet Market Salary Standards
Officials emphasized that meeting the minimum salary threshold alone is not enough.
Employers are also required to match the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR), ensuring foreign workers are paid equally to Australians performing similar roles. This policy is designed to prevent wage undercutting and maintain fairness in the labor market.
Impact on Foreign Workers
For foreign professionals seeking employment in Australia through employer sponsorship, the changes mean slightly higher salary requirements.
Authorities say the revised thresholds reflect rising wages across the country while ensuring that skilled migration continues to support labor shortages without negatively impacting local workers.
Applicants are advised to carefully review salary eligibility criteria before submitting visa applications to avoid delays or potential rejections.
