The Temporary Skilled Visa Income Threshold (TSMIT) rose on 1 July 2026, raising the bar for the minimum salary Australian employers must offer when sponsoring overseas workers. It is also important to know that this threshold will be increased by 3.8%, according to the changes made in Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE). This salary threshold is an annual adjustment tied to wage growth, and it applies to every employer-sponsored nomination lodged from that date onward.
This guide explains the latest July 2026 changes and the wider Australia Immigration Updates, covering who is affected and what employers and applicants should know before lodging a nomination under Australia’s employer-sponsored migration programs.
What Is the Temporary Skilled Visa Income Threshold?
The Temporary Skilled Visa Income Threshold refers to the minimum annual wage that an employer must provide to a foreign worker while nominating them as part of eligible employer-sponsored visa classes. The threshold acts as a baseline salary requirement. Employers cannot nominate a position below the relevant income threshold, even if the occupation is eligible for sponsorship.
Also Read: What Is The Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) In Australia?
What is the Latest TSMIT Australia 2026 Update?
From 1 July 2026, the Australian Government has increased the salary thresholds for employer-sponsored skilled visas through its annual indexation process. These Australian skilled visa income threshold changes apply to every eligible nomination lodged on or after that date.
Here are the latest 2026 Australia skilled visa income threshold changes:
| Income Threshold | 2025-26 | From 1 July 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) | $76,515 | $79,423 |
| Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT) | $141,210 | $146,576 |
| Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) | $76,515 | $79,423 |
Why Was the Temporary Skilled Visa Income Threshold Increased in 2026?
The TSMIT salary threshold increase is calculated based on the Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE) figures provided by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). Under Regulation 5.42A of the Migration Regulations 1994, the Government indexes the income thresholds annually so that overseas workers are paid in line with Australian workers.
What is the Impact of the New Income Threshold on the Subclass 482 Visa Australia?
The July 2026 salary threshold update has significant implications for employers sponsoring overseas workers under the Skills in Demand (Subclass 482) visa.
Here’s how the TSMIT impacts 482 visa nominations:
- Employers must benchmark the salary against the Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) Australia maintains, or the Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT), depending on the visa stream.
- The salary offered should also comply with the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR), so the 482 visa salary requirements are satisfied in full. If the market salary is above the threshold, the higher one is used.
- The job offered has to comply with Fair Work requirements and the same job conditions should apply to the position as to an Australian worker’s position.
- Employers should revise their salary budgets in order to be ready to sponsor skilled workers while meeting the minimum salary for the 482 visa in 2026.
What Does the Update Mean for the Subclass 186 Visa?
The updated income threshold also affects the Employer Nomination Scheme Subclass 186 visa. While the pathway remains unchanged, employers must now meet the revised salary requirements when lodging eligible nominations from 1 July 2026.
The following are important takeaways regarding the Subclass 186 visa:
- Applicants must meet the 186 CSIT visa temporary skilled migration income threshold as well as the direct entry threshold.
- The employer must ensure the nomination is genuine and meets all the sponsor criteria set for this Employer Sponsored Visa category.
- The proposed salary must meet both the new income threshold for skilled worker visa nominations and the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR).
Also Read: Top 10 Highest Paid Engineering Jobs in Australia
What is the Difference Between the Temporary Skilled Visa Income Threshold vs AMSR?
Both the Temporary Skilled Visa Income Threshold and AMSR are used to evaluate the minimum salary paid to overseas workers. But there are some differences in both of these systems, which are as follows:
| Temporary Skilled Visa Income Threshold | Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR) |
|---|---|
| Government-set minimum salary requirement | Salary paid to an equivalent Australian worker |
| Indexed annually using AWOTE | Determined by the employer based on the nominated role |
| Applies nationally | Varies by occupation, industry and location |
| Must be met for eligible nominations | Must also be met, even if it exceeds the minimum threshold |
What Has Not Changed From the TSMIT Updates of July 2026?
Despite the latest TSMIT salary threshold changes and the increase in salary levels, the general criteria required for eligibility for employer-sponsored visas have remained the same.
These include the following with effect from July 2026:
- Existing visa holders are not affected by the TSMIT increase in 2026 and continue under the conditions of their approved nomination.
- Applicants must still satisfy the criteria related to health and character, English proficiency, wherever applicable.
- Nominations submitted before 1 July 2026 will be assessed against the salary criteria that prevailed at the time of lodging, including the salary threshold for 482 visa applications that applied then.
- The occupations and sponsorship criteria remain unchanged.
- Employers will need to continue complying with labour market testing requirements where applicable and meet the Annual Market Salary Rate criterion.
If you are unsure how the new TSMIT applies to your visa application, hiring a visa agent can be a feasible choice.
Also Read: Best Courses in Australia to get PR in 2026
How Can a Registered Migration Agent Help?
If you are wondering how TSMIT affect skilled migration, a registered migration agent can explain it clearly and make sure your application complies with migration laws, helping you avoid rejections or refusals.
A migration agent can assist with:
- Verifying whether the nominated position complies with the updated income threshold requirements, the 482 visa salary threshold and the AMSR criteria.
- Identifying the most suitable employer-sponsored visa pathway, including the Skills in Demand Subclass 482, Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186), or Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Subclass 494) visa.
- Verifying employment contract and salary package against requirements of the Department of Home Affairs.
- Preparation and submission of relevant documents for employer sponsorship, nomination and visa application process.
Final Thoughts
Changes to the income threshold for the Skilled Visa come into effect from 1 July 2026. This means that employers and skilled employees need to be familiar with the existing salary requirements before making their nomination application. Being compliant with both requirements can help you strengthen your application and reduce the chances of delays or rejection.
For a tailored Australian employer-sponsored work visa application, contact a MARA-registered migration consultant in Perth today. A migration agent can help you collect all documents in the correct order, along with assisting with lodging a visa application.
FAQs
1. Which documents are required for an Australian employer-sponsored work visa application?
To apply for an employer-sponsored work visa, you must have Skill and occupation documents, identity documents, character documents and other required documents as per your application requirements.
2. Can I include my family members in my employer-sponsored visa application?
Yes. Eligible partners and dependent children can usually be included in the same employer-sponsored visa application.
3. Do regional employers have different sponsorship requirements?
Yes. While some sponsorship requirements vary, employers must still comply with applicable salary obligations, including the subclass 482 salary threshold, along with nomination and visa obligations.
4. Can overseas work experience improve my visa application?
Yes. Relevant work experience can strengthen your eligibility, provided it meets the requirements of your chosen visa subclass.
5. Can I study while holding an employer-sponsored visa?
Yes. Most employer-sponsored visa holders can study in Australia, provided they continue to meet their visa conditions.
