The Australian Department of Home Affairs has announced new minimum salary requirements for employer-sponsored visas for the period July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026. The update aims to maintain fair pay for both migrant and local workers by aligning visa salaries with national wage trends.
Why Australia Updates Salary Thresholds
Salary limits for visas are adjusted annually based on Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE). This ensures that wages offered to overseas workers remain competitive with local employees, protecting migrants from underpayment and maintaining fairness in the labor market.
New Minimum Salary Requirements
For the 2025–2026 period, the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) has been set at AUD 76,515 per year. This applies to employer-sponsored visa categories such as:
- 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 to address labor shortages in healthcare, engineering, IT, hospitality, and construction.
Higher Threshold for Specialist Roles
For senior or highly specialized positions, the Specialist Skills Income Threshold has increased to AUD 141,210 per year, reflecting the advanced expertise required for these roles.
| 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 emphasize that meeting the minimum threshold alone is not sufficient. Employers must also demonstrate they are paying the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR), ensuring foreign workers earn the same as Australians performing similar roles. This prevents wage undercutting and maintains fair competition.
Implications for Foreign Workers
For professionals planning to work in Australia via employer sponsorship, the new rules mean slightly higher salary requirements. Officials say the updates reflect rising wages nationwide while ensuring skilled migration continues to fill labor shortages without affecting local employment conditions. Applicants are advised to verify salary eligibility before submitting applications to avoid delays or refusals.
Also read: Australia Announces Squad for T20 Series Against Pakistan
