From 1 July 2026, the Australian Government introduced several important changes affecting Australia’s employer-sponsored migration program. These include higher salary thresholds for employer-sponsored visas and increased visa application charges across most visa categories. These changes are expected to affect recruitment planning, sponsorship costs and the overall cost of migrating to Australia for both employers and visa applicants.
Higher Salary Requirements for Employer-Sponsored Visas
One of the most significant updates is the increase to the income thresholds that apply to employer-sponsored visas. The increased thresholds apply to nomination applications lodged on or after 1 July 2026.
The Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) has increased from $76,515 to $79,423, while the Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT) has risen from $141,210 to $146,576.
These thresholds represent the minimum salary requirement only. Employers must also ensure the proposed salary aligns with the Australian market salary rate for the position. This is a protection in place to ensure that the program is not used to undercut local staff.
Increased Visa Application Charges
Alongside the salary increases, the Government has introduced substantially higher visa application charges for a range of skilled and employer-sponsored visas.
Unlike the routine annual indexation applied to many government fees, several skilled visa categories have experienced increases of around 25 per cent. These higher charges apply only to applications lodged from 1 July 2026 onwards.
For employers sponsoring overseas workers or applicants including family members in their application, the increase can represent a considerable additional cost.
Employers must continue to bear the costs associated with the sponsorship and nomination stages of an employer-sponsored visa application. However, the visa application charge may be paid by either the employer or the visa applicant, depending on the arrangement between the parties.
Planning Ahead is More Important Than Ever
Whether you are an employer looking to fill a skills shortage or an individual exploring your migration options, understanding the 1 July 2026 changes will help you make informed decisions and better prepare for Australia’s evolving migration landscape.
