Australia has revised the minimum salary requirements for several employer-sponsored visas, aiming to ensure foreign workers are paid fairly and on par with local employees.

The update comes from the Department of Home Affairs, which reviews salary thresholds every year using official wage data. The new income limits apply to nomination applications submitted between July 1, 2025 and June 30, 2026.

Why Australia Updates Salary Thresholds Every Year

Australia adjusts visa salary limits in line with Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE). This helps keep wages competitive and prevents overseas workers from being paid less than locals doing similar jobs.

The rule applies only to new nomination applications lodged after the updated thresholds come into effect each year on July 1.

The government says this approach helps protect both migrant workers and the local labour market.

Updated Minimum Salary Requirements

For applications submitted between July 1, 2025 and June 30, 2026, the following income thresholds apply:

1. Core Skills and Standard Skilled Roles

The Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) has been set at: AUD 76,515 per year. This applies to visas, 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 employers looking to fill skill shortages in sectors such as healthcare, engineering, IT, hospitality, and construction.

2. High-Level Specialist Roles

For highly skilled professionals, the Specialist Skills Income Threshold is now: AUD 141,210 per year. This higher threshold usually applies to specialised or senior positions that require advanced expertise.

Comparison of Previous and New Salary Thresholds

Employers Must Also Meet Market Salary Rules

Meeting the minimum income threshold alone is not enough. Employers must also prove they are paying the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR). This means the salary offered to a foreign worker must match what an Australian worker would earn in the same job.

The goal is simple: prevent wage undercutting and maintain fair competition in the job market.

What This Means for Foreign Workers

If you are planning to work in Australia through employer sponsorship, salary requirements are now slightly higher. This change reflects rising wages across the country.

For skilled professionals, the update signals continued demand for talent, but also stricter rules to ensure fair pay.

In simple words, Australia wants skilled migrants, but it also wants to maintain balance in its labour market.

Final Thoughts

From July 2025, employers sponsoring foreign workers must meet updated salary benchmarks based on national wage data. The changes aim to ensure fair pay and equal treatment for both overseas and local workers.

For applicants, checking salary eligibility before applying can help avoid delays or refusals.

The post Australia Raises Salary Limits for Subclass 482, 186, 187 and 494 Work Visas appeared first on .