482 visa salary rules tighten from 1 July 2026

Australia will raise 482 visa salary thresholds from 1 July 2026 under measures confirmed in the recent Federal Budget announcement. 

The increase will affect employer-sponsored skilled-worker applications across multiple visa streams. The Core Skills Income Threshold will rise from $76,515 to $79,499. The Specialist Skills Income Threshold will increase from $141,210 to $146,717. 

The same Core Skills threshold also applies to the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa, which provides a permanent residency pathway for sponsored workers. The changes form part of the recent Federal Budget announcement and reflect annual wage indexation under Australia’s Migration Regulations. Applications lodged before 1 July 2026 will continue under the current thresholds. Applications lodged on or after that date must satisfy the higher salary requirements.

The Subclass 482 visa allows approved Australian sponsors to employ overseas workers for up to four years. The programme operates through the Core Skills, Specialist Skills, and Labour Agreement streams. 

The government has also expanded payroll data matching between the Australian Taxation Office and the Department of Home Affairs. Authorities now compare payroll records against nominated sponsorship salaries each quarter. Variances may arise because of unpaid leave, payroll adjustments, role changes, or revised remuneration structures. 

The Federal Budget also confirmed planned reforms to Australia’s permanent migration points-tested system, although the government has not yet released detailed measures. 

Existing permanent residency reforms for sponsored workers also remain in effect. Eligible workers can transition through the Subclass 186 Temporary Residence Transition stream after two years of sponsored employment. 

From 29 November 2025, only employment completed with an approved sponsor counts towards the qualifying period for the Subclass 186 pathway.

 Last updated: 14th May 2026

About the Author

Aaron Garry is the Managing Director of ABN Australia, where he leads the firm’s strategic growth and client service delivery. A Chartered Accountant with deep local and international experience, Aaron has supported hundreds of global businesses in establishing and growing their presence in Australia. His expertise spans market entry, compliance, and commercial advisory.