In brief
The minimum annual earnings thresholds for the subclass 482 and subclass 494 visa programs will increase by 3.8% from 1 July 2026, in line with the annual growth rate of the Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE) published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. The updated thresholds will apply to all subclass 482 and subclass 494 Nomination applications lodged on or after 1 July 2026.
Key takeaways
Employers should factor the proposed increases in annual earnings - which exclude any non-monetary benefits - into their 2026–2027 workforce planning, review salary bands for roles likely to be nominated under these visa programs from 1 July 2026, and ensure internal stakeholders are aligned on the payroll and immigration strategies required to maintain compliance.
Minimum Annual Earnings Thresholds from 1 July 2026
| Visa Program/Stream |
Current Minimum Annual Earnings (1 July 2025 – 30 June 2026) |
New Minimum Annual Earnings (1 July 2026 – 30 June 2027) |
| Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand) Visa – Core Skills Stream |
AUD 76,515 |
AUD 79,499 |
| Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand) Visa – Specialist Skills Stream |
AUD 141,210 |
AUD 146,717 |
| Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa |
AUD 76,515 |
AUD 79,499 |
Recommended actions
Lodgement Timing
Employers should review their current subclass 482 and 494 Nomination pipelines and consider fast-tracking eligible applications for lodgement before 1 July 2026, so they may be assessed under the current settings. Where this is not possible, annual earnings will need to be adjusted to meet the new minimum thresholds from 1 July 2026.
Employer Nominated Permanent Residence subclass 186 Visa Pathways
The minimum annual earnings threshold for the subclass 186 permanent residence program aligns with the Core Skills Stream threshold under the subclass 482 program. Employers should proactively identify employees seeking subclass 186 Nomination whose current annual earnings may fall below the updated threshold and ensure their nominations are lodged before 1 July 2026, provided all other eligibility criteria are met.
Market Salary Requirement
While meeting the minimum annual earnings threshold requirement is essential, it is not sufficient on its own. Salaries for primary sponsored subclass 482 and 494 visa holders must be continually reviewed against applicable market salary rates to ensure they remain at least equivalent to the remuneration an Australian citizen or permanent resident employee is, or would be, receiving for the same role in the same location.