The Australian immigration landscape is facing a hard structural cut-off on 1 July 2026. The most consequential shift is the increase to employer-sponsored salary thresholds, with the Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) and Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) rising from $76,515 to $79,499. The Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT) will also increase to $146,717.
Because these thresholds are assessed strictly at the time a nomination is lodged, there is no transitional relief for pending offers or delayed applications.
Why this development matters
This 3.9% increase aligns with Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE) indexation, but its impact is immediate. If a position meets the current threshold in June but the nomination is not lodged until July, it will fail unless the salary is increased to meet the new $79,499 baseline.
| Threshold | Current Rate | From 1 July 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| CSIT / TSMIT | $76,515 | $79,499 |
| SSIT | $141,210 | $146,717 |
What this means for employers
Employers must immediately audit all pending nominations and employment offers. Delaying lodgement past 30 June will trigger higher salary obligations and increased compliance risk. You must also ensure the proposed salary meets the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR), whichever is higher.
Practical next steps
If you have identified a skilled worker for sponsorship, finalise the paperwork and lodge the nomination before the 30 June deadline to lock in the current threshold.
The window is open now, but it will not stay open forever. If your visa pathway, sponsorship plan or PR strategy depends on the current settings, review it now before deadlines, evidence gaps or policy changes narrow your options.
Disclaimer: Our posts are general information only not immigration or legal advice and they may become outdated. Please get advice for your situation from an Australian MARA registered migration agent or lawyer. For help contact Helix Plus Migration & Recruitment at enquiries@helixplus.com.au visit www.helixplus.com.au or call (07) 2150 4208.
