Every year on 1 July, Australia’s migration program enters a new financial year – and with it comes a fresh round of updates to fees, salary thresholds, and visa policy settings. The Australian immigration July 2026 update is one of the more significant in recent years, with changes affecting skilled workers, employer sponsors, working holiday makers, and prospective citizens alike.
If you’re planning to apply for a visa, sponsor overseas talent, or simply want to stay informed about the July 2026 visa changes, here’s a complete breakdown of what’s new and how it may affect you.
Higher Skilled Visa Income Thresholds
One of the most talked-about parts of this migration update Australia cycle is the annual indexation of skilled visa salary thresholds. These thresholds determine the minimum salary employers must pay sponsored workers, and they rise each year in line with average wage growth.
From 1 July 2026, the new thresholds are:
- Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT): $79,423 (up from $76,515)
- Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT): $146,576 (up from $141,210)
- Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT): $79,423 (up from $76,515), applying to Subclass 494 and 187 nominations
These changes apply only to new nomination applications lodged on or after 1 July 2026. Nominations lodged and still pending before that date will continue to be assessed under the previous thresholds. Employers sponsoring workers under the Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand) or 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme) visas will need to budget for these higher figures when planning new hires.
Fair Work High Income Threshold Increased
The Fair Work High Income Threshold (FWHIT) has also increased, rising from $183,100 to $190,100 from 1 July 2026. While this is primarily a workplace relations figure, it has a direct migration impact: Subclass 482 visa holders over the age of 45 who want to access the age exemption for permanent residence under the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (Transition Stream) must earn at or above the FWHIT for two of the last three years. The updated threshold makes this pathway slightly harder to qualify for, so applicants close to the age limit should review their earnings carefully.
Visa Application Charges Have Gone Up
Visa Application Charges increased across many visa subclasses from 1 July 2026. While several visa categories saw increases of around 25%, the exact amount varies depending on the visa subclass. Applicants should check the latest Home Affairs fee schedule before lodging an application.
Some citizenship application fees were also updated from 1 July 2026. Applicants should refer to the latest Home Affairs schedule for current charges.
A new Pacific-regional country fee tier has also been formalised, offering discounted charges across several visa categories – including student and Working Holiday Maker visas – for passport holders from eligible Pacific nations.
Practical tip: If you’re preparing a new application, make sure you budget using the current Visa Application Charges that apply from 1 July 2026.
2026–27 Permanent Migration Program Begins
The new financial year also marks the start of the 2026–27 Permanent Migration Program, which holds steady at 185,000 places, with a notable internal reshuffle. Employer-sponsored visa places have increased significantly, rising from 44,000 to 58,040 places – signalling the government’s continued focus on addressing skill shortages through direct employer sponsorship rather than points-tested skilled migration alone.
This is a meaningful shift for anyone considering the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) or Skills in Demand visa (Subclass 482) as a pathway to permanent residency, as more places are now allocated to these streams.
Payday Superannuation for Sponsored Workers
From 1 July 2026, employers are now required to pay superannuation contributions on every payday, within seven business days, instead of quarterly. For sponsored visa holders, this means superannuation entitlements begin compounding sooner and are easier to track and verify – an important protection for temporary skilled workers relying on employer sponsorship.
Increased Compliance Scrutiny
The Australian Border Force has increased compliance activities relating to the Subclass 407 Training visa program following recent reforms. Employers and visa holders should ensure they continue to meet all sponsorship and visa obligations.
What This Means for You
This round of July 2026 visa changes reflects a broader trend: Australia is raising the cost of migration while simultaneously expanding employer-sponsored pathways to permanent residency. Higher fees and salary thresholds mean more careful financial planning is required, but the increase in employer-sponsored places is a positive signal for skilled workers with a sponsoring employer.
Given the complexity of these updates, it’s worth speaking with a Registered Migration Agent before lodging any new application, particularly if your case involves age exemptions, income thresholds, or employer sponsorship.
Need help navigating the new rules? Get in touch with our team at Pathway Visa Services for personalised guidance on how the 1 July 2026 changes affect your visa or migration strategy.
This article is general information only and does not constitute migration advice. Always confirm current fees and thresholds via the Department of Home Affairs before lodging an application.
FAQs
1. What changed in Australian immigration on 1 July 2026?
Ans: From 1 July 2026, Australia introduced updated skilled visa income thresholds, increased visa application charges, revised migration planning levels, and changes affecting employer-sponsored and Working Holiday visas.
2. Do the new skilled visa income thresholds apply to existing applications?
Ans: No. The updated income thresholds generally apply only to new nomination applications lodged on or after 1 July 2026, not to eligible nominations already submitted before that date.
3. Have Australian visa application fees increased in 2026?
Ans: Yes. Visa Application Charges were updated from 1 July 2026 across many visa subclasses. The exact increase depends on the visa type and current government fee schedule.
4. What is the new Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT)?
Ans: From 1 July 2026, the Core Skills Income Threshold increased to AUD 79,423, applying to eligible employer-sponsored visa nominations lodged from that date.
5. How does the 2026–27 Migration Program affect skilled workers?
Ans: The 2026–27 Migration Program allocates more places to employer-sponsored visas, creating additional opportunities for eligible skilled workers seeking permanent residence through employer sponsorship.
Also Read: Subclass 189 Visa Update: Next Invitation Round Expected by September 2026
