With only two weeks until the new financial year, this is one of the most important deadlines for anyone on or applying for an employer sponsored visa in Australia.
From 1 July 2026, the Department of Home Affairs will increase the minimum salary thresholds for 482 and 186 visa nominations. If you are a visa holder, an applicant, or an employer sponsoring staff — this change affects you directly.
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## What Is Changing?
482 Skills in Demand Visa — Core Skills Stream Minimum salary (CSIT): $76,515 → $79,499
482 Skills in Demand Visa — Specialist Skills Stream Minimum salary (SSIT): $141,210 → $146,717
186 Employer Nomination Scheme Core Skills nominations: same CSIT increase applies from 1 July
Source: Department of Home Affairs https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/skills-in-demand-482
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## Why the Date Matters
The threshold that applies to your nomination depends entirely on when it is lodged:
✅ Nominated before 1 July 2026 → Current thresholds apply, even if the visa is processed later
❌ Nominated on or after 1 July 2026 → Must meet the new higher thresholds — no exceptions
This is not a grace period. The lodgement date is the only date that counts.
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## Important: What Counts as Salary?
Only your guaranteed base salary counts toward the threshold.
The following do NOT count: — Superannuation — Car allowances — Accommodation benefits — Any other non-monetary benefits
Your base salary alone must meet $79,499 (Core Skills) or $146,717 (Specialist Skills).
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## Who Is Affected?
You are affected if:
— Your employer is preparing a 482 nomination right now — You are planning to transition from 482 to 186 — Your current salary is close to the existing threshold — You have been considering starting a 482 application
If any of these apply to you, the next two weeks are critical.
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## What Should You Do Right Now?
If your employer has nomination materials ready → Push to lodge before 1 July. Every day counts.
If you are unsure whether your salary meets the threshold → Contact us today for a free assessment. We will tell you clearly where you stand.
If you have been thinking about starting your application → Now is the time to act. Waiting until after 1 July means facing a higher salary bar.
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## We Can Help You — Right Now
J&R Migration specialises in 482 and 186 employer sponsored visas. We have helped hundreds of skilled workers and employers navigate the Australian visa system successfully.
We can assess your situation immediately and give you a clear, honest answer about whether you need to act before 1 July.
Don't let this deadline catch you off guard.
Contact us today for your free assessment — no obligation, no cost, just clear advice.
📱 WhatsApp: +61 450 606 426 ✉️ bella@jrmigration.com.au 🌐 www.jrmigration.com.au
J&R Migration MARA Registered Migration Agent | Registration No. 1791631 Specialists in 482 & 186 Employer Sponsored Visas Serving clients across Australia, Asia and beyond