Every year, 1 July marks the beginning of Australia’s new financial year, and with it comes several important immigration updates. This year is no different.
From 1 July 2026, the Australian Government has introduced a number of significant changes that will affect skilled migrants, employer-sponsored visa applicants, international students, employers and families planning to migrate to Australia.
If Australia is part of your migration plans, understanding these updates is essential before lodging your application.
- Visa Application Charges Have Increased
One of the biggest changes introduced from 1 July 2026 is the increase in Australian Government visa application charges.
Most visa categories have seen an increase, with some employer-sponsored and permanent residence visas experiencing a substantial rise in application costs.
This means applicants planning to lodge their visa applications should carefully budget for the revised government fees.
It is important to note that the new charges apply only to applications lodged on or after 1 July 2026. Applications submitted before this date are assessed under the previous fee structure.
- Employer-Sponsored Salary Thresholds Have Increased
Australia has also increased the minimum salary thresholds for employer-sponsored skilled visas.
From 1 July 2026, the updated thresholds include:
Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT):
Increased from AUD 76,515 to AUD 79,423
This applies to:
Subclass 482 (Core Skills Stream)
Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme
Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT):
Increased from AUD 141,210 to AUD 146,576
These annual increases ensure that skilled migrant salaries continue to keep pace with Australian wage growth and prevent the undercutting of local workers. These revised thresholds apply only to new nomination applications lodged on or after 1 July 2026. Existing visa holders are not affected.
- Skilled Employer-Sponsored Migration Becomes More Expensive
Apart from salary threshold increases, employer-sponsored migration has also become more expensive because of higher government application charges.
Businesses intending to sponsor overseas workers should consider these additional costs while planning recruitment.
Likewise, applicants should ensure they have sufficient funds to cover the revised government fees before lodging their applications.
- Tasmania Opens the 2026–27 Skilled Migration Program
The beginning of the new migration year has also brought positive news.
Tasmania has become the first Australian state to officially announce its 2026–27 Skilled Migration Program.
The state has received 2,050 nomination places, comprising:
Subclass 190: 1,250 places
Subclass 491: 800 places
Applicants interested in Tasmania should begin preparing their documentation early as nomination places are limited.
- More States Expected to Announce Their Programs
Following Tasmania’s announcement, the remaining Australian states and territories are expected to progressively announce their Skilled Migration Programs for the 2026–27 program year.
Each state will continue to have:
Different occupation priorities
Separate eligibility requirements
Independent invitation processes
Limited nomination allocations
Applicants should avoid waiting until every state opens before starting their preparation.
- Why Early Preparation Matters More Than Ever
The changes introduced from 1 July 2026 clearly indicate that Australia’s migration system continues to evolve.
Whether you’re applying through Skilled Migration, Employer Sponsorship or State Nomination, preparation remains the key to success.
Before your preferred state begins inviting candidates, you should ideally have:
A positive Skills Assessment
English language test results
Expression of Interest (EOI)
Updated employment documents
Competitive migration points
Applicants who prepare early are usually in a much stronger position once invitations begin.
Australia remains one of the world’s most attractive destinations for skilled professionals, but migration policies continue to evolve each year.
The changes effective 1 July 2026 reinforce the importance of staying informed, planning your finances carefully and preparing your application well in advance.
At Hodophiles Xplore Visas, we continuously monitor every important immigration update so that our clients receive accurate, up-to-date guidance throughout their migration journey.
If you’re planning your Australia PR or employer-sponsored visa, now is the perfect time to assess your eligibility and prepare your profile before further state nomination announcements are released.
Need help with your Australia migration journey?
Contact Hodophiles Xplore Visas at info@hodophilesxplorevisas.com or call at 8851157245 today for a personalised assessment and expert guidance towards your Australian dream.
