Employee
Legislation
Visas
Employer

Changes to employer sponsored visas

July 7, 2026
1
min read
From 1 July 2026, several changes have come into effect for employer sponsored visas in Australia.

Welcome to our first Australian immigration update. As K2 X Border’s Principal Lawyer and Immigration Leader, I look forward to keeping you updated on immigration policy in Australia.

Increased Visa Application Fees

The Department of Home Affairs (DOHA) visa application fees increased across many visa categories. The new fees for the key subclasses that impact employees are outlined below:

Old Visa Fee (AUD) New Visa Fee (AUD)
Skills in Demand
(Subclass 482) Visa
  • $3,210 per adult
  • $805 per child
  • $4,105 per adult
  • $1,005 per child
Employer Nomination Scheme
(Subclass 186) Visa
  • $4,910 for the primary applicant
  • $2,455 per adult dependant applicant
  • $1,230 per child dependant applicant
  • $6,140 for the primary applicant
  • $3,070 per adult dependant applicant
  • $1,535 per child dependant applicant
Bridging Visa B
  • $190 per applicant
  • $575 per applicant

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Whilst historically visa fees for employer sponsored visas increased 2-5% each year, the 25% increase to employer sponsored fees this year has come as a surprise.

Importantly, many employees may be waiting on the outcome of a lodged visa application on a Bridging Visa A. When applicants wish to travel overseas on an active Bridging Visa A, they need to apply for a Bridging Visa B and have this approved before travel. The price of a Bridging Visa B application has now tripled to $575.

There have been no changes to the sponsorship and nomination application fees.

New Salary Thresholds

The new salary thresholds that impact employer sponsored visas are also in effect from 1 July 2026.

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Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT)

‍The CSIT impacts Subclass 482 nomination applications in the Core Skills stream and Subclass 186 nomination applications. The CSIT has increased from $76,515 to $79,423.
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Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT)

‍The SSIT impacts Subclass 482 nomination applications in the Specialist Skills stream. The SSIT has increased from $141,210 to $146,576.

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This update serves as a reminder that the DOHA can introduce changes that can have significant impacts on both the eligibility of employees and the cost of applying, sometimes with little notice. Whilst the salary thresholds have come in slightly lower than what was previously advised, the new visa application fees were only announced the night before the change.

It is important to stay updated on the latest developments to ensure your business is prepared for regulatory changes. We recommend seeking advice as early as possible when planning to sponsor employees so we can devise the best strategy for you in consideration of any upcoming changes.

You are welcome to reach out to immigrationaustralia@k2xborder.com should you need any support on Australian immigration.

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Frequently asked questions

Straight answers to the questions we hear most about this update.

What changed to Australian employer sponsored visas on 1 July 2026?

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From 1 July 2026, the Australian Government introduced several changes affecting employer sponsored visas. These include higher visa application fees and increased salary thresholds for employer sponsored visa categories. The Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) increased to AUD 79,423, while the Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT) increased to AUD 146,576. Employers should review planned sponsorships to ensure they continue to meet eligibility requirements.

What are the new salary thresholds for employer sponsored visas in Australia?

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Effective from 1 July 2026:

  • Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT): increased from AUD 76,515 to AUD 79,423.
  • Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT): increased from AUD 141,210 to AUD 146,576.

These thresholds apply to relevant Subclass 482 Skills in Demand visa streams and certain Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme applications. Employers must ensure sponsored employees meet the applicable salary threshold at the time of nomination.

Have Australian employer sponsored visa application fees increased?

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Yes. From 1 July 2026, the Department of Home Affairs increased visa application fees across many visa categories, including employer sponsored visas. The increase for employer sponsored visas was significantly higher than the annual rises typically seen in previous years. Employers should factor these higher government charges into recruitment and relocation budgets when planning international hires.

How much does a Bridging Visa B cost in Australia?

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From 1 July 2026, the application fee for an Australian Bridging Visa B increased to AUD 575. A Bridging Visa B allows applicants holding a Bridging Visa A to travel overseas and return to Australia while their substantive visa application is being processed. Travelling without an approved Bridging Visa B may affect an applicant's ability to re-enter Australia.

How can employers prepare for Australian immigration rule changes?

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Australian immigration rules can change with little notice, affecting visa costs, salary requirements and eligibility criteria. Employers should begin sponsorship planning as early as possible, review salary levels against the latest thresholds and seek immigration advice before making offers or submitting applications. Early planning helps reduce delays, avoid unexpected costs and ensure compliance with current Department of Home Affairs requirements.

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