Latest changes
From 1 July 2026, the income thresholds for Skills in Demand (482) nominations increased in line with Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings.
The Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) increased from $76,515 to $79,423, while the Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT) increased from $141,210 to $146,576.
The new thresholds apply to nominations lodged from 1 July 2026. They do not apply to existing visa holders or nominations lodged before that date.
How it works
The SID visa has three streams:
- Specialist Skills – for eligible occupations in ANZSCO Major Groups 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6 where earnings meet the SSIT. Trades workers, machinery operators, drivers and labourers are excluded.
- Core Skills – for occupations on the Core Skills Occupation List where earnings meet the CSIT.
- Labour Agreement – for employers with an approved labour agreement, operating under the terms of that agreement.
Workers generally need at least one year of relevant work experience in their occupation or a related field. The nominated salary must also meet the applicable income threshold and annual market salary rate requirements.
Who it affects
- Australian businesses that hold, or plan to apply for, standard business sponsorship to fill roles with overseas workers.
- Employers with a labour agreement, including on-hire arrangements, where the agreement can vary the standard settings.
- HR and payroll teams, who must keep a sponsored worker's earnings at or above the amount in the approved nomination and keep records of it.
What to do
- Check which stream fits the role, including the occupation, ANZSCO classification and salary on offer.
- Confirm the proposed salary meets both the applicable income threshold and market salary requirements.
- Confirm the candidate has at least one year of relevant work experience and any required skills assessment, licence or registration.
- Check whether labour market testing is required and complete it before lodging the nomination where applicable.
- Review your ongoing sponsor obligations, including record keeping, notification requirements and ensuring sponsored workers remain employed in accordance with their approved nomination.
How Accelerate handles it
Accelerate supports employers with Standard Business Sponsorship, nomination applications and SID 482 visa applications.
Through our On-Hire Labour Agreement, Accelerate can also sponsor eligible workers directly and place them with your business, while managing sponsorship obligations, employment contracts and payroll.
To see which sponsorship option suits your role, talk to a workforce specialist.
Change history
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