Skilled visa processing times in Australia have changed. From 25 July 2026, new skilled visa processing priorities decide which nomination and visa applications the Department of Home Affairs looks at first.

This is set out in Ministerial Direction 119, which has replaced the previous rules in Direction 105.

If you have a skilled visa or nomination application on hand, this change may affect how soon it's considered. This guide explains the new priority order in plain English, which visas it covers, and what you should check right now.

What is Ministerial Direction 119?

A Ministerial Direction is a legal instrument. It is made under section 499 of the Migration Act 1958.

It tells Department of Home Affairs staff, called delegates, in what order to consider certain applications.

Direction 119 does not change visa eligibility criteria. You still need to meet all the normal requirements for your visa or nomination. Direction 119 only changes the order that applications are looked at.

Direction 119 was signed by Tony Burke, Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, on 24 July 2026. It commenced the next day, on 25 July 2026.

Why are visa processing priorities important? 

Processing priority affects the order of your application in the queue. It does not guarantee that your visa will be approved.

The Government says Australia's skilled migration program should support key industries and the national interest. Under Direction 119, law enforcement and defence occupations come first. Construction, healthcare, and teaching occupations come next.

Your location matters too. Applicants already in Australia get higher priority than applicants applying from outside Australia, at every level. This affects skilled migrants everywhere, including applicants in India, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Singapore, and the United States.

Direction 119 does not set fixed visa processing times — it sets the order applications are looked at. For background on how many skilled visa places are available this year, see our guide to Australia's 2026–27 Permanent Migration Program planning levels.

Skilled visa processing priorities: the 5 levels explained

Direction 119 sets out 5 priority levels for skilled nomination and visa applications. Level 1 is considered first. Level 5 is considered last.

1. Law enforcement or defence occupation, and the applicant is in Australia.
2. Law enforcement or defence occupation, and the applicant is outside Australia.
3. Construction, healthcare, or teaching occupation, and the applicant is in Australia.
4. Any other application, and the applicant is in Australia.
5. Any other application, and the applicant is outside Australia.

So what does this mean for you? If your occupation and location match a higher level, your application should generally be looked at sooner than applications in a lower level.

Which occupations get the highest priority?

Direction 119 groups occupations into categories using Australia's official job classification system, called ANZSCO. Below are example roles for each category, not a full list.

Law enforcement and defence occupations (priority one and two)

• Police officers nominated or sponsored by the Australian Federal Police or a state or territory police force.
• Defence roles connected to the AUKUS submarine program or advanced military capability projects.
• Defence Force members nominated or sponsored by the Australian Defence Force or Department of Defence, such as commissioned and senior non-commissioned officers.

Construction, healthcare, and teaching occupations (priority three)

These 3 categories share the same priority level. Examples include:

• Construction: carpenters, electricians, civil engineers, construction managers, crane operators, and safety inspectors.
• Healthcare: nurses, doctors, psychologists, social workers, aged and disability carers, and personal care assistants.
• Teaching: school teachers, school principals, university lecturers, and child care workers.

For more on in-demand health roles, see our guide to health occupations that can lead to permanent residency in Australia.

These categories are broad. If you're unsure whether your occupation qualifies, check with an immigration lawyer or registered migration agent.

Which visa subclasses does Direction 119 cover?

Direction 119 covers 2 types of applications: nomination applications and visa applications.

Nomination applications

Direction 119 covers nomination applications for the:

• Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa
• Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (subclass 187) visa
• Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visa
• Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) visa (closed to new applicants)
• Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (subclass 494) visa

Visa applications

Direction 119 also covers visa applications for the:

• Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa
• Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (subclass 187) visa
• Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visa
• Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa
• Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) (subclass 191) visa
• Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visa
• Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) visa (closed to new applicants)
• Skilled Regional (Provisional) (subclass 489) visa
• Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) (subclass 491) visa
• Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (subclass 494) visa
• Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) (subclass 888) visa
• Skilled Regional (subclass 887) visa

If your visa isn't on either list, Direction 119 doesn't apply to you. Business and talent visas, like the National Innovation (subclass 858) visa, are covered by separate directions.

What's changed from Direction 105?

The biggest change is for the 482 visa. The Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visa is now covered by these processing priorities. While the Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) visa was covered by Direction 105 and this likely influenced processing of SID 482 visas, SID 482 was not specifically covered under Direction 105. If you hold or are applying for a 482 visa, this is an important update for you.

Direction 119 also applies to applications made, but not yet decided, before 25 July 2026. This means an application you lodged months ago may now be considered under the new order, not the old one.

When Direction 119 doesn't apply

Direction 119 does not apply to every application. It does not apply if:

• your case was sent back by the AAT or ART for reconsideration
• the AAT or ART already set aside the decision and made a new one
• it's already clear you don't meet the visa or nomination criteria
• you're a family member applying separately from the main applicant
• your nomination is about changing employer

So what does this mean for you? If one of these applies to your case, it's assessed on its own facts. The priority order above doesn't apply.

How to check current visa processing times

Direction 119 sets the order of priority. It does not publish exact processing times.

For an estimate, use the Department's Visa Processing Times Guide. You enter your visa type, stream, and application date. The tool shows how long recently decided applications took to process. It does not guarantee your application will be finalised in that time.

This tool is updated monthly, so check back for the latest figures.

What should you do next?

If you have a skilled visa or nomination application on hand, don't assume nothing has changed for you.

You should check:

• whether your occupation falls into a priority category
• whether you're inside or outside Australia
• whether your visa subclass is listed under Direction 119
• your visa processing times using the Department's tool
• whether your application is complete and ready for a decision

If your occupation or location places you in a lower priority level, your application may take longer.

Can Work Visa Lawyers help?

Yes. Work Visa Lawyers can help you understand how Direction 119 affects your application.

We can assist with:

• Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visa applications
• Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa applications
• Skilled Independent (subclass 189) and Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa applications
• Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (subclass 494) visa applications
• reviewing your application so it's complete and ready for a decision

Processing priorities can be hard to work out for your specific case. Advice from a registered migration agent or immigration lawyer can help you understand where you stand.

Talk to an Immigration Lawyer

FAQ: Skilled Visa Processing Times and Priorities (2026)

What is Ministerial Direction 119?

Ministerial Direction 119 is a legal instrument that sets the order in which the Department of Home Affairs processes certain skilled visa nomination and visa applications. It commenced on 25 July 2026 and replaced Direction 105. It does not change visa eligibility rules.

Has Direction 105 been replaced?

Yes. Direction 105 was revoked and replaced by Direction 119 from 25 July 2026. Direction 105 had applied since 14 December 2023.

Does Direction 119 apply to the 482 visa?

Yes. The Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visa is now covered under Direction 119. This is new. It was not covered under Direction 105.

Should I apply for my visa while I'm in Australia?

Applying while you're in Australia can give you higher priority under Direction 119. But you still need to meet all visa requirements, including any condition about where you can apply from. Get advice before changing your plans.

What happens if my occupation isn't a priority occupation?

Your application is still processed. It falls into priority level 4 or 5, depending on whether you're in or outside Australia. It may take longer than a priority occupation application.

How long will my skilled visa take to process now?

Direction 119 does not publish set processing times. For an estimate based on recently decided applications, use the Department's Visa Processing Times Guide.

Disclaimer: This information is general only and does not take into account your personal situation. Australian migration rules and state nomination requirements can change quickly. You should get advice from a registered migration agent or immigration lawyer before making a visa decision.

REFERENCE LIST

• Ministerial Direction 119 (PDF) — https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/Visa-subsite/files/md-119.pdf
• Department of Home Affairs — Skilled visa processing priorities — https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-processing-times/visa-processing-priorities/skilled-visa
• Department of Home Affairs — Global visa processing times guide — https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-processing-times/global-visa-processing-times 
• Work Visa Lawyers — Most Common Health Occupations That Can Secure PR in Australia — https://www.workvisalawyers.com.au/news/all/most-common-health-occupations-that-can-secure-pr-in-australia.html 
• Work Visa Lawyers — Australia's 2026–27 Permanent Migration Program Planning Levels — https://www.workvisalawyers.com.au/news/all/australia-s-2026-27-permanent-migration-program-planning-levels-understanding-the-australian-visa-numbers-and-permanent-residency.html

189 Visa Invitation Round Results – 4 June 2026

The Australian Government has released the results of the latest Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) invitation round held on 4 June 2026.

A total of 10,000 invitations were issued to skilled workers across Australia.

The invitation round included occupations requiring between 65 and 100 points, depending on demand and competition.

Many occupations received invitations at relatively low points, while highly competitive occupations required much higher scores.

If you are planning to apply for Australian permanent residency (PR) through the 189 visa, these results can help you understand how competitive your occupation currently is.

The Department of Home Affairs has announced that the next SkillSelect invitation round is expected to take place by 30 September 2026. If you are hoping to receive an invitation, now is a good time to prepare by improving your points score where possible, checking that your Expression of Interest (EOI) is accurate and up to date, and submitting an EOI if you have not already done so.

What is the Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) Visa?

The Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) is a permanent residency visa for skilled workers.

Unlike employer-sponsored visas, this visa does not require:

• employer sponsorship
• state nomination
• regional nomination

Instead, eligible applicants lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect and wait to receive an invitation.

Applicants are ranked based on their points score, occupation and other invitation settings used by the Australian Government.

Interesting Occupations Invited

One of the highlights of the 4 June 2026 189 visa invitation round was the wide range of occupations invited across healthcare, construction, engineering, education and professional services.

Healthcare occupations

Healthcare continues to be one of Australia's highest-demand industries, with several popular occupations invited, including:

• Registered Nurse (multiple specialisations) – 75 points
• General Practitioner – 75 points
• Physiotherapist – 75 points
• Occupational Therapist – 75 points
• Speech Pathologist – 75 points
• Midwife – 75 points
• Social Worker – 75 points
• Nurse Practitioner – 80 points
• Veterinarian – 80 points
• Urologist – 100 points

Construction and trade occupations

Construction and trade workers also remained in strong demand, with many occupations invited from the minimum 65 points, including:

• Electrician (General) – 65 points
• Plumber (General) – 65 points
• Carpenter – 65 points
• Bricklayer – 65 points
• Construction Project Manager – 80 points
• Architect – 85 points

Teaching and education occupations

Teaching remains a strong pathway to Australian permanent residency, with invitations issued for:

• Secondary School Teacher – 75 points
• Special Needs Teacher – 75 points
• Special Education Teacher (nec) – 85 points
• Child Care Centre Manager – 80 points

Other occupations that attracted attention

Several occupations that generated significant interest on our social media were also invited, including:

• Footballer – 80 points
• Tennis Coach – 80 points
• Barrister – 80 points
• Solicitor – 80 points
• Management Consultant – 80 points
• Multimedia Specialist – 95 points
• Electronics Engineer – 95 points
• Telecommunications Engineer – 95 points

This invitation round demonstrates that Australia's skilled migration program continues to prioritise a broad range of occupations across healthcare, education and construction, but still inviting engineers, ICT, professional services, arts and sports applicants.

What Do These Results Mean?

Every invitation round is different.

The minimum points required depend on factors such as:

• the occupation
• the number of EOIs submitted
• Australia's current skilled workforce needs
• competition from other applicants

Receiving the minimum published score does not guarantee an invitation in future rounds.

If your occupation was not invited this round, you may still have options through:

• Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)
• Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491)
• Employer-sponsored visas such as the subclass 482 or subclass 186.

189 Round - Occupations Invited June 2026

65 Points

70 Points

75 Points

80 Points

85 Points

90 Points

95 Points

100 Points

When Is the Next 189 Invitation Round?

If you are waiting for a 189 visa invitation, now is a good time to review your application.

You may be able to improve your chances by:

• claiming additional skilled work experience
• improving your English test score
• reviewing your points calculation
• updating your Expression of Interest (EOI)
• considering a subclass 190 or subclass 491 visa
• exploring employer-sponsored visas such as the subclass 482 or subclass 186.

Our experienced migration lawyers can assess your eligibility and help identify the strongest pathway to Australian permanent residency based on your individual circumstances.

The Department of Home Affairs has announced that the next Skilled Independent (subclass 189) invitation round is expected to be held by 30 September 2026. Applicants who are hoping to receive an invitation should use this time to improve their points score where possible, complete or update their skills assessment, improve their English test results if applicable, and ensure their Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect is accurate and up to date. Lodging an EOI early can also be beneficial, as the Department applies a date of effect tie-breaker when multiple applicants have the same points score.

Disclaimer: This article is general information only and is not legal advice. Invitation rounds can change without notice, and receiving the published minimum points does not guarantee an invitation in future rounds.

Most Common Health Occupations That Can Secure PR in Australia

Australia continues to experience significant healthcare workforce shortages—from hospitals to aged-care facilities. To address this, the Australian Government provides visa pathways for health professionals that often start with temporary work visas and lead to Permanent Residency (PR) or visas direct to PR.

If you're a nurse, aged or disability carer, doctor, or allied health professional, you're strongly positioned to build a long-term future in Australia.

Remember, to work in many health occupations in Australia, you must have professional registration, for example:

• Nurses, midwives, physiotherapists, psychologists, and occupational therapists must be registered with AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency).
• Doctors must be registered with the Medical Board of Australia.

Understanding Australian Migration Pathways: An Overview

Before exploring the options for your specific healthcare profession, it is helpful to understand the main visa types. Many health professionals start with a temporary visa and transition to Permanent Residency (PR) later, while others apply for PR directly.

Here is a simple explanation of the most common structured pathways in Australia:

Temporary to Permanent Employer-Sponsored (Subclass 482 → Subclass 186)

You start by working temporarily on a Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand) visa. After gaining experience with your employer, you can transition to a permanent Subclass 186 visa through the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream.

Regional Provisional to Permanent (Subclass 491 or 494 → Subclass 191)

You begin on a provisional visa (like the Subclass 494 (Regional Provisional) visa or employer-sponsored 494) that requires you to live and work in regional Australia. After 3 years, you can apply for the Subclass 191 permanent residency visa.

Direct Permanent Residency (Subclass 189, 190, or 186 Direct Entry) - First Option

Depending on your points, experience, and state nominations, you may be eligible to apply directly for permanent residency without needing a temporary visa first.

Note: Healthcare occupations often receive processing priority under Ministerial Direction No. 105, meaning your visa application may be finalised much faster than other occupations.

Visa Options for Registered Nurses

Registered nurses are in high demand across Australia. Before applying for a visa, nurses must typically obtain a positive skills assessment from the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) and be registered with AHPRA. For example, in recent Subclass 189 invitation rounds, several nursing specialisations received invitations with a minimum of 75 points.

PR Pathways for Nurses

Subclass 482 – Skills in Demand (SID) Visa

• Type: Employer-Sponsored Visa (Temporary)
• Key Requirements: At least 1 year work experience, Minimum English requirement (e.g., IELTS 5.0 overall), Skills assessment may be required.

Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS)

• Type: Employer-Sponsored Visa (Permanent)
• Key Requirements: Under 45, 3+ years work experience (Direct Entry) or 2 years on 482 Visa, Competent English, Skills assessment required for Direct Entry.

Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent Visa - First 

• Type: Points-Based (Permanent)
• Key Requirements: 65+ points, Under 45, Competent English, Mandatory skills assessment.

Subclass 190/491 – State Nominated Visas - Second

• Type: State Nominated (Permanent/Provisional)
• Key Requirements: 65+ points, Under 45, Competent English, Mandatory skills assessment, minimum 6 months work experience and invitation from state is required.

Visa Options for Aged & Disability Carers

Pathways for carers rely on employer-sponsorship through region-specific agreements, not the points-based system. A skills assessment from ASQA or VETASSESS is typically required.

PR Pathways for Carers

Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMA)

• Type: Employer-Sponsored (Regional)
• Key Requirements: Age/English concessions often available, Skills assessment is generally required. Pathways to PR typically involve:

• Starting on a temporary Subclass 482 visa first, and later transitioning to the Subclass 186 PR visa.
• Applying for the Subclass 494 (Regional Provisional) visa, and after 3 years, transitioning to the Subclass 191 PR visa.

Visa Options for Medical Practitioners (Doctors & Specialists)

Registration with the Medical Board of Australia is the first crucial step and often forms part of the skills assessment process.

PR Pathways for Doctors

Subclass 482 – Skills in Demand (SID) Visa

• Type: Employer-Sponsored Visa (Temporary)
• Key Requirements: At least 1 year full-time work experience, Minimum English requirement (e.g., IELTS 5.0 overall), Medical Board registration.

Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS)

• Type: Employer-Sponsored (Permanent)
• Key Requirements: Under 45 (exemptions possible), 3+ years work experience (Direct Entry) or 2 years on 482 visa, Competent English, Skills assessment required for Direct Entry.

Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent Visa

• Type: Points-Based (Permanent)
• Key Requirements: 65+ points, Under 45, Competent English, Mandatory skills assessment.

Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa

• Type: Regional Nominated (Provisional)
• Key Requirements: 65+ points, Under 45, Competent English, Mandatory skills assessment, Work experience.

Subclass 494 – Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa

• Type: Regional Sponsored (Provisional)
• Key Requirements: Under 45, 3+ years work experience, Competent English, Mandatory skills assessment.

Visa Options for Allied Health Professionals

This category includes roles like Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists. A positive skills assessment and AHPRA registration are required.

PR Pathways for Allied Health Professionals

Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent Visa

• Type: Points-Based (Permanent)
• Key Requirements: 65+ points, Under 45, Competent English, Mandatory skills assessment.

Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa

• Type: State Nominated (Permanent)
• Key Requirements: 65+ points, Under 45, Competent English, Mandatory skills assessment.

Subclass 482 – Skills in Demand (SID) Visa

• Type: Employer-Sponsored (Temporary)
• Key Requirements: At least 1 year work experience, Minimum English requirement (e.g., IELTS 5.0 overall), Skills assessment may be required.

Your Future in Australia

Healthcare professionals are central to Australia’s migration strategy. Whether you're a nurse, carer, doctor, or allied health worker, there are clear visa pathways to help you transition from work visas to Permanent Residency.

How Work Visa Lawyers Can Help

At Work Visa Lawyers, our Adelaide-based team specialises in helping health professionals and healthcare employers navigate migration pathways clearly and effectively. Work Visa Lawyers is one of the best migration businesses in South Australia and offers plain-English explanations, confidentiality, and quality service to help you confidently choose your best visa pathway.

Ready to explore your pathway to Australia?

Book a consultation today to discuss your career and future in Australia.

Book an Appointment

Australian Visa Fees 2026-2027: Full Price Table

Visa application charges increased across almost every Australian visa subclass on 1 July 2026. Most visa fees rose by approximately 25%. 

A small number of visas, including Bridging Visa B and the Resident Return visa, more than doubled in price. 

If you are planning to apply for any Australian visa, you need to know the new costs before you lodge.

What is the Visa Application Charge (VAC)?

The Visa Application Charge, or VAC, is the government fee you pay when you lodge a visa application.

The Department of Home Affairs sets the VAC. It reviews the charge every year, usually on 1 July.

In most years, the Department adjusts visa fees by around 3% to 5%. This keeps pace with inflation.

This year is different. Most visa subclasses increased by around 25%. A small number of visas increased by far more than that. 

For a single applicant, this can mean paying over $1,000 more than last year. For a family applying together, the difference can run into several thousand dollars.

Full table: Australian visa fees from 1 July 2026

The table below shows the base application charge only, for the main applicant, across the visa subclasses affected by the 1 July 2026 increase.

The most common visas: how much more you'll pay

These are the visas most people apply for. All figures below are the base application charge for the main applicant only. They do not include additional charges for a partner or children.

Partner Visas:

The Partner visa (Subclass 309/100 offshore and 820/801 onshore) increased from $9,365 to $11,710. That is 25% more, or $2,345 extra for the main applicant.

189, 190 and 491 Visas:

Skilled visas, including the 189 Skilled Independent, 190 Skilled Nominated and 491 Skilled Work Regional visas, all increased by around 25%, from about $4,910 to $6,140.

Temporary 482 visa and Permanente 186 visa:

The Skills in Demand visa (Subclass 482) increased from $3,210 to $4,015, up 25%. 

For a family of three applying together, for example two adults and one child under 18, the combined base charge is now at least $9,035.

Student, Graduate and Working Holiday visas: 

The Student visa (Subclass 500) increased from $2,000 to $2,500, also a 25% rise. 

Students already faced significant fee increases in recent years, and a further rise adds pressure on Australia's international education sector.

The Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) has now increased twice in four months. In March 2026, the fee rose from $2,300 to $4,600. On 1 July 2026, it increased again, to $5,750. That is a total increase of around 150% since March.

The Working Holiday visa (Subclass 417/462) increased from $670 to $840, a 25% rise.

The most extreme increases in the fee schedule

Two visa subclasses saw increases far beyond the general 25% pattern.

The Resident Return visa (Subclass 155) increased from $490 to $1,475. That is a 201% increase. This visa is for permanent residents who need to travel after their travel facility has expired.

Bridging Visa B (Subclass 020) increased from $190 to $575. That is a 202.63% increase, more than triple the previous fee. This visa allows a person to travel overseas while their substantive visa application is being processed.

A second or third Working Holiday visa also increased sharply, from $670 to $1,000, up 49.25%.

Both the Resident Return visa and Bridging Visa B relate to travel: leaving Australia and coming back. 

This pattern suggests the increases are not only about raising revenue. They may also be designed to make it more costly for people to leave and re-enter the country.

Why is the government increasing fees so sharply?

The Department has not published a single stated reason for the scale of this year's increase.

However, the increases align with Australia's current housing pressures. This year's skilled migration program directs around 70% of places to people who are already in Australia, rather than new arrivals from overseas.

Raising visa costs is one way to slow the number of new arrivals and encourage some temporary visa holders to consider leaving. It also raises additional government revenue at a time of broader budget pressure.

These increases affect industries that rely on temporary visa holders, including tourism, hospitality, international education and small business. 

A sustained fee increase across the visa system can make Australia less attractive to the workers, students and travellers these industries depend on.

What should you do?

If you are planning to apply for any visa, check the current fee before you lodge.

You should check:

• the current base application charge for your visa subclass
• whether any additional applicants, such as a partner or children, apply, since their charges differ from the main applicant fee
• other costs, including English tests, medical examinations, police checks, immigration lawyer or registered migration agent fees, document translation, and other potential expenses

If your visa costs have increased significantly and you are unsure about your options, seeking advice can help you and budget effectively.

Can Work Visa Lawyers help?

Yes. Work Visa Lawyers can help you understand the current visa fees and plan your application accordingly.

We can assist with:

• Partner Visa Application
• Skilled Visa Applications (189, 190, 491, 191)
• Skills in Demand (482) visa application
• Employer Sponsored visa (186)
• Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (494)
• Student and Graduate visa strategy
• Resident Return Visa Application
• Bridging visas
• DAMAs
• Labour Agreements 
• National Innovation Visa (858)

Visa fees are now a significant cost. Getting your application right the first time matters more than ever, since these charges are non-refundable.

Talk to an Immigration Lawyer

FAQ: Australian Visa Fee Increases 2026

How much did partner visa fees go up in 2026-2027?

The partner visa base application charge increased from $9,365 to $11,710 on 1 July 2026, a 25% rise. This applies to both the offshore 309/100 and onshore 820/801 pathways.

Which Australian visa had the biggest fee increase in 2026-2027?

Bridging Visa B saw the largest percentage increase, rising 202.63%, from $190 to $575. The Resident Return visa was close behind, up 201%, from $490 to $1,475.

How much is the Working Holiday visa in 2026-2027?

A first Working Holiday visa (Subclass 417 or 462) now costs $840, up from $670. A second or third Working Holiday visa costs $1,000, an increase of 49.25%.

Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)  Surge Since March 2026

The Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) increased in March 2026 from $2,300 to $4,600 and again on 1 July 2026, taking the fee from $4,600 to $5,750, a total rise of around 150% since March 2026.

Do visa fees keep increasing every year in Australia?

Yes. The Department of Home Affairs reviews visa fees annually, usually on 1 July. Typical increases are 3% to 5%. The 2026-2027 increase, at around 25% for most visas, was far larger than usual.

Sources: 

Department of Home Affairs – Current Visa Pricing Table: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/fees-and-charges/current-visa-pricing

Disclaimer: This information is general only and does not take into account your personal situation. Australian migration rules can change quickly. You should get advice from a registered migration agent or immigration lawyer before making a visa decision.

Salary Requirement for 482 and 186 Visas: New Income Thresholds 2026-2027

From 1 July 2026, the minimum salary requirements for employer-sponsored visas have increased. 

This affects the Skills in Demand visa (Subclass 482), the Employer Nomination Scheme visa (Subclass 186), the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa (Subclass 494), and some Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) pathways.

 
If you are an employer sponsoring a worker, or a skilled worker relying on one of these visas, you need to check the new thresholds before you lodge.

Back in February, we posted about the expected increase, and now Home Affairs has confirmed it. The figures were correct.

What are CSIT, SSIT and TSMIT?

The Core Skills Income Threshold, or CSIT, is the minimum salary an employer must offer to nominate a worker under the Core Skills stream of the Skills in Demand visa (Subclass 482). https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/employing-and-sponsoring-someone/sponsoring-workers/nominating-a-position/salary-requirements

It also applies to the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) permanent visa.

The Specialist Skills Income Threshold, or SSIT, is a higher minimum salary. It applies to the Specialist Skills stream of the Subclass 482 visa, generally used for higher-paid, highly skilled roles.

The Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold, or TSMIT, is an older term. In practice, it now tracks the same figure as CSIT for most current employer-sponsored pathways.

Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT)

The CSIT increased from $76,515 to $79,423 from 1 July 2026. That is an increase of $2,908, or about 3.8%.

This threshold applies to the Core Skills stream of the 482 visa and to the 186 Employer Nomination Scheme permanent visa.

For the 482 Core Skills stream, the worker must generally be nominated in an occupation on the Core Skills Occupation List. 

The employer must pay at least the Annual Market Salary Rate for the role, and not less than CSIT (whichever figure is higher applies).

This means an employer cannot pay the bare CSIT minimum if the normal market rate for that role is higher.

Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT)

The SSIT increased from $141,210 to $146,576 from 1 July 2026, an increase of $5,366, also about 3.8%.

This applies to the Specialist Skills stream of the 482 visa, generally used for higher-paid, highly skilled roles. The nominated occupation must fall within eligible ANZSCO major groups, and the nominated salary must meet SSIT.

These changes apply to new nomination applications lodged from 1 July 2026. 

The Department has confirmed the increase does not apply to existing visa holders, or to nominations lodged before 1 July 2026.

Why the Income Threshold are so important for Australian migration?

The Department of Home Affairs reviews CSIT and SSIT every year, based on wage growth data.

Employer-sponsored visas are one of the largest pathways to permanent residency in Australia. 

For the 2026–27 financial year, the Employer Sponsored category has around 58,040 places, or about 31% of the entire permanent Migration Program, up from 44,000 places in 2025–26. 

Because so many permanent visa places rely on this pathway, the salary rules that gate access to it affect a significant number of employers and applicants.

DAMA salary concessions

DAMA stands for Designated Area Migration Agreement. This is a labour agreement pathway that can help employers in specific regional areas sponsor overseas workers where there are local labour shortages. 

Work Visa Lawyers has a separate guide to the DAMA visa pathway for employers considering this option.

Some DAMA agreements offer salary concessions, including a possible 10% concession to the relevant income threshold.

With a 10% concession, the reduced CSIT or TSMIT figure increased from $68,864 to $71,481 from 1 July 2026, still around a 3.8% increase.

DAMA concessions are not automatic. They depend on the specific DAMA, the occupation, the employer, and the terms of the labour agreement. 

Employers still need to check the market salary rate and confirm they meet the correct requirements for that DAMA pathway.

Fair Work High Income Threshold and the 186 age exemption

The Fair Work High Income Threshold also increased, from $183,100 to $190,100 from 1 July 2026, an increase of about 3.8%. 

This threshold is set separately by the Fair Work Commission and is not a Department of Home Affairs figure, but it can still affect a migration outcome.

Applicants for the 186 visa are usually required to be under 45 years old, but some applicants may be exempt. One possible exemption applies where a 482 visa holder has worked in eligible sponsored employment for at least two years in the required period, with earnings for each year at or above the Fair Work High Income Threshold.

This is different from CSIT or SSIT. A high income can help with an age exemption for permanent residency, but it does not replace the CSIT or SSIT requirement for a 482 nomination.

Summary table: 2026-2027 income threshold changes

The table below summarises the confirmed threshold changes taking effect from 1 July 2026.

Can Work Visa Lawyers help?

Yes. Work Visa Lawyers can help employers and skilled workers understand the new income thresholds and prepare a compliant nomination.

We can assist with:

• Skills in Demand (482) visa nominations and visa applications

• Employer Nomination Scheme (186) visa applications

• Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (494) visa applications

• DAMA labour agreement applications

• sponsor obligations and compliance

• salary and Annual Market Salary Rate assessments

Book an appointment with one of our immigration lawyers or registered migration agents for assistance with your employer-sponsored visa application. Work Visa Lawyers is one of Australia’s leading immigration law firms, and our team is ready to help you.

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FAQ: 482 and 186 Visa Income Thresholds 2026-2027

What is the new Core Skills Income Threshold for 2026-2027?

The CSIT increased from $76,515 to $79,423 from 1 July 2026, an increase of about 3.8%. It applies to the Core Skills stream of the 482 visa and to the 186 Employer Nomination Scheme.

How much is the Specialist Skills Income Threshold in 2026-2027?

The SSIT increased from $141,210 to $146,576 from 1 July 2026, an increase of about 3.8%.

What is the minimum salary for a 482 visa in 2026-2027?

From 1 July 2026, the minimum salary for the Specialist Skills is $79,423. For the 482 visa, the minimum salary is $146,576.

What is the minimum salary for the 186 permanent residency visa in 2026-2027?

From 1 July 2026, the minimum salary for the 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa is $79,423 (186 Transition Pathway or 186 Direct Entry Pathway).

Does the new threshold apply to my existing 482 visa?

No. Existing visa holders and nominations lodged before 1 July 2026 are assessed against the previous threshold.

What is a DAMA salary concession?

Some DAMAs allow a concession, such as 10%, to the relevant income threshold. With a 10% concession, the reduced threshold is $71,481 from 1 July 2026. Concessions depend on the specific DAMA and occupation.

Does a high salary help with permanent residency after a 482 visa?

It can, in some cases. If a 482 visa holder's income meets the Fair Work High Income Threshold each year for at least two years, they may qualify for an age exemption when applying for the Subclass 186 visa after 45 years old.

Can Work Visa Lawyers help with a 482 or 186 nomination and visa application?

Yes. Contact Work Visa Lawyers to check your nomination meets the current salary requirements before lodging.

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Sources:

Department of Home Affairs – Salary requirements to nominate a worker:

https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/employing-and-sponsoring-someone/sponsoring-workers/nominating-a-position/salary-requirements

Department of Home Affairs – Migration Program planning levels:

https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/what-we-do/migration-program-planning-levels

The Fair Work High Income Threshold:

https://www.fwc.gov.au/high-income-threshold