Significant Fee Increases and Updated Wage Thresholds Effective July 2026

Executive summary

Australia's Department of Home Affairs has implemented its annual immigration updates for the 2026–2027 fiscal year, introducing material cost and compliance considerations for employers deploying talent into Australia.

For multinational HR, global mobility, and corporate immigration teams, these changes require immediate attention across assignment budgeting, permanent residence pathway planning, salary threshold compliance, and internal cost-recovery policies. Path Global recommends that employers review affected Australian mobility cases before proceeding with new lodgements or permanent residence planning.

1. Primary visa application charges up ~25%

Government application charges for several key employer-sponsored and business mobility visa categories have increased significantly.

Employer nomination fees and the Skilling Australians Fund levy remain unchanged at this stage.

2. Key salary thresholds updated

Australia has adjusted relevant earnings benchmarks to reflect domestic wage growth. The Fair Work high income threshold is now AUD 190,100 — relevant for sponsored employees aged 45 and above relying on earnings-based age exemption pathways when transitioning to permanent residence.

Employers must continue to demonstrate that sponsored foreign workers are paid at or above the applicable Annual Market Salary Rate. New nominations should be reviewed carefully to ensure the proposed remuneration is properly benchmarked, consistent with Australian market conditions, defensible from a compliance perspective, and supported by audit-ready documentation.

Strategic actions for mobility teams

Recalibrate budgets

Update relocation, visa, and onboarding cost estimates for Australia-bound assignments to reflect increased primary applicant and dependent charges.

Audit PR exemptions

For senior employees aged 45+, confirm whether the updated AUD 190,100 earnings threshold is satisfied across the required historical periods before Subclass 186 planning.

Review cost recovery

Ensure mobility policies, assignment letters, clawback provisions, and approval thresholds reflect the new baseline immigration costs.

Stress-test timelines

Where applications are in preparation, confirm whether current assumptions remain valid and whether sequencing changes are required for employees and dependants.