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Updates: 2 and 3 July 2026
Goldfields DAMA transition to WA DAMA
The Department of Home Affairs has extended the Goldfields Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) by 6 months, with the agreement now remaining in effect until 31 December 2026.
The Goldfields DAMA was due to end and transition to the WA DAMA on 1 July 2026. The extension will allow additional time for transition arrangements to be finalised. The City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder will continue to provide Goldfields DAMA endorsement services throughout the extension period.
Increased income threshold for 494 Regional visas
The Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) for Subclass 494 Regional Visas has been annually indexed for applications lodged on or after 1 July 2026.
TSMIT for 494 Regional visas: $79,423
This aligns with the increase to the Core Skilled Income Threshold to $79,423, which applies to Subclass 482 and 186 visas.
Working Holiday Maker program reforms
Legislative changes from 1 July 2026 now require:
• Age criteria for Subclass 417 and 462 Visas to be met at the visa lodgement stage as part of the validity requirements for making an application.
• Increased age limit from 30 to 35 years for Subclass 417 visa applicants who hold a passport issued by Cyprus, Finland, Germany, or the Republic of Korea. This is a result of Australia’s bilateral agreements with these countries.
Australia’s migration framework enters a new program year with several changes for employers, skilled migrants, and visa applicants.
Key updates include:
- Higher income thresholds for Subclass 482 and 186 Visas
- New income threshold for age exemptions for 186 Visa (Transition Stream)
- Substantial increases for many government visa application charges
- Permanent migration levels reset for 2026/27
- Goldfields DAMA transition to WA DAMA delayed to 31 December 2026
Visa application fees, particularly for Permanent Residence (PR), have risen significantly compared to previous years.
Higher income thresholds for Subclass 482 and 186 Visas
Employers must ensure any new Subclass 482 or 186 visa applicants from 1 July 2026 are paid at least the new relevant income threshold.
2026-27 Income Thresholds
Core Skills Income Threshold:
$79,423 (previously $76,515).
Specialist Skills Income Threshold:
$146,576 (previously $141,210).
Employers should ensure the new thresholds are reflected in the salary range on their job advertising to meet nomination requirements for engaging Subclass 482 and 186 visa holders.
The government annually indexes these thresholds under the Migration Regulations to align skilled migration with labour market conditions and changes in national earnings.
For advice on how this change impacts your business, contact our Registered Migration Agents.
New income threshold for age exemptions: 186 Visa (Transition stream)
Subclass 482 Visa holders applying for permanent residence through the Transition Stream of the Subclass 186 Visa are generally required to be under 45 at the time of application.
One of the most common age exemptions is for high-income earners. To qualify, the applicant’s earnings must be equal to or above the Fair Work High Income Threshold (FWHIT) for two of the last three years.
The FWHIT has increased for the 2026/27 financial year and applies from 1 July 2026.
Fair Work High Income Threshold:
$190,100 (previously $183,100).
This threshold is indexed annually as part of Fair Work Regulations 2009 (Cth).
Substantial increase for many government visa application charges
Government visa application charges have risen significantly across a range of visa categories, particularly for permanent residence.
In previous years, employer-sponsored migration fee increases were minimal, however this year some of the increases have been substantial.
Current government visa fees for some of the most common visas are listed below.
| Skilled Visa | 2025-26 Visa Fee (Main applicant) | 2026-27 Visa Fee (Main applicant) |
|---|---|---|
| 482 Skills in Demand Visa | AUD$3,210 | AUD$4,015 |
| 186 Employer Nomination Scheme Visa | AUD$4,910 | AUD$6,140 |
| 400 Short-Stay Specialist Visa | AUD$430 | AUD$535 |
| 600 Visitor Visa (Business Stream) | AUD$200 | AUD$250 |
| 309/100 and 820/801 Partner Visas | AUD$9,365 | AUD$11,710 |
| 155 Resident Return Visa | AUD$490 | AUD$1,475 |
| Bridging Visa B | AUD$190 | AUD$575 |
Interstaff’s tools and calculators provide employers with practical resources to make informed decisions when sponsoring and engaging visa holders.
Explore how the new government fees apply to 482 visa sponsorship and PR.
Permanent migration levels reset for 2026/27
The start of a new permanent migration program year signals refreshed planning levels and priorities, shaping how Australia attracts and retains skilled workers.
2026/27 Skilled Permanent Migration Program
| Skilled Visa Category | 2025-26 Planning Level | 2026-27 Planning Level | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employer-sponsored | 44,000 | 58,040 | ↑ 14,040 places |
| Skilled Independent (Commonwealth program) | 16,900 | 21,090 | ↑ 4,190 places |
| Talent and Innovation* (Commonwealth program) | 5,300 | 3,500 | ↓ 1,800 places |
| Regional (State and Territory program) | 33,000 | 14,110 | ↓ 18,890 places |
| State/Territory Nominated | 33,000 | 35,500 | ↑ 2,500 places |
| Total Skilled Program | 132,200 | 132,240 | ↑ 40 places |
Family streams observed minor changes, with a slight increase for Partner migration (1000 places) and a decrease for Parent and Other Family migration (1,440 places).
Learn how the new planning levels impact employer-sponsored, regional, independent skilled visas.
Goldfields DAMA transition to WA DAMA delayed to 31 December 2026
The Goldfields DAMA was due to end and transition to the WA DAMA on 1 July 2026.
The Department of Home Affairs has extended the Goldfields Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) by 6 months, with the agreement now remaining in effect until 31 December 2026.
The extension will allow additional time for transition arrangements to be finalised.
The City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder will continue to provide Goldfields DAMA endorsement services throughout the extension period.
From 1 January 2027, the WA DAMA becomes the primary DAMA framework for the Goldfields region. New DAMA applications to access migrant workers in the Goldfields will soon be streamlined under a single, state-wide system.
Employers relying on the Goldfields DAMA can continue to plan their workforce with confidence. Goldfields employers will retain access to at least 500 places per financial year under the WA DAMA.
View our FAQs to understand how the change impacts employers with a Goldfields DAMA and new DAMA applications.
Sustainable people strategy: Global talent
Collectively, these changes mark a shift in the cost, eligibility, and strategic direction of Australia’s migration system.
Interstaff’s Registered Migration Agents support employers requiring sustainable global talent strategy to strengthen workforce capabilities.
Access our immigration insights to explore:
- Migrant workforce and labour market updates
- Work rights and visa conditions
- Temporary and permanent visa pathways
