April 2026 brings a significant round of changes to Australia's migration system. New visa application charges, updated income thresholds for employer-sponsored visas, and revised priority processing arrangements all take effect this month.
Updated Visa Application Charges
From 1 April 2026, visa application charges (VACs) across most visa subclasses have increased in line with the Consumer Price Index. Key changes include:
- Skilled worker visa (subclass 482) base charge increases to $1,895
- Partner visa (subclass 820/801) increases to $8,850
- Student visa (subclass 500) increases to $1,750
- Visitor visa (subclass 600) remains at $230 for most applicants
Employer Sponsorship Income Thresholds
The Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) has been updated to reflect current market conditions. Employers sponsoring workers under the TSS visa will need to meet the new minimum salary requirement of $73,150 per year, up from $70,000.
If you're currently in the process of applying for an employer-sponsored visa, check whether the new threshold affects your application before lodging.
Revised Priority Occupation Lists
The Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) has been refreshed with updated demand indicators. Several occupations have been added, including:
- Cybersecurity analysts and engineers
- Aged care workers (expanded categories)
- Renewable energy technicians
- Early childhood educators
A number of previously listed occupations have been flagged for review, particularly in the hospitality and retail management sectors.
What This Means for Applicants
If you're planning to lodge a visa application, these changes affect both cost and eligibility. The fee increases are relatively modest but add up for family applications. The occupation list changes may open new pathways for some applicants while narrowing options for others.
The best approach is to check your eligibility against the updated criteria before lodging. Orbitrio's free assessment tool is already updated with the April 2026 changes, so you'll get results that reflect the current rules.