Australia’s 2026 Visa Changes for Hiring Workers From India

 

Australian employers hiring skilled workers from India need to account for important visa changes introduced in July 2026. The updates affect salary thresholds and the processing priority of some employer-sponsored skilled visa applications, making early workforce and recruitment planning more important.

What Changed in 2026

From 1 July 2026, the Core Skills Income Threshold increased to AUD 79,423, while the Specialist Skills Income Threshold increased to AUD 146,576 for relevant nominations lodged during the 2026 to 2027 period. The Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold for applicable regional nominations is also AUD 79,423.

A second major change came into effect on 25 July 2026, when Ministerial Direction 119 introduced new skilled visa processing priorities. The new direction considers both occupation and the applicant’s location when the application was lodged and applies to relevant on-hand applications as well.

What This Means for Employers Hiring From India

Australian businesses can still recruit skilled professionals from India, but offshore hiring timelines may need to be planned more carefully. Under the new processing priorities, many applicants who were already in Australia when they applied may receive higher processing priority than comparable offshore applicants.

Before beginning recruitment, employers should therefore consider:

• Whether the role meets the applicable salary threshold

• The appropriate employer-sponsored visa pathway

• The candidate’s location when applying

• Realistic visa processing and joining timelines

• Australian market salary requirements

These factors should be reviewed before making fixed commitments about an offshore candidate’s expected joining date.

Salary Planning Matters Before Recruitment Starts

For the Skills in Demand subclass 482 Core Skills stream, employers must meet both the applicable Core Skills Income Threshold and the Australian Market Salary Rate requirements.

Checking the Australian salary structure before sourcing candidates from India can help employers avoid progressing strong applicants for roles that do not meet the intended sponsorship requirements.

Regional Employers Are Also Affected

Regional employers using relevant subclass 494 pathways are also affected by the July 2026 changes. The Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold is AUD 79,423 for applicable nominations lodged from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027, and subclass 494 applications are processed according to Ministerial Direction 119.

Hiring Workers From India With Weavings

Once an Australian employer has confirmed the role, salary range and appropriate hiring pathway, Weavings Manpower Solutions can support the India-side recruitment process through candidate sourcing, screening, shortlisting and interview coordination.

Employers planning overseas recruitment can read the complete guide on Australia’s 2026 Visa Changes for Hiring Workers From India.

Conclusion

Australia’s July 2026 visa updates do not stop employers from hiring skilled workers from India, but they make early planning more important. Employers should understand the new salary thresholds, candidate-location-based processing priorities and likely recruitment timelines before starting an offshore hiring campaign.

With the visa pathway clarified, a structured overseas recruitment process can help Australian businesses identify suitable skilled professionals from India while keeping sourcing and interview coordination organised.