The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) government has released a sweeping revision of its Skilled Migration Nomination programme, effective 1 February 2026, increasing minimum income requirements and abolishing the dedicated pathway for holders of the Temporary Skill Shortage (Subclass 482) visa (482jobs.com).
Self-employed and small-business applicants for the provisional Subclass 491 visa must now prove a taxable income of at least AU$610 per week, up from AU$520, while permanent-residency hopefuls under Subclass 190 must demonstrate AU$1,175 per week (previously AU$1,000) (482jobs.com).
![ACT Raises Income Thresholds and Scraps 482-Visa Pathway in 2026 Skilled-Migration Overhaul]()
Most controversially, the ACT has removed its streamlined nomination route for TSS 482 holders, forcing those already in Canberra on employer-sponsored visas to compete with all other offshore and onshore applicants in the territory’s ranking system. Policy makers argue the change will “prioritise higher value economic contributions” and “reduce churn” in the local labour market (482jobs.com).
Employers dependent on mid-level skilled workers—particularly in ICT, health and construction—must now reassess workforce-planning timelines and ensure future hires meet the higher salary benchmarks. Mobility teams should also review relocation allowances, as lower-paid assignees may fall short of the revised thresholds.
Migration advisers expect a short-term spike in interstate transfers as existing 482 holders seek alternative state-nomination pathways, underscoring the competitive patchwork of Australia’s sub-national migration settings.
Self-employed and small-business applicants for the provisional Subclass 491 visa must now prove a taxable income of at least AU$610 per week, up from AU$520, while permanent-residency hopefuls under Subclass 190 must demonstrate AU$1,175 per week (previously AU$1,000) (482jobs.com).
Most controversially, the ACT has removed its streamlined nomination route for TSS 482 holders, forcing those already in Canberra on employer-sponsored visas to compete with all other offshore and onshore applicants in the territory’s ranking system. Policy makers argue the change will “prioritise higher value economic contributions” and “reduce churn” in the local labour market (482jobs.com).
Employers dependent on mid-level skilled workers—particularly in ICT, health and construction—must now reassess workforce-planning timelines and ensure future hires meet the higher salary benchmarks. Mobility teams should also review relocation allowances, as lower-paid assignees may fall short of the revised thresholds.
Migration advisers expect a short-term spike in interstate transfers as existing 482 holders seek alternative state-nomination pathways, underscoring the competitive patchwork of Australia’s sub-national migration settings.
Source: 482Jobs / Getting Down Under
