If you are applying for a Subclass 482 or Subclass 186 visa, one number matters more than almost anything else: your salary. The Australian Government sets minimum income thresholds that employers must meet when sponsoring overseas workers. From 1 July 2026, those thresholds are going up.
Two thresholds apply under the employer-sponsored visa program. The Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) covers most sponsored occupations under the Skills in Demand visa (Subclass 482) and the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186). The Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT) applies to the highest-skilled sponsored workers.
These figures are not set randomly. They are indexed each year using the Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE) data published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). The November 2025 AWOTE figures have now been applied, and the new thresholds take effect for all relevant visa applications lodged on or after 1 July 2026.
If you or your employer are planning an application around this date, understanding these changes is essential. This blog covers what the new thresholds are, who they affect, and what steps to take before and after 1 July 2026.
For expert guidance on employer-sponsored visa applications, speak with our team at Think Higher Consultants.
| Quick Snapshot: New Thresholds from 1 July 2026 |
| Threshold | Current (2025-26) | New (from 1 July 2026) | Increase |
| CSIT (Core Skills Income Threshold) | $76,515 | $79,499 | $2,984 |
| SSIT (Specialist Skills Income Threshold) | $141,210 | $146,717 | $5,507 |
Applies to: Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand) and Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme) applications lodged on or after 1 July 2026.
What Are CSIT and SSIT?
Both thresholds are part of Australia’s employer-sponsored visa framework. They exist to ensure that overseas workers are paid at or above market rates so that sponsoring workers do not undercut Australian employees.
CSIT: Core Skills Income Threshold
The CSIT is the minimum annual earnings that an employer must pay a sponsored worker under most streams of the Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand) visa and the Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme).
From 1 July 2026, the CSIT is $79,499 per year. This replaces the current 2025-26 figure of $76,515.
It applies to the Core Skills stream of the Subclass 482 and to Subclass 186 applications. The sponsored worker’s annual earnings must meet or exceed this threshold.
SSIT: Specialist Skills Income Threshold
The SSIT applies to the Specialist Skills stream of the Subclass 482 visa. This stream is for highly paid, highly skilled workers in occupations that require specialised expertise.
From 1 July 2026, the SSIT is $146,717 per year. This replaces the current 2025-26 figure of $141,210.
Applicants in the Specialist Skills stream must have annual earnings at or above the SSIT. There is no requirement to be on the occupation list for this stream, but the salary threshold is significantly higher.
Why Do These Thresholds Change Each Year?
The CSIT and SSIT are automatically indexed annually under Regulation 5.42A of the Migration Regulations. No new law or legislative instrument is needed each year. The process is automatic.
The indexation uses the Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE) figures published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). The November quarter AWOTE data is applied to calculate the new thresholds for the following financial year.
For the 2026-27 year, the November 2025 AWOTE data from the ABS has been used. This ensures that the salary benchmarks keep pace with real wage movements in the Australian economy.
Which Visas Are Affected?
| Visa | Stream/Pathway | Threshold That Applies |
| Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand) | Core Skills stream | CSIT: $79,499 from 1 July 2026 |
| Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand) | Specialist Skills stream | SSIT: $146,717 from 1 July 2026 |
| Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme) | Direct Entry and Temporary Residence Transition streams | CSIT: $79,499 from 1 July 2026 |
The Labour Agreement stream of Subclass 482 may have different arrangements depending on the specific labour agreement in place. Check the terms of the relevant agreement.
| Important: These updated thresholds apply to applications lodged on or after 1 July 2026. If your application is lodged before that date, the current 2025-26 thresholds apply. |
What Does This Mean for Employers?
If your business is planning to sponsor an overseas worker under the Subclass 482 or 186 visa from 1 July 2026, the guaranteed annual earnings offered must meet the new thresholds. This is not optional.
Key points for employers:
- Review current employment contracts: If you are in the process of nominating a worker for a 482 or 186 visa and your application will be lodged on or after 1 July 2026, make sure the salary offered meets the new CSIT or SSIT.
- Annual earnings include base salary: The threshold is calculated on guaranteed annual earnings. This can include base salary and certain other guaranteed components. It does not include irregular or performance-based bonuses.
- Market Salary Rate still applies: In addition to meeting the CSIT or SSIT, the employer must also pay the nominated worker at least the Market Salary Rate for the occupation and location. Both conditions must be met.
- Plan your timeline: If you are close to lodging and your offered salary is slightly below the new threshold, consider lodging before 1 July 2026 if feasible, or adjust the salary offer accordingly.
Our team at Think Higher Consultants assists employers with sponsorship applications, nomination lodgment, and ensuring all salary requirements are correctly documented.
What Does This Mean for Sponsored Workers?
If you are being sponsored by an Australian employer for a Subclass 482 or 186 visa, your nominated salary must meet the new threshold from 1 July 2026.
Key points for visa applicants:
- Check your offer letter: Make sure the annual salary in your employment contract or nomination meets the new CSIT ($79,499) or SSIT ($146,717) depending on your visa stream.
- Timing matters: If your application is lodged before 1 July 2026, the current thresholds apply. If it is lodged on or after that date, the new thresholds apply.
- Occupation list vs. Specialist Skills: For the Core Skills stream (482), your occupation must appear on the relevant occupation list and your salary must meet the CSIT. For the Specialist Skills stream, no occupation list is required but the SSIT must be met.
- Existing visa holders: If you are already in Australia on a Subclass 482 and your visa was granted before 1 July 2026, your current visa conditions remain unchanged. The new thresholds apply to new applications and new nominations.
CSIT vs SSIT: Understanding the Difference
| CSIT | SSIT | |
| Full name | Core Skills Income Threshold | Specialist Skills Income Threshold |
| New amount (from 1 July 2026) | $79,499 | $146,717 |
| Previous amount (2025-26) | $76,515 | $141,210 |
| Applies to | 482 Core Skills stream, 186 visa | 482 Specialist Skills stream only |
| Occupation list required | Yes (Core Skills occupation list) | No |
| Who it is for | Most skilled sponsored workers | Highly paid specialist workers |
Is This a Big Change?
In dollar terms, the CSIT has increased by $2,984 (about 3.9%) and the SSIT has increased by $5,507 (about 3.9%). These increases reflect movement in average wages across the Australian economy.
For most sponsorship applications, this increase is manageable. Most skilled roles in Australia already pay above $79,499. However, for roles that are closer to the minimum threshold, employers will need to review and confirm salary offers before lodging.
The SSIT increase of $5,507 is more significant in absolute terms, but the Specialist Skills stream already targets very highly paid roles, so most applicants in this stream will not be impacted significantly.
Key Dates and Action Points
| Date | What Happens |
| Before 1 July 2026 | Applications lodged now are assessed under current thresholds: CSIT $76,515 / SSIT $141,210 |
| 1 July 2026 | New thresholds take effect: CSIT $79,499 / SSIT $146,717 |
| From 1 July 2026 | All new Subclass 482 and 186 applications must meet the updated thresholds |
| Action point: If your application is close to the threshold, confirm with your employer or migration agent whether your salary meets the new requirement before lodging on or after 1 July 2026. |
Planning an Employer-Sponsored Visa in 2026?
The Subclass 482 and 186 visa pathways remain two of the most common routes to working and living in Australia long-term. Understanding the salary requirements is a key part of getting your application right.
If you are exploring employer-sponsored options, our MARA-registered migration agent at Think Higher Consultants can assess your eligibility, guide your employer through the sponsorship process, and help prepare a complete application.
Already on a points-tested pathway? Use the Australia PR Points Calculator to check your current score for skilled migration visas such as the Subclass 189, 190, or 491.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) What is the CSIT from 1 July 2026?
The Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) increases to $79,499 per year from 1 July 2026, up from $76,515 in the 2025-26 year.
2) What is the SSIT from 1 July 2026?
The Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT) increases to $146,717 per year from 1 July 2026, up from $141,210 in the 2025-26 year.
3) Does this affect applications lodged before 1 July 2026?
No. Applications lodged before 1 July 2026 are assessed under the current 2025-26 thresholds. The new figures only apply to applications lodged on or after 1 July 2026.
4) Why do the CSIT and SSIT change every year?
They are indexed each year automatically under Regulation 5.42A of the Migration Regulations, using the Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE) data from the ABS. No new law is required.
5) Does the CSIT apply to the Subclass 186 visa?
Yes. The CSIT applies to both the Subclass 482 (Core Skills stream) and the Subclass 186 visa.
6) What if my salary is below the new CSIT?
If your nominated salary does not meet the new CSIT and your application is to be lodged on or after 1 July 2026, it will not meet the requirements. Your employer would need to increase the salary offer, or you may need to consider alternative visa options. Speak with a migration professional for advice specific to your situation.
7) Does the CSIT include bonuses?
The threshold is based on guaranteed annual earnings. Irregular or performance-based bonuses are generally not included. Your base salary and guaranteed allowances must meet the threshold.
Disclaimer: Visa thresholds and conditions are subject to change. Always verify the latest figures on the official Department of Home Affairs website at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au before lodging an application.
