From 1 July 2026, the minimum salary thresholds required for certain employer-sponsored visas in Australia will increase.
The new indexed thresholds for the 2026–27 program year will be:
- Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT): AUD 79,499
- Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT): AUD 146,717
Currently, the thresholds are:
- CSIT: AUD 76,515
- SSIT: AUD 141,210
This change applies to new nominations lodged on or after 1 July 2026.
What Are CSIT and SSIT?
The CSIT and SSIT are income thresholds used to determine eligibility for certain employer-sponsored visas under the skilled migration program. These thresholds are indexed annually based on AWOTE (Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings) data published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
You can access the latest AWOTE data here
The annual indexation ensures that sponsored workers are paid in line with market salary growth and protects the integrity of the migration program.
Which Visas Are Affected?
The updated thresholds apply to employer-sponsored visa programs, including:
If a nomination is lodged on or after 1 July 2026, the offered base salary must meet or exceed the new indexed threshold.
What Does This Mean in Practice?
In sponsor scenarios, salary is not just a contractual matter. It is a legal requirement under migration law. If the base salary offered does not meet the applicable threshold:
- The nomination cannot be approved.
- The visa application will not succeed.
These income thresholds sit alongside other sponsorship requirements, including labour market testing, genuine position criteria and market salary rate obligations under the Department of Home Affairs framework.
More information on employer sponsorship obligations can be found here:
Who Is Not Affected?
Two key clarifications:
- Existing sponsored workers are not automatically impacted by the indexation.
- Applications lodged on or before 30 June 2026 remain subject to the current thresholds.
The higher salary thresholds apply only to new nominations lodged from 1 July 2026 onward.
Why Timing Matters
For employers and visa applicants planning a 482 or 186 nomination, timing can directly affect eligibility. If a proposed salary sits close to the current CSIT, lodging before 1 July 2026 may avoid the need to meet the higher threshold.
From 1 July 2026, compliance with the new amounts will be mandatory. In employer-sponsored migration, strategy, salary structure and timing must align.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this increase affect current 482 or 186 visa holders?
No. The indexation applies to new nominations lodged from 1 July 2026.
Are these thresholds negotiable?
No. They are statutory minimum income requirements.
Why are these thresholds indexed annually?
They are adjusted in line with AWOTE data published by the ABS to reflect wage growth in Australia.
Final Thoughts
The annual indexation of CSIT and SSIT reinforces a central principle of Australia’s skilled migration framework. Employer sponsorship must meet minimum income standards.
If you are planning to apply for a sponsor visa, reviewing salary structure and nomination timing early can prevent complications later. If you would like to assess how the new thresholds affect your case, our team can provide tailored guidance based on the latest regulatory settings.