The Australian Government has announced that several skilled visa salary thresholds will increase from 1 July 2026 as part of the annual indexation of migration income requirements.
These changes affect three key salary benchmarks used for employer-sponsored visa nominations , including:
- Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT)
- Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT)
- Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT)
These thresholds determine the minimum salary employers must offer when sponsoring overseas workers under Australia’s employer-sponsored migration programs.
Updated Income Thresholds from 1 July 2026
| Threshold | Current | From 1 July 2026 (per year) |
|---|---|---|
| CSIT | $76,515 | $79,499 |
| TSMIT | $76,515 | $79,499 |
| SSIT | $141,210 | $146,717 |
This represents a 3.9% increase across all three thresholds, in line with movements in the Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE).
Annual Indexation of CSIT and SSIT
The CSIT and SSIT are automatically indexed each year under the Subclass 482 and Subclass 186 programs, as per Regulation 5.42A of the Migration Regulations. The calculation uses AWOTE figures from the relevant reference periods, meaning no separate legislative instrument is required to update the thresholds.
The updated amounts will apply to all relevant Subclass 482 and Subclass 186 nomination applications lodged on or after 1 July 2026.
Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT)
The CSIT is the minimum salary for many employer-sponsored visas, including:
- Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) Core Skills stream
- Certain Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) nominations
Employers must ensure that the salary offered is:
- At least the CSIT, and
- Consistent with the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR) for the nominated occupation
Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT)
The TSMIT applies to several employer-sponsored visa pathways and ensures that overseas workers are paid at a level consistent with Australian labour market standards.
Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT)
The SSIT applies to nominations under the Specialist Skills stream of the Subclass 482 visa, targeting highly specialised roles with higher salary levels that reflect the advanced expertise required.
Impact on Employers and Visa Applicants
The increase in salary thresholds may affect both employers and individuals planning to apply for employer-sponsored visas.
For employers:
- Salary packages must meet the new thresholds from 1 July 2026.
- If the AMSR for a nominated position is below the new threshold, consider lodging nominations before the change.
- Review employment contracts and remuneration packages to ensure compliance.
For visa applicants:
- Positions must meet the minimum salary requirements for sponsorship.
- Timing of nominations and visa applications may be affected, especially if the proposed salary is close to the current threshold.
- Eligibility for certain streams may be impacted where higher salary thresholds apply.
How We Can Assist
Employer-sponsored visas involve complex legal and regulatory requirements, including salary thresholds, labour market assessments, and nomination criteria.
At Brightstone Migration, we can help:
- Assess whether positions and salaries meet the new thresholds
- Prepare and lodge nominations early to ensure compliance
- Manage the nomination and visa process to minimise the impact of salary changes
Contact our experienced Sydney immigration lawyers for professional advice on employer-sponsored visas and skilled migration, and ensure your business and staff are ready for the upcoming salary changes.
Source: Australian Government Department of Home Affairs: Salary requirements for sponsoring a position.
This article was prepared and written by our immigration lawyer team at Brightstone Migration and reviewed by Mei Guo, Partner Solicitor and Head of Immigration, to provide professional insights and commentary. The content is for reference only and does not constitute specific legal advice.
Last updated: 16/03/2026
