Skilled visa income thresholds from 1 July 2026: CSIT, SSIT and TSMIT explained
From 1 July 2026, Australia’s skilled visa income thresholds increased. This matters for employer-sponsored visa pathways because many nominations must meet both the Annual Market Salary Rate and the relevant income threshold.
For applicants and employers planning subclass 482, 186 or 494 pathways, the salary figure is not just an HR detail. It can affect whether the nomination is valid, competitive and compliant.
Key 2026–27 threshold amounts
From 1 July 2026, the key skilled visa income thresholds are:
- Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT): AUD 79,423.
- Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT): AUD 79,423.
- Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT): AUD 146,576.
These amounts apply from 1 July 2026 and are expected to be indexed annually in future years.
What is the Core Skills Income Threshold?
The Core Skills Income Threshold, often called CSIT, is a minimum salary threshold used in key skilled employer-sponsored visa settings.
It is especially relevant for the Skills in Demand visa subclass 482 Core Skills stream and the Employer Nomination Scheme subclass 186.
A nominated worker generally needs to be paid at least the Annual Market Salary Rate for the role and no less than the relevant threshold.
What is the Specialist Skills Income Threshold?
The Specialist Skills Income Threshold, or SSIT, applies to the Specialist Skills stream of the Skills in Demand visa subclass 482.
This stream is designed for higher salary specialist roles. From 1 July 2026, the SSIT increased to AUD 146,576.
Applicants and employers should not assume that a high salary alone is enough. The role, occupation, sponsor, applicant eligibility and visa criteria still need to be satisfied.
What is the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold?
The Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold, or TSMIT, remains important for certain regional employer-sponsored visas such as subclass 494.
From 1 July 2026, TSMIT increased to AUD 79,423, aligning with the indexed CSIT amount.
This helps keep regional employer-sponsored salary settings aligned with wider skilled visa income threshold rules.
Which visas are affected?
Income thresholds can be relevant to several employer-sponsored pathways, including:
- Skills in Demand visa subclass 482.
- Employer Nomination Scheme visa subclass 186.
- Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa subclass 494.
- Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme visa subclass 187 in limited legacy settings.
The exact threshold depends on the visa subclass, stream and nomination type.
Why salary thresholds matter
Salary thresholds are designed to support fair pay and reduce the risk of underpayment or exploitation.
For employer-sponsored visas, the salary must usually be checked against both the market rate and the relevant threshold.
This means the nominated salary should not simply be chosen to match the minimum threshold. It should reflect what an equivalent Australian worker would be paid for the same work in the same location.
Annual Market Salary Rate still matters
A common mistake is thinking the threshold alone is enough. In many employer-sponsored nomination settings, the Annual Market Salary Rate, often called AMSR, must also be considered.
If the market salary for the role is higher than the threshold, the employer may need to meet the market salary level, not just the threshold amount.
Applicants should ask whether the salary is supported by genuine market evidence, the employment contract and payroll records.
What applicants should check
If you are applying through employer sponsorship, check these points early:
- Which visa subclass and stream you are using.
- Whether CSIT, SSIT or TSMIT applies.
- Whether the nominated salary meets the relevant threshold.
- Whether the salary also meets the Annual Market Salary Rate.
- Whether the position duties match the nominated occupation.
- Whether the employment contract, hours and payslips support the claim.
- Whether the nomination will be lodged before or after threshold changes.
What employers should check
Employers should review salary settings before lodging a nomination.
- Confirm the correct visa stream.
- Check the nominated occupation and ANZSCO alignment.
- Compare salary against the relevant threshold.
- Check Annual Market Salary Rate evidence.
- Ensure guaranteed annual earnings exclude non-monetary benefits if required.
- Keep clear employment and salary records.
- Get professional advice if the salary package is complex.
Common mistakes to avoid
Avoid these mistakes when planning an employer-sponsored pathway:
- Using an old threshold amount after 1 July 2026.
- Confusing CSIT, SSIT and TSMIT.
- Assuming the minimum threshold is always enough.
- Ignoring Annual Market Salary Rate evidence.
- Counting non-monetary benefits incorrectly.
- Relying only on job title instead of real duties.
- Waiting too long to discuss salary and sponsorship with the employer.
Eazy Path takeaway
From 1 July 2026, the CSIT and TSMIT are AUD 79,423, while the SSIT is AUD 146,576.
These numbers are important for employer-sponsored visa planning, especially subclass 482, 186 and 494 pathways.
Before lodging, applicants and employers should check the correct threshold, market salary, occupation match and evidence.
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