Key changes to Australia’s skilled visa income threshold

The Australian Government has confirmed an increase to minimum salary requirements for the subclass 482 Skills in Demand visa, effective 1 July 2026, as part of the annual indexation linked to Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE).

What is the Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) and Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT)?

The Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) is the minimum base salary that must be offered to a sponsored worker in the Core Skills stream of the subclass 482 program. It sits alongside the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR) requirement. Sponsors must pay at least the CSIT and at least the market rate for the same role and location, whichever is higher.

The Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT) is the higher minimum base salary applicable to the Specialist Skills stream of the subclass 482. Like CSIT, it operates with the market‑rate test, but reflects the seniority and scarcity of eligible specialist roles accessible under this stream. Meeting SSIT is necessary in addition to satisfying market salary requirements.

The CSIT and SSIT are reviewed annually with reference to the AWOTE to ensure fair remuneration for overseas skilled workers.

What’s changing from 1 July 2026?

For the 2026-27 program year, the indexed thresholds will be:

• Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT): increasing from $76,515 to $79,499.
• Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT): increasing from $141,210 to $146,717.

These updated thresholds apply to all subclass 482 nomination applications lodged on or after 1 July 2026. Applications lodged earlier remain subject to the 2025–26 thresholds, even if processed later. This makes lodgement timing critical.

What should employers do next?

If you are an employer considering sponsorship in Australia, you should:

• Review remuneration and budgeting for upcoming 482 nominations to ensure compliance with the new thresholds.
• Confirm that proposed pay also satisfies the market salary rate, as threshold compliance alone is not sufficient.
• Identify any ready nominations that should be lodged before 1 July 2026.

If you require any further advice around the changes to CSIT, SSIT or any other migration-related queries, please contact our Employment, Safety and Migration team at Macpherson Kelley.

The information contained in this article is general in nature and cannot be relied on as legal advice nor does it create an engagement. Please contact one of our lawyers listed above for advice about your specific situation.