Australia Employer Sponsored Visa Salary Thresholds 2026: CSIT Rises to $79,499, SSIT to $146,717 from 1 July

Published: 2026-02-27T21:00+05:30 (IST) Xavio

Australia hikes sponsored visa salary thresholds for 2026.

The Australian Government has confirmed the annual indexation of salary thresholds for employer-sponsored visas, with significant increases taking effect from 1 July 2026. The Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) will rise from $76,515 to $79,499, while the Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT) will increase from $141,210 to $146,717.

These changes, triggered automatically under Regulation 5.42A of the Migration Regulations based on the latest Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE) data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics in November 2025, will apply to all new nominations lodged on or after 1 July 2026 for the Subclass 482 Skills in Demand visa and Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa.

This is the second consecutive year of notable increases, reflecting ongoing wage growth and the government’s strategy to ensure foreign workers are paid at levels that better align with Australian standards and reduce exploitation risks.

New Salary Thresholds from 1 July 2026

Threshold	Current (2025–26)	New (from 1 July 2026)	Increase
Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT)	$76,515	$79,499	+$2,984 (+3.9%)
Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT)	$141,210	$146,717	+$5,507 (+3.9%)

These thresholds apply to:

• Subclass 482 Skills in Demand visa — Core Skills stream and Specialist Skills stream

• Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa — Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream and Direct Entry stream

• Labour Agreement stream (unless the agreement specifies otherwise)

Nominations lodged before 1 July 2026 will be assessed under the current (2025–26) thresholds, providing a clear window for employers to finalise sponsorships at the lower rates.

What This Means for Employers and Foreign Workers

For Employers:

• Higher minimum salaries required for new nominations from July 2026

• Must ensure the offered salary meets or exceeds the new CSIT/SSIT or the Annual Market Salary Rate (whichever is higher)

• Businesses planning to sponsor in the first half of 2026 should act quickly to lock in the current lower thresholds

• Labour agreements may need review if they reference the old figures

For Foreign Workers:

• New applicants or those requiring new nominations after 1 July 2026 will need higher salaries to qualify

• Existing visa holders on current nominations are unaffected until their next renewal or nomination

• This may make it harder for lower-paid roles in regional or shortage occupations, pushing employers toward higher-paying positions

The increases are part of the annual indexation mechanism designed to keep sponsored salaries aligned with national wage growth and protect local workers from undercutting.

Background: How Australia’s Sponsored Visa Salary System Works

The Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) and Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT) were introduced to replace the old Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT). They ensure that sponsored workers are paid fairly and help prevent the use of temporary visas for low-wage labour.

The thresholds are indexed annually based on AWOTE data, with no separate ministerial approval required. This automatic adjustment has led to consistent increases over the past few years as wages recover post-pandemic.

The changes also coincide with the full transition to the new Skills in Demand visa (replacing the old 482 Temporary Skill Shortage visa structure), which further emphasises higher-skilled and higher-paid roles.

Practical Advice for Employers Planning Sponsorship in 2026

• Act before 30 June 2026: Lodge nominations under the current thresholds to secure lower salary requirements

• Review salary offers: Ensure new roles meet the higher thresholds from July onward

• Consider Labour Agreements: These can sometimes override standard thresholds — explore if suitable for your business

• Market Salary Rate Check: The offered salary must still be at or above the market rate for the role and location, even if it exceeds the CSIT/SSIT

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When do the new salary thresholds apply?

All nominations lodged on or after 1 July 2026 must meet the new CSIT ($79,499) and SSIT ($146,717).

Q: Are existing visa holders affected?

No — the changes apply only to new nominations. Current visa holders and nominations lodged before 1 July 2026 remain under the old thresholds.

Q: Does this affect Labour Agreements?

Only if the agreement does not specify different salary figures. Otherwise, the new thresholds apply.

Q: Where can I find the official announcement?

Department of Home Affairs and Australian Bureau of Statistics (AWOTE data).

For the official salary threshold tables, nomination requirements, and 2026–27 program year guidance, visit the Department of Home Affairs Employer Sponsored Visas page.

Explore our dedicated Australia immigration section for real-time updates on salary thresholds, Skills in Demand visa changes, Green List occupations, and sponsorship strategies.

Australia’s employer-sponsored visas just got more expensive — review your plans before July 1!