Annual Indexation Update – CSIT & SSIT (Effective 1 July 2026)

From 1 July 2026, the Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) and Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT) will increase for employer-sponsored visa programs in Australia. These updated income thresholds will affect applications under the Temporary Skill Shortage visa (Subclass 482) and the Employer Nomination Scheme visa (Subclass 186).

If you are an employer sponsoring overseas workers — or a visa applicant preparing to lodge — understanding these changes is essential to ensure compliance and avoid delays.

What Is the CSIT and SSIT?

The Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) and Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT) set the minimum salary requirements for certain employer-sponsored visa streams. These thresholds are designed to ensure that sponsored overseas workers are paid at a level consistent with Australian labour market standards.

The annual update is governed by Regulation 5.42A of the Migration Regulations, which automatically adjusts the thresholds in line with the Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE) data published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

Importantly, no new legislative instrument is required — the indexation occurs automatically each year.

New Income Thresholds from 1 July 2026

For the 2026–27 program year, commencing 1 July 2026, the updated thresholds will be:

• CSIT: $79,499(2025–26 value: $76,515)

• SSIT: $146,717(2025–26 value: $141,210)

These new figures will apply to all relevant Subclass 482 and Subclass 186 visa applications lodged on or after 1 July 2026.

Who Is Affected by the 2026 CSIT & SSIT Increase?

The updated income thresholds will impact:

• Employers sponsoring overseas workers under the Subclass 482 visa

• Employers nominating employees for permanent residence under the Subclass 186 visa

• Current temporary visa holders transitioning to permanent residency

• HR and compliance teams managing salary packages for sponsored employees

Employers must ensure that nomination salaries meet both:

1. The updated income threshold (CSIT or SSIT), and

2. The Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR) requirements.

Failure to meet the new thresholds may result in visa refusal or nomination refusal.

What Should Employers Do Now?

With 1 July 2026 approaching, businesses should:

✔ Review current and upcoming sponsorship arrangements

✔ Assess salary packages for new nominations

✔ Plan recruitment timelines carefully

✔ Seek professional migration advice where necessary

Early preparation helps avoid last-minute compliance issues and ensures a smooth lodgement process.

Preparing Your Subclass 482 or 186 Application

If you are an applicant planning to lodge after 1 July 2026, your nominated salary must meet the new threshold at the time of application. Strategic timing may be important depending on your current salary level and nomination stage.

Need Guidance on Employer Sponsorship Compliance?

The annual CSIT and SSIT indexation is a technical but critical aspect of employer-sponsored migration. Whether you are reviewing your sponsorship status, preparing a nomination, or planning a permanent residence pathway, professional advice can help you navigate the changes confidently.

Synergy Migration Services provides tailored support for employers and visa applicants across Subclass 482 and Subclass 186 programs. Contact Synergy Migration Services today to ensure you are fully prepared for the 1 July 2026 income threshold changes.

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