Employer-sponsored skilled visa salary thresholds will increase from 1 July 2026, following the release of Australian Bureau of Statistics wage data for November 2025. This confirmed increase affects sponsorship eligibility, salary settings, and workforce budgeting for businesses that rely on overseas recruitment.
What is changing from 1 July 2026
The Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) and the Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT) are updated each year for the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) and the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) to reflect national wage growth. These updates occur automatically under the Migration Regulations and do not require a separate legislative instrument.
The updated thresholds are calculated using Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE) data published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). The ABS released the November 2025 AWOTE figures on 26 February 2026, confirming the salary thresholds that will apply from 1 July 2026.
From 1 July 2026, the minimum salary requirements for employer-sponsored skilled visas will be:
Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT)
- Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT): $79,499
- Current: $76,515
Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT)
- Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT): $146,717
- Current: $141,210
These thresholds apply to relevant subclass 482 and subclass 186 nomination and visa applications lodged on or after 1 July 2026.
Employers planning to sponsor candidates under the subclass 482 or subclass 186 visas with the current income thresholds, should lodge applications by 30 June 2026.
What are the CSIT and SSIT?
The CSIT and SSIT are salary requirements for employer-sponsored visas in Australia. They set the minimum market salary rate that must be paid to skilled migrants sponsored by employers. This helps ensure workers are paid fair and suitable wages that align with current market rates and support the proper implementation of Australia’s skilled migration program.
Deadline for LMT under the current income threshold
If employers are aiming to meet the 30 June 2026 deadline for applications under the current CSIT of $76,515 and SSIT or $141,210, it is crucial to start the Labour Market Testing (LMT) process immediately to meet the minimum of four weeks (28 days) to advertise the job position. This period is essential to demonstrate that there are no suitable Australian workers available to fill the position.
Delaying this could result in missing the 30 June deadline, potentially leading to higher wage costs under the new CSIT or SSIT.
Key points for employers
- Nominations lodged before 1 July 2026 will be assessed against the current thresholds, even if the associated visa application is decided later
- Roles with guaranteed annual earnings close to the threshold may be impacted by indexation
- Nomination preparation requires confirmed salary details, position information, and supporting documentation
- Early preparation reduces delay risk and supports informed sponsorship decisions
What this means for sponsoring employers
This update requires employers to review sponsorship planning, salary settings, and nomination timelines.
Employers should:
- Commence labour market testing early where required, to meet advertising timeframes
- Prepare nomination documentation in advance to avoid assessment under higher thresholds
- Review recruitment and advertising settings to ensure compliance from 1 July 2026
- Factor annual indexation into workforce planning for ongoing sponsorship programs
How Absolute Immigration Group can assist
Absolute Immigration Group provides clear, practical legal guidance to employers navigating employer sponsored visa requirements as salary thresholds change.
We assist employers to:
- Assess nomination timing and lodgement strategy ahead of indexation
- Confirm salary threshold compliance for subclass 482 and subclass 186 nominations
- Manage sponsorship risk through accurate, timely applications
- Align immigration decisions with workforce and remuneration planning
For tailored immigration advice on employer-sponsored visas and salary threshold requirements, contact aisupport@absoluteimmigration.com.
