Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) Australia
What Is the Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT)?
The Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) is the minimum salary requirement for employer sponsored visa nominations in Australia.
CSIT applies to roles nominated under the Skills in Demand (Subclass 482), the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186), and certain Labour Agreement pathways.
The income threshold ensures sponsored workers receive salaries aligned with Australian labour market standards.
Current CSIT Salary Requirement
As at the 2025–26 financial year, the Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) is $76,515 per year.
Based on Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE) indexation under Regulation 5.42A, the CSIT is expected to increase to $79,499 from 1 July 2026.
The Department of Home Affairs typically confirms the indexed amount closer to the end of the financial year.
This amount refers to guaranteed base salary only and does not include:
• Superannuation
• Non-monetary benefits such as accommodation or vehicles
Income threshold rules differ across streams and nomination dates, so employers should confirm the correct requirement before lodging.
Which Visa Subclasses Does CSIT Apply To?
The Core Skills Income Threshold applies to nominations lodged under:
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Subclass 482 Skills in Demand – Core Skills stream
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Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme – Direct Entry stream
-
Subclass 186 Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream
-
Subclass 482 and 186 Labour Agreement stream (unless the agreement states otherwise)
For Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional and Subclass 187 TRT, employers should confirm whether TSMIT or CSIT applies at the time of nomination.
CSIT and the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)
The Core Skills Income Threshold links directly to occupations listed on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).
If an occupation appears on the CSOL and an employer nominates it under the Core Skills stream, the offered salary must meet or exceed the CSIT.
Meeting the CSIT forms a critical requirement for nomination approval.
Difference Between CSIT and Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT)
Australia operates two indexed income thresholds for employer sponsored visas.
The Specialist Skills Income Threshold applies to higher paid roles under the Specialist Skills stream of the Subclass 482 visa.
CSIT vs TSMIT: What Employers Should Know
The Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) operates under separate legislative provisions.
While TSMIT has historically aligned with CSIT, it does not automatically index under Regulation 5.42A.
Employers sponsoring under Subclass 494 or certain regional pathways should confirm the correct applicable threshold before lodging nominations.
Annual Market Salary Rate Requirement
Meeting the Core Skills Income Threshold alone is not sufficient.
Employers must also pay at least the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR) for the nominated occupation.
If the market rate exceeds CSIT, the higher salary must apply.
Employers must calculate salary using:
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Guaranteed annual earnings
-
Excluding superannuation
-
Excluding non-monetary benefits
Failure to meet salary requirements may result in nomination refusal.
When Does the Updated CSIT Apply?
The applicable threshold depends on the nomination lodgement date.
If an employer lodges a nomination on or after 1 July in a financial year, the indexed threshold for that year applies.
Already lodged and approved nominations remain assessed under the threshold in effect at the time of lodgement.
If indexation proceeds as expected, the updated threshold will apply to nominations lodged on or after 1 July 2026.
Why the Core Skills Income Threshold Matters
For employers, the CSIT affects:
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Workforce planning
-
Budget forecasting
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Nomination timing
-
Compliance risk
For visa applicants, the CSIT determines whether a sponsored role meets minimum salary requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Core Skills Income Threshold in 2026?
From 1 July 2026, the CSIT is expected to increase to $79,499 per year, subject to formal confirmation by the Department of Home Affairs.
Does CSIT apply to Subclass 494?
Subclass 494 typically links to TSMIT rather than automatically indexed CSIT provisions. Employers should confirm current legislative settings before lodging.
Can superannuation count towards CSIT?
No. Employers must calculate the threshold using base salary only.
What happens if the market salary exceeds CSIT?
The employer must pay the higher Annual Market Salary Rate.
Need Help?
RACC’s registered migration agents advise employers on CSIT, SSIT and TSMIT requirements, guide sponsorship strategy, and prepare compliant nomination applications.
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