Employer visas / Salary thresholds
Guide · Salary
Salary thresholds for sponsored workers.
Every 482, 186 and 494 nomination must meet two salary tests: the income threshold for the visa, and the market rate an Australian would be paid for the same job. Here are the current figures and how to meet them.
Current figures
The thresholds from 1 July 2026.
Thresholds rose 3.8% on 1 July 2026, in line with average weekly ordinary time earnings. New nominations must meet the new figures. Existing visa holders and nominations lodged before 1 July 2026 are not affected.
| Threshold | Used for | From 1 July 2026 | Before 1 July 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) | 482 Core Skills stream and 186 | AUD 79,423 | AUD 76,515 |
| Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT) | 482 Specialist Skills stream | AUD 146,576 | AUD 141,210 |
| Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) | 494 regional (and 187) | AUD 79,423 | AUD 76,515 |
Source: Home Affairs, annual indexation of skilled visa income thresholds from 1 July 2026.
Two tests
The threshold is a floor, not the target.
Test 1: the income threshold
The guaranteed annual earnings in the nomination must be at least the threshold for the visa and stream. Superannuation doesn't count, and neither do bonuses or overtime that aren't guaranteed.
Test 2: the annual market salary rate
You must also pay what an Australian would earn for the same work in the same location. If an Australian already does the job in your business, their pay sets the rate. If not, we use the award or enterprise agreement and published salary data.
After approval
Keeping the salary right.
Pay what you nominated
Annual earnings must stay at least what the approved nomination stated, and terms must be no less favourable than for an equivalent Australian worker.
Indexation doesn't force a raise
A new threshold applies to new nominations. But if you lodge a new nomination later, for a promotion or new role, it must meet the threshold at that time.
Above AUD 250,000
The equivalent terms obligation and some record keeping don't apply where annual earnings are AUD 250,000 or more.
Salary in job ads
For labour market testing, ads must show the salary or a range if annual earnings are below AUD 96,400. See our labour market testing guide.
How it works
From first call to a working visa.
Free 15-minute call
We confirm the right visa, the occupation and the salary, and flag anything that could hold it up.
Clear terms, then we begin
You receive a written quote and a checklist for the business and the employee.
We prepare everything
Sponsorship, nomination and visa, prepared together where we can. We guide any job advertising that’s needed.
Lodged and looked after
We lodge, deal with Home Affairs until a decision, and explain your obligations.
FAQ
Questions about salary thresholds.
Does superannuation count towards the CSIT?
No. The threshold is measured on guaranteed annual earnings, excluding superannuation.
When do the thresholds change?
Every 1 July, in line with average weekly ordinary time earnings. The figure that applies is the one in force when the nomination is lodged.
Our salary is above the CSIT but below the market rate. Is that enough?
No. You must meet both: the threshold and the market rate for the role.
Which threshold applies to the 186?
The CSIT applies to 186 nominations, as it does to the 482 Core Skills stream.
Do we have to raise current workers' pay each July?
Not because of indexation alone. You must keep paying at least the nominated salary and equivalent terms. New nominations must meet the new threshold.
General information only, checked against Home Affairs guidance on 15 October 2026. Not legal advice. Requirements change, so we check your case against the rules in force when you nominate.
Keep reading
More on employer visas.
Hiring from overseas?
Book a free 15-minute call and a lawyer will tell you where you stand. Or call 1300 079 743.