Employer-Sponsored Visa Income Thresholds from 1 July 2026: TSMIT, CSIT, SSIT and FWHIT

From 1 July 2026, the key income thresholds that underpin Australia’s employer-sponsored visa program increased. These thresholds set the minimum salary a sponsored worker must be paid, and they are tested at the time a nomination is lodged. The Department explains how they interact with market salary in its salary requirements guidance, and we summarise them on our Annual Market Salary Rate page.

There are four figures worth knowing. Each does a slightly different job, and each rose on 1 July 2026. Below is what each threshold is, its new value, and what the change means for prospective applicants. All current charges and thresholds are maintained on our visa fees and thresholds reference.

Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) — now $79,423

The CSIT is the minimum guaranteed annual earnings for the Core Skills stream of the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) and for Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) nominations. It increased from $76,515 to $79,423 (excluding superannuation). For applicants, this means any nomination lodged on or after 1 July 2026 must offer at least $79,423, or the annual market salary rate for the role if that is higher.

Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT) — now $146,576

The SSIT applies to the Specialist Skills stream of the subclass 482 visa, which is designed for higher-paid professionals and offers faster processing. It rose from $141,210 to $146,576. If you are relying on the Specialist Skills stream, the salary offered must now meet this higher figure.

Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) — now $79,423

The TSMIT is the long-standing minimum for the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (subclass 494) visa. It increased from $76,515 to $79,423. As with the other thresholds, both the market salary rate and the worker’s guaranteed annual earnings must meet or exceed the TSMIT that applies when the nomination is lodged.

Fair Work High Income Threshold (FWHIT) — now $190,100

The FWHIT is set under the Fair Work Act and is relevant to the age exemption for the subclass 186 visa. It rose from $183,100 to $190,100. Applicants over 45 who rely on the high-income exemption to meet the age requirement must show earnings above this higher threshold for the relevant period.

What This Means for Applicants and Employers

The important point is timing: the threshold that matters is the one in force when the nomination is lodged, not when the role was first offered. A salary that comfortably cleared last year’s figure may now sit below the mark. Guaranteed annual earnings must meet the higher of the relevant threshold and the annual market salary rate, and non-monetary benefits such as accommodation or a vehicle do not count toward it. Workers who already hold their visa are unaffected until a fresh nomination is required.

Our View

If you are an employer or applicant preparing a nomination, review the salary in the offer and employment contract before lodging — a small shortfall is a common and avoidable reason for refusal. The fee side of the ledger also changed on 1 July 2026; we cover that in our companion post on visa application charge increases.

To check whether a proposed salary meets the current thresholds, you are welcome to book a consultation or request a free eligibility call.