Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) increases to AUD 79,423
Effective 1 July 2026, the Australian Department of Home Affairs formally raised the Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) from AUD 76,515 to AUD 79,423 per annum. This statutory benchmark applies to employer nominations under the Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482 – Core Skills Stream) and the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186).
This 3.8% indexation reflects annual wage growth measured by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE).
One month post-implementation: Who is most affected?
The revised threshold directly affects all employer nomination applications lodged on or after 1 July 2026. Nominations lodged prior to this date continue assessment under the transitional AUD 76,515 threshold.
Sectors experiencing greatest adjustment pressure
- Hospitality & Culinary Services: Head chefs, pastry chefs, and venue managers in regional venues.
- Automotive & Mechanical Trades: Panel beaters and motor mechanics where entry-level base salaries hover near the previous threshold.
- Retail & Logistics: Wholesale distribution supervisors and logistics coordinators.
CSIT vs Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR)
Employers must satisfy whichever is higher: the statutory CSIT (AUD 79,423) or the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR) corresponding to equivalent Australian resident employees in that geographic region.
Employer sponsorship compliance with De1 Consultancy
De1 Consultancy audits employment agreements, calculates AMSR benchmarks, and structures compliant Standard Business Sponsorship files.
Source: Australian Department of Home Affairs / Fair Work Commission / De1 Analysis
