Things to know about the 2026-27 CSIT and SSIT updates
- The indexation for CSIT and SSIT happens automatically each year under regulation 5.42A of the Migration Regulations 1994.
- No new legislative instrument is required for these changes to take effect.
- All new thresholds are calculated using Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE) data provided by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), and that data determines the income limits for the 2026-27 period.
New Thresholds from 1 July 2026
The following index thresholds will apply for all subclass 482 (SID) and subclass 186 (ENS) applications lodged on or after 1 July 2026
| Threshold | 2026-27 (From 1 July 2026) | 2025-26 (Current) | Increase |
| Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) | $ 79,499 | $ 76,515 | +$2,984 |
| Specialised Skills Income Threshold (SSIT) | $146,717 | $141,210 | +$5,507 |
It is important to note that before you can make a subclass 482 nomination, Labour Market Testing (LMT) must be completed, ie, the 28-day advertising period (or any equivalent LMT requirements) must be finalised before Lodgement.
If LMT is not started early enough to allow the full 28-day period to be completed before 1 July 2026, any subclass 482 nomination lodged on or after 1 July 2026 will be assessed against the new higher CSIT and SSIT thresholds.
Business owners and sponsors to take action
If you are planning to submit a Skills in Demand (SID) (subclass 482) nomination and want to use the currently available (lower) thresholds:
- start Labour Market Testing immediately,
- allow the full 28-day LMT period to run, and
- ensure the nomination is lodged before 1 July 2026.
What do these updates mean for you
- Employers and visa applicants should review current salary packages against the new CSIT and SSIT income thresholds.
- Nominations lodged before 1 July 2026 will continue to be assessed against the 2025-26 thresholds ($76,515 CSIT / $141,210 SSIT)
- All new SID subclass 482 and ENS subclass 186 nomination applications lodged on or after 1 July 2026 must meet the higher, indexed income amounts.
How True Blue Migration can help
True Blue Migration is here to help you understand the new Skills in Demand (Subclass 482) and Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) income thresholds and protect your visa timeline. Our registered migration agents review your existing nomination and income, advise on optimal Labour Market Testing timing, and make sure you are fully compliant with the CSIT and SSIT updates.
Contact our team of friendly experts today
Email info@trubluemigration.com
Phone 03 9038 9070