The Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) is one of the important salary requirements for skilled employee visas in Australia. It represents the minimum base salary required from the sponsored workers to meet the requirements according to the Australian immigration regulations. Knowing this salary requirement helps you assess the job offers, determine if you are eligible for visa sponsorship, and prepare a stronger application.
This guide explains what the CSIT is, the present salary threshold, and the visas it applies to. We will also present how it differs from the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR) and how you can meet these requirements.
What Is the Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT)?
The CSIT is the minimum annual salary payable by Australian employers to eligible sponsored skilled workers to qualify for certain employer-sponsored visas. It replaced the former Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold, which had set the minimum pay for temporary skilled workers before December 2024. Employers must also meet the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR), and the higher of the two salary requirements generally applies.
CSIT was mainly introduced to:
- Protect Australian wage standards.
- Prevent the underpayment of sponsored overseas workers.
- Support genuine skilled migration.
What is the Current Core Skills Income Threshold in Australia?
The current CSIT for 2026-2027 stands at AUD 79,423. CSIT is revised and indexed every year in Australia. Higher-paid specialist roles are instead assessed against the Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT), which is set at a higher level of AUD 146,576 (For 2026 – 2027). The latest CSIT is as follows:
| Nomination Period | Core Skills Income Threshold |
| 7 December 2024 to 30 June 2025 | AUD 73,150 |
| 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026 | AUD 76,515 |
| 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027 | AUD 79,423 |
*Projected figure based on wage indexation trends (AWOTE). The final figure is usually announced close to the start of the next financial year.
How Is the Core Skills Income Threshold Calculated?
Under the CSIT, only the annual guaranteed income of an employee is used to determine whether the minimum salary threshold has been reached. It should not vary based on performance and bonuses.
The following types of compensation are not counted under CSIT:
- Bonuses
- Allowances
- Superannuation
- Other non-monetary benefits (Such as accommodation and travel benefits)
Suppose your employment offer includes the following:
| Salary Component | Amount | Counts Towards CSIT? |
| Base salary | AUD 75,000 | Yes |
| Bonus and allowances | AUD 5,000 | No |
| Total package | AUD 80,000 | Only AUD 75,000 is assessed |
*It is important to note that meeting the CSIT alone doesn’t assure the issuance of your visa. You also have to meet other requirements, such as skills, experience, health, and character.
Also Read: How to Stay Ahead of Australian Visa Delays in 2026
Which Australian Visas Require the Core Skills Income Threshold?
The CSIT is applicable to employer-sponsored visas in which the employers are mandated to pay the minimum salary set by the Australian Government. For example, the salary threshold for 186 visa applicants is currently AUD 79,423 (the 2026-2027 CSIT).
Some of the common employer-sponsored visas are:
- Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme – Direct Entry stream
- Subclass 186 Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream
- Subclass 482 Skills in Demand – Core Skills stream
- Subclass 482 and 186 Labour Agreement stream (unless the agreement states otherwise)
What Is the Difference Between the (CSIT) and the Annual Market Salary Rate?
CSIT and AMSR are both salary-related requirements for visa sponsorship by employers, but their functions are different. The primary distinctions between them are as follows:
| Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) | Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR) |
| Determined by the Australian Government. | Reflects the typical salary of an occupation in the market. |
| Acts as the lowest salary requirement for employer-sponsored visas. | Ensures that foreign workers receive pay equal to that of local workers in similar roles. |
| Updated and aligned with inflation on a yearly basis. | Influenced by factors like profession, place, sector and nature of work. |
| A similar minimum salary applies to all eligible occupations. | Different salary levels based on occupations. |
| Protects the integrity of Australia’s skilled migration program. | Prevents employers from underpaying overseas workers. |
How To Improve The Chances Of Meeting The (CSIT)?
You can improve your chances of meeting the CSIT by focusing on skilled roles that offer competitive salaries and checking whether you are meeting the migration rules of Australia in your employment offer. Here are a few more ways to improve your chances of meeting the income threshold:
- Compare the salary in your chosen occupation to get an idea of what employers in Australia pay.
- Seek professional migration assistance from regional experts like migration agents Perth.
- Choose high-demand occupations.
- Build relevant work experience.
- Gain relevant qualifications and certifications.
Final Thoughts
CSIT is one of the main requirements for employer-sponsored Australian visas. It allows you to determine whether your salary is within the acceptable range as per the Australian migration laws. For personalised guidance, contact an experienced visa agent in Perth today to maximise your chances of a successful employer-sponsored visa application.
Must Read: Australian Passport Renewal: Step-by-Step Process Explained
FAQs
1. Does the Core Skills Income Threshold apply to existing visa holders?
It depends. Most likely, the threshold applicable to your situation will be the one based on the date of submission of the nomination by the employer and not the date of issuing/renewal of the visa.
2. Can the core skills income threshold (csit) change every year?
Yes. The Australian government annually reviews and indexes the threshold to take into account the national growth in wages.
3. Does meeting the Core Skills Income Threshold assure visa approval?
No, meeting the threshold is only one of the eligibility requirements. You also need to have the necessary skills, English language proficiency, as well as meet health and character requirements.
5. What happens if the Core Skills Income Threshold increases after I receive a job offer?
If your employer has not yet lodged the nomination, the new threshold may apply. If the threshold is increased after your application, then contact a migration expert to make the necessary changes to your visa application.
