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CSIT and SSIT Salary Thresholds Are Rising on 1 July 2026
The Compulsory Superannuation Income Threshold (CSIT) and the Salary Subclass Income Threshold (SSIT) are both scheduled to increase on 1 July 2026. The Migration Institute of Australia confirmed this in MIA Notice 57, issued on 8 May 2026. These changes affect applicants and sponsors for the Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa and the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa.
What Are the CSIT and SSIT?
The CSIT is the income threshold above which superannuation is payable on the full salary amount under Australian law. It is relevant to how the total employment package is calculated for visa purposes. The SSIT is a migration-specific salary threshold used to assess whether a sponsored worker's remuneration meets the minimum required under visa regulations.
Together, these thresholds determine whether a nominee's Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR) satisfies the salary requirements for both 482 and 186 visa nominations. Where a salary falls close to either threshold, the July 2026 adjustment could affect whether a nomination remains compliant.
How These Thresholds Interact with Labour Market Testing
The interaction between CSIT, SSIT, and Labour Market Testing (LMT) is a critical but often overlooked compliance point. LMT obligations apply to most 482 nominations unless a specific exemption applies, such as for citizens of countries with free trade agreement coverage.
Where a salary offer is structured to include superannuation contributions, the CSIT affects how the base salary component is calculated relative to any LMT advertisement. Sponsors must ensure that the salary advertised during LMT is consistent with the salary eventually offered at nomination, accounting for the updated thresholds. Any discrepancy can lead to refusal on the basis that LMT was not conducted properly or that the AMSR condition is not met.
Who Is Affected?
Visa SubclassRelevant ThresholdKey ImpactSubclass 482 (TSS)CSIT and SSITNomination salary must meet or exceed updated thresholds at time of decisionSubclass 186 (ENS)CSIT and SSITSalary assessment for permanent nomination must reflect post-July rates482 SponsorsCSIT (LMT interaction)LMT advertisements must align with salaries calculated under new CSIT
Practical Steps Before 1 July 2026
- Review all pending 482 and 186 nominations to confirm that the offered salary will continue to satisfy the SSIT after 1 July 2026.
- If any nomination is currently lodged but not yet decided, consider whether the salary in the nomination will meet the new SSIT at the time of decision.
- For sponsors who have recently conducted LMT, verify that the advertised salary is consistent with the salary to be nominated under the updated CSIT calculation.
- Engage your migration lawyer before lodging new nominations in June 2026 if the proposed salary is close to any current threshold.
Key Takeaways
- Both the CSIT and SSIT will increase on 1 July 2026, confirmed by MIA Notice 57 (8 May 2026).
- Nominations for Subclass 482 and Subclass 186 visas must satisfy the updated thresholds at the time of decision, not just at lodgement.
- The interaction between CSIT and LMT salary calculations requires careful review, particularly where superannuation is included in the package.
- Sponsors should review pending and upcoming nominations now to avoid compliance issues arising from the threshold increase.
The content of this article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration law is complex and subject to change. The information provided may not reflect the most current legal developments. For advice specific to your circumstances, please consult a registered Australian migration lawyer. For full terms governing use of this website and its content, please refer to our Website Terms and Conditions.
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