Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT): Key Updates and Salary Increase 2025!

The Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) in Australia is an essential criterion for candidates applying for the Skills in Demand (SID) visa (subclass 482), Employer Sponsored 186 Direct Entry Visa and the Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa. The revised salary threshold, formerly referred to as TSMIT - Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold, guarantees that international workers are fairly compensated, matching their salaries with Australian market standards. The CSIT minimum salary will increase on the 1st of July 2025!
What is the Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT)?
The Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) is the minimum salary required for workers applying under the Core Skills stream of the Skills in Demand (SID) visa (subclass 482), the Employer Sponsored 186 Direct Entry Stream Visa and 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa. It ensures fair wages for skilled migrant workers, preventing underpayment and maintaining competitive salary standards.
The CSIT salary requirement is directly linked to occupations listed under the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL). If your job is on the CSOL, meeting the CSIT salary threshold is essential for a successful visa application.
CSIT Updates: Expected Salary Requirements for 2024-2025
As of July 1, 2024, the Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) is set at $73,150. Based on the latest AWOTE increase, the CSIT will rise by 4.6% to $76,515 starting July 1, 2025, while the Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT) will increase from $135,000 to $141,210. This adjustment aligns with wage growth trends and ensures that skilled migrants receive salaries comparable to Australian workers in similar roles.
CSOL and Its Impact on the 482 & 186 Visa Pathway
The Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) plays a vital role in determining eligibility for the Skills in Demand (SID) visa (subclass 482) and potential pathways to Permanent Residency (PR) through the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa (subclass 186).
If your occupation is on the CSOL, you may be eligible for sponsorship under the Skills in Demand (SID) Visa (482) or the 186 (DE) Visa.
Meeting the CSIT salary threshold is crucial to ensuring visa nomination approval.
Certain occupations on the CSOL may also provide a pathway to PR via the subclass 186 Employer Sponsored Visa.
To check if your occupation is on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) and explore visa options, book a consultation with our experts.
Why CSIT Matters for Employers and Visa Applicants
Employers sponsoring skilled workers under the Skills in Demand (SID) visa (subclass 482), 186 (DE) Visa and 494 Regional Visa, must ensure that the offered salary meets or exceeds the Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT). Compliance with the CSIT is crucial for a successful visa application.
For current and prospective visa applicants, meeting the CSIT requirement is essential for securing sponsorship and successfully applying for the Skills in Demand (SID) visa, the Subclass 186 Direct Entry (DE) visa, and the Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa. It is important to lodge applications in advance to avoid increased salary requirements.
Difference Between CSIT and Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT)
It’s important to distinguish between the Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) and the Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT):
CSIT applies to roles listed under the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), ensuring fair wages for standard skilled jobs.
SSIT is set at a higher salary threshold for specialised roles requiring advanced expertise and roles under the specialist skills stream under the Skills In Demand 482 Visa.
Employers and skilled migrants should check which category their occupation falls under to meet the correct salary requirements.
Stay Updated on CSIT, CSOL, and Visa Changes
The Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) and Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) are subject to annual reviews and updates. Employers and visa applicants should stay informed to ensure success of visa applications lodged.
Check if your occupation is listed on the CSOL and discover visa options like the Skills in Demand (SID) visa (482), the Employer Nomination Scheme (186) (DE) visa, or the Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa. To start the process before the changes take effect on the 1st of July 2025, schedule a consultation here:
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