482 Visa Salary Requirements 2026: CSIT, SSIT, AMSR & Market Salary Explained
Salary is one of the most important parts of a Subclass 482 nomination. A role can be genuine and the worker can be highly qualified, yet the nomination can still fail if the salary evidence does not satisfy the current Skills in Demand rules.
The two salary tests employers need to understand
For most 482 nominations, employers need to deal with both the relevant income threshold and the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR). The overseas worker must not be paid less than the Australian market rate for equivalent work, and the guaranteed annual earnings must also meet the threshold applying to the stream. For nominations lodged between 1 July 2026 and 30 June 2027, the Core Skills Income Threshold is $79,423 and the Specialist Skills Income Threshold is $146,576.
What is the Annual Market Salary Rate?
AMSR is designed to prevent overseas workers being paid less than an Australian worker performing equivalent work. Evidence may include an equivalent Australian employee’s salary, enterprise agreements, modern awards, salary surveys, recruitment data and other credible market evidence. The strongest evidence matches the actual position, location, seniority and duties rather than relying on a generic salary website.
What counts as guaranteed annual earnings?
Do not assume every benefit counts toward the threshold. The salary package needs to be analysed carefully. Non-monetary benefits may not count toward the required threshold calculation. Employers should distinguish base salary, guaranteed cash allowances, superannuation and discretionary bonuses before lodging.
Common salary mistakes that can cause refusal
Common problems include using an inflated occupation title to justify salary, relying on a market rate from another state, including superannuation in a figure that should be assessed differently, failing to explain why the foreign worker’s salary differs from Australian employees, or using a salary that just meets the threshold but does not meet AMSR.
How Emigrate Lawyers reviews salary evidence
We compare the employment contract, position description, business structure, occupation classification, payroll evidence and market salary material before nomination. The goal is to make the salary evidence explain the commercial reality of the role, not simply meet a number on paper.
Claim your consultation
Tell us whether you are the employer or worker, the proposed occupation, salary, current visa status and any deadline.
The Emigrate Lawyers difference
We assess the sponsorship, nomination and visa as one connected legal pathway.
We test the role, salary, business evidence and applicant history for consistency before lodgement.
We act in nomination refusals, visa refusals, sponsor changes, compliance and 482-to-186 pathways.
Employers and workers across Australia can instruct us by video with electronic case management.
Useful 482 resources
Madhab Kharel — Principal Lawyer
Madhab Kharel is the Principal Lawyer and Director of Emigrate Lawyers. His migration practice includes employer-sponsored visas, Subclass 482 and 186 matters, nomination refusals, ART review, complex visa histories and employer compliance.
Frequently asked questions
Is $79,423 enough for every Core Skills 482 nomination?
No. The worker must also be paid at least the applicable market salary rate. A market rate can be higher than the CSIT.
Can superannuation be counted toward the salary threshold?
The salary calculation should be checked carefully against the current legislative definition of annual earnings. Do not assume the total remuneration package equals guaranteed annual earnings.
What if the salary increases after lodgement?
Whether a later increase cures a problem depends on the criterion and the facts at the relevant time. It is safer to structure the nomination correctly before lodgement.
Can a high salary remove the occupation-list requirement?
The Specialist Skills stream has different occupation settings, but salary alone does not make every occupation eligible. The stream and ANZSCO requirements still need to be checked.
Speak with a 482 visa lawyer
Contact Emigrate Lawyers for advice on sponsorship, nomination, Skills in Demand visa eligibility or a complex 482 matter.
Legal review: Madhab Kharel, Principal Lawyer. Reviewed 26 September 2026. General information only and not legal advice.
