Walter almost got his 482 nomination rejected over one number he didn't know existed.
Walter had found his ideal hire and was ready to sponsor him. He assumed there was one salary figure to
hit, paid it, and thought the job was done.
Turns out there are three tests, and missing even one puts the sponsorship at risk.
The Three Critical Salary Tests
Walter had found his ideal hire and was ready to sponsor him. He assumed there was one salary figure to hit, paid it, and thought the job was done.
Turns out there are three tests, and missing even one puts the sponsorship at risk.
CSIT, SSIT & Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR)
Test 1: CSIT (Core Skills Income Threshold)
The minimum floor for the 482 Core Skills stream and the 186 visa.
➡️ Current from 1 July 2026: AUD $79,423
➡️ Set by lodgement date, not offer letter or decision date
➡️ Superannuation excluded base salary only
Test 2: SSIT (Specialist Skills Income Threshold)
Applies to the 482 Specialist Skills stream only.
➡️ Current from 1 July 2026: AUD $146,576
➡️ No occupation list restriction but salary must clear the SSIT
CSIT and SSIT are not interchangeable confusing the two is a common mistake
Test 3: AMSR (Annual Market Salary Rate)
What an equivalent Australian worker earns in the same role, location and seniority.
➡️ If AMSR is higher than CSIT or SSIT, you must pay the AMSR
Global benchmarks, outdated surveys, city rates for regional roles, and super don't count
The Department checks real Australian market data be specific.
The Golden Rule Walter Learned
The Golden Rule Walter learned:
➡️ Base salary counts
➡️ Guaranteed allowances count
Superannuation, bonuses, car allowances, and accommodation benefits do not
Restructuring for Clean Approval
Once Walter restructured the offer correctly, his nomination went through clean no delays, no rejection risk.
Once Walter restructured the offer correctly: his nomination went through clean no delays, no rejection risk.
Salary Compliant
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