The Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) is a key requirement for employer-sponsored visas in Australia, ensuring that skilled migrants receive fair pay aligned with Australian market conditions. It effectively replaces the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) and applies to visas like:
- Skills in Demand (SID) Visa (Subclass 482)
- Employer Sponsored 186 Direct Entry Visa
- Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa
The upcoming increase in the CSIT minimum salary on 1st July 2025 will further align with wage trends and cost-of-living adjustments. Employers sponsoring overseas workers must ensure they meet this new threshold to stay compliant.
Are you ready to take the next step in your Australian immigration journey? The Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa is your pathway to permanent residency in Australia! Here’s everything you need to know about this incredible opportunity.
What is the Subclass 186 Visa?
Subclass 186 Visa – Permanent Residency for Skilled Workers in Australia
The Subclass 186 visa allows skilled workers to live and work permanently in Australia, provided they are nominated by an approved Australian employer. This visa is ideal for individuals with the right skills and experience to contribute to Australia’s workforce.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Subclass 186 visa, you must meet the following key requirements:
✅ 1. Nomination by an Approved Employer
- Your employer must be an approved sponsor and nominate you for the visa.
✅ 2. Skills and Qualifications
- You must have the relevant skills and qualifications for the nominated occupation listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) or the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL).
- In most cases, a skills assessment may be required.
✅ 3. Age Requirement
- You must be under 45 years of age at the time of application.
- Some exemptions apply, such as high-income earners or specific occupations.
✅ 4. English Language Proficiency
- You must demonstrate competent English (e.g., IELTS, PTE, or equivalent tests).
✅ 5. Work Experience
- At least three years of relevant full-time work experience is generally required.
✅ 6. Health and Character Requirements
- You must meet health and character requirements, including police checks and medical exams.
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491):
Key Details
- Duration: Up to 5 years
- Where to live: Must stay in regional areas (not Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane)
- Travel: Can travel in and out of Australia
- Path to PR: Can apply for permanent residency (subclass 191) if eligible
- Work Rights: Can work for any employer in any occupation (within visa conditions)
Who Can Apply?
You must:
- Get an invitation – Apply through SkillSelect and be nominated by a state/territory or an eligible relative
- Have a job on the skilled occupation list
- Pass a skills assessment
- Score at least 65 points (based on age, work experience, education, English skills, etc.)
- Be under 45 years old when invited
- Have competent English
- Meet health and character requirements
Securing a Positive Skills Assessment for Skilled Migration to Australia
A positive skills assessment is crucial for many professionals seeking skilled migration to Australia. Whether applying for a General Skilled Migration (GSM) visa, employer-sponsored visa, or any other work permit, obtaining a positive outcome can be complex but achievable with the right preparation. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps required to secure a positive skills assessment, offering key tips and advice on how to meet the necessary standards.
Steps to Get a Positive Skills Assessment
1. Choose the Right Occupation
The first step is to select the occupation that aligns with your qualifications and work experience. The occupation must be listed on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List (SOL) and fall under the category assessed by the relevant authority. Review the ANZSCO Code (Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations) to understand the responsibilities and expectations for your chosen occupation.
2. Check Requirements
After choosing your occupation, visit the official website of the assessing body to check the specific requirements for your chosen occupation. These requirements typically include:
- Qualifications: A degree, diploma, or equivalent qualification relevant to your field.
- Work Experience: The assessing body will specify the minimum years of relevant work experience required for a positive assessment.
Ensure you meet both the qualifications and work experience requirements. Some occupations may also have additional requirements, such as proof of English language proficiency or professional certifications.
3. Gather Required Documents
To complete your application, you will need to submit various documents that prove your qualifications and work experience. Some commonly required documents include:
- Educational qualifications (degrees, diplomas, certificates).
- Work experience documentation (employment contracts, pay slips, reference letters, tax returns).
- Proof of identity (passport, national ID).
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing your career history.
- Position descriptions from your employers.
Make sure all documents are certified or notarized. If any documents are not in English, they must be translated by a NAATI-certified translator.
4. Submit Your Application
Once all the required documents are ready, submit your application through the online portal. This will involve filling out personal information, uploading your documents, and paying the required assessment fees.
After submission, the assessing body will review your documents and qualifications. Ensure that all information is accurate and that no documents are missing to avoid delays.
5. Prepare for a Technical Interview (if applicable)
Some assessing bodies may require a technical interview to assess your practical skills, particularly for trade occupations or roles where practical experience is essential. The interview may cover:
- Technical questions related to your profession.
- Discussions about your work experience and qualifications.
- Assessment of how your skills align with Australian standards.
Prepare thoroughly by reviewing key aspects of your profession and gathering detailed examples of your work experience.
How We Can Help
We offer comprehensive support for individuals preparing for the skills assessment. Our services include document preparation, detailed guidance, and assistance with qualification verifications to ensure your paperwork aligns with the required standards.
Why Is the 15th March Deadline Important?
Many international students’ visas expire around mid-March after completing studies in November or December. This short extension period allows time to:
- Receive academic results
- Attend graduation
- Plan future studies or work
However, this period is not automatic. You must take action to avoid overstaying, which could negatively impact future visa applications.
Consequences of Overstaying
Overstaying—even for a short time—can result in:
- Immediate departure from Australia
- Difficulty in obtaining future visas (for study, work, or permanent residency)
- Potential complications with skilled migration or employer-sponsored visas
Visa Options After Expiry
Here are the main visa pathways if your student visa is expiring:
- Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485): For graduates seeking work experience in Australia, allowing you to stay for 18 months to 4 years.
- Skilled-Sponsored Visas:
- Subclass 482 (TSS Visa): For those with an employer offering sponsorship, allowing you to stay up to 4 years.
- Subclass 186 (ENS Visa): For permanent residency if nominated by an employer.
- Skilled Migration:
- Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa) or Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa): If your occupation is on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List, you may be eligible for permanent residency.
- New Student Visa (Subclass 500): If continuing your education, apply for a new student visa.
- Partner Visa: If in a genuine relationship with an Australian citizen or permanent resident, you may apply for a Partner Visa to stay in Australia while your permanent residency is processed.
Take Action Early
Visa processing can take time. To avoid last-minute complications, aim to submit your application before 1st March 2025.
Seek Professional Help
Navigating visa options can be complex. Consider consulting with a migration expert to ensure you choose the best pathway and submit a strong application.
By planning ahead, you can stay compliant with immigration laws and transition smoothly to your next steps in Australia.
These figures represent an estimate of the highest paying professional and trades jobs in Australia, with salaries based on current trends and available data.
- Psychiatrist: AUD 236,055
- Project Director: AUD 232,682
- General Practitioner: AUD 232,450
- Staff Specialist: AUD 222,503
- Engineering Manager: AUD 181,783
- Engineering Lead: AUD 171,441
- Financial Planning and Analysis Manager: AUD 167,445
- Electrical Supervisor: AUD 164,545
- Reliability Engineer: AUD 158,347
- Functional Consultant: AUD 155,266
Highest paying trades jobs in Australia:
- HVAC : AUD 118,032
- Dental Hygienist : AUD 98,213
- Builder : AUD 86,951
- Electrician : AUD 84,216
- Boilermaker : AUD 79,624
- Plumber : AUD 78,408
- Concreter : AUD 77,720
- Roofer : AUD 77,289
- Lighting Consultant : AUD 76,274
- Inspector : 76,093
- Carpenter : AUD 75,633