What is TSMIT for Australian employers sponsoring skilled workers for 482 visas?

The Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) is an important factor for Australian employers looking to sponsor skilled workers on 482 visas and other temporary skilled work visas. This is the salary threshold is set by the Australian government and must be met in order for an employer to sponsor a foreign worker for a 482 visa.  What does it mean for employers sponsoring skilled workers.

What is TSMIT?

TSMIT is the minimum salary that an employer must offer to a foreign worker in order to sponsor them for a 482 visa and other Australian work visas. This threshold is set by the Australian government and is updated annually. As of July 2023, the TSMIT is set at $70,000 per year. This means that an employer must offer a salary of at least $70,000 to a foreign worker in order to sponsor them for a 482 visa.

Why is TSMIT important for employers sponsoring skilled workers?

Australian visas

by Pat Whelen (https://unsplash.com/@patwhelen)

TSMIT is an important factor for employers sponsoring skilled workers for 482 visas for several reasons. Firstly, it ensures that foreign workers are being paid a fair wage for their skills and qualifications. This helps to prevent exploitation and ensures that foreign workers are being treated fairly in the Australian workforce.

Secondly, TSMIT helps to protect the Australian job market by ensuring that foreign workers are not being brought in to undercut the wages of Australian workers. By setting a minimum salary threshold, the Australian government aims to maintain the integrity of the job market and protect the rights of Australian workers.

How does TSMIT affect employer sponsors?

Employers who wish to sponsor foreign workers for 482 visas must ensure that they meet the 482 visa minimum salary threshold. This means that they must offer a salary of at least $70,000 to the sponsored worker or the annual market salary rate, whichever is greater. Failure to meet this requirement can result in the visa application being rejected.

TSMIT vs Annual Market Salary Rate – what’s the difference?

Although the minimum salary employer sponsored foreign workers is $70,000, the salary must also match the going rate for that occupation in the place where the job will be carried out. There are a few ways employers can prove this, such as by presenting job ads for the same occupation located in the same vicinity.

This is to ensure that the sponsored worker is not being paid significantly less than their Australian counterparts.

How can employers meet the TSMIT requirement?

There are several ways that employers can meet the TSMIT requirement. They can offer a salary of at least $53,900 to the sponsored worker, or they can provide additional benefits such as housing or a car to make up for any shortfall in the salary. Employers can also offer a salary package that includes superannuation contributions and other benefits.

TSMIT is an important factor for Australian employers looking to sponsor skilled workers for 482 visas. It ensures that foreign workers are being paid a fair wage and protects the Australian job market. Employers must ensure that they meet the TSMIT requirement in order to successfully sponsor a foreign worker for a 482 visa.

Proving the annual market salary for a TSS 482 occupation

Sponsoring employers can prove the annual market salary rate for their nominated position by proving at least 2 independent sources.

These can be from an enterprise agreement, an industrial award or copies of other employment contracts.

Where there is no equivalent worker agreement or industrial award, you can use adverts for similar roles that show the salary and written advice from a union or employer association.

Contact us