If you’re applying for a 482 visa or any employer-sponsored migration stream in Australia, you’ve probably come across the term TSMIT, but what exactly does it mean, and how does it affect your eligibility?
In this guide, we’ll explain what is TSMIT, the difference between TSMIT and AMSR, current salary benchmarks, and what changes you need to be aware of in 2025.
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What Is TSMIT?
TSMIT stands for the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold. It refers to the minimum salary that an Australian employer must offer to sponsor an overseas worker under visas like the subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage visa).
It serves three key purposes:
- To protect migrant workers from being underpaid
- To ensure parity between local and international workers
- To maintain integrity in Australia’s skilled migration program
So if you’ve been searching “TSMIT meaning,” think of it as the base salary required for any temporary skilled visa sponsorship to be considered valid.
What Is the Expected TSMIT in 2025-2026?
As of July 2025, the TSMIT is expected to increase to $76,515, a substantial increase from the previous figure of $73,150. This change reflects rising living costs, inflation, and the government’s effort to make skilled migration more targeted.
Important: This figure excludes superannuation and must be calculated on a full-time annual basis.
Employers must offer at least the TSMIT for roles they sponsor. Offering anything below it makes the nomination invalid, no exceptions.
What About AMSR?
You’ll also hear the term AMSR Australia — or Annual Market Salary Rate — especially when dealing with occupations that don’t have set pay rates.
So, how does AMSR differ from TSMIT?
| Concept | Definition | Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| TSMIT | Government-mandated salary floor (currently $73,150) but expected to rise to $76,515 | Applies to all 482/494/186 visas |
| AMSR | Average wage in the local Australian job market for a role | Prevents underpaying skilled migrants |
Employers must pay the higher of the two: If the market salary rate for your occupation is $85,000, that’s what must be paid, even if TSMIT is lower.
482 Salary Requirement: What You Must Know
To be eligible for the 482 visa, you must meet specific salary criteria:
- Your job must pay at or above the TSMIT
- Your pay must reflect the AMSR for your occupation
- The salary terms must be included in your employment contract
This ensures that foreign workers are not exploited and that Australians are not priced out of jobs due to cheaper labor.
So if you’re researching 482 salary requirement, know that both TSMIT and AMSR apply, and compliance with both is mandatory.
Why Was TSMIT Increased?
The government increased the TSMIT in 2023 after it was frozen for more than a decade. The goal was to:
- Prevent wage suppression across sectors like hospitality and construction
- Encourage higher-skilled migration
- Remove access to employer sponsorship for low-paid or entry-level roles
Raising TSMIT also supports the broader aim of ensuring Australia attracts genuinely skilled and well-compensated talent.
If you’re keeping an eye on TSMIT salary updates, you’ll notice that TSMIT is now a strategic tool, not just a policy number.
Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold vs. Reality
While TSMIT is clear in policy, many employers still struggle with:
- Proving AMSR compliance (especially for niche roles)
- Structuring contracts to meet the TSMIT salary rule
- Navigating exemptions or regional salary variations
It’s essential to work with an expert to ensure everything from your salary structure to job classification aligns with Home Affairs requirements.
Final Tips for Visa Applicants
If you’re applying for sponsorship under the 482 or 494 visa, make sure:
- Your offered salary meets or exceeds TSMIT
- You’re being paid fair market rates (AMSR)
- Your employer includes all pay details in your contract
- You understand your rights as a migrant worker
Failure to meet the temporary skilled migration income threshold could result in visa refusal, even if all other documents are perfect.
Need Help?
At Kandel Consultancy, we help both employers and skilled migrants understand complex requirements like TSMIT, AMSR, and the 482 salary requirement. Our team ensures you’re not only eligible but fully compliant.
Whether you’re an accountant, engineer, or chef, we’ll guide you every step of the way.