What is Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold? TSMIT Raised to $73,150

Did you catch wind of the recent update on TSMIT from the Australian Government? Australian Government have just raised the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) by 4.50%, signalling a significant change for professionals eyeing opportunities in Australia.

Essentially, the TSMIT is a vital component of Australia’s skilled migration program. It sets a minimum income requirement that sponsored workers must meet to qualify for certain skilled migration visas. This threshold ensures that sponsored workers are offered salaries that are competitive and reflective of Australian labour market standards.

This blog post will provide a comprehensive overview of the TSMIT, explaining its purpose, current level, and how it impacts eligibility for skilled migrants.

What is the TSMIT in Australia?

The TSMIT (Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold) is a minimum salary requirement set by the Australian Department of Home Affairs. Employers sponsoring temporary skilled workers on specific visas must ensure the offered salary meets or exceeds this threshold.

TSMIT also plays a role in maintaining the integrity of the skilled migration program. Requiring employers to offer competitive salaries discourages the exploitation of migrant workers and encourages the attraction of genuinely skilled professionals who can contribute positively to the Australian economy.

The TSMIT serves two key purposes:

• Protecting Australian Workers: It helps ensure that temporary skilled migrants are paid fairly, preventing them from undercutting wages for similar roles held by Australian citizens or permanent residents.
• Ensuring Worker Support: The threshold aims to guarantee that sponsored workers have sufficient income to support themselves during their stay in Australia.

What is the Current TSMIT?

As of 1st July 2024, the TSMIT has increased from $70,000 to $73,150 per year. This implies that the minimum salary for sponsorship in Australia is $73,150. This applies to all new employer nomination applications lodged on or after that date.

Important Considerations

• The TSMIT is a base threshold. The actual salary offered must also be in line with the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR) for the nominated occupation. The AMSR reflects the typical wage paid for similar roles in the Australian market. You must pay whichever amount is higher – the TSMIT or the AMSR.
• The TSMIT is for base salary only. Superannuation (currently 11%) must be paid on top of this amount.
• Non-monetary benefits like car allowances or company housing are not counted towards the TSMIT. These are considered additional perks.

What is the Annual Market Salary Rate in Australia?

The Annual Market Salary Rate in Australia refers to the prevailing wage for a specific occupation or industry within the Australian job market over the course of a year. This rate is determined based on various factors, such as the demand for skills, regional economic conditions, and industry standards.

Employers often use the Annual Market Salary Rate as a benchmark when setting salaries for employees, particularly skilled migrants applying for visas under employer-sponsored schemes. It serves as a guideline to ensure that sponsored workers are offered salaries that are in line with market expectations and do not undercut local wages.

The AMSR is established through various factors, including:

1. Comparable Australian worker salaries.
2. Analysis of enterprise agreements or industrial awards.
3. Consideration of job outlook information.
4. Review of advertisements within the same location over the past 6 months.
5. Utilisation of remuneration surveys or input from unions or employer associations.

How does TSMIT determine visa eligibility for sponsored workers?

The Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) plays a crucial role in determining visa eligibility for sponsored workers in Australia.

• TSMIT establishes a minimum income requirement that sponsored workers must satisfy to qualify for certain skilled migration visas.
• This threshold ensures that sponsored workers receive salaries that align with Australian labour market standards and are competitive.
• Failing to meet the TSMIT or if the market is less than TSMIT can lead to visa application rejections, indicating an inability to provide sufficient financial support for the sponsored worker.

Which visa subclasses are affected by the TSMIT in Australia?

The TSMIT is applicable to several visa subclasses under the Australian skilled migration program. Primarily, it affects the following visa subclasses:

1. Subclass 482 – Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa: This visa allows employers to address labour shortages by bringing in skilled workers when they cannot source an appropriately skilled Australian.
2. Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa: This visa is for skilled migrants nominated by an employer to live and work in Australia permanently.
3. Subclass 187 – Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) Visa: This visa is for skilled migrants nominated by an employer in regional Australia to live and work permanently.

How Does the TSMIT Impact Employers?

The TSMIT significantly impacts employers in several ways:

1. Salary Compliance: Employers must ensure that the salaries they offer to temporary skilled workers meet or exceed the TSMIT. This compliance is crucial for the approval of visa applications, making it an essential aspect of the hiring process for international talent.
2. Budget Considerations: The TSMIT influences employers’ budgeting and financial planning. Meeting the minimum salary threshold means that employers need to allocate sufficient funds to offer competitive and fair wages to sponsored workers.
3. Attracting Skilled Workers: Employers can attract high-quality, skilled professionals from abroad by adhering to the TSMIT. Offering a competitive salary that meets or surpasses the TSMIT helps attract talent who can contribute effectively to the company’s growth and success.
4. Legal Obligations: Employers must remain compliant with immigration laws and regulations, including the TSMIT. Failure to meet the threshold can result in visa rejections, potential fines, and other legal ramifications, highlighting the importance of understanding and adhering to these requirements.
5. Workforce Planning: The TSMIT impacts how employers plan and manage their workforce. Ensuring that skilled migrants are paid fairly helps maintain a stable and motivated workforce, reducing turnover and enhancing overall productivity.

Conclusion

The Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold may seem like a hurdle at first glance, but understanding its purpose empowers you to navigate the Australian visa sponsorship process with confidence. It safeguards the rights of skilled migrants and enables employers to attract and retain top talent from around the world. Keeping track of changes to the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold can ensure you remain compliant and competitive in the Australian job market.

Looking to gain a competitive edge in Australia’s globalised market? Our team of experienced immigration specialists is here to assist you at every stage of the skilled visa process. With personalised advice and support, we’ll help you reach your skilled migration goals seamlessly. Schedule a consultation with us today to start your journey towards success.