Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT)
Statutory definition
The TSMIT is not defined in the Migration Act 1958 but is set by subordinate legislative instrument under the Migration Regulations 1994. From 1 July 2023, the TSMIT is $73,150 per annum. Nominations for employer-sponsored visas must demonstrate that the proposed salary meets or exceeds both the TSMIT and the market salary rate for the position.
Explanation
The Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) is the salary floor for employer-sponsored skilled migration. It serves two purposes: ensuring that sponsored workers are genuinely skilled (and therefore earning skilled-level wages), and protecting them from exploitation by low-wage employers.
Nominations must meet both the TSMIT and the market salary rate — whichever is higher applies. The TSMIT is indexed to the Wage Price Index and is reviewed annually. Employers who underpay sponsored workers relative to their non-sponsored colleagues may breach their sponsorship obligations regardless of whether the salary exceeds TSMIT.