Salary Requirements for Subclass 482 Visa Sponsorship
- sydney779
- Jul 10
- 3 min read
If you’re planning to hire an overseas skilled worker or apply for the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa – Subclass 482, it’s essential to understand the salary requirements set by the Australian Government. Meeting these rules is a critical part of the nomination application and can affect whether the visa applicants, including family members, are approved.
Whether you’re an approved sponsor, a business sponsor, or someone with a standard business sponsorship, this guide will help you meet the eligibility criteria required for employer-sponsored visas like the TSS visa or the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186), which can lead to permanent residency.
1. Two Salary Tests You Must Pass for Sponsoring Workers in Australia
To protect the local workforce and overseas workers, your nominated occupation must meet two salary benchmarks:
a) Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR)
This is the normal pay an Australian Visa worker would receive for the same skilled position under similar conditions.If there’s no local employee doing the same job, the approved employer must provide external data—like job ads or industry reports—to show the typical salary.
b) Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT)
As of July 1, 2025, the TSMIT is $76,515 (excluding superannuation).Even if the AMSR is lower, the salary must not fall below this threshold. In all cases, visa requirements demand that the higher of the AMSR or TSMIT must be paid.
This ensures skilled occupations are paid fairly, protecting the integrity of the skills list and avoiding wage undercutting.
2. What Subclass 482 Visa Counts Toward the Salary?
Only guaranteed annual earnings are included in salary calculations. These include:
Base pay
Fixed allowances (not based on performance or attendance)
Not counted:
Bonuses or commissions
Free accommodation, meals, or transport
Superannuation (unless stated clearly)
3. Full-Time Work Only
The nominated occupation must be a full-time role. Part-time or casual jobs do not meet the visa conditions for the temporary skill shortage visa.
4. Visa Subclass 186 Special Cases and Flexibility
If you’re applying through a labour agreement stream, Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA), or under an international trade obligation, different salary rules may apply. These programs allow for flexibility where labour shortages exist, especially in regional occupation list areas.
5. Mistakes That Can Delay or Refuse Your Application
Avoid common errors like:
Using only your company’s internal salary info without proving market rates
Including bonuses or performance-based pay as part of base salary
Failing to show clear breakdowns of guaranteed earnings in the application process
These mistakes could cause delays or lead to visa refusal.
6. Helpful 491 Salary Requirements Reminders for Employers and Applicants
Ensure your labour market testing is properly done if required
Check the skilled occupations list, strategic skills list, or regional occupation list to confirm the occupation is valid
The primary visa holder must meet all visa requirements, including character requirements, skills assessment, years of experience, and English language requirements
Some roles may require specialist skills and proof of relevant skills through a skills assessment
If you are switching to a new employer, ensure the sponsorship application is transferred properly. A temporary visa subclass 482 can be renewed unlimited times in some cases or lead to a permanent visa through the temporary residence transition stream.
Thinking Long-Term?
Meeting salary requirements is a key step toward securing permanent residence in Australia. Many applicants start with a student visa or temporary work visa, then progress toward a demand visa under the skilled occupation list with an approved sponsor.
Make sure your health insurance is valid and your employer meets all standard business sponsor obligations, including paying the SAF levy.
Link References:
Need Expert Help?
If you’re unsure about the process or need assistance with your skill assessment, salary documentation, or visa application, get in touch with us. As skilled migration experts, we help clients from the Philippines, Indonesia, Turkey, Thailand, and other nearby countries confidently navigate their journey to permanent residency in
Australia.
⚖ Migration Lawyer Ceren Guney +61 448 412 210
📚 Registered Migration Agent Feriha Guney MARN 0960690 +61 477 524 039
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Disclaimer:
This information is for general understanding only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific advice tailored to your situation, consult a registered migration agent or legal professional.
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