If you’re an employer in Australia and want to sponsor an overseas worker—for a 482 (Skills in Demand) visa, ENS (Subclass 186), SESR (Subclass 494) or legacy RSMS (Subclass 187)—you must commit to pay this overseas worker at or above both:
- The relevant skilled-visa income threshold, AND
- The Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR).
Whichever is the higher figure of the two will determine the minimum lawful package.
There are several skilled-visa income threasholds, which are applicable in different circumstances. For most occupations, the applicable threshold is the Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT), which is AUD 76,515. (As of July 1, 2025). That is the absolute minimum a sponsoring employer can pay an overseas worker in Australia – However, the AMSR may set a different minimum salary for the specific role.
Example:
If the AMSR for a Carpenter is AUD 80,000 and the CSIT is AUD 76,515, you must offer at least AUD 80,000. You cannot rely on the threshold to pay below a genuine Australian market rate.
What the Department checks
- AMSR (what Australians earn for the same job): role, grade, hours and location must match your comparator.
- The relevant income threshold: your nomination must meet or exceed the threshold and the AMSR.
- Guaranteed earnings you offer: the contract and nomination figure must clear the higher of the two. Non-monetary benefits (cars, accommodation, equity/options) don’t count toward the floor. Superannuation is separate to base pay. Discretionary bonuses can’t “top up” an otherwise low base.
- If base pay < AUD 250,000: you must evidence the AMSR and show the offer meets it.
Which threshold applies?
These thresholds set the minimum salary floor for employer-sponsored skilled visas. Amounts refer to base guaranteed earnings (superannuation sits on top).
- Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) — 482 (Core Skills stream) and ENS 186 (nominations lodged on/after 7 Dec 2024)
• AUD 76,515 (From 1 July 2025)
- Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT) — 482 (Specialist Skills stream)
• AUD 141,210 (From 1 July 2025)
- Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) — SESR 494 / legacy RSMS 187
• AUD 76,515 (From 1 July 2025)
How to determine the AMSR
AMSR is what a comparable Australian worker is paid for the same job, level, hours and location.
If you already employ an equivalent (same occupation & skill level) Australian worker, use their contract and recent payslips. If an award or enterprise agreement applies, name it and the exact classification.
If you don’t have an equivalent employee but an award/EA applies, use the correct classification rate and explain why it matches the duties and level.
If there’s no equivalent employee and no award/EA, build the rate from multiple recent sources: local job ads for the same role, Jobs and Skills Australia occupation/industry profiles, reputable salary surveys, and written advice from a relevant union or employer association. Show how those sources support the figure.
Equivalent means like-for-like on duties, seniority, hours and location.
Count base guaranteed earnings only. Super is on top. Cars, housing, equity and discretionary bonuses don’t count toward the minimum.
Before you lodge, make sure the nomination and contract match the AMSR, your sources are recent and specific, and the figure also clears the applicable skilled-visa income threshold.
How Leyton Stone Law can help
We can scope the role, map it to the right occupation, and build a defendable AMSR using solid local comparators. We align the package to CSIT/SSIT/TSMIT and the market rate, draft compliant contracts, and ensure LMT and nomination evidence are consistent—so you know exactly what salary you need to offer your overseas employee (and why) under Australian immigration laws & policy.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration matters can be complex — you should seek advice from a registered migration agent or immigration lawyer about your individual circumstances before making any decision.
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