The Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) is a government determined minimum salary rate for persons from overseas working in Australia under a subclass 457 visa. The TSMIT is intended to ensure that all persons holding a subclass 457 visa earn a fair income and thus will be able to independently provide for themselves during their temporary stay in Australia, as they do not have access to Australian government financial support whilst working in Australia.

The TSMIT was increased on 1st July 2010 from $45,220 to $47,480. This increase was based on the annual seasonally adjusted wage change for all Australians, currently at 5 per cent. This updated higher TSMIT amount applies to all nominations lodged on or after 1st July 2010.

The TSMIT was introduced when ‘market rates’ replaced ‘minimum salary levels’ on 14th September 2009. Nominations of a subclass 457 visa applicant cannot usually be made where the market salary rate for the nominated position is below the TSMIT – currently $47,480.