What is the current TSMIT for a 482 visa?

The Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) is set by the Department of Home Affairs. The search results did not include the current figure. You should check the Home Affairs website for the latest amount, as it is updated periodically.

Can a 482 visa holder be paid less than the award rate?

No. The sponsor must pay at least the award rate or the TSMIT, whichever is higher. The Fair Work Ombudsman enforces workplace laws, and 482 visa holders have the same rights under the Fair Work Act as other employees.

Does the national minimum wage apply to 482 visa holders?

Yes, if no award or enterprise agreement applies. However, the TSMIT requirement may set a higher floor. The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, but award rates and the TSMIT are often higher.

Minimum salary for 482 visa: award coverage vs award-free rates explained

The minimum salary for a 482 visa is not a single figure; it depends on the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) set by Home Affairs and any applicable award or enterprise agreement rates, which may be higher than the national minimum wage.

Understanding the minimum salary for a 482 visa

The minimum salary for a 482 visa holder is not a single number. It is shaped by two separate legal systems: immigration law under the Migration Act and workplace law under the Fair Work Act. The sponsor must meet both sets of obligations, and the higher of the applicable rates will apply.

The legal minimum under immigration law

Under the Migration Act, a sponsor nominating a worker for a Temporary Skill Shortage (482) visa must meet specific salary requirements. The key figure is the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT), which is set by the Department of Home Affairs. The search result from confirms that salary requirements exist, but the current TSMIT amount is not provided in the snippet. You must check the Home Affairs website directly for the latest figure. The sponsor must also ensure that the employee’s earnings are at least equal to the TSMIT, and that the position is genuine and the employee performs only the duties of the approved occupation.

The legal minimum under workplace law

All employees in Australia, including 482 visa holders, are entitled to the protections of the Fair Work Act. As explained in the Fair Work Ombudsman fact sheet on , visa holders have the same workplace rights as Australian citizens. This includes the National Employment Standards (NES) and any applicable modern award or enterprise agreement.

The National Minimum Wage (NMW) is the ultimate floor for award-free and agreement-free employees. From 1 July 2026, the NMW is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a full-time adult employee. Casual employees receive a loading, bringing the minimum to $33.05 per hour. However, many 482 visa holders work in skilled occupations covered by a modern award, which sets higher minimum rates. The Fair Work Ombudsman also notes that the sponsor must provide equivalent pay to any Australian employee doing the same work in the same workplace.

Award coverage versus award-free rates

The angle of this guide is to help you understand whether you are covered by an award or not. If your occupation is listed in a modern award, the minimum salary for your 482 visa must be at least the award rate for your classification. Award rates are often higher than the NMW. For example, the Miscellaneous Award (which covers some award-free employees) has an ongoing minimum of $26.44 per hour, but many skilled trades and professional awards have higher rates.

If you are award-free (no award covers your occupation), the NMW applies as the minimum. However, the TSMIT from immigration law is typically higher than the NMW, so the TSMIT will be the effective floor. It is important to check both the award coverage and the TSMIT to determine your actual minimum salary.

Superannuation on top

Employers must pay superannuation guarantee contributions of 12% on top of ordinary time earnings. This is a separate payment and does not count towards the minimum salary requirement. For example, if your salary is $70,000 per year, the employer must also pay $8,400 into your super fund.

How the minimum salary compares

Without the current TSMIT figure, we cannot give a direct comparison. However, the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour equates to about $52,254 per year (based on 38 hours per week). The TSMIT has historically been set well above this level, often around $70,000 per year. Award rates vary widely; for instance, a software engineer under the Professional Employees Award may have a minimum salary above $80,000. The key takeaway is that the minimum salary for a 482 visa is not the NMW – it is the higher of the TSMIT, the award rate, or the NMW.

For more detailed guidance on which pay floor applies to your situation, see our Which minimum wage applies page. You can also browse Rate tables for common award classifications.

Summary

The minimum salary for a 482 visa holder is determined by:

The TSMIT (from Home Affairs)
Any applicable modern award or enterprise agreement rate
The National Minimum Wage (if award-free)

The sponsor must pay the highest of these. Always check the current TSMIT on the Home Affairs website and your award coverage using the Fair Work Ombudsman’s Pay and Conditions Tool. If you believe you are being underpaid, you can contact the Fair Work Ombudsman – your visa will not be affected.

For the published floors, see the rate tables and how the figures work.