Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR) just Became Flexible to Calculate for Sponsored Work Visa Nomination
The government has changed how employers calculate the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR) for sponsored visa roles. This change will be in effect from 25 March 2026 onwards. This affects nominations for:
What Does Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR) Mean?
The AMSR is basically what an Australian worker would normally be paid for the same job. Employers must prove they are paying the visa holder a fair wage at the market rate.
What will be changed for AMSR?
There were stricter rules about how employers had to prove the market salary, often relying heavily on awards or standard benchmarks.
From 25 March 2026 onwards, there is more flexibility in how AMSR can be determined. Employers can now use:
If there is an equivalent Australian worker, they can rely on employment contracts, payslips, payroll records and more.
If there is no equivalent Australian worker, they can use market data, industry salary info, job ads or external benchmarks.
Why This Change Matters?
It makes it easier for employers to justify salaries in more practical ways.
Additionally, it reflects actual business practices and helps roles that don’t neatly fit into awards.
Even with the flexibility, the salary must still be genuine. The department can still refuse nominations if it suspects the role is not genuine or the evidence is insufficient.
Read our clients’ testimonials on Agape Henry Crux and Accredited Specialist in Immigration Law, Jason Ling.
Related:
Annual Indexation of the CSIT and SSIT – Effective 1 July 2026
Is Your Company at Risk of Adverse Information for a Nomination Application?
How Can Agape Henry Crux Help
For any questions regarding your sponsored work visa pathway, reach out to speak with one of our immigration lawyers for tailored professional advice and guidance. At Agape Henry Crux, our team of immigration lawyers work together with our Accredited Specialists in Immigration Law, who specialise in handling highly complex matters. You can book a consultation with one of our lawyers to seek professional advice by calling 02-8310 5230 or emailing us at info@ahclawyers.com.
We speak fluent English and Mandarin. If this isn’t your language, we can also help you arrange an interpreter.
Our founder and principal lawyer, Jason Ling, has been recognised in the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in Australia™. Agape Henry Crux is named as Best Immigration Law Firm 2025 - Sydney by APAC Insider Awards.
This article/presentation (“publication”) does not deal extensively with important topics or changes in law and is not intended to be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other advice that may be relevant to the reader's specific circumstances. If you find this publication of interest and would like to know more or wish to obtain legal advice relevant to your circumstances, please contact our office.
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