What Is a Market Salary Rate Report—and Why It Matters for Australian Visa Sponsorship
When sponsoring a foreign worker under the Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) or Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme) visa programs, one of the most critical compliance requirements is proving that the offered salary matches the Australian market rate. This is where the Market Salary Rate Report (MSRR) becomes essential.
At Sublime International, we specialize in preparing detailed MSRRs that align with all relevant Department of Home Affairs (DHA) guidelines. This article explains what the MSRR is, why it matters, and how we ensure accuracy and compliance in every report we deliver.
What Is a Market Salary Rate Report?
A Market Salary Rate Report is a supporting document that demonstrates that the salary offered to a foreign nominee is consistent with the salary paid to an equivalent Australian employee performing similar duties in the same location.
In order for a visa nomination to be approved, the offered salary must:
- Be equal to or greater than the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR) for the nominated occupation, and
- Exceed the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT), which is currently AUD 73,150 (as of July 2024)
This requirement is in place to ensure fairness, discourage underpayment, and maintain the integrity of Australia’s skilled migration program.
Why Is the Market Salary Rate Report Important?
Failure to prove salary alignment with market standards can lead to:
- Nomination refusal
- Breach of sponsorship obligations
- Sanctions or cancellation of sponsorship rights
By presenting a professionally prepared MSRR, employers demonstrate:
- That the salary is competitive and consistent with labour market norms
- That no Australian worker is being disadvantaged
- That the business understands and complies with DHA standards
What Does a Comprehensive MSRR Include?
A high-quality Market Salary Rate Report includes several key components:
1. Position Overview
- Job title and ANZSCO code
- Detailed duties and responsibilities
- Required qualifications and experience
- Reporting structure within the business
2. Market Comparison
- Two to three comparable job advertisements from credible job boards (such as Seek, Indeed, WorkinAUS)
- Location-specific benchmarks
- Advertised salary bands or hourly rates
3. Internal Salary Consistency
- Information about Australian workers (if any) in similar roles within the organisation
- Justification for any salary variance (e.g. seniority, technical skill, location)
4. Business Context and Analysis
- Overview of the business and its operational structure
- Explanation of why the nominated position is necessary
- Supporting commentary on skill demand or labour shortages in the region
All claims made within the report must be evidence-based and aligned with Fair Work standards and DHA policy instructions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many visa refusals occur due to poorly prepared MSRRs. Common errors include:
- Using outdated or irrelevant job ads
- Submitting generic templates with no reference to the business context
- Failing to include superannuation in the total remuneration
- Ignoring regional pay scale differences
- Mismatching the ANZSCO code with actual job duties
Every MSRR must be tailored, verifiable, and defensible. A templated or inconsistent document will likely trigger scrutiny from case officers.
Our Expertise at Sublime International
At Sublime International, we offer end-to-end support for Australian immigration lawyers and registered employers. Our Market Salary Rate Reports are:
- Fully aligned with DHA and Fair Work requirements
- Backed by real-time market data
- Drafted with precision to suit the specific business and nominated role
- Delivered within 2–4 business days (or sooner for urgent cases)
We have supported hundreds of nominations across sectors, including automotive, hospitality, trades, and professional services.
Pricing
Our fee for a comprehensive MSRR is:
AUD 250 / INR 14,000
This includes all charges and covers full benchmarking, custom formatting, and revisions if required.
Discounted rates are available for agents and firms submitting bulk documentation requests.
Conclusion
A Market Salary Rate Report is more than just a document—it is a compliance requirement that reflects your organisation’s integrity and professionalism. Inaccuracies or shortcuts can result in nomination delays or rejections. For Australian employers and immigration professionals looking for clarity, reliability, and speed, partnering with a specialist documentation provider is a wise choice.
If you need a tailored MSRR that meets all immigration standards, contact our team at Sublime International. We are ready to support your application with accuracy and care.