[thmcmahon]

This is essentially how the 457 visa works in Australia. It's uncapped but you have to pay a 'market salary rate', which is either the salary of an equivalent worker in the firm, or of an equivalent worker In the industry.

[read]

The problem with what you mention about Australia is regression to the mean. 'Market salary rate' means average salary, which is not what a great programmer is worth.

What danmaz74 suggested is better.

[solomatov]

BTW, this is how H1B works as well. Employer should pay at least prevailing wage, to make a foreigner eligible.

[danmaz74]

Interesting... but how do they determine the salary of an "equivalent worker"?