What is Labour Market Testing?
Labour Market Testing (LMT) is a requirement under the Migration Regulations that compels employers to demonstrate they have genuinely tried to recruit Australian citizens or permanent residents before turning to an overseas worker on a subclass 482 visa.
The Department of Home Affairs assesses LMT evidence as part of the nomination application. If LMT evidence is absent, incomplete or does not meet the regulatory standards, the nomination may be refused. Nanak Migration Group (MARN 2619467) assists employers in preparing LMT-compliant advertising strategies and nomination documentation.
LMT applies to nominations for the Core Skills and Foundation streams of the subclass 482 visa. The Specialist stream is generally exempt where the nominee will earn $135,000 or more per annum.
LMT Advertising Requirements
To satisfy LMT, employers must meet each of the following requirements at the time of nomination lodgement.
When LMT Does Not Apply
Certain nominations are exempt from LMT requirements under the Migration Regulations or international trade obligations.
Compliant Advertising Platforms
Not all job advertising platforms satisfy the LMT requirement. The following guidance reflects current Departmental expectations.
Previously known as jobactive/jobsearch.gov.au. Mandatory for most Core Skills and Foundation stream nominations. Register as an employer and post the vacancy through the platform.
One of Australia's largest job boards and widely accepted as a compliant second platform. National reach satisfies the requirement that advertising is likely to attract suitably qualified Australian workers.
Accepted as a compliant national platform. Particularly appropriate for professional, managerial and specialist roles. Paid postings are preferred over free listings to demonstrate genuine advertising spend.
A national platform with broad coverage. Generally accepted as a compliant second platform. Sponsored postings are recommended to demonstrate genuine effort.
Step-by-Step LMT Process
Follow these steps to complete LMT before lodging a 482 nomination.
Check whether the occupation and salary level require LMT or qualify for an exemption under the regulations.
Draft a genuine job ad matching the nominated occupation title and ANZSCO code; salary must meet or exceed TSMIT.
Post on Workforce Australia plus at least one other national platform (e.g. Seek, LinkedIn) for a minimum of 28 consecutive days.
Document all applications received, interviews conducted, and reasons for not selecting Australian applicants. Retain records for at least 5 years.
Submit the 482 nomination including LMT evidence: ad copies, screenshots, dates, applicant counts, and outcome summaries.
Fees & Costs
The following fees are associated with a 482 nomination. LMT itself does not attract a separate charge, but nomination-related fees apply.
Figures current at August 2026 — confirm on the Department of Home Affairs website before lodging.
Frequently Asked Questions
This information is general in nature and does not constitute immigration assistance or legal advice for any individual situation. Requirements including occupation lists, fees and processing criteria change without notice.
Nanak Migration Group Pty Ltd makes no representation that information on this site is complete, current or applicable to your circumstances. Nothing here guarantees, implies or represents any visa outcome, approval likelihood or processing time.
Obtain advice tailored to your situation from a registered migration agent or Australian legal practitioner. Navpreet Aulakh, MARN 2619467, is registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority.
Information current as at August 2026. Verify all requirements with the Department of Home Affairs (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au) before lodging any application.