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 Specialist Skills streams of the subclass 482 visa and the subclass 494 Employer Sponsored stream.
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.
One of Australia's largest job boards and widely accepted as a compliant national platform. National reach satisfies the requirement that advertising is likely to attract suitably qualified Australian workers.
Widely accepted as a compliant national platform for professional and specialist roles. Paid postings help demonstrate genuine advertising effort.
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; include the salary or salary range if annual earnings are below AUD96,400.
Place at least 2 advertisements on national recruitment platforms (for example Seek, LinkedIn or Indeed) for at least 4 weeks within the 4 months before lodgement.
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 October 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.
1313 Success Group Pty Ltd trading as Nanak Migration Group 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 October 2026. Verify all requirements with the Department of Home Affairs (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au) before lodging any application.