Labour Market Testing (LMT)
Understanding Labour Market Testing requirements for Australian employer-sponsored visas. Ensure compliance and successfully sponsor overseas workers.
2+ Platforms
Advertise on multiple platforms
4 Weeks Minimum
Continuous advertising period
National Reach
National job website required
Fair Assessment
Consider all applicants fairly
LMT Requirements
Key requirements for compliant Labour Market Testing
Acceptable Advertising Platforms
Where to advertise for compliant Labour Market Testing
National Job Websites
Primary advertising platform requirement
Industry-Specific Platforms
Recommended for specialized positions
Other Acceptable Methods
Additional advertising options
LMT Exemptions
Some circumstances may exempt employers from LMT requirements
International Trade Obligations
Workers from certain countries may be exempt under trade agreements (e.g., Chile, China, Japan, South Korea, Thailand)
Labour Agreements
Some labour agreements have modified LMT requirements or exemptions
Intra-Company Transfers
Executives and senior managers being transferred within a company
Specific Occupations
Some occupations on the Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List may have reduced requirements
LMT Process
Steps to complete Labour Market Testing
Position Analysis
Review the position to ensure it meets the genuine need for a skilled worker.
Create Advertisement
Draft job advertisements that accurately reflect the position, duties, and market salary.
Publish Advertisements
Post on at least 2 platforms including a national job website for minimum 4 weeks.
Assess Applications
Fairly consider all Australian applicants who meet the genuine requirements.
Document Results
Keep records of all applications received and reasons for non-selection.
Lodge Nomination
Submit nomination application with evidence of LMT compliance.
Important Timing
Labour Market Testing has strict timing requirements:
Advertising Duration
4+ weeks
Valid for Nomination
4 months
(from end of advertising)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Labour Market Testing (LMT)?
Labour Market Testing is a requirement for employers to demonstrate they have genuinely tested the Australian labour market and could not find a suitable Australian citizen or permanent resident for the position before sponsoring an overseas worker.
How long must advertisements run?
Advertisements must be published for a minimum of 4 weeks (28 days) continuously. The advertising must have occurred within 4 months before lodging the nomination application.
Which visas require LMT?
Labour Market Testing is typically required for Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa subclass 482 (Medium-term stream), and some nomination streams for the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa subclass 186.
Are there any exemptions from LMT?
Yes, exemptions may apply under international trade obligations, certain labour agreements, intra-company transfers, or for specific occupations. Workers from countries with Free Trade Agreements may also be exempt.
What records should employers keep?
Employers should retain copies of all job advertisements, screenshots with dates, details of where and when advertised, a summary of applications received, and reasons why Australian applicants were not suitable.
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