Labour market testing for a 482 visa: what employers must do first

Short answer: before nominating, the role must have been advertised in Australia for at least 28 days, on the government's Workforce Australia site and on at least two other national channels, within the four months before the nomination, with the salary or salary range shown. The nomination includes the evidence.

What counts

• At least two advertisements in English, each live for 28 days or more, within the four months before lodging.
• One on Workforce Australia, the others on a national recruitment website, a national print or radio outlet, or the business's own site where that is the industry norm.
• Each advert shows the title, duties, skills and experience required, the employer's name or the recruiter's, and the salary or range, unless it is above the threshold where disclosure is not required.

Who is exempt

• Nominations where an international trade obligation applies, for example certain nationals of Australia's free-trade partners and intra-corporate transfers.
• Roles paying A$250,000 or more.
• Some medical practitioners, some sporting and research roles, and positions under a labour agreement that sets its own rule.
• Re-nominating the same worker in the same role in some circumstances.

What goes wrong

Adverts older than four months, a missing salary, a single platform, or an advert for a different title than the one nominated. Each is a refusal reason. Keep screenshots with dates.

Rules as understood on 1 July 2026; the Department updates them. Verify at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au or have WIDEN Migration Experts run the nomination.

General information, not migration advice. Government charges are indexed each 1 July; verify current figures at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. Related: How much does it cost to sponsor a worker in Australia? · 482 nomination fee and the SAF levy · 186 visa.