Introduction
Labour Market Testing (LMT) is a mandatory process in many employer-sponsored visa programs. Its purpose is to prove that an employer has made genuine efforts to recruit local workers before offering a position to a foreign national. Immigration authorities use LMT to protect domestic employment opportunities and ensure fair hiring practices.
Failure to conduct LMT correctly can result in visa refusal.
Step 1: Understand LMT Requirements
Before starting, employers must review immigration rules relevant to their visa category. Requirements typically include:
Approved advertising platforms
Minimum advertising duration
Required information in job ads
Evidence retention period
Each country or visa stream may have slightly different rules.
Step 2: Identify the Correct Occupation
The job role must match an approved occupation list. Employers should ensure:
Job title aligns with official occupation codes
Duties reflect industry standards
Skill level matches visa requirements
Incorrect occupation selection is a common LMT failure.
Step 3: Prepare the Job Advertisement
The job advertisement must be clear, accurate, and compliant. It should include:
Job title
Key duties and responsibilities
Required qualifications and experience
Employment type (full-time/part-time)
Salary or salary range (if required)
Misleading or vague ads may invalidate LMT.
Step 4: Advertise on Approved Platforms
Employers must advertise the position on approved job platforms, such as:
Government job portals
National recruitment websites
Industry-specific platforms
Ads usually must run for a minimum period (e.g., 14–28 days).
Step 5: Collect and Record Applications
During the advertising period, employers must:
Record all applications received
Assess candidates fairly
Maintain shortlisting records
Documentation is critical for later review.
Step 6: Assess Local Candidates
Employers must genuinely assess local applicants and document:
Why candidates were unsuitable
Skills gaps or experience deficiencies
Interview outcomes (if conducted)
Unjustified rejection of local workers can lead to refusal.
Step 7: Compile Evidence of LMT
Employers should compile all required evidence, including:
Copies/screenshots of job advertisements
Advertising dates and platform details
Number of applications received
Reasons for not hiring local candidates
This evidence forms the core of the LMT report.
Step 8: Prepare the Labour Market Testing Report
The LMT report should be structured and professional, covering:
Employer details
Occupation and role description
Advertising methods and duration
Summary of recruitment results
Conclusion justifying foreign worker sponsorship
A clear report strengthens the visa application.
Step 9: Submit LMT With Visa Application
The completed LMT report and supporting documents must be submitted with:
Nomination application
Visa sponsorship application
Incomplete or missing LMT evidence may cause delays or rejection.
Step 10: Retain Records for Compliance
Even after visa approval, employers must retain LMT records for compliance audits. This protects employers in case of:
Immigration inspections
Visa renewals
Compliance investigations
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Advertising for too short a period
Using unapproved platforms
Rejecting local candidates without evidence
Inconsistent job descriptions
Poor documentation
Conclusion
Labour Market Testing is a critical compliance step in employer-sponsored visa programs. By following a structured, step-by-step approach, employers can demonstrate genuine recruitment efforts, protect local employment, and significantly improve visa approval chances.