How is “Labour Market Testing” going to affect you if you are in Australia on 457 working visa or applying for a job in Australia?

Implementation of “labour market testing” had started on 23 November 2013. Now, employers who wants to employ workers from outside Australia to fill vacancy in their business  using Subclass 457 visa programme must first try to look for a local candidate (meaning an Australian citizen or Permanent resident) before looking outside Australia. This rule was implemented in order to protect the local Australian workforce. It ensures that there is no suitably qualified and experienced Australian citizen or permanent resident to fill that position.  This makes  hiring an overseas employee even harder.

If you are currently in Australia on a working visa sub class 457, are you affected by this new policy? How?

Yes, this policy will apply to you as well when you need to renew your 457 visa if your employer’s sponsorship and nomination is already expired. When your employer’s sponsorship and nomination expires, they will need to re apply for a new one before you can apply for a new 457. This means that they will be required to try to find someone locally first to do your job. If there is an available local person to do your job, then the priority for that vacancy is the local person. 

There are exemptions to this labour market testing. If you would like to know if  you can be exempted, send us a message through our website or Facebook page. This service is free so don’t hesitate to ask us. 

If you would like to discuss ANY concerns or problems that you may have with the Department of Home Affairs, you can also send us an email at info@bridgesimmigration.com.au or call us at +61 3 8547 9586.