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Prime Minister’s exemption – Labour Market Testing for 457 Visa Sponsors - Department of Immigration and Citizenship

 On 6 June 2013 the Australian Government introduced legislation which places new positive obligations on prospective 457 visa sponsors to undertake labour market testing. Labour market testing refers to testing the Australian labour market to demonstrate whether a suitably qualified and experienced Australian citizen or Australian permanent resident is readily available to fill the position. Prospective sponsors are also required to provide the evidence for labour market testing which is to accompany an application for a visa sponsorship nomination. A Regulation Impact Statement was required for these regulatory measures but the Prime Minister granted an exemption on the basis of exceptional circumstances. The Department of Immigration and Citizenship will be required to undertake a post-implementation review within 1 to 2 years of implementation of the changes.