Move to Australia without a job offer in 2025 — yes, it’s possible. Unlike many countries that require a confirmed employment contract before issuing a work visa, Australia offers multiple immigration pathways that allow skilled individuals to relocate without having secured a job beforehand.
With a strong economy, a high standard of living, and a growing demand for professionals in key industries, Australia actively welcomes skilled migrants who can fill labour shortages and contribute to the workforce. Whether you’re an engineer, teacher, IT professional, or tradesperson, this guide will show you how to move without an employment offer.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn how to apply for skilled migration visas, eligibility requirements, the points system, regional sponsorship options, state nomination, and how to improve your chances of receiving an invitation to apply without needing a job offer.
Can You Move to Australia Without a Job Offer in 2025?
Yes. Australia’s immigration system is based on a points-tested skilled migration program, which evaluates applicants based on age, education, work experience, and English proficiency. You can receive a visa without employer sponsorship, provided you meet the eligibility criteria and score high enough.
Visas That Allow You to Immigrate Without a Job Offer (2025)
1. Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
This is the primary pathway for individuals wanting to move to Australia without an employer or state nomination permanently.
Key Features:
- No job offer required
- No sponsorship or nomination is needed
- Points-tested
- Leads to permanent residency
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must have an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL)
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect
- Pass a skills assessment
- Score at least 65 points on the General Skilled Migration points test
- Be under 45 years of age
- Meet English language proficiency requirements (IELTS 6.0 in each band or equivalent)
Invitations are issued monthly based on occupation demand and points ranking.
2. Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491) – Family-Sponsored
This five-year provisional visa allows you to live and work in designated regional areas.
Key Features:
- No job offer needed
- Family sponsorship (by eligible Australian relative in a regional area)
- Pathway to permanent residency via Subclass 191
- Must live in a designated regional area
Eligibility:
- Skilled occupation on the 491 list
- Positive skills assessment
- Meet the points requirement (minimum 65)
- Prove familial connection in a regional area
3. Global Talent Independent (GTI) Visa – Subclass 858
This is for highly skilled individuals in specific target sectors.
Key Sectors (2025):
- Cybersecurity
- MedTech
- AgriTech
- FinTech
- Quantum information
- Space and advanced manufacturing
Key Features:
- No job offer required
- Fast-track permanent residency
- No age restriction (under 55 preferred)
Eligibility:
- International recognition in your field
- High income or earning potential (AUD 167,500+)
- Endorsement from an Australian nominator
Skilled Occupation Lists – What Jobs Are in Demand?
To move without a job offer, your occupation must be listed on one of the following:
- MLTSSL – Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List
- STSOL – Short-Term Skilled Occupation List
- ROL – Regional Occupation List (for 491 visa)
Examples of In-Demand Occupations (2025)
OccupationCodeList
Software Engineer 261313 MLTSSL
Registered Nurse 254415 MLTSSL
Electrician 341111 ROL
Civil Engineer 233211 MLTSSL
Secondary School Teacher 241411 MLTSSL
Automotive Mechanic 321211 ROL
Chef 351311 STSOL
Check the complete list at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
Understanding the Points-Based System (GSM Program)
To qualify for the 189 or 491 visas, you must score at least 65 points based on the following factors:
CriteriaMax Points
Age Up to 30
English Proficiency of Up to 20
Work Experience (Overseas) Up to 15
Work Experience (Australia) Up to 20
Educational Qualification: Up to 20
Partner Skills Up to 10
State Nomination / Sponsorship Up to 15
Boost Your Score By:
- Getting superior English (IELTS 8.0 or PTE 79+)
- Gaining extra years of relevant work experience
- Obtaining a higher qualification (PhD, Master’s)
- Including a skilled spouse or partner
Step-by-Step Guide to Move to Australia Without a Job Offer (189/491 Pathways)
✅ Step 1: Check if Your Occupation Is on the SOL
- Use the Australian Government’s official occupation list.
✅ Step 2: Get a Skills Assessment
- Mandatory for most skilled visas
- Must be completed through a relevant assessing authority
- Valid for 3 years
Examples:
- Engineers: Engineers Australia
- Teachers: AITSL
- IT Professionals: ACS
- Nurses: ANMAC
✅ Step 3: Take an English Language Test
- Accepted tests: IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, OET
- Minimum requirement: Competent English (IELTS 6.0), higher for more points
✅ Step 4: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
- Create a SkillSelect account
- Fill in your profile and claim your points
- No fee is required for EOI submission
✅ Step 5: Wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
- Based on monthly invitation rounds
- Candidates with higher points or priority occupations are invited first
✅ Step 6: Apply for Visa
- Submit documents online within 60 days of receiving the ITA
- Pay the application fee (AUD 4,640 for the principal applicant as of 2025)
- Processing time: 4 to 9 months (varies)
Cost of Moving to Australia Without a Job Offer
Expense Estimated Cost (AUD)
Skills Assessment $500 – $1,000
English Language Test $330 – $400
Medical Examination $300 – $500
Police Clearance $50 – $100
Visa Application (Subclass 189) $4,640 (principal applicant)
Visa Application (Subclass 491) $4,115 (principal applicant)
Additional Dependent Fees Vary
Miscellaneous / Document Prep $200 – $500
Estimated total (single applicant): AUD 5,500 – $7,000
Benefits of Migrating to Australia Without a Job Offer
- No dependency on a single employer
- Freedom to work with any company
- Access to Medicare (public healthcare)
- Permanent residency (189 visa)
- Pathway to Australian citizenship in 4 years
- Sponsor family members later
- Eligibility for home loans and financial aid
Can You Get a Job After Moving Without an Offer?
Yes. Once in Australia on a skilled visa, you are allowed to:
- Work full-time in any job (not limited to your occupation)
- Apply for roles on job portals (Seek, Indeed, LinkedIn)
- Register with recruitment agencies
- Network at professional events or with local community groups
Regional areas offer more employment flexibility and PR incentives.
Alternative Pathways to Explore
Student Visa to Skilled PR
- Study a 2-year course in Australia (especially in-demand fields)
- Apply for a Temporary Graduate Visa (485)
- Gain local work experience
- Transition to PR via 189, 190, or 491
Partner Visa (Subclasses 820/801 or 309/100)
- If married or in a relationship with an Australian citizen or PR
- It doesn’t require a job or skills assessment
- Long-term migration solution
Business Innovation and Investment Visa (Subclass 188)
- No job offer needed
- For entrepreneurs or investors
- Significant capital required (AUD 200,000+)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I get a PR in Australia without a job offer?
A: Yes, through visas like Subclass 189, which do not require employer sponsorship.
Q: How many points do I need to apply?
A: Minimum 65 points, but 90+ points increase your chances significantly.
Q: Do I need a sponsor to apply for a regional visa?
A: Not necessarily. You can be sponsored by a relative living in a regional area under the 491 visa family stream.
Q: How long does it take to move without a job offer?
A: The process may take 8 to 15 months, from skills assessment to visa approval.
Q: Can I apply for a visa from outside Australia?
A: Yes. The EOI and visa application can be completed online from your home country.
People also read: Work and Study Opportunities in Canada for International Students 2025
Moving to Australia without a job offer in 2025 is not just possible — the Australian Government strategically supports it through skilled migration pathways like the Subclass 189 and 491 visas.
With proper planning, firm qualifications, and an understanding of the points system, you can successfully start a new life in one of the world’s most desirable destinations — job offer or not.
From free healthcare to permanent residency and eventual citizenship, Australia offers unmatched benefits for those willing to leap. Begin your journey today by reviewing the Skilled Occupation List, preparing your documents, and launching your EOI — your future could be closer than you think.
