Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) lets you migrate to Australia without a job offer or sponsorship. You can live and work anywhere in Australia once approved.
This visa uses a points system to assess your eligibility. You must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) before applying.
Eligibility Criteria for Subclass 189
You must be under 45 years old to apply. Your occupation needs to be on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
You must have a positive skills assessment from the relevant Australian assessing authority. You also need competent English skills, usually shown by a score of at least 6 in each IELTS band or equivalent.
You must meet health and character requirements.
Points-Based Assessment and EOI Process
You need at least 65 points under the points test to be eligible. Points come from age, English ability, work experience, education, and Australian study.
You submit an EOI in SkillSelect, which is a free online form. Here, you state your skills, experience, and points score.
If your points and skills match Australia’s needs, you may receive an invitation to apply for the visa. A higher score increases your chances.
Required Documentation and Timelines
You need documents such as your skills assessment, English test results, passport, health examination reports, and police certificates. After your EOI is invited, you apply for the visa.
Processing time is usually between 8 to 11 months. Make sure your application is complete and accurate to avoid delays.
State and Regional Nomination Pathways
You can immigrate to Australia through pathways that involve state or regional government nominations. These options do not require a job offer but focus on your skills and occupation.
Each pathway targets specific areas and offers permanent or provisional visas.
State Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
The Subclass 190 visa lets you live and work permanently in Australia when nominated by a state or territory. Your occupation must appear on the state’s skilled occupation list.
You do not need a job offer, but the state nominates you based on demand for your skills. You submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect.
Once nominated, you receive an extra 5 points on your application, which boosts your overall score for an invitation. You must meet basic criteria like age (under 45), points score (minimum 65), skills assessment, and English proficiency.
This visa allows you to live and work anywhere within the nominating state. Some states may require you to commit to living there for a period.
Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491)
The Subclass 491 visa is a provisional visa for skilled workers who want to live and work in regional Australia. You must be nominated by a state or a family member living in a designated regional area.
Like the 190, it does not require a job offer. Your occupation must be on the regional skilled occupation list, which differs from the national list.
You apply through SkillSelect by submitting an EOI and waiting for an invitation. This visa is valid for 5 years.
After living and working in the regional area for at least 3 years, you can apply for permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa. Points are awarded for regional residency, age, skills, and English proficiency.
This pathway suits you if you prefer or are willing to settle outside major cities.
Occupation and Skills Assessment Requirements
To move to Australia without a job offer, you must meet certain rules about your occupation and skills. Your job must be on a specific list, and your skills need to be checked by the right authorities.
Understanding the Skilled Occupation List
You need to check if your occupation appears on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) or the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). These lists show which jobs are in demand in Australia.
If your occupation is not on these lists, you may not be eligible. Different visas require different lists, so check the list relevant to your visa type.
The lists change based on Australia’s economic needs. Always verify the current list before applying.
Skill Assessment Authorities and Process
Once your occupation is found on the list, get a skills assessment from the specific assessing authority linked to your occupation. The authority checks if your qualifications and work experience meet Australian standards.
They review your documents, such as degrees and job references. Your assessment results affect your visa eligibility and points score.
A positive assessment is often required to submit your application. Expect some fees and processing time.
Migrate Through Australian Family Sponsorship
You can move to Australia through family sponsorship even without a job offer. This option lets you join close family members who are Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens.
Family sponsorship includes visas for partners, spouses, parents, and children with clear rules and processes.
Partner and Spouse Pathways
If you have a spouse or partner living in Australia, they can sponsor you for a partner visa. This visa lets you live permanently in Australia.
Eligible sponsors include Australian citizens, permanent residents, or certain New Zealand citizens. There are two main partner visa types:
- Temporary Partner Visa (subclass 820) – allows you to stay while your permanent visa is processed.
- Permanent Partner Visa (subclass 801) – grants permanent residency after two years.
You must prove your relationship is genuine and continuing. Evidence can include joint financial records, photos, or personal statements.
The process requires detailed documentation and may take over a year.
Parent and Child Visa Options
Parents can migrate through parent visas if their children live in Australia as citizens or permanent residents. These visas allow you to join your family and stay permanently.
Two common parent visas are:
- Contributory Parent Visa – faster but more costly.
- Non-Contributory Parent Visa – cheaper, but has longer waiting times.
If you have dependent or adopted children, you may sponsor them with a child visa. These visas let your children live in Australia with you.
Eligibility usually involves proving financial support and family ties. Both parent and child visas require careful preparation of documents and meeting health and character checks.
Graduate and Student Transition Visas
You can use your study experience in Australia to apply for visas that allow you to stay and work after graduation. These options help you gain work experience and may lead to permanent residency without needing a job offer at the start.
Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) lets you stay in Australia for 18 to 48 months after finishing your studies. This visa has two streams: the Graduate Work stream and the Post-Study Work stream.
The Graduate Work stream is for those with skills related to an occupation on Australia’s skilled list and usually lasts 18 months. The Post-Study Work stream is for graduates of Australian universities with higher qualifications like a bachelor’s or master’s degree and can last up to 4 years.
You must apply within six months of finishing your course. This visa allows you to work full time.
Pathways from Study in Australia to Permanent Residency
After your temporary graduate visa, you can seek permanent residency through skilled migration programs. Studying in Australia can earn you points under the skilled points test.
Common pathways include:
- Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
- Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
- Regional visas like Subclass 491
You may also qualify for state or regional sponsorship without a job offer if your skills match local demands. Some states offer special nomination programs for recent graduates.
To improve your options, maintain good English scores, gain relevant work experience, and meet health and character requirements.
Applying for Australian Immigration Without a Job Offer
To immigrate to Australia without a job offer, you must carefully follow the application steps and prepare essential documents. You need to meet visa requirements, prove your skills, and submit your application through the right channels.
Step-by-Step Application Process
First, assess your eligibility for the visa type you want, such as Subclass 189, 190, 491, or 858. You must meet age, skills, and points requirements.
Next, complete a skills assessment with a relevant Australian authority to verify your qualifications and experience. After that, submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via the SkillSelect system if applying for points-based visas.
This lets states or the government see your profile. Once invited to apply, lodge your visa application online and pay any fees.
You must provide accurate information and respond to requests from the Department of Home Affairs quickly.
Document Preparation and Submission
Gather all required documents before you apply. These usually include your passport, skills assessment results, English language test scores, educational certificates, and work references.
You also need health and character checks. This means medical exams and police certificates from your country and any other places you have lived.
Organize your documents clearly. Scan them in good quality if you submit them online.
Missing or unclear documents can delay the process or cause refusal. Keep copies of everything you send.
Track your application status through the official immigration website. Stay ready to provide more evidence if someone requests it.