Australia continues to be a top destination for skilled workers, offering stable jobs, a high standard of living, and a clear immigration pathway—even for applicants without a formal job offer. As of 2025, new updates to the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program are making it even more accessible for professionals to move to Australia independently. This article breaks down how you can legally live and work in Australia without needing an employer to sponsor you.
We’ll go deep into everything: visa options, eligibility, points system, the step-by-step application process, and the long-term benefits of choosing this route. This is your go-to guide if you’re serious about starting a new life in Australia.
Is It Possible to Get an Australian Work Visa Without a Job Offer in 2025?
Yes, it’s absolutely possible. In fact, Australia has designed specific visa pathways under its General Skilled Migration (GSM) program that allow skilled professionals to migrate without needing an employer’s sponsorship.
These visas are points-tested, which means you qualify based on your own credentials—not because someone else hired you. You’ll be assessed on your:
- Age
- Work experience
- Education
- English proficiency
- Skills in an occupation Australia currently needs
Benefits of Not Needing a Job Offer
Many countries require a firm job offer before issuing a work visa, tying you down to one employer and often limiting your freedom. But in Australia, GSM visas give you the freedom to work for any employer or even switch jobs once you arrive.
Here are the main advantages:
- You choose where to live and work. Whether it’s Sydney, Melbourne, or a growing regional town, the choice is yours.
- You’re not tied to one company. Change employers or industries based on your goals.
- You can bring your family. You can usually include your partner and children when applying for most skilled visas.
- You build permanent roots. The majority of GSM visas either grant permanent residency or offer a clear path to it.
Why Australia Offers These Independent Visas
Australia uses its skilled migration program to fill labor shortages and grow the economy. Instead of relying only on employers, the government identifies occupations that are in demand—like software developers, nurses, electricians, engineers, and teachers—and invites people who have those skills to migrate.
This strategy allows Australia to:
- Address workforce gaps
- Maintain economic growth
- Attract highly educated and experienced professionals from around the world
Understanding the Points System
The GSM program uses a points-based system to determine who gets invited to apply for a visa. You need a minimum of 65 points to qualify. A higher points score improves your likelihood of being invited to apply.
Here’s how points are awarded:
| Factor | Points |
|---|---|
| Age (25–32 years) | 30 points |
| English language (Proficient) | 10–20 points |
| Skilled employment (outside Australia) | Up to 15 points |
| Skilled employment (in Australia) | Up to 20 points |
| Qualifications (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD) | 10–20 points |
| Partner skills (if applicable) | 5–10 points |
| Australian study, regional study, or community language skills | 5–10 points |
| Nomination by a state or territory (Subclass 190/491) | 5–15 points |
To maximize your chances, aim for at least 70–80 points. People with competitive points often receive invitations faster.
English Language Requirements
Every applicant must prove they have competent English skills, typically by taking one of the following tests:
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
- PTE Academic
- TOEFL iBT
- Cambridge C1 Advanced
Minimum requirement: IELTS score of 6.0 in each band, but higher scores earn you more points.
Skills Assessment
Before you apply, your work experience and qualifications must be verified by a relevant assessing body in Australia. For example:
- Engineers: Assessed by Engineers Australia
- Nurses: Assessed by ANMAC
- Accountants: Assessed by CPA Australia
Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect
Once you’ve completed your language test and skills assessment, you’ll submit an EOI through SkillSelect—Australia’s online system for skilled visa applications.
In this step:
- You’ll select the visa category that best fits your profile—189, 190, or 491.
- Enter your personal, academic, and professional details
- Wait to be ranked against other candidates
If your score is high and your skills are in demand, you’ll receive an Invitati/on to Apply (ITA).
Visa Options That Don’t Require a Job Offer in 2025
Australia’s General Skilled Migration (GSM) program is the foundation for skilled workers to migrate without needing an employer-sponsored job offer. The government understands that international talent can bring significant value to the country, even if these individuals haven’t yet secured employment.
In 2025, the most prominent visa subclasses under the GSM program that allow migration without a job offer include:
- Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent Visa
- Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa
- Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa
Each of these visa subclasses provides a different pathway based on your points score, willingness to live in regional areas, or state/territory nomination. Let’s explore each option in-depth.
Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent Visa
The Subclass 189 visa is one of the most desired options for skilled professionals. It offers full permanent residency without needing an employer or state to sponsor you.
Key Features
- No job offer required
- No state or territory nomination needed
- You can live and work anywhere in Australia
- Offers a direct pathway to citizenship after fulfilling residency and other requirements
- Eligible to bring your spouse or partner and dependent children
Who Should Apply?
Subclass 189 is best suited for highly qualified professionals who:
- Their job appears on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
- Have strong scores in the SkillSelect system (70+ points preferred)
- Want maximum freedom in choosing where to live or work in Australia
It’s a great fit for self-reliant professionals like:
- Software Developers
- Engineers
- Accountants
- Registered Nurses
- Teachers
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for Subclass 189, you must:
- Must be younger than 45 when invited to apply.
- Pass a skills assessment for your nominated occupation
- You should meet the minimum 65-point threshold—though a higher score is better.
- Prove competent English (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent in all bands)
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
Once approved, this visa grants indefinite stay, full work rights, and access to government services.
Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa
The Subclass 190 visa is a great option for applicants who want additional support through state or territory nomination.
This visa also grants permanent residency but requires a commitment to live in the nominating state or territory for a minimum of 2 years after arrival.
Key Features
- Permanent residency status
- Requires state or territory nomination
- Adds 5 bonus points to your SkillSelect total
- You can live anywhere in Australia after the initial 2-year period
- Access to public healthcare, education, and other PR benefits
Why Choose Subclass 190?
This visa is perfect for those whose occupation:
- Isn’t currently eligible for Subclass 189, or
- Appears on a state-specific occupation list rather than the federal list
Many states in Australia like Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia, and Western Australia maintain unique occupation lists and offer support to international professionals willing to settle in specific regions.
Eligibility Requirements
- Be nominated by an Australian state or territory
- Submit a complete EOI in SkillSelect
- Be under 45 years old
- Achieve a total score of 65 points or more, including points from nomination.
- Pass a skills assessment
- Meet English language criteria
Some states also require applicants to show proof of funds, intent to settle, or relevant work experience in the region’s priority occupations.
Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa
The Subclass 491 visa offers a longer-term route that’s focused on building up Australia’s regional and rural communities. While initially temporary, this visa leads to permanent residency via Subclass 191.
Key Features
- Provisional visa valid for 5 years
- You must be nominated by a state/territory or sponsored by a qualifying relative living in a regional zone.
- You’ll need to reside and be employed in a designated regional area.
- Adds 15 points to your SkillSelect score
- Leads to permanent residency after 3 years of living and working in a regional area (Subclass 191)
Who Should Consider Subclass 491?
This is a fantastic option if you:
- Have a lower points score (60–70)
- Are open to living in areas outside big cities like Sydney or Melbourne
- Have family in regional areas
- Want to increase your chances of visa approval through regional sponsorship
Regional areas often have shortages in health, trades, agriculture, and IT, so the chances of nomination are higher for those roles.
Eligibility Criteria
- Be under 45 at the time of invitation
- A state/territory nomination or sponsorship from a relative in a regional area is required.
- Pass the skills assessment
- Score at least 65 points
- Show competent English
- Intend to live in the regional area
This visa is a stepping stone to permanent residency through Subclass 191, which becomes available after fulfilling residency and income conditions.
Comparing the Three Visa Options
| Feature | Subclass 189 | Subclass 190 | Subclass 491 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Requires job offer? | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Requires state nomination? | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes / family sponsor |
| PR from start? | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No (PR after 3 years) |
| Points boost? | ❌ No | ✅ +5 points | ✅ +15 points |
| Stay condition | Anywhere in Australia | Must stay in state | Must stay in regional area |
| Best for? | High scorers | Medium scorers | Low scorers or regionally connected |
Which One Should You Choose?
The best visa depends on your:
- Points score
- Occupation demand at federal vs state level
- Flexibility to live in regional areas
- Willingness to wait for PR (if needed)
If you score above 75 points and your job is on the MLTSSL, go for Subclass 189.
If you want extra points and don’t mind state obligations, choose Subclass 190.
If you have lower points or family in regional areas, Subclass 491 may be the fastest option.
Australia Work Visa Application Process (Step-by-Step Guide)
Getting an Australian work visa without a job offer in 2025 is entirely possible—but only if you understand and follow the right process. Australia’s skilled migration system may look complex at first, but it becomes much easier to manage once you know each step and prepare accordingly.
This section will walk you through the step-by-step process of securing a visa under the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program. Whether you’re applying for Subclass 189, 190, or 491, this guide will help you stay organized, avoid mistakes, and move closer to your goal of working and living in Australia.
Step 1: Check the Skilled Occupation List
The first thing you must do is ensure your job appears on one of Australia’s official skilled occupation lists.
These are the key occupation lists
- MLTSSL – Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (used for Subclass 189)
- STSOL – Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (used for some employer-sponsored visas)
- The Regional Occupation List (ROL) applies to Subclass 491 visa applicants.
- State-Specific Lists – Unique to each state or territory (used for Subclass 190 or 491)
Go to the official Home Affairs website and search for your ANZSCO code, job description, and required qualifications.
Pro Tip: Even if your occupation is on the list, you must still meet education and experience requirements to qualify.
Step 2: Get Your Skills Assessed
A skills assessment is mandatory. It proves that your education and work experience meet Australian standards for your chosen occupation.
How to get assessed
- Identify the assessing authority for your job (e.g., Engineers Australia, CPA Australia, VETASSESS)
- Submit documents like:
- Educational certificates
- Employment references
- Resumes or CVs
- Proof of licensing (if applicable)
- Pay the assessment fee and wait for approval (usually takes 8–12 weeks)
Important: A positive skills assessment is required before lodging your Expression of Interest (EOI).
Step 3: Take an English Language Test
To prove your English proficiency, you’ll need to take one of these tests:
- IELTS
- PTE Academic
- TOEFL iBT
- Cambridge C1 Advanced
- OET (for healthcare workers only)
Minimum score:
- Competent English typically means scoring at least 6.0 in each IELTS band (or an equivalent test).
- Proficient English = IELTS 7.0 (gets you more points)
- Superior English = IELTS 8.0 (maximum points)
Higher scores = more points = better chance of receiving an invitation.
Make sure your test results are less than 3 years old when you apply.
Step 4: Submit Your Expression of Interest (EOI)
The EOI is the most important part of your application process. It tells the Australian government that you’re interested and qualified to migrate.
Your EOI is submitted via SkillSelect, a points-based system run by Australia’s Department of Home Affairs.
What you need for your EOI
- Positive skills assessment
- English test scores
- Passport details
- Work experience history
- Education background
- Details about your partner (if applicable)
- Visa subclass you’re applying for (189, 190, 491)
Submitting an EOI is not the same as applying for a visa—it’s just the first expression of interest. It will be ranked based on your total points. The higher your score, the better your chance of being invited to apply.
Step 5: Apply for State Nomination
For Subclass 190 or 491, obtaining a nomination from a state or territory is required.
Here’s how
- Visit the official immigration site of your preferred state (e.g., Victoria, Queensland, South Australia)
- Check if your occupation is on their current list
- Apply directly through their state portal
- Submit documents like a commitment letter, bank statements, or proof of residence (if required)
Once nominated, you’ll gain:
- Extra points (5 or 15 depending on subclass)
- Higher priority in SkillSelect
Some states also offer fast-tracked invitations for priority roles like teachers, nurses, and IT professionals.
Step 6: Receive Invitation to Apply (ITA)
If chosen, you’ll be invited to apply via SkillSelect through an official ITA.
You have 60 days to complete the next step: submitting your official visa application.
Getting an ITA doesn’t guarantee visa approval, but it’s a major milestone. Now is the time to prepare all your documents in detail.
Step 7: Submit Your Visa Application
This is your formal application. You’ll complete it online via your ImmiAccount and upload supporting documents.
Documents you may need:
- Passport bio page
- Police clearance certificates
- Birth certificates
- Marriage or partnership documents (if applicable)
- Employment references and payslips
- Degree certificates and transcripts
- English test results
- Skills assessment approval
All documents must be certified and translated if not in English.
Application fees (as of 2025):
- Primary applicant: AUD $4,640
- Partner: AUD $2,320
- Dependent child: AUD $1,160
Step 8: Complete Health and Character Checks
After submitting your visa application, the Department of Home Affairs may ask you to:
- Undergo a medical examination with an approved panel doctor
- Submit police clearance from each country where you’ve lived for 12+ months over the last 10 years
These checks ensure that you:
- Meet Australia’s public health standards
- Have no serious criminal record
Step 9: Wait for Your Visa Decision
Once your documents and checks are complete, the Department will begin processing your visa. This can take:
| Visa Subclass | Estimated Time (2025) |
|---|---|
| Subclass 189 | 6–8 months |
| Subclass 190 | 4–7 months |
| Subclass 491 | 7–12 months |
The processing time depends on:
- Your occupation
- The complexity of your case
- Whether further documents are requested
You’ll be notified by email once a final decision on your visa is reached.
Step 10: Prepare to Move to Australia
Once your visa is granted, congratulations—you’re ready to start a new life in Australia.
Make sure to:
- Book flights
- Organize housing in your chosen region
- Enroll kids in school (if applicable)
- Open an Australian bank account
- Register for Medicare and a Tax File Number (TFN)
- Connect with newcomer settlement services
Many state governments offer welcome programs to help you settle and find your first job.
Conclusion
Migrating to Australia without a job offer in 2025 is not only possible—it’s increasingly common, thanks to the country’s welcoming immigration system and strategic need for skilled professionals.
Whether you’re applying through the Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa), Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa), or Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional – Provisional Visa), each path offers unique benefits and clear steps toward permanent residency and eventually, Australian citizenship.