Can you apply for a Australian visa without a job offer?

Yes, you can apply for an Australian visa without a job offer — especially through skilled migration visas. These visas are designed for individuals with skills that are in demand in Australia, even if they don’t have an employer sponsoring them.

Here are the main visa options you can apply for without a job offer:

1. Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

• No job offer or sponsorship required.
• Points-tested system (based on age, skills, English level, work experience, etc.).
• Permanent residency.
• You must have an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL).
• Requires a positive skills assessment.

2. Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

• You don’t need a job offer, but you do need a nomination from an Australian state or territory.
• Permanent residency.
• Also points-tested.
• Suitable if your occupation is in demand in a particular state.

3. Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)

• No job offer needed, but you must be nominated by a regional area or have a relative in a designated regional area.
• Temporary visa (5 years), with a pathway to permanent residency.
• Points-tested.

4. Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) (Post-Study Work Stream)

• No job offer required.
• For international students who’ve completed at least 2 years of study in Australia.
• Allows you to live and work in Australia temporarily after graduation (up to 4 years depending on your qualification).

How the Points System Works (For 189, 190, 491):

You need to score at least 65 points based on:

• Age (25–32 = highest points)
• English proficiency
• Skilled work experience
• Education level
• Australian study/work experience
• Partner skills (if applicable)

If you want, I can help you calculate your eligibility or guide you on how to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect. Just let me know your background!