Can I Get an Australian Work Visa Without a Job Offer?

Top Australia Work Visas You Can Get Without Needing a Job Offer: Visa 189, Visa 190, and Visa 149

Australia is one of the most sought-after destinations for skilled professionals worldwide. Known for its high standard of living, excellent healthcare, and robust economy, Australia offers a range of work visas that allow skilled workers to live and work in the country permanently. What makes some of these visas particularly attractive is that you can apply for them without needing a job offer in Australia. This blog will explore the top three work visas that fall under this category: Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189), Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190), and Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491).

1. Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

The Subclass 189 Visa is one of the most popular pathways for skilled workers to migrate to Australia. It is a permanent residency visa that does not require sponsorship from an employer, state, or territory. This means you can apply for this visa entirely based on your skills and qualifications.

Key Features of Visa 189:

• No Job Offer Required: You do not need a job offer in Australia to apply.
• Points-Based System: You must score at least 65 points on the points test, which evaluates factors like age, English language proficiency, work experience, and education.
• Occupation List: Your occupation must be on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
• Permanent Residency: This visa grants you permanent residency, allowing you to live, work, and study anywhere in Australia indefinitely.
• Inclusion of Family Members: You can include your spouse, partner, and dependent children in your application.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Be under 45 years of age at the time of application.
• Have a positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation.
• Meet the English language requirements (IELTS, PTE, or equivalent).
• Score at least 65 points on the points test (though higher scores increase your chances of receiving an invitation).

Why Choose Visa 189?

The Subclass 189 Visa is ideal for skilled professionals who want the freedom to live and work anywhere in Australia without being tied to a specific employer or region. It’s a straightforward pathway to permanent residency for those who meet the criteria.

Visa 189 Skilled independent visa

2. Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

The Subclass 190 Visa is another permanent residency visa that allows skilled workers to live and work in Australia. Unlike the Subclass 189 Visa, this one requires nomination by an Australian state or territory government. However, you still do not need a job offer to apply.

Key Features of Visa 190:

• State Nomination Required: You must be nominated by an Australian state or territory government.
• Points-Based System: Like the Subclass 189, you need to score at least 65 points on the points test.
• Occupation List: Your occupation must be on the Skilled Occupation List relevant to the nominating state or territory.
• Permanent Residency: This visa grants permanent residency, allowing you to live and work anywhere in Australia.
• Commitment to Regional Areas: Some states may require you to live and work in their region for a specified period.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Be under 45 years of age at the time of application.
• Have a positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation.
• Meet the English language requirements.
• Score at least 65 points on the points test.
• Receive a nomination from an Australian state or territory.

Why Choose Visa 190?

The Subclass 190 Visa is a great option if your occupation is in demand in a specific state or territory. It offers the same benefits as the Subclass 189 Visa but requires you to commit to living in the nominating state for a certain period, which can be a small trade-off for permanent residency.

Visa 190 Skilled Nominated visa

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

The Subclass 491 Visa is a provisional visa designed to attract skilled workers to regional areas of Australia. While it is not a permanent residency visa initially, it provides a pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 Visa after meeting certain conditions.

Key Features of Visa 491:

• Regional Sponsorship or Nomination: You must be nominated by an Australian state or territory government or sponsored by an eligible family member living in a designated regional area.
• Points-Based System: You need to score at least 65 points on the points test.
• Occupation List: Your occupation must be on the Skilled Occupation List relevant to the nominating state or territory.
• Provisional Visa: This visa is valid for 5 years and requires you to live and work in a designated regional area.
• Pathway to PR: After living and working in a regional area for 3 years, you can apply for the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence Visa.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Be under 45 years of age at the time of application.
• Have a positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation.
• Meet the English language requirements.
• Score at least 65 points on the points test.
• Receive a nomination from a state or territory or be sponsored by an eligible family member.

Why Choose Visa 491?

The Subclass 491 Visa is perfect for skilled workers willing to live and work in regional Australia. It offers a clear pathway to permanent residency and helps address skill shortages in regional areas.

Visa 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa

Conclusion

Australia offers several work visa options for skilled professionals who want to migrate without a job offer. The Subclass 189, Subclass 190, and Subclass 491 visas are the most popular choices, each catering to different needs and circumstances. Whether you prefer the independence of the Subclass 189, the state nomination route of the Subclass 190, or the regional focus of the Subclass 491, there’s a pathway for you.

Before applying, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria, including the points test, skills assessment, and English language requirements. Consulting with a registered migration agent can also help you navigate the process and increase your chances of success.

Australia’s skilled migration program is designed to attract the best and brightest from around the world. If you have the skills and determination, these visas can be your ticket to a new life Down Under. Good luck!