This is one of the most common questions asked by skilled migrants planning their future in Australia. Many professionals assume that securing a job offer or employer sponsorship is the only way to migrate. In reality, Australia offers skilled migration pathways where a job offer is not required, alongside employer-sponsored options. The right pathway depends on your occupation, skills, points score, and long-term goals.
This guide explains, in clear terms, when you need a job offer and when you do not, using official Australian government visa pathways.
Understanding Australia’s Skilled Migration System
Australia’s skilled migration program is designed to attract workers who can contribute to the economy, whether you arrive independently or through an employer. As a skilled migrant, you generally fall into one of two streams:
- Points-tested skilled visas, which assess you based on your skills and background
- Employer-sponsored visas, which are tied to a specific job and employer
Both streams can lead to permanent residency, but they work very differently.
Migrating Without a Job Offer: Independent Skilled Visas
You do not need a job offer or employer sponsorship if you apply under Australia’s points-based skilled migration program. These visas assess your eligibility based on factors such as age, qualifications, work experience, English language ability, and occupation demand.
Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
The Skilled Independent visa is the most flexible skilled migration option. It allows you to migrate to Australia as a permanent resident without employer or state sponsorship. You submit an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect, the Australian Government’s online platform that allows skilled workers to submit their interest in applying for a visa to live and work in Australia, and the Australian Government invites applicants with competitive points scores and in-demand occupations.
Once granted, this visa allows you to live and work anywhere in Australia and change employers freely. For highly skilled professionals with strong qualifications and experience, this visa represents true independence.
Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
The Skilled Nominated visa also does not require a job offer, but it does require nomination from an Australian state or territory government. States nominate skilled migrants based on their local workforce needs.
Although nomination comes with certain settlement expectations, this visa grants permanent residency and offers more points support than the Skilled Independent pathway, making it a strong option for migrants who may not score highly enough for Subclass 189.
Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491)
The Subclass 491 visa is a provisional regional visa that allows you to live and work in a designated regional area of Australia for up to five years. It does not require employer sponsorship but does require nomination by a state/territory government or eligible family member living in regional Australia. You are free to work for any employer in the regional area during this time and can later qualify for a permanent regional visa after meeting criteria such as residence and work requirements.
When a Job Offer Is Required: Employer-Sponsored Visas
These visas are designed for workers who have a job offer or structured placement in Australia and to help Australian businesses fill skill shortages when suitable local workers are unavailable. They allow you to enter and work in Australia for specific durations, depending on the visa.
Skills in Demand (Subclass 482)
The Subclass 482 visa, also known as the Skills in Demand visa, allows employers to sponsor skilled workers to fill vacancies they cannot fill locally. Visa holders can remain in Australia for up to four years (and up to five years in some cases, such as for Hong Kong passport holders). During this time, you work for your sponsoring employer in the nominated occupation.
To apply for the 482 visa, you must have a genuine job offer, and your employer must be an approved sponsor. While temporary, this visa can provide a pathway to permanent residency in certain circumstances.
Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)
The Subclass 186 visa is a permanent employer‑sponsored visa. Your employer must nominate you for a skilled role, and you must meet skill, experience, and English language requirements. Once granted, you and any dependants you include can live and work in Australia indefinitely without restrictions.
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa (Subclass 494)
This visa is a provisional employer‑sponsored visa for regional Australia. It allows you to live and work in that regional area for up to five years. During this period, you must remain employed in your nominated role and region. It also provides a pathway to permanent residency after meeting eligibility requirements, such as working and living in the region for a period.
Temporary Work – Short Stay Specialist Visa (Subclass 400)
The Subclass 400 visa allows you to come to Australia for short‑term, highly specialised work that is not ongoing. This visa is typically granted for up to three months, though in some circumstances it may be extended to up to six months. It is ideal for experts coming to complete a specific task or short assignment and does not provide a pathway to permanent residency.
Training Visa (Subclass 407)
The Subclass 407 visa is designed for workplace‑based training or structured professional development. It requires sponsorship from an eligible Australian organisation. This visa can be granted for a period up to two years, depending on the training program’s duration. Holders can work only as part of their approved training plan.
Choosing the Right Pathway
If you do not currently have a job offer, points‑based visas like Subclass 189 and Subclass 190 allow you to migrate to Australia and work permanently without employer sponsorship. These visas are ideal if your occupation is in demand and you score well on the points test.
If you already have a job offer or specific training opportunity, employer‑sponsored or employer‑supported visas may allow you to enter Australia sooner, even if it is temporary. Visas like Subclass 482, 400, and 407 require a formal offer or nomination but give you a legitimate way to work and gain Australian experience while the subclass 186 allows you to work and live permanently in Australia.
How SALIA Lawyers & Associates Can Help
Navigating Australia’s migration system requires a clear understanding of which visa suits your situation and how long each visa allows you to live and work in Australia. SALIA Lawyers & Associates Pty Ltd supports skilled migrants through every step of this process.
We can help you assess whether you qualify for a points‑based skilled visa without a job offer, or whether an employer‑sponsored option is right for you based on your career goals and personal circumstances. The team assists with skills assessment guidance, points test strategy, preparing Expression of Interest submissions, state nomination planning, and employer‑sponsored applications, ensuring all paperwork is compliant and compelling.
With our personalised support, you can make confident decisions about your migration pathway, backed by expert legal insight and up‑to‑date interpretation of Australian immigration law. Contact us today for assistance.
Disclaimer: Please note that the information provided is intended as a general guide and should not be relied upon as legal or migration advice. As migration laws and regulations can change, we recommend consulting an Australian Lawyer or Registered Migration Agent for advice tailored to your circumstances.
