can i move to australia without a job

[MacSpencer]

Yes, you can absolutely move to Australia without a job offer in hand, but it depends entirely on the visa pathway you choose. The most common route is the Skilled Migration (Subclass 189) visa, which is a points-based system that doesn't require employer sponsorship. You submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect, and if you score high enough on points for age, English proficiency, work experience, and education, you can receive an invitation to apply for permanent residency without ever speaking to an employer.

To give you a clearer picture, here is a comparison of the main visa options that allow you to move without a pre-arranged job:

Visa Subclass	Pathway Type	Key Requirement	Approximate Processing Time
Subclass 189	Skilled Independent	Points test (minimum 65, but invitations often require 85-95 for popular occupations)	8-12 months
Subclass 190	Skilled Nominated	State nomination (requires a commitment to live in that state for 2 years)	7-10 months
Subclass 491	Skilled Work Regional	Regional nomination (requires living and working in a designated regional area for 3 years before possible PR)	8-14 months
Subclass 417/462	Working Holiday	Age 18-30 (or 35 for some countries), allows work for any employer up to 6 months	2-4 weeks

The critical factor is your occupation. It must be on the relevant skilled occupation list (MLTSSL for the 189 visa, or STSOL for state-nominated visas). For example, if you are a software engineer, registered nurse, or civil engineer, you have a strong chance. However, if your occupation is in a saturated field like general marketing, you may struggle to get enough points. Keep in mind that moving without a job requires you to have substantial savings to cover relocation costs, rental bonds, and living expenses for at least the first 3-6 months while you search for work locally.

[ElenaFitz]

I did it myself last year on a Working Holiday visa. I’m from the UK, and the subclass 417 visa let me land in Sydney with no job lined up. I just needed proof of about $5,000 AUD in savings. I found a casual job in hospitality within two weeks, and later moved into a temp admin role. It’s not a permanent solution, but it’s a fantastic way to get your foot in the door, test the local job market, and build a network without a long-term commitment. The key is to be flexible with the type of work you’ll accept initially.

[VonKimberly]

If you’re a skilled tradesperson, state nomination (Subclass 190) is your best bet. I moved to Adelaide as a carpenter without a job. The state government actively nominates trades because there’s a shortage. You just need to prove your skills through a trade assessment. I had 6 months of savings, and I found a permanent job in my field within 3 weeks of arriving. The trick is to research which states are desperate for your specific trade before you apply.

[LeBrielle]

From a career strategy perspective, moving without a job forces you to be a proactive networker. I recommend spending your first month attending industry meetups and using LinkedIn to connect with recruiters in your target city. I did this before moving to Melbourne, and by the time I landed, I had three interviews lined up. The lack of a job actually made me a more attractive candidate because I was flexible on start dates. Just ensure your resume is formatted for the Australian market—one page, no photo, and a clear summary.

[VanVivienne]

It’s entirely possible if you have a high-demand skill and are willing to go regional. I moved to a regional town in Queensland on a 491 visa. I didn’t have a job, but I had a strong profile in healthcare. The local council even helped with relocation assistance. The main downside is the social isolation, but the cost of living is much lower, and the path to permanent residency is clearer. I’d recommend this route over a city move if you need to save money while job hunting.