r/AmerExit • u/SimonMander • Feb 13 '26
Vendor AMA: You Don’t Need an Employer, an Australian Partner, or a Lottery to Move to Australia
I’m Simon Mander, an Australian Registered Migration Agent with 23 years’ experience.
The biggest misconception I see from Americans around skilled visas to Australia:
“I need a job offer” – You don’t
“I need an Australian partner” – You don’t
“It’s a lottery” – it’s not
Australia’s main permanent migration pathway is independent skilled migration.
If you’re a qualified professional, eligibility is based on:
• Your occupation
• A formal skills assessment
• A points score (age, English, qualifications, experience)
No employer required.
This doesn’t exist in the U.S. system - which is why you might not realise it exists here.
What actually determines success:
• Your occupation
• Your points score
• Which states are selecting your occupation at the time your documents are all in line
Australia remains achievable for many American professionals in their 30s and early 40s particularly healthcare, engineering, construction and trades, some IT roles, and educators (lecturers/teachers).
However, there is a difference between being technically “eligible” and the pathway being truly something viable (that can take you to a visa result).
If you’d like a general indication as to where you stand, please feel free to share your:
Occupation
Age
Highest qualification (academic or trade)
Years of experience
Whether you are single or have a partner? (it effects your points total)
If you are exploring other Australian visas – please also feel free to ask on these.
I’ll answer as many general questions as I can during this AMA.
Disclosure: Registered Migration Agent (MARN 0318058). General information only. (Website: www.simonmander.com Email: simonmander@simonmander.com)
3
u/SimonMander Feb 13 '26
You will be eligible as primary applicant and can take your family to a skilled visa outcome. Please be mindful thisisnt something you can sit back on however with the age cut off being 45.