Age Limit to Move to Australia
Moving to Australia Age Limit
What is the age limit to move to Australia?
The age limit to move to Australia on General Skilled Migration is 45. The process takes at least a year from start to finish, and age is taken at the end of the process, not at the beginning. If you are over 45, the only way to permanently emigrate is to invest or get married to an Australian.
Moving to Australia over 40
If you are over 40 years old and not in a relationship with an Australian then time is not on your side as the age limit for moving to Australia is 45 years old for the 189 and 190 visa. We always recommend that you start the procedure as soon as possible, and remember that the rules apply in all cases without exception.
The age limit for moving to Australia with skilled migration is 45. This age limit is important because Australian Immigration awards the following migration points for age:
| Age | Points |
|---|---|
| at least 18 but less than 25 years | 25 |
| at least 25 but less than 33 years | 30 |
| at least 33 but less than 40 years | 25 |
| at least 40 but less than 45 years | 15 |
Increasing Australia immigration points over 40 year old
If you are a citizen from the UK, United States, Ireland, New Zealand or Canada you do not have to prove your English language ability to lodge a successful Australia visa application.
However, should you choose to take an English test you can claim extra points for an already good natural language ability. Many Australia visa applicants over the age of 40 do an English language test to claim extra points.
The extra Australia immigration points available by taking an English language test are:
| Competent English (IELTS 6 or equivalent in all skills) | 0 |
| Proficient English (IELTS 7 or equivalent in all skills) | 10 |
| Superior English (IELTS 8 or equivalent in all skills) | 20 |
The IELTS test is the most common way of evidencing English language ability. Some medical migration applicants prefer the Occupational English Test (OET).
The Pearson Academic Test of English (Pearson PTE) is also recognized and some applicants have reported this to be an easier test. The Cambridge Test of English is also accepted although not so popular.
Applicants who are approaching the age limit to move to Australia will get 10 points if they achieve the following English test scores:
| Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking | |
| IELTS | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| TOEFL iBT | 24 | 24 | 27 | 23 |
| PTE Academic | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 |
| OET | B | B | B | B |
| Cambridge (CAE) | 185 | 185 | 185 | 185 |
Applicants who are approaching the age limit to move to Australia will get 20 points if they achieve the following English test scores:
| Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking | |
| IELTS | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| TOEFL iBT | 28 | 29 | 30 | 26 |
| PTE Academic | 79 | 79 | 79 | 79 |
| OET | A | A | A | A |
| Cambridge (CAE) | 200 | 200 | 200 | 200 |
Age limit to move to Australia on Australia Partner Visa
There is no maximum age limit for an Australia Partner Visa application.
Applications for Parent (under 66 years old ) and Aged Parent Visa (over 66 years old) can be lodged either from within or outside Australia. However, you are only granted a bridging visa if you have applied for an Aged Parent Visa (over 66 years old) contributory/non contributory from within Australia.
The minimum age limit to study in Australia is 18 years old. There is no maximum age limit.
Depending on the course of study, a student visa can be exchanged for a post-study work visa valid for two or more years. The holder of a “student visa” can work in Australia for as long as he wants, at a cost of $1,000, depending on his level of education. Some can choose to study for up to five years, during which time they can live and work without restriction.
Age limit to move to Australia with an Investor visa
- Below 55 year-old (exempted if you are investing much higher amount)
- Willing to invest at least 800,000 AUD or more into complying investment
Age limit to move to Australia FAQs
- Australia Partner Visa
- Parent Visa
- Investor Visa
- Study Visa
The maximum age limit to move to Australia via Skilled Migration is 45. Other visa pathways such as investor visas and student visas may be available to you. Alternatively, emigrating to Canada is also a viable option to consider.
What is the age limit for an Australia Retirement Visa?
There is no longer an Australia Retirement Visa class.
Jacqueline Chow is an international immigration and visa expert with over 15 years of experience in the field. With a background in law and a passion for helping people, Jacqueline has built a reputation as a trusted and reliable source of information and advice on all aspects of immigration and visas. She has worked with clients from all over the world, including high-net-worth individuals, professionals, skilled workers and families. As a sought-after speaker and commentator Jacqueline has been featured in various media outlets and has given talks on immigration and visas at conferences and events around the world.