Australian Immigration and the Age Limit to Immigrate to Australia

The age limit for immigrating to Australia varies depending on the type of visa you are applying for. Generally, if you are over the age of 45, it can be very challenging to obtain a visa to immigrate to Australia. However, some visas have a higher age limit and others have no age limit at all.

Visas that immigrants to Australia  apply for and their age requirement

Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

This visa allows skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer or family member to live and work in Australia permanently. To be eligible you must be under the age of 45 when you apply. This means you need to be under the age of 45 when you submit your Expression of Interest. When you turn 45 years old your Expression of Interest will be automatically cancelled.

Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

This visa is for skilled workers who are nominated by a state or territory government. The age limit for this visa is also 45 years old and as with the 189 visa, when you turn 45 years old your Expression of Interest will be automatically cancelled.

Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)

This visa is for skilled workers who want to live and work in regional Australia. The age limit for this visa is 45 years old.

Business Innovation and Investment Visa (Subclass 188)

This visa is for people who want to invest or start a business in Australia. There is no age limit for this visa but you must be nominated by a state or territory government.

Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801 or 309/100)

This visa is for people who are married to or in a de facto relationship with an Australian citizen or permanent resident. There is no age limit for this visa.

Parent Visa (Subclass 103)

This visa is for parents who have children living in Australia. There is no age limit for this visa but there is a long waiting list and the application process can take several years.

Breaking the Age Barrier: How to Immigrate to Australia on an Investor Visa After 45

Australia offers several Investor Visa Sub classes for individuals who want to invest in the country and obtain permanent residency.

Age limits for the Investor Visa Subclasses in Australia:

Business Innovation and Investment Visa (Subclass 188)

The Business Innovation and Investment Visa (Subclass 188) is a temporary visa that allows individuals to invest in a new or existing business in Australia, undertake entrepreneurial activities or invest in specified investments. There is no age limit for this visa subclass but you must meet other eligibility requirements, such as having a successful business career, being nominated by a state or territory government and having a significant net worth.

Business Talent (Permanent) Visa (Subclass 132)

The Business Talent (Permanent) Visa (Subclass 132) is a permanent visa that is designed for high-caliber business owners who want to establish or develop a business in Australia. There is no age limit for this visa subclass. However, you must be nominated by a state or territory government and have a business with an annual turnover of at least AUD 3 million.

Investor Retirement Visa (Subclass 405)

The Investor Retirement Visa (Subclass 405) is a temporary visa that allows individuals who are over 55 years old to retire in Australia if they have significant assets to invest in the country.

Significant Investor Visa (Subclass 188C)

The Significant Investor Visa (Subclass 188C) is a temporary visa that is designed for individuals who are willing to invest at least AUD 5 million in complying investments in Australia. There is no age limit for this visa subclass.

Premium Investor Visa (Subclass 188D)

The Premium Investor Visa (Subclass 188D) is a visa that is designed for individuals who are willing to invest at least AUD 15 million in complying investments in Australia. There is no age limit for this visa subclass. You must be nominated by Austrade and demonstrate a genuine commitment to continuing your business and investment activities in Australia.

Chances of immigrating to Australia over the age of 45

Once you’ve aged over the general age limit to immigrate to Australia your chances of making a successful move become dictated by your the reducing number of visas for which you are eligible. It is generally accepted that once a persons age exceeds 45 years of age then the chances of immigrating to Australia reduce by 83.8%.

Your chances of immigrating to Australia over the age of 45 therefore depend on factors such as your skills, qualifications, work experience, financial situation, language proficiency and overall health.

As we mentioned earlier, some visas have an age limit of 45 years old while others have no age limit or a higher age limit. For example, the Business Innovation and Investment Visa (Subclass 188) has no age limit, and the Parent Visa (Subclass 103) has no age limit but can take several years to process.

If you are over the age of 45 your chances of immigrating to Australia may be lower than if you were younger. However, if you have a high level of skill or experience in a specific field then you could well be eligible for a visa even if you are over the age limit.

Some states and territories in Australia have different age limits for their skilled migration programs. For example, South Australia has a maximum age limit of 50 years old for its skilled migration program, while Tasmania has a maximum age limit of 55 years old.

How to Immigrate to Australia over the age of 45 using the “New Zealand Bounce”

Immigrating to New Zealand and then using your New Zealand Permanent Residency to live and work in Australia is a popular strategy for many people who are not eligible to immigrate to Australia any other way.  This strategy is often referred to as the “New Zealand Bounce” and takes advantage of the loopholes in the Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement (TTTA) between New Zealand and Australia.

In this article, we will outline the steps you need to take to immigrate to New Zealand and then use your permanent residency to live and work in Australia via the Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement (TTTA)

Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement (TTTA)

The Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement (TTTA) is a policy agreement between Australia and New Zealand that allows citizens of both countries to travel and work in each other’s countries without the need for a visa or work permit.

Under the TTTA citizens of Australia and New Zealand are granted “special category visas” (SCVs) status which allows them to live and work in either country without the need for a work permit or visa. This means that Australian citizens can travel to New Zealand and live and work there, and New Zealand citizens can travel to Australia and live and work there.

Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility for a New Zealand Visa

To immigrate to New Zealand, you will need to meet certain eligibility requirements. The most common pathway for skilled workers is the Skilled Migrant Category Visa, which is a points-based system that evaluates your skills, experience and qualifications.

To be eligible for a Skilled Migrant Category Visa, you will need to score at least 160 points on the points-based system. Points are awarded for factors such as age, work experience, qualifications and language proficiency. You will also need to meet health and character requirements and have a job offer or be able to demonstrate that you have skills that are in demand in New Zealand.

The age limit to immigrate to New Zealand using skilled migration is 56 years old whereas it is 45 years of age in Australia. This is why many people use the “New Zealand Bounce” to immigrate first to New Zealand and then use their New Zealand Permanent Residence to live and work in Australia on the Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement (TTTA).

Step 2: Apply for a New Zealand Visa

Once you have determined your eligibility for a New Zealand visa you will need to submit an application. The Skilled Migrant Category Visa application process involves three stages:

• Expression of Interest
• Invitation to Apply
• Visa Application

During the Expression of Interest stage you will submit information about your skills. If you meet the eligibility requirements and score enough points you will be invited to apply for a visa. Once you have received an Invitation to Apply, you will need to submit a formal visa application and provide all the necessary documentation, such as police certificates and proof of funds.

Step 3: Obtain Permanent Residency in New Zealand

If your visa application is approved, you will be granted a New Zealand visa that will allow you to live and work in the country. After living in New Zealand for at least two years on a resident visa you can then apply for permanent residency.

Step 4: Use Your New Zealand Permanent Residency to Live and Work in Australia

Once you have obtained permanent residency in New Zealand you can use it to live and work in Australia. Australia and New Zealand have a special relationship that allows citizens of each country to live and work in the other country without the need for a visa. As a New Zealand permanent resident you can live and work in Australia indefinitely.

The “New Zealand Bounce” is a popular strategy for people who want to access the benefits of both New Zealand and Australia. By immigrating to New Zealand and obtaining permanent residency, you can use this status to live and work in Australia without the need for a visa.

The Path Less Traveled: Using a Student Visa and Post-Graduate Work Permit to Immigrate to Australia

Immigrating to Australia over the age of 45 can be challenging because many of the visa subclasses have age restrictions. However, one potential pathway is to use a student visa and a post-graduate work permit to obtain permanent residency.

Australia Student Visa to Permanent Residence: Step-by-Step

• Obtain a student visa: The first step is to apply for and obtain a student visa to study at an Australian university or educational institution. There is no age limit for obtaining a student visa.

• Complete your studies: After you arrive in Australia you must complete your studies and obtain a qualification that is recognized in Australia.

• Apply for a post  graduate work permit: After you complete your course you can apply for a post-graduate work permit which allows you to work in Australia for up to four years. There is no age limit for applying for a post-graduate work permit.

• Obtain permanent residency: During the time you are working in Australia on your post-graduate work permit you can apply for permanent residency through the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) or the Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190). While age is a factor, it is possible to obtain enough points to be eligible for permanent residency even if you are over 45 years old.

Using a student visa and post graduate work permit to immigrate to Australia over the age of 45 can be a viable pathway for individuals who are willing to invest in their education and career development.

Pros and Cons of Immigrating to Australia over the age of 45

Immigrating to Australia over the age of 45 can have both advantages and disadvantages. Here are the key pros and cons to consider.

Pros of Immigrating to Australia over the age of 45

• Career opportunities: Australia has a strong job market and many opportunities for skilled workers. If you have experience and qualifications that are in high demand then you may be able to advance your career.

• Quality of life: Australia is consistently ranked among the world’s best countries in terms of quality of life.

• Education opportunities: Australia offers world-class education opportunities.

• Multicultural society: Australia is a diverse and multicultural society, with people from all over the world living and working together.

• Climate: Australia has a warm climate in many parts of the country which can be attractive for those who prefer a warmer environment.

Cons of Immigrating to Australia over the age of 45

• Age restrictions: Many of the visa subclasses have age restrictions.

• Cost of living: While Australia has a high standard of living, it also has a high cost of living in major cities like Sydney and Melbourne.

• Healthcare costs: Healthcare in Australia is excellent yet it can also be expensive.

• Cultural adjustment: Moving to a new country can be a significant cultural adjustment.

• Separation from family and friends: Moving to Australia can mean leaving behind family and friends in your home country.

Free Visa Assessment

If you’re over 45 years old and considering immigrating to Australia, taking a free visa assessment can be a helpful first step in determining your eligibility and options. A visa assessment is a quick and easy way to get an initial assessment of your chances of obtaining an Australian visa based on your individual circumstances.

Once you have completed the assessment, you will receive a report outlining your eligibility for various visa subclasses and any potential obstacles or challenges that may need to be addressed. This can include information about age limits, skills assessments, and other requirements that may impact your ability to obtain an Australian visa.

One of the benefits of taking a free visa assessment is that it can give you a better understanding of the immigration process and the requirements you will need to meet. It can also help you to identify any potential issues that may need to be addressed before you submit your visa application.

Press for Assessment: Visa Bureau Free Visa Assessment