Age Limit of Obtaining Permanent Residency in Australia by Visa Subclass
Permanent visas allow you to live and work in Australia indefinitely. Obtaining Australian residency is a dream for many, and it is one of the most sought-after visa types. However, there are certain age restrictions for obtaining permanent visas in Australia depending on the visa subclass. In the following, we will help you understand the age limit of applying for various types of Australian permanent visas.
Age limit for Permanent Skilled Visas
The Australian Government has set an upper age limit of 45 years for most permanent visas. This means that if you are over the age of 45, you are not eligible to apply for most permanent visas. There are some exceptions to this rule, but they are very limited and only apply to specific skilled occupations.
For example, if you are a medical practitioner or a researcher in a scientific field, you may be eligible for a permanent residency visa even if you are over 45. In contrast, if you are not in these fields, you may not be eligible for permanent residency after the age of 45.
For point-tested skilled visas, though the upper age limit to apply is 45 years old, the maximum point you can achieve under the point test system is in the 25 – 32 age bracket with 30 points. Once you turn 40 years old, your age point will decrease to 15.
The point on your age is awarded at the time of you receiving an invitation to apply for a relevant skilled visa. It is important to note that after submitting your Expression of Interest (EOI) in the SkillSelect platform, your age point will increase or decrease based on your age while you await to receive an invitation to apply for a skilled visa.
Age limit for Family Visas
There are no upper age limits for those who have eligible relatives in Australia applying for family visas such as partner visas or parent visas.
Age limit for Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP)
For those applying under Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP) in the Business Innovation stream (188A) and the Investor stream (188B), there is an exemption to the upper age limit of 55. To be eligible for the age exemption, you need to prove your exceptional contribution to Australia or additional investment on top of the required Complying Investment amount.
For those looking to invest a minimum of AU$5 million to apply under the Significant Investor stream (188C), there is no upper age limit.
Age limit for Global Talent Visa
For those applying for a Global Talent Visa, there is also an exemption to the upper age limit of 55. To be eligible for the age exemption, you need to prove your exceptional contribution to Australia by demonstrating your outstanding achievements in your field.
Age limit for Permanent Employer Sponsored Visa
You must be under the age of 45 to be eligible to apply for a subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa under the Direct Entry stream.
For those applying under the Temporary Residence Transition stream, the upper age limit is also set at 45 while there are certain exemptions for those who have held their previous 482 TSS visa for at least 3 years and earn an income above the Fair Work High Income Threshold. You may also be exempted from the age limit if you work as an academic, scientist, researcher or medical practitioner.
Age limit for Hong Kong Stream visas
For Hong Kong nationals holding either a British National Overseas (BNO) or Hong Kong SAR passport, while there are no upper age limits on both 189 and 191 visas via the Hong Kong stream, the age barrier is set at the previous stage for your 482 TSS or 485 Temporary Graduate visas. For 485 visas, you must have completed your eligible course in Australia before your turn 50.
The age limit for obtaining permanent residency in Australia is a crucial factor to consider when planning for your migration journey. It is also vital to note that the age limit varies depending on the visa subclass, so it is essential to research diligently, plan ahead and seek trusted professional advice from Registered Migration Agents.
Disclaimer: Any posted material is not intended to be immigration advice and does not purport to represent all requirements for a successful application or applications. No person should act on the basis of the material contained in any post without obtaining advice relevant to their circumstances, and without considering and taking professional advice.
