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Is there a way for a 49-year-old to enter professional software engineering?
As a transgender woman and U.S. citizen with a degree in computer science and 25 years of extensive professional experience, I am exploring options for migrating to Australia.
My spouse is also interested in this journey. However, I am unsure where to begin, apart from consulting an immigration lawyer.
I’ve noticed that many immigration pathways might be limited for individuals over the age of 45, which raises concerns about our options.
I’ve heard speculation about new visa routes being introduced this year specifically for skilled workers, but I’m uncertain about the validity of this information.
I would greatly appreciate any advice on how to kickstart the immigration process to Australia or guidance on how to assess whether it’s worth investing time and resources into this endeavor at this stage.
Are there specific steps I should take to better understand our eligibility and options for obtaining Australian visas?
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1 Reply
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Hi Sharon and welcome to our community. Thank you for your question.🙂
You’re correct that many skilled migration pathways, like the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) and Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190), have an age limit of 45.
However, there are still potential options for migrating to Australia as a software engineer.
Here are a few pathways you might consider:
1. National Innovation Visa (subclass 858): This visa targets exceptionally talented individuals across various sectors.
While specific eligibility criteria are still emerging, it may be worth exploring if your professional achievements align with Australia’s innovation priorities.
2. Employer-Sponsored Visas:
Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482): If an Australian employer is willing to sponsor you, this visa allows you to work in Australia temporarily.
It can serve as a pathway to permanent residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186).
3. Regional Opportunities:
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491): This visa allows skilled workers to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia.
It requires nomination by a state or territory government or sponsorship by an eligible relative residing in a regional area.
4. Partner Visa: If your spouse qualifies for a visa with fewer restrictions, you might consider migrating as their dependent.
To assess your eligibility and explore these options further, I recommend:
Skills Assessment: Obtain a skills assessment from the Australian Computer Society (ACS) to validate your qualifications and experience.
Job Search: Explore job opportunities with potential sponsorship. Our platform, https://482jobs.com , lists roles with confirmed visa sponsorship. Additionally, platforms like Seek.com.au and Indeed.com.au can be valuable resources.
Professional Consultation: Engage with a registered migration agent or immigration lawyer to receive tailored advice based on your specific circumstances. We have a great agent we can refer you to though they will charge a fee for an initial assessment call.
I hope this information provides clarity on your potential pathways to Australia.
If you have further questions, feel free to ask.
All the best
Mark
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