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Trying to move to Sydney aged48
Hi everyone, I’m Michelle, and I’m new to this forum.
I’m looking for support and advice on navigating the process of moving to Sydney with my teenagers/young adult. To be honest, I’m starting to lose hope!
I’ve been struggling to find a migration company that will actually respond to me, which has been frustrating. I’m a qualified counsellor, so I understand the challenges with my age and the skilled occupation lists, but I’m hoping there’s still a pathway forward.
I have family in Sydney—my sister and other relatives are citizens, and my son is about to apply for his permanent residency.
I’d really appreciate any recommendations for migration agents, as well as any positive experiences from others who have been through something similar.
As a backup plan, I’m also considering New Zealand, since their skilled migration age limit is 55.
Thanks in advance for any advice!
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9 Replies
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G’day Michelle and welcome to our little home on the web! 😊
I completely understand how frustrating the process can be, especially with migration agents not responding. You’re not alone in this, and you may still have options.
Potential Visa Pathways:
- Family Sponsorship – Since your sister is a citizen, she may be able to sponsor you under the Remaining Relative Visa (Subclass 115/835), but this is only available if you have no other close relatives outside Australia.
- Parent Visas – If your son becomes a permanent resident, you might qualify for a Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143/173), but these come with VERY long processing times and high costs. 😖
- Skilled Migration – Your occupation (Counsellor, ANZSCO 272111) is currently on the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), which means you could explore:
- Employer-Sponsored Visas (Subclass 482/186) – If you can secure a job offer from an Australian employer willing to sponsor you. You can check out https://482jobs.com for visa-sponsored job listings.
- State Nomination (Subclass 190) – NSW sometimes invites STSOL occupations, but age could be a limiting factor.
- New Zealand Option – Yes, NZ has a higher skilled migration age limit (55), so that could be a good backup plan – Hopefully Australia will one day follow suit!
Migration Agents
Since you’ve had trouble getting responses, I can recommend an agent. Please note that they do charge an assessment fee for their time (approx $100 AUD for a 30-minute Video call). Payment and bookings can be made via the link here on our website at 482jobs if that is an option you want to consider.
Alternatively, I recommend searching for MARA-registered agents (Migration Agents Registration Authority) here: https://www.mara.gov.au. That way, you can ensure you’re working with a legitimate agent.
If you’re open to employer sponsorship, focusing on networking and applying directly to roles in Australia, this could be your fastest route.
Feel free to let me know if you need more details on any of these options! I hope this helps you.
Cheers
Mark
482jobs.com
482 Jobs - Jobs In Australia Offering 482 Visa Sponsorship - 482 Jobs Australia
482 Jobs - Jobs In Australia Offering 482 Visa Sponsorship - 482 Jobs Australia
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Thanks so much Mark. I appreciate this.
I eventually had a netting with an immigration company. It looks like it’s near on impossible for me to work towards a PR on a visa at 48 years old.
I would love to hear from anyone who has been able to achieve PR at this age?
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Sorry to hear that Michelle. It’s near on impossible but not completely so (never say never and all that).
I know you mentioned New Zealand. Is this an avenue you would consider?
If it is, your best (although longest) route may be moving to New Zealand as a PR Visa holder, gaining New Zealand citizenship and then moving to Australia under a Special Category Visa (SCV – Subclass 444).
Once in Australia, you can explore PR options based on policies at that time.
Also worth considering that there are no real term limits on the Australia sponsored 482 Visa though, equally, there is always a chance that legislation will change just as you are getting settled which would never be a good scenario to be in which may put you off this idea.
Hopefully someone else might be able to provide some first hand experience too.
All the best
Mark
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Hey,
Thanks so much for your reply.
Yes, it looks like NZ would be a good option. My occupation is on the skills list & green list (not really sure what this means yet). Just understanding if I get my citizenship to New Zealand do I then have to apply for PR as is it as challenging ?
Thanks for all your support so far.
Michelle 😊
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Here is the official blurb Michelle. Australia and New Zealand have a pretty special relationship so you can stay in Australia as long as you like as long as long as you are a NZ citizenship and meet the general character requirements.
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/special-category-visa-subclass-444
Age is not a factor when applying for Australian citizenship through the New Zealand citizen pathway.
Unlike skilled visas, which have strict age limits (usually under 45), the SCV (Subclass 444) to PR or citizenship route does not have an upper age restriction.
The main requirements for Australian citizenship via this pathway are:
- Living in Australia for at least 4 years, including at least 12 months as a permanent resident or SCV holder.
- Meeting residency and absence limits (no more than 12 months outside Australia in the past 4 years, and no more than 90 days in the last 12 months).
- Passing the citizenship test (basic English and knowledge of Australia).
- Meeting character requirements (no serious criminal history).
Since New Zealand citizens can live in Australia indefinitely on an SCV, they can later apply for PR or citizenship regardless of age. 👍🏻☺️
immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
Immigration and citizenship Website
Find out about Australian visas, immigration and citizenship.
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Hi Mark do the same rules apply for NZ like they do in Australia regarding finding an employer to sponsor? Also do they have a skills list? Many thanks Jayne
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Hi Jayne, great question!
I’m not as familiar with New Zealand’s migration system but from what I’ve read it would seem New Zealand does have similar systems to Australia when it comes to employer sponsorship and skilled migration.
New Zealand has the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV).
To be sponsored, you must have a job offer from an accredited employer.
The employer must be approved by Immigration New Zealand to sponsor overseas workers.
2. Skills Lists
Like Australia, New Zealand also has a skills list. It uses the ‘Green List’ which works like Australia’s skilled occupation lists.
If your occupation is on the Green List, and you have a job offer in that role, you may qualify for residence straight away or after working for 2 years.
You can check the Green List and how it works here:
So yes, NZ does have a system involving employer sponsorship and skills in demand, much like Australia but it’s simpler and more centralised under the AEWV system.
Hope this helps.
Regards, Mark
immigration.govt.nz
Search the Green List for roles in demand in New Zealand. If your role is listed, and you have the qualifications, registration or experience required, you may be able to get residence immediately or after 2 years of working here.
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Thank you Mark for your speedy reply, I’ll have a read through the information. Many thanks Jayne
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There’s an age limit for NZ – 55 😩
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