Navigating Australia's immigration system at age 70 requires focusing on visas that do not have the same age restrictions as those for skilled workers. The most common and viable routes for older individuals are through family sponsorship or significant investment. Understanding these pathways is the crucial first step.
Family-based visas for seniors
If you have a child who is a settled Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, you can explore several Parent visa options. These differ significantly in cost, processing time, and whether you apply from inside or outside Australia.
Aged Parent visa (Subclass 804)
This permanent visa is for parents inside Australia who meet the Australian pension age (currently 67). It's a low-cost option, but processing times are very long (around 30 years) due to high demand.
Contributory Aged Parent visa (Subclass 864)
This permanent visa is for aged parents applying from within Australia who are of Australian pension age. It's significantly more expensive than the Aged Parent visa but offers faster processing (around 5 to 6 years).
Contributory Parent visa (Subclass 143)
This high-cost, faster-processing permanent visa is for parents who can apply from inside or outside Australia. Applicants must be outside Australia when the visa is granted, unless applying onshore. The substantial fees can be paid in installments by first applying for the temporary Subclass 173 visa.
Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa (Subclass 870)
This visa is for temporary, longer-term stays and doesn't lead to permanent residency. It allows stays up to 3 or 5 years, with a maximum of 10 years cumulatively. The Balance of Family Test is not required. Applicants must apply from outside Australia, but can be in Australia for the decision in some cases.
Aged Dependent Relative visa (Subclasses 114 and 838)
These visas are for single, elderly individuals financially dependent on an Australian relative. Processing times for both the onshore (838) and offshore (114) subclasses are very long due to low visa quotas.
Investment-based visas
For those without family ties in Australia but with significant financial assets, some temporary investment-based visas may offer a pathway.
Investor Retirement Visa (Subclass 405)
This visa is closed to new applicants and only available for renewal by existing holders.
Meeting health and character requirements
All applicants must meet Australia’s health and character requirements. For seniors, this often involves a medical examination and proof of adequate health insurance. This is to ensure they will not burden Australia's public health system.
Comparison of visa options for seniors
| Feature | Aged Parent (Subclass 804) | Contributory Aged Parent (Subclass 864) | Sponsored Parent (Temporary) (Subclass 870) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application Location | Onshore (in Australia) | Onshore (in Australia) | Offshore (outside Australia) |
| Visa Type | Permanent | Permanent | Temporary (3 or 5 years) |
| Cost | Low (less than AUD $4,000) | High (approx. AUD $50,000) | Moderate (AUD $6,070–$12,140) |
| Processing Time | Very long (approx. 30 years) | Moderate (5-6 years) | Faster processing |
| Balance of Family Test | Yes, required | Yes, required | No, not required |
| Leads to PR? | Yes | Yes | No |
The crucial Balance of Family Test
For permanent Parent visas, you must satisfy the Balance of Family Test. This means at least half of your children must be settled Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. This test doesn't apply to the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa.
The Assurance of Support (AoS)
An Assurance of Support (AoS) is required for permanent parent visas. This financial guarantee from your sponsor (usually your child) ensures you won't rely on government benefits. It involves a bond, held for 10 years for contributory visas and four years for non-contributory visas.
Conclusion: A detailed strategy is essential
Moving to Australia at age 70 is possible through family-based or investment visas. The best route depends on whether you have a settled child in Australia and your financial capacity. Contributory visas offer a faster path to permanent residency at a high cost, while the non-contributory option has a very long wait. The temporary sponsored visa is an option for extended visits without permanent residency. Consulting a registered migration agent can provide professional guidance. More information is available on the Department of Home Affairs website.
