Can you emigrate to Australia if you are over 70? Your visa options

Oct 23, 2025 3 min read •

Retirement Immigration Visa Guide

While most skilled migration visas have an age limit of 45, individuals over 70 can still emigrate to Australia through specific visa streams, particularly family-based visas. The key to success is understanding these distinct pathways, their financial implications, and the eligibility criteria designed for older applicants.

Quick Summary

This guide details the visa options available for individuals over 70 who wish to emigrate to Australia, including temporary and permanent Parent visas. It outlines the eligibility requirements, costs, and extensive wait times associated with family sponsorship, and provides information on other potential pathways.

Key Points

Age is not an automatic barrier: While most skilled visas cap eligibility at 45, family sponsorship options for individuals over 70 exist.
Parent visas are the primary pathway: The most common route for emigrating over 70 is through a Parent visa, sponsored by a child who is a settled Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
Choose between cost and time: Decide between the cheaper, very long-wait Aged Parent (Subclass 804) visa or the expensive, faster Contributory Aged Parent (Subclass 864/884) visa.
Temporary visa available for long visits: The Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa (Subclass 870) allows a stay of up to 10 years, but does not lead to permanent residency.
Balance of Family test is crucial: To qualify for permanent Parent visas, at least half of your children must live permanently in Australia.
Health and Character checks required: All applicants must pass Australia's health and character requirements, which includes proving you won't be a financial burden on the public healthcare system.
Sponsor must meet income requirements: Your sponsoring child or their household must meet specific income thresholds for the more expensive Contributory and Temporary Parent visas.

Most of Australia's skilled migration programs heavily favor younger applicants, but age is not an absolute barrier to emigrating. For those over 70, the path to living in Australia permanently is almost exclusively through family sponsorship. These visa options are divided into two main categories: non-contributory visas with lower costs and significantly longer waiting periods, and contributory visas with much higher costs and faster processing times. Other limited options may also exist depending on exceptional circumstances.

Parent visa options for applicants over 70

For an individual over 70, the most common route to emigrate is via a Parent visa, which requires sponsorship by a child who is a settled Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. The applicant must also meet the 'Balance of Family' test, meaning at least half of their children must be living permanently in Australia, or more of their children must live permanently in Australia than in any other single country.

Non-Contributory Aged Parent visa (Subclass 804)

This is a permanent visa option for elderly parents who are in Australia at the time of application. While it has lower application fees, it has extremely long wait times due to capping of visas granted annually. Eligibility requires being old enough for the Australian age pension (currently 67 or older for those born after 1 July 1952). Benefits include indefinite stay, work and study rights, Medicare access, and the ability to apply for citizenship.

Contributory Aged Parent visa (Subclass 864 and 884)

This permanent visa is for aged parents who pay significantly higher fees for faster processing. Applicants must be in Australia when applying and when the visa is granted. A two-step process using the temporary Subclass 884 (allowing a two-year stay) before applying for the permanent Subclass 864 can help spread the high cost. Wait times are faster than non-contributory options, estimated around 5 to 6 years for queue release.

Comparison of visa pathways for emigrating over 70

A comparison of visa pathways for emigrating over 70 can be found on the {Link: Australian Department of Home Affairs website https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/aged-parent-804}.

Other potential considerations

Beyond Parent visas, limited exceptions may allow individuals over 70 to emigrate. The Global Talent visa (Subclass 858), for example, has no age limit for those with exceptional international achievements of benefit to Australia. Some employer-sponsored visas, such as the new Skills in Demand (SID) visa, might also offer age exemptions for high-income earners. These alternative pathways are highly specific and not widely available.

Health and character requirements

All applicants over 70 must meet Australia's health and character requirements. The health assessment evaluates if an applicant's healthcare costs could place an undue burden on the Australian community. Character checks involve providing police certificates and agreeing to Australian values statements. Contributory visa applicants also need an Assurance of Support, a financial commitment from a third party.

Conclusion

Emigrating to Australia over 70 is feasible, primarily through family-sponsored Parent visas. The decision between the non-contributory Subclass 804 (low cost, long wait) and the Contributory visas (high cost, shorter wait) depends on financial resources and patience. The temporary Subclass 870 is suitable for extended visits without permanent residency. Careful consideration of eligibility, costs, and processing times is essential. Consulting a registered migration agent or the Department of Home Affairs is recommended for detailed guidance.

Resources

For the most up-to-date and authoritative information, visit the official Department of Home Affairs website at {Link: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au https://immi.homearegffairs.gov.au}.

Frequently Asked Questions

For most skilled migration visas, the age limit is 45. However, there are no age limits for family-sponsored visas like Partner and Parent visas, making emigration possible for those over 70 through specific pathways.

Emigrating to Australia over 70 without family sponsorship is very difficult. Some highly niche visas, like the Global Talent visa, have potential age exemptions, but require internationally recognized exceptional achievements and are not a general migration option.

The Balance of Family test is a requirement for permanent Parent visas. It means that at least half of your children and stepchildren must be permanently living in Australia, or that more of your children must be permanently settled in Australia than in any other single country.

Processing times vary significantly depending on the visa. The non-contributory Aged Parent visa (Subclass 804) has historically involved wait times of 30 years or more. Contributory Aged Parent visas (Subclass 864) are faster, with queue release dates currently around 5-6 years.

No, the Subclass 870 visa is strictly for temporary stays and does not provide a pathway to permanent residence. Parents can stay for up to 10 years cumulatively but must leave Australia or obtain a different visa afterward.

Contributory Aged Parent visas have very high application fees, potentially costing tens of thousands of Australian dollars. They can be paid in installments over two years by applying for the temporary Subclass 884 visa first.

Yes, if you hold a permanent Aged Parent visa (Subclass 804 or 864), you have the right to work in Australia. The temporary Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa (Subclass 870), however, has a 'no work' condition.

References

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding personal health decisions.