An Expert Guide on How to move to Australia after age 60?

Oct 25, 2025 3 min read •

senior care Relocation Immigration

While standard skilled migration visas often have an age cutoff, several options exist for seniors to relocate. Understanding Australian immigration policy is essential when considering how to move to Australia after age 60, particularly through family-sponsored or temporary pathways.

Quick Summary

Moving to Australia after age 60 is possible through specific visa streams, most commonly parent visas requiring a settled Australian child sponsor, or via temporary visitor visas for shorter-term stays, as general retirement visas have been phased out for new applicants.

Key Points

Limited Visa Options: Most skilled visas are not available for those over 60, making family-sponsored Parent visas the primary route for long-term residency. [1, 2, 3]
Parent Visa Choices: Decide between the higher-cost, faster-processing Contributory Parent visa and the lower-cost, much longer-waiting Non-Contributory Parent visa. [1, 2]
Sponsor Required: A settled Australian citizen or permanent resident child must sponsor you for most long-term visa options. [1, 2, 3]
Balance of Family Test: For permanent Parent visas, you must meet this test, proving a majority of your children live in Australia. [1, 2]
Temporary Alternatives: Short-term stays are possible with visitor visas, while the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa allows for extended family visits for up to 10 years. [1, 2]
Significant Costs: Both high visa fees and an Assurance of Support financial bond are required for most long-term parent visas. [1, 2]

Understanding Visa Options for Seniors

For those over 60, the traditional points-tested skilled migration visas are typically not an option, as they often have an upper age limit of 45. However, the Australian government offers several visa subclasses for older applicants, mainly focused on family reunification and temporary stays.

Parent Visa Streams

If you have a child who is a settled Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, a Parent visa is the most common path to long-term residency. These visas are highly sought-after and operate under a cap-and-queue system, leading to very long processing times. [1, 2, 3]

Contributory Parent Visas

This stream requires a significantly higher visa application charge but offers a much faster processing time compared to the non-contributory option. It is designed to ensure applicants contribute to the costs associated with healthcare and welfare services. [1, 2]

Contributory Parent (Permanent) (Subclass 143): Permanent visa for parents applying from outside Australia. [1]
Contributory Aged Parent (Permanent) (Subclass 864): Permanent visa for eligible parents already in Australia on a temporary visa. [1]
Contributory Parent (Temporary) (Subclass 173): A two-step pathway to the permanent Contributory Parent visa, spreading costs. [1]
Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) (Subclass 884): A two-step pathway for those applying onshore at pension age, leading to the permanent Contributory Aged Parent visa. [1]

Non-Contributory Parent Visas

These visas have a much lower application fee, resulting in extremely long waiting times, potentially decades. Limited annual places make this option impractical for many. [1, 2]

Parent (Permanent) (Subclass 103): For parents applying from outside Australia. [1]
Aged Parent (Permanent) (Subclass 804): For eligible parents already in Australia at pension age. [1]

Other Temporary Options

Without an eligible child sponsor, a Visitor visa (subclass 600) is an option for temporary stays for tourism or family visits. This does not provide a path to permanent residency. [1]

Important Considerations for Applicants over 60

Several factors beyond the visa category are crucial. [1]

The Balance of Family Test

For permanent Parent visas, at least half of your children must be settled Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens, or more children must live in Australia than any other single country. [1, 2]

Financial Requirements and Assurance of Support

Contributory parent visas and the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa involve significant financial obligations. An Australian resident often needs to provide an 'Assurance of Support' (AoS), a financial bond, for permanent parent visas. [1, 2]

Health and Character Requirements

All applicants must meet health and character requirements, including medical exams and police checks. [1]

Comparing Long-Term Australian Parent Visas


Feature	Contributory Parent Visa	Aged Parent Visa
Processing Time	Years	Extremely long
Cost	Very high	Significantly lower
Application Location	Can be applied for offshore	Must be applied for onshore
AoS Requirement	Yes, higher bond	Yes, lower bond
Permanency	Permanent residency	Permanent residency

The Application Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

Navigating the visa process can be complex; professional guidance is often recommended. [1, 2]

Determine Your Eligibility: Assess which visa stream suits your family ties, health, and finances. [1]
Gather Required Documents: Prepare identity, character, and financial evidence. [1]
Lodge Your Application: Submit your application and pay initial fees. [1]
Manage Processing Time: Be prepared for potentially long waiting times, especially for non-contributory visas. [1, 2]
Obtain Visa Grant: Upon approval, pay final fees and receive your visa. [1]

Conclusion

Moving to Australia after age 60, especially for permanent residency, primarily depends on family sponsorship. Understanding Parent visa options and being realistic about costs and processing times is key. Temporary visas or the Sponsored Parent visa offer flexibility for shorter stays. Seeking proper planning and professional advice is essential for a smooth transition. For the most current information, refer to the official Australian Department of Home Affairs website. [1]

Frequently Asked Questions

While options are limited, the primary pathway for long-term stay is family-sponsored. A Visitor visa (subclass 600) could allow an extended, temporary stay, but it doesn't lead to permanent residency. [1, 2]

The main differences are cost and processing time. Contributory visas are significantly more expensive but have much shorter waiting times (still years). Non-contributory visas are cheaper but have extremely long processing times, potentially decades. [1, 2]

This test requires that at least half of your children are settled Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. Alternatively, having more children living in Australia than in any other single country can satisfy the test. [1, 2]

Generally, the skilled migration program has an age limit of 45. Those over this age must explore other avenues like family-sponsored visas. [1, 2]

These visas operate under a cap-and-queue system. While faster than non-contributory options, processing times can still be very long, often estimated at over a decade. Check the Department of Home Affairs website for current timeframes. [1, 2]

Yes, if you are married or in a de facto relationship, you can include your partner on your parent visa application, provided they meet eligibility criteria and additional fees are paid. [1]

This temporary visa allows parents to stay in Australia for up to 3 or 5 years at a time, with a maximum cumulative stay of 10 years. It is for extended visits and does not lead to permanent residency. [1, 2]

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.