[old codger]

Here I am, just 46, redundant and good for nothing. I can't even move to Australia because I'm "too old". I've read the comments on this site and if people can work to any age in Australia it seems daft that they stop you coming at 46. Someone said they're increasing the pension age from 65 to 67 so why not increase the immigration age from 45 to 47? My kids are at Uni now so with the job going it looked like a great time to go downunder and live a little but no. Its sooooo frustrating. Sorry for the rant but it's rediculous that because I wasn't born 100 days later I can't get into Australia. Well done to everyone born after me. You've still got a chance.

Mike aka The Old Codger

[SoCal]

You could try New Zealand. Wages are meant to be a bit lower than Australia, but it could be a nice lifestyle option. The age cut off is 55, so you're still a youngster there.

[Cliff]

You are right that because of your age it will be difficult to get a PR visa. But it is not impossible. There are exceptions to the age limit in certain circumstances.

For example if you came on a 121 visa (employer nomination route), to be eligible for PR the prospective employer would have to show that there were exceptional circumstances:–

45 years to less than 50 years old

* the position is essential to the operation of the business
and
* the employer demonstrates that it is not possible to find a suitably qualified person younger than the applicant.

http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/skilled-workers/ens/exemptions.htm

Is your trade/profession on the critical skills list? Being on this list can only help your chances of getting nomination.

Also, there is no age limit on the 457 employer sponsored temporary visa, but this visa does tie you down to one employer and it is not a definite route to PR.

[FamousFive]

Good points from SoCal and Cliff, old codger. I'm just a year younger than you Mike, but luckily we made the move in time.

As Cliff has said, your case isn't completely hopeless. Your prospects for permanent residence come down to your own skills and whether there's an employer out there who wants them badly enough. Unfortunately, Australia's also hovering on the brink of recession at the moment and unemployment is rising here too. From what I've been reading about the UK and its future economic prospects, though, Australia's going to do better.

There are still jobs here and, if you're lucky enough to have sought after skills, I've no doubt you could get one of those jobs.

If I didn't live in Australia, New Zealand would certainly be the next country on my list. I've holidayed there a couple of times and it's a beautiful, easy going place. If you think you can get enough points for skilled immigration to Australia - but only miss out because of your age - you should definitely be able to get enough points to qualify for skilled immigration to New Zealand.

[old codger]

I'm sitting here with a huge smile on my face. I can hardly believe what I'm reading, it's such good news. Thank you very, very much for your posts and particularly to Cliff for pointing me to that information. I'm feeling younger already. :D

The obvious question now is - are chemical engineers sufficiently in demand in Australia for this to work?

[FamousFive]

I don't know much about chemical engineering, but chemical engineers are certainly on the Immigration Department's critical skills list (http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/general-skilled-migration/pdf/critical-skills-list.pdf). Professions don't make it to that list unless there's a serious shortage of workers. This means you should have an excellent chance of getting a job, and hence employer nomination. if I were you, I'd investigate job opportunities and go for it, while you're still a youngster. ;)

[jatcorominas]

Hi,

I am 53 years of age and a NZ permanent resident. I have 10 years IT experience and an M.Sc in Software Engineering from Oxford University. Can anyone who used a migration agent to get permanent residence in Australia under the Employer Nominated Scheme give me a referral to a tried and tested immigration consultant/lawyer who has a proven track record with this type of problem? I do not want to approach consultants directly because no one in their right mind will give client references who are unhappy with them.

Thanks for your help.

Jose:)