Teaching in Australia after 45 - Is PR possible?

Learn about teaching in Australia after 45. Our Migration agent Darren explains the possibility of achieving permanent residency as a teacher in Queensland, even after your 45th birthday!

I am a teacher over 45 years old. Can I still apply for a permanent residency visa?

Darren Chatt MARN:0211214

“If you’re over 45 you can apply for an employer sponsored visa (subclass 482). There are no age restrictions on the 482 visa, however pathways to permanent residency are difficult.

If you’re a teacher over 45 years old, you can apply for permanent residency (PR) via the Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA). Applying under a DAMA bypasses the age restriction for PR.

Far North Queensland (FNQ) are approved under the DAMA, and teachers are on their occupation list.

If you’re over 45 and aiming for PR, it’s advisable to seek Queensland schools approved under this agreement. The school must have been operating within the Designated Area for at least 12 months prior to seeking endorsement.”

Teaching occupations included in DAMA

Teaching occupations included in the Far North Queensland Designated Area Migration Agreement:

Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teacher ANZSCO 241111
Primary School Teachers ANZSCO 241213
Secondary School Teacher ANZSCO 241411
Special Education Teacher ANZSCO 241599
Special Needs Teacher ANZSCO 241511
Teacher of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) ANZSCO 249311
Vocational Education Teacher ANZSCO 242211

All 7 occupations have an age concession of 55 years old.

DAMA areas

The FNQ DAMA designated area comprises the Cairns, Douglas, Mareeba, Tablelands and Cassowary Coast local government areas. Also, the Cook Shire Council, Torres Shire Council, and Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council local government areas, and the Weipa Town Authority area.

The business must have been operating within the Designated Area for at least 12 months prior to seeking endorsement.

Full details of the FNQ DAMA can be found on their website. The occupation list is regularly updated.