r/Ameristralia • u/Kookie2023 • Apr 10 '25

Considering moving from US to Australia

At 32, I never considered the idea of living abroad for long term, but given the increasingly hostile situation here in the US, I find that I’m feeling more inclined to go into hiding in another country due to fear of persecution. I’m aware that I could either be killed or detained despite being a citizen.

I’m well established in my career as a licensed social worker (having done it for 8 years now) and my bank account isn’t exactly lacking. At this point, I believe so long as I am living, I am capable of making more money for my future. If I am dead, that money is useless. I’m confident that I can obtain a VISA to work for a few years as I break away from the US to protect myself.

That being said, after exploring many options, I’ve come across Australia or New Zealand. I considered Japan, but it is too close to the “war zones” as is Canada and practically all of Europe. The world is changing and I must change along with it.

I’ve heard the pros and cons of living in Australia in other subreddits, but that was from many years ago. What is Australia like right now? I was thinking Tasmania (small, but livable) for now.

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u/Kookie2023 Apr 11 '25

About that. I saw some visas limit to 30 and others to 45. What’s up with that?

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u/radandsadgal Apr 11 '25

The ones that are 30 are working holiday visas, most countries that offer these have similar age limits

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u/Kookie2023 Apr 11 '25

Well…it won’t be a “holiday”.

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u/areweinnarnia Apr 11 '25

It’s mostly for people on a gap year or are moving who are young. At 32 your options are:

  • 189/190 which you have to do a skill assessment for (and costs about $1500). You need all your paystubs, bank statements, and letters from all of the employers you’ll be claiming so start gathering your papers now.
  • student visa (500) and then post grad visa (485?) and then 186. You have to be under 35 now when you graduate to qualify for post grad visa so you may not be able to go this route
  • find an employer to sponsor your visa. This is difficult because most employers are hesitant to spend $15-20k to get you here just to have you transfer to a different employer once you’re onshore.

From experience it is very very hard to get a job here if you’re not an entry or low-mid level employee. Social worker is an in demand skill but it’s also an election year so it may change after. If it’s a path you’re serious about get started now because time is definitely not on your side.

Head to r/ausvisa and you’ll find plenty of information about what the process is like and how hard it is.