Age limit for residency pathways
The majority of Australian resident visas come with an age restriction, typically capping eligibility at 44 years. This implies that individuals aged 45 and above do not qualify to apply for Australian residency visa, particularly within the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program, which has an age restriction
This article explores alternative avenues accessible to individuals aged 45 and beyond. Despite Australia's preference for younger immigrants, there are still viable visa options for those over 45, especially if their intent is related to investment or business activities. Australian immigration may also consider age waivers under age-capped categories.
Understanding Age Limits for Skilled Visas
Australia’s points-based GSM program includes the Subclass 189 (Independent), 190 (State Nominated), and 491 (Regional Sponsored) visas. Once you turn 45, if you haven’t yet received an invitation to apply and submitted the relevant skilled visa, you become ineligible to apply under the GSM category.
However, this does not mean migration to Australia is completely off the table. There are alternate visa options, which we’ll explore below.
Visa options for individuals aged 45 and above
Short-Term Work Visas (Subclass 400 and 407)
If your intention is to gain short-term work experience in Australia or provide specialised skills for a limited period, these visas are viable options:
- Subclass 400 – Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa
This visa allows skilled professionals to undertake highly specialised work or participate in short-term activities. It’s generally granted for up to 3 months (in some cases up to 6 months), and is suitable for those involved in niche areas or urgent short-term projects. - Subclass 407 – Training Visa
This visa allows applicants to undertake workplace-based training to improve their skills in an eligible occupation or area of expertise. It can be used to upskill or for capacity-building in their home country.
These options do not lead to permanent residency but may offer valuable experience or short-term professional opportunities.
Parent Visa
Individuals aged 45 and above may qualify for the parent visa subclass if they have a family member who is an Australian citizen or permanent resident residing in the country. There are six categories of parent visas available, including subclasses such as permanent, temporary, aged parent, aged dependent relative (onshore and offshore), contributory aged parent (temporary and permanent), and sponsored parent (temporary).
Partner Visa
This visa is granted to those in a genuine relationship with an Australian citizen or permanent resident. Eligibility is not influenced by age, meaning individuals older than 45 can still apply.
If your spouse or partner is not an Australian citizen or permanent resident, but they are under 45, hold relevant qualifications in most cases, and are working in a skilled occupation, they may qualify for a skilled or employer-sponsored visa.
In this case, you can be included as a dependent partner, and age will not be a barrier to being granted the visa. We recommend conducting an eligibility assessment for your partner to determine the most suitable pathway and include you in the application process.
National Innovation (subclass 858) Visa
Designed for individuals with an internationally recognised record of exceptional achievements in professions, sports, arts, or academia. Applicants must generally be between 18 and 55 years old. However, those older than 55 may be eligible if their skills and contributions are of exceptional benefit to the Australian community.
Skills in Demand Visa (SID) (subclass 482) Visa
Applicable to skilled workers willing to work in Australian sectors facing a skilled shortage, with no age restrictions. However, the Permanent Employer Sponsored (subclass 186) visa, the permanent version, has an age limit of 45 years despite several exemptions listed further down this page.
Take our eligibility assessment
New Zealand Pathway to Australia
Applicants over 45 may consider migrating to New Zealand first, where eligibility criteria are slightly more flexible.
Once New Zealand citizenship is obtained, you can live and work in Australia under the Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement, without requiring an Australian permanent visa.
This indirect pathway has become increasingly popular among applicants who fall outside Australia's skilled migration age limits.
Age exemptions under age-capped categories
Permanent skill-based visas for Australia typically come with an age limit of 44. Once an individual reaches the age of 45, many permanent visa opportunities are no longer available. In some rare cases, permanent residence may still be an option, especially for high-income earners, but such possibilities are highly restricted once you pass the age of 45.
186 and 187 Visa (transition stream) age exemptions
Generally, the age limit for certain visas in Australia is set at less than 45 years. However, exemptions are available for applicants who meet specific criteria, including:
Senior Academic or Scientific/Technical Specialist Nominations:
- Nominated as a senior academic by an Australian university.
- Nominated as a scientist, researcher, or technical specialist at ANZSCO skill level one or two by an Australian government scientific agency.
Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream:
- Applying through the TRT stream and have been working for the nominating employer under a TSS or subclass 457 visa for the last three years.
- Earnings were at least equivalent to the Fair Work High Income Threshold ($175,000) for each year over that period.
Medical Practitioners:
- Applying through the TRT stream (subclass 186) and meet specific criteria, including regional work requirements.
Special Category or New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship Visa Holders:
- Holders of Special Category visa (subclass 444) or New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship (Temporary) visa (subclass 461) working for the nominating employer for at least two years in the last three years.
Labour Agreement Stream:
- Applying through the Labour Agreement stream (subclass 482 and subclass 494), and the relevant agreement allows for employment of a person over 45.
Additionally, there are transitional arrangements for the Temporary Residence Transition stream, allowing individuals over 45 but under 50 to apply if they held or were an applicant for a subclass 457 visa on April 18, 2017.
Conclusion: Is It Still Worth Exploring Migration After 45?
Yes, but with realistic expectations. If your goal is permanent settlement, you may face limitations due to age unless you qualify for specific exemptions or partner-based pathways. However, short-term options and the New Zealand pathway still present genuine opportunities.
At Australian Shores, we work with clients of all backgrounds and ages to assess all possible avenues. If you're over 45 and want professional advice tailored to your circumstances, contact us today for a comprehensive eligibility assessment.
Not sure what visa is right for you?
Take our online eligibility assessment or get in touch with our team!
