It could be challenging for capable and skilled applicants to obtain most Australian visas once they have crossed 45 years of age. Most permanent visas have an age limit of below 45 years, and even though there are exceptions to this rule, satisfying the relevant requirements is not so smooth for most applicants. However, there are a few temporary and permanent visas that allow such applicants to live and work in Australia. Here are a few options.

Student visas (temporary)

The Student visa program permits the lawful entry, but temporary stay, of genuine international students. There is no age limit to apply for this visa in Australia – however, the applicant’s age is taken into consideration by the Department when assessing the requirement of whether the applicant is a ‘genuine temporary entrant’. Some applicants may need additional documentation to justify their application and provide solid evidence that their genuine intention to stay in Australia is temporary.

Employer-Sponsored visas (temporary and permanent)

There are different visa options for skilled workers who have an eligible sponsor. The Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (Subclass 482) is a very popular visa. The TSS visa permits employers to address temporary shortages in labour by bringing in skilled workers. It is a temporary visa, but some of its streams may lead to Permanent Residency. There is no age limit to apply for the TSS visa – however, applicants who intend to apply for Permanent Residence with the same sponsor must usually be under 45 years of age at the time of this visa application.

There are Age exceptions given at times for Scientists, Transitional 457 workers (who are under 50), Subclass 457/482 workers having a high income, Academics, Subclass 444/461 workers under the Direct Entry stream, and Regional Medical Practitioners.

In some cases, Subclass 482 visa holders may also be granted Permanent Residency if they are under 55 years, or if they have applied under the Global Talent Employer-Sponsored program (GTES).

There are some other short-term Employer-Sponsored visas that do not have an age limit, like the Temporary Activity visa (Subclass 408), and the Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) visa (Subclass 400). These are temporary visas, and do not have a direct pathway to Permanent Residency.

Talent visas (permanent)

Australia offers Permanent Residency to exceptionally talented individuals worldwide. The Global Talent Visa Program is designed to attract highly skilled individuals at the top of their field, and job multipliers in the Australian economy. Applicants usually may be up to 55 years of age – however, older applicants also may be considered if they can demonstrate exceptional economic benefit to Australia. This program works under the popular and well-established Distinguished Talent Visa (Subclass 858), which also offers Permanent Residency with no age requirement to applicants who have an “internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement”.

Business visas (temporary and permanent)

The Business Innovation and Investment program has been designed to foster innovation, increase entrepreneurial talent, and diversify business expertise in Australia. This program targets individuals with a proven history of business success who can significantly contribute to the Australian economy.

Business visas usually have an age limit of 55 years, but this could be relaxed if the Business Plan is unique to Australian requirements. The Business Innovation & Investment visa (Subclass 188) visa is for Investors and Business Owners who would like to establish business operations in Australia. This visa is valid for 4 years, and has a pathway for Permanent Residency via Subclass 888 after holding the 188 provisional visa either for 2 years (in the Business Innovation stream), or for 4 years (in the Investor stream).

Other visa options

There are other visas that do not have an age limit. These include Skilled visas (for New Zealand citizens), Partner visas, Family visas, or Refugee visas.