6 Best Visas to Live and Work in Australia If You’re Over 45
Navigating the Australian visa system can be daunting, especially if you're over the age of 45. Many skilled migration pathways impose strict age caps, but that doesn’t mean your dream of living and working in Australia is over.
Whether you're an experienced professional, entrepreneur, or a parent looking to reunite with family, there are still strong options available in 2025. This article outlines the six best Australian visas for applicants aged over 45, reflecting the latest updates from the Department of Home Affairs—and aligned with our new YouTube video on this topic.
1. DAMA – Designated Area Migration Agreements
What is DAMA?
DAMA is a special visa arrangement between the Australian Government and specific regional areas experiencing skill shortages. It allows employers in those regions to sponsor overseas workers for roles that may not be listed on standard skilled occupation lists.
Benefits for Applicants over 45:
- DAMAs often allow age concessions beyond the standard 45-year age limit.
- Offers flexibility on English language and skill requirements.
- Strong option for industries like hospitality, agriculture, and aged care.
Work Visa Lawyers Tip:
We can assist you in identifying DAMA-approved regions and guiding employers through the labor agreement process.
2. National Innovation Visa (NIV) - Subclass 858
What is the NIV?
The National Innovation Visa (NIV) replaced the Global Talent Visa on 7 December 2024. It is still under subclass 858, but introduces updated eligibility criteria. This visa is an excellent option for individuals over 45, and offers a direct pathway to Australian permanent residency.
Who is it for?
The NIV is a permanent visa specifically designed for exceptionally talented individuals from across the world, including:
- Global researchers
- Entrepreneurs
- Innovative investors
- Athletes and creatives
How is my Expression of Interest (EOI) assessed?
Your EOI is considered based on the indicators of exceptional and outstanding achievements claimed and the NIV program priorities. Invitations for the NIV are provided in the following priority order:
Priority 1 – Exceptional candidates from any sector who are global experts and recipients of international ‘top of field’ level awards.
Priority 2 – Candidates from any sector nominated on the approved Form 1000 by an expert Australian Commonwealth, State or Territory Government agency.
Priority 3 – Candidates with exceptional and outstanding achievements in a Tier One sector, which includes:
- Critical Technologies
- Health Industries, and
- Renewables and low emission technologies.
Priority 4 – Candidates with exceptional and outstanding achievements in a Tier Two sector, which includes:
- Agri-food and AgTech
- Defence Capabilities and Space
- Education
- Financial Services and FinTech
- Infrastructure and Transport
- Resources
While you don’t need to be in one of the nine sectors mentioned under Priority 3 and 4 above to receive an invitation, it can make your application more competitive.
Work Visa Lawyers Tip:
We offer a free NIV eligibility assessment to determine whether you qualify for this visa and how to best position your application for success.
3. Skills in Demand (SID) Visa – Subclass 482 (Formerly TSS Visa)
What is Subclass 482?
The Skills in Demand (SID) visa, formerly known as the TSS (Subclass 482), allows Australian employers to sponsor skilled workers for temporary positions where local labor is insufficient.
Benefits for Applicants over 45:
- No age limit to apply
- Allows you to live and work in Australia for up to 4 years
- Pathway to permanent residency (Subclass 186 TRT) after 2 years
- More than 450 occupations under Core Skills Occupation List
Permanent Residency Pathway:
- Applicants can transition to permanent residency through the Subclass 186 Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream after 2 years of working on the 482 visa, instead of the previous requirement of 3 years
- The 186 TRT visa does have an age limit of under 45 years, but it allows for age exemptions for:
- High-income earners (FWHIT: AUD 167,500+)
- Academics
- Regional medical professionals
- Senior executives or long-term employees
Work Visa Lawyers Tip:
Our team can help ensure your employment and nominated role aligns with SID requirements, boosting long-term residency success.
4. Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) – Subclass 186
What is the Subclass 186?
A permanent employer-sponsored visa with three streams: Direct Entry, Labour Agreement, and Temporary Residence Transition (TRT).
Benefits for some applicants over 45:
- While there's an age cap of 45 years, the 186 TRT provides several exemptions for:
- Academics at senior levels
- Medical practitioners in regional areas
- High-income earners (FWHIT: AUD 167,500+)
- Accessible via the 482→186 TRT pathway
Work Visa Lawyers Tip:
We specialize in identifying eligibility for these age exemptions and guiding your PR strategy based on your work and migration history.
5. Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801 or 309/100)
What is a Partner Visa?
Allows spouses or de facto partners of Australian citizens, PRs, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia permanently.
Why It's Perfect for 45+ Applicants:
- No age restriction
- Focus is on proving a genuine and ongoing relationship, not age or employment
- Pathway from temporary (820 or 309) to permanent residency (801 or 100)
Work Visa Lawyers Tip:
We can help with preparing robust documentation and statutory declarations to reduce the chance of refusal or delays.
6. Parent Visas (Subclass 103, 143, 804, 864)
What Are Parent Visas?
Designed for parents of settled Australian citizens or permanent residents. Includes both contributory (faster, higher cost) and non-contributory (slower, lower cost) options.
Benefits for Applicants over 45:
- No strict age limit
- Options include:
- Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143) – faster processing
- Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804) – for pension-eligible parents already in Australia
Key Requirement:
Must pass the Balance of Family Test—at least 50% of your children must be Australian citizens or PRs.
Work Visa Lawyers Tip:
We can assist with assessing your eligibility and navigating the long queue times for parent visas.
Watch the Full YouTube Video for Visual Guidance
Looking for a visual breakdown of your options? Our latest YouTube video walks you through all six Australian visa pathways featured in this article.
Whether you’re a first-time applicant or planning your next move, this video is designed to help you understand the visa process with clarity and confidence.
FAQs
Q: What are the best visas for over 45s in Australia?
A: The best options include the DAMA, Subclass 858, SID 482, 186 Employer Nomination (with exemptions), Partner, and Parent visas.
Q: Is there any age limit for skilled migration visas in Australia?
A: Yes—most skilled visas (189/190) cap at 45. However, Subclass 482, 858, and 186 (with exceptions) allow for applicants over the age of 45..
Q: Can I get PR after 45 in Australia?
A: Yes. Pathways exist through employer-sponsored visas (with exemptions), innovation visas, and partner or parent categories.
Q: Does the SID 482 visa have an age limit?
A: No. You can apply at any age for the 482 visa but age limits apply for the permanent Subclass 186 visa..
Over 45? Your Australian Future Is Still Possible
If you're over 45 and still dreaming of building a life in Australia, you have more options than you think. From employer sponsorship and innovation to family reunion visas, pathways remain open—even under evolving immigration laws.
Get a professional visa assessment today from our experienced team at Work Visa Lawyers. We’re here to make your transition smooth, legal, and successful.
