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.

Book an Appointment

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.

Government Confirms 2025–26 Immigration Intake: 185,000 Permanent Migration Places

On 2 September 2025, the Australian Government, through the Minister for Home Affairs Tony Burke, confirmed that the Permanent Migration Program for 2025–26 will be maintained at 185,000 places. This continues the migration intake from the 2024–25 program year, with the same levels and settings remaining in place. The announcement, made via an official media release from the Department of Home Affairs, ensures continuity for visa applicants, employers, and migration stakeholders.

What Has Been Confirmed

The 2025–26 migration intake remains steady at 185,000 permanent places, reflecting no changes in the program size or policy settings from the previous year. This decision follows consultations with states and territories, signaling a continued focus on skilled migration and the importance of migration to Australia’s economic and social fabric.

The Government has reassured us that visa application processing will continue without disruption, ensuring that existing pipelines of skilled, employer-sponsored, and family visa applicants remain active and operational. However, the extended closure of the state migration programs has been very disruptive for many migrants who have been waiting for an invitation for 491 or 190 visa to be able to remain in Australia when their visa expires, or who may be having a birthday soon that might mean they no longer meet the visa requirements.

Implications for Skilled Migration Pathways

For skilled migrants and employer-sponsored visa applicants, this confirmation provides welcome predictability. Although the detailed distribution of the 185,000 places across visa streams is yet to be released, it is anticipated that employer-sponsored and skilled independent categories will continue to receive substantial allocations, as they did in the previous financial year.

This is an opportunity for skilled professionals to stay proactive by reviewing their visa readiness, especially with regard to:

• Skills assessments – Ensure they are current and valid.
• English language tests – Check expiration dates for tests like IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL, and schedule new tests if needed.

Family and Partner Visas & State Nomination

The "same level and settings" for the 2025–26 program year suggest that family and partner visa allocations are also expected to remain consistent with last year’s levels. This brings reassurance to applicants who are in the process of reuniting with family members or sponsoring a partner.

On the state and territory nomination front, while the specific allocations to each jurisdiction are still pending, we might expect that the 491 (Skilled Work Regional Provisional Visa) and 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa) programs will also resume soon. Applicants are encouraged to prepare ahead of time, as nomination programs can open and fill quickly.

What’s Next

While the total migration intake is now official, the breakdown of allocations across streams and regions has not yet been published. These details will clarify:

• How many places are assigned to Skilled, Family, Special Eligibility, and Child visa streams.
• How allocations will be distributed between states and territories, especially for nomination programs.

States and territories are expected to begin opening their nomination programs shortly, and many are likely finalizing program criteria and application timelines.

Your Pathway Starts Here

The Australian Government’s decision to maintain the Permanent Migration Program cap at 185,000 places for the 2025–26 financial year offers much-needed certainty for migrants and employers. While we await further details on the distribution of these places, it is crucial for potential applicants to stay informed and act proactively.

The best way to prepare? Ensure your documents are valid, monitor announcements from your preferred state or territory, and be ready to lodge your application when the time comes.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Book an Appointment

Book a consultation with Work Visa Lawyers today to receive a professional visa assessment tailored to your circumstances. Our experienced migration lawyers and registered agents are ready to guide you through every step of the process—from skills assessments to state nomination and visa lodgement.

Source: Minister for Home Affairs – Permanent Migration Program 2025–26 Announcement

Information in this article is sourced directly from the official media release issued on 2 September 2025.

Why Is It Important to Write a Good Genuine Student Statement?

Applying for an Australian Student Visa (subclass 500) is an exciting step toward studying abroad. But beyond academic documents and financial proof, one requirement can make or break your application — the Genuine Student (GS) statement.

This statement is more than a formality. It is your chance to prove to the Department of Home Affairs that your purpose for coming to Australia is genuine: to study, gain knowledge, and then return home to apply your skills. A strong GS statement can greatly improve your chances of visa approval.

The Role of the GS Statement in Student Visa Applications

The GS statement is a personal declaration where you outline your study plans, financial capacity, and reasons for choosing Australia. It reassures immigration officers that you are a serious applicant who intends to comply with visa conditions.

Without a well-prepared GS statement, even strong academic results and financial documents may not be enough.

5 Reasons Why the GS Statement Matters

1. Proving Genuine Intentions

Australian immigration authorities must be confident you are applying for a visa to study only. The GS statement helps show that your stay in Australia will be temporary, and your goal is not migration or full-time work.

2. Demonstrating a Clear Study Plan

Your GS statement should highlight:

• Why you chose your specific course and education provider.
  
  
• How the course relates to your academic background and career goals.
  
  
• Why you prefer to study in Australia rather than your home country or another destination.
  
  

This proves that your education and career choices are well thought out.

3. Showing Ties to Your Home Country

Visa officers need to see that you have strong reasons to return home after completing your studies. A strong GS statement includes:

• Family connections, employment, or property ownership.
  
  
• Job opportunities waiting after graduation, such as a job offer or family business.
  
  

4. Supporting Financial Capacity

You must demonstrate that you can cover your tuition and living expenses. The GS statement supports your financial documents by explaining:

• Who is sponsoring you (parents, family, or self-funding).
  
  
• That your financial support is stable and reliable.
  
  

5. Influencing Visa Decisions

Even with a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and financial proof, a weak or unclear GS statement can lead to visa refusal. Immigration officers carefully review your statement, so presenting a strong and honest account is essential.

The Real-World Impact of a Strong GS Statement

Students with clear, structured, and honest GS statements tend to have higher visa approval rates. Officers look for consistency between your statement and the rest of your documents. If your GS statement appears vague or inconsistent, it raises red flags.

Conclusion

The Genuine Student (GS) statement is one of the most critical parts of your Student Visa 500 application. It demonstrates your genuine intent, outlines your study plan, and reassures immigration officers that you will return home after completing your studies.

Taking the time to prepare a clear, honest, and well-structured GS statement can make all the difference in your visa success.

 Ready to take the next step in your study journey?

A well-written Genuine Student statement can be the difference between visa approval and refusal.

Read more about preparing your Student Visa 500 application here and book a consultation with our migration experts to get personalised guidance.

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482 Visa Secondary Applicants: Work & Study Rights for Spouses in Australia

The Skills in Demand (SID) 482 Visa is a popular migration pathway that allows skilled professionals to live and work in Australia. While the primary applicant must work for their sponsoring employer, many spouses and partners wonder: What about family members?

If you’re the spouse or de facto partner of a 482 visa holder (either TSS or SID), you may be curious about your rights — especially regarding employment and education.

Can 482 Visa Secondary Applicants Work or Study Freely in Australia?
Yes — and with no major restrictions.

As a secondary applicant (spouse or de facto partner), you have full work rights in Australia. This means you are not limited by occupation, employer, or industry.

You can:

• Work full-time, part-time, or casually
• Choose any sector, including starting your own business
• Apply for any job without needing sponsorship
• Choose not to work, if you prefer

In addition, you are free to study in Australia without added visa conditions. Just note that international student fees may apply depending on your course.

Are There Restrictions Based on the Visa Stream?

1. Core Skills Stream
2. Specialist Skills Stream
3. Labour Agreement Stream

No matter which stream the primary visa holder is on, the secondary applicant’s rights remain the same in terms of work and study. There are currently no restrictions linked to the stream for partners or spouses.

Practical Tips for 482 Visa Spouses and Partners

• Apply for a TFN and Superannuation

• Maximise Job Flexibility

• Explore Study Opportunities

• Stay Updated on Policy Changes

Need Legal Advice or Migration Support?

If you're unsure about your current work rights, thinking about switching careers, or planning a permanent residency application as a family — don’t leave it to guesswork.

  Book an Appointment

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