High-earning TRT applicants
TRT 186 applicants earning at or above the relevant high-income threshold for 3+ years. Most common exemption for senior workers.
Over 45 · Exemption Categories · Senior Executives · Researchers
The Subclass 186 age limit is 45. But exemptions exist.
For workers over 45, permanent sponsorship is not automatically blocked. Specific exemption categories for senior executives, researchers, and others can apply. Here is who qualifies and how to prepare the evidence.
Exemption categories
Five pathways over 45.
Each exemption has specific eligibility criteria. Meeting one is sufficient.
Academic and research
University academics and researchers in defined roles. University nomination and research credentials required.
Medical practitioners
Medical practitioners in specific roles often have age exemption pathways, especially in regional areas.
Senior executives with specific credentials
Some senior executive roles with long experience can qualify. Narrow category.
Regional medical practitioners
Rural and remote medical roles have additional exemption provisions.
Evidence required
Specific to each category.
Exemption evidence is category-specific. Generic executive claims rarely succeed.
High-income TRT evidenceSalary records for 3+ years demonstrating income at or above the threshold. Tax records, payslips, superannuation statements.
Academic and research credentialsUniversity appointment, publication record, research grants, teaching record. Institution nomination.
Medical registration and serviceAHPRA registration, role evidence, location of practice. Regional service credentials where applicable.
Executive role and remunerationPosition description showing senior responsibility. Remuneration evidence. Duration of senior role.
Without exemption
Alternative pathways exist.
Workers over 45 without an exemption still have pathways.
Regional pathways
Subclass 494 and regional 186 nominations sometimes have age flexibility. Regional pathways worth checking.
Global Talent 858
No upper age limit for Global Talent. Suitable for senior technical or business talent.
DAMA concessions
DAMAs in some cases have age concessions for specific occupations.
The high-income TRT exemption is the most used age exemption.
Workers earning high salaries on a 482 or SID for at least 3 years can qualify for 186 TRT without the age cap. For senior professionals over 45 on sponsored visas, this is usually the strongest pathway to PR. Check current threshold figures.
Common questions
The questions we hear most.
For 186 age exemption applications, book with Sourabh Aggarwal.
What is the high-income threshold for the age exemption?
Around AUD $175,000+ in 2026 (check current figure at application time). Applied as an income test over 3 years.
Can I use the age exemption for DE stream 186?
Age exemptions mostly apply to TRT stream. DE stream age flexibility is narrower.
What if I am 44 now but will be 45 at application?
Age is assessed at the time of application. Lodging before 45 is straightforward. After 45, exemption required.
Does regional work give age flexibility?
Some regional pathways have flexibility. 494 and regional TRT 186 sometimes allow flexibility.
Some information on this page has been sourced from the Department of Home Affairs and has been interpreted and approved by Principal Migration Agent Sourabh Aggarwal (MARN 1462159). Last reviewed: May 2026.