Subclass 189
Must be under 45 at time of invitation. Age points drop sharply after 39. See 189.
45 is the Standard Limit · Exemptions Exist
Skilled migration has a 45-year age limit.
But it is not absolute. Exemptions apply for specific applicants. Over-45 pathways exist through employer sponsorship, Global Talent, and DAMA. Here is what age really means for skilled migration.
Visas with 45 limit
Four common 45-cap pathways.
The 45 cap applies to most skilled visas at time of invitation or application.
Subclass 190
Must be under 45 at time of invitation. State nomination does not override age.
Subclass 491
Must be under 45 at time of invitation. Regional sponsorship does not extend age.
Subclass 186 DE
Must be under 45 at time of application. Exemptions apply for academics, researchers, medical practitioners. See 186 exemptions.
Over-45 pathways
Four options beyond skilled migration.
Workers over 45 have specific pathways that do not use the points test or the 45 cap.
186 TRT with high-income exemptionWorkers over 45 earning above the high-income threshold on 482 or SID for 3+ years. See 186 age exemption.
Global Talent 858No upper age limit. Suitable for senior technical or business talent. See Global Talent.
Specialist Skills (SID)Some SID Specialist Skills roles are more flexible on age given the high salary and senior profile.
DAMA age concessionsSome DAMAs lift age caps for specific occupations. NT DAMA particularly flexible.
Age points on the points test
Sharp decline after 39.
Even below 45, age points drop quickly. Planning matters.
18-24: 25 points
Younger applicants with good profiles often invited easily.
25-32: 30 points
Peak age range for points. Maximise this window.
33-39: 25 points
Gradual decline. Still competitive with strong profile.
40-44: 15 points
Sharp drop. Makes 189 harder. Consider state pathways.
Lodging before 45 is often easier than getting exemption after.
Workers approaching 45 should lodge EOIs or nominations before crossing the threshold rather than relying on post-45 exemptions. Exemptions work for specific categories but are narrower and more evidence-heavy than standard pathways.
Common questions
The questions we hear most.
For age-based pathway advice, book with Sourabh Aggarwal.
Can I apply if I turn 45 while my EOI is in the pool?
Invitation must be issued before 45. If your EOI sits past 45 without invitation, no invitation will be issued.
Does age matter for 482 or SID visa?
No. Temporary sponsored visas do not have the 45 cap. Age matters at PR stage (186).
Can DAMA really ignore the age cap?
Specific DAMAs lift age caps for specific occupations. Not all DAMAs; not all occupations. Check current NT DAMA and other agreements.
Is Global Talent easier for older applicants?
Global Talent has no upper age limit but has high international recognition requirements. Not universally easier but removes the 45 cap.
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.