A frequent and pressing question we encounter at Riverwood Migration is: “I’m over 35, can I still migrate to Australia?” The concern is valid, as age is a pivotal factor in Australia’s migration system. While it presents a significant challenge within the points-tested skilled independent stream, it is far from an absolute barrier. The Australian migration landscape is diverse, with multiple pathways designed to address different profiles and national needs. This guide provides a detailed, strategic overview for prospective migrants over 35, moving beyond the points test to explore viable and permanent alternatives. Our analysis is grounded in current immigration law and policy, offering a clear-eyed view of your options.

Part 1: The Reality Check – Age in the Points-Tested Skilled Migration System

First, understanding the challenge is key. For visas like Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent) and 190 (Skilled Nominated), your age directly translates into points in your Expression of Interest (EOI):

• 18-24 years: 25 points
• 25-32 years: 30 points (Maximum)
• 33-39 years: 25 points
• 40-44 years: 15 points
• 45+ years: 0 points

The impact is twofold:

1. The 33-Year-Old Threshold: Points begin to decrease after 32. A 33-year-old applicant immediately needs to compensate for a 5-point deficit compared to their younger counterparts.
2. The 40-Year-Old Cliff: The drop to 15 points at age 40 creates a substantial 15-point gap. Compensating requires near-perfect scores in English (20 points for Superior English), extensive skilled employment experience, and specialised credentials—a combination that is difficult to achieve.

Furthermore, a critical access point for many—the Post-Study Work Visa (Subclass 485)—has an upper age limit of 35 for the Graduate Work stream and 50 for the Post-Study Work stream (with the latter requiring a recent Australian qualification). This can block a crucial pathway for older students to gain Australian work experience.

Part 2: The Strategic Pivot – Core Pathways for Applicants Over 35

The core strategy for mature-age applicants is to shift focus from points-tested independent migration to sponsored or nominated pathways. These options often prioritise skills, experience, and employer or regional needs over a rigid points score.

1. Employer-Sponsored Pathways: Turning Experience into Opportunity

This is often the most direct route for skilled professionals with established careers.

• Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) – Direct Entry Stream
  • Age Limit: Under 45 at the time of application (with very limited exemptions).
  • The Pathway: This is a permanent residence visa. An Australian employer nominates you for a full-time position in an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
  • Key Advantage: It bypasses the points test entirely. The focus is on your skills, qualifications (typically requiring a skills assessment), work experience (at least 3 years relevant to your nominated occupation), and the employer’s genuine need.
• Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa as a Stepping Stone
  • Initial Age Limit: There is no upper age limit to apply for a Subclass 482 visa.
  • The Pathway: This is a temporary visa (up to 4 years) that allows you to work for your sponsoring employer. Its true power lies in the transition to permanent residence.
  • Transition to PR (186 TRT Stream): After working for your employer for at least 3 years on a 482 visa, you may be eligible to be sponsored for a 186 visa under the Temporary Residence Transition stream. Crucially, you must be under 45 at the time of applying for this permanent visa (unless an exemption applies).
  • Strategic Benefit: The 482 provides a crucial “bridge” to enter Australia, prove your value to an employer, and then transition to PR, all while managing the age requirement at the PR stage.

2. Regional Sponsored Pathways: Expanding Your Horizons

For those willing to live and work outside major cities, these pathways offer broader opportunities.

• Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa
  • Age Limit: Under 45 at time of application (exemptions possible).
  • The Pathway: A 5-year provisional visa for regional employer sponsorship. After living and working in the region for at least 3 years while holding the 494, you can apply for the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa.
  • Key Advantage: The occupation list is much broader than for the 186, including many Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) roles. The permanent 191 visa application has no further age requirement.
• Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa
  • Age Limit: Under 45 at the time you are invited to apply (exemptions possible).
  • The Pathway: A points-tested visa, but with a crucial boost: a state or territory government, or an eligible family member in a regional area, sponsors you, granting an automatic 15 points. The required points threshold is lower (65 points including the sponsorship). It’s a 5-year visa requiring 3 years of living and working in a regional area before transitioning to the Subclass 191 PR visa.

Part 3: Specialised Pathways with Greater Flexibility

For individuals with exceptional achievements or in specific sectors, age can become a secondary factor.

• National Innovation Visa (NIV)
  • Age Limit: There is no strict age limit. However, applicants under 18 or over 55 must demonstrate that they can provide an exceptional benefit to Australia.
  • The Pathway: Targets established and emerging leaders who are internationally recognised in key sectors critical to Australia’s economy. It requires nomination by an individual or Australian organisation with a national reputation in the same field, and evidence of a high income or clear potential to reach the high-income threshold.
  • Key Advantage: A direct permanent residence pathway for high-calibre talent with a focus on innovation and job creation, replacing the former Global Talent visa.
• DAMA (Designated Area Migration Agreement)
  • Age Limit: Can provide concessions to the standard age limit of 45, potentially extending it up to 55 for some occupations under specific regional agreements.
  • The Pathway: A labour agreement between the Australian Government and a designated regional area. It allows local businesses to sponsor skilled and semi-skilled workers for roles they cannot fill locally, with concessions on age, skill level, and English.
  • Key Advantage: A tailored solution for specific regions, offering one of the few formal avenues for age concession.

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For the mature-age prospective migrant, success hinges on a precise strategic pivot:

1. Honestly Assess Your Profile: Start with your age, occupation, work experience, and English ability.
2. Prioritise Employer Sponsorship: If you are under 45, the 186 visa or the 482-to-186 pathway should be your primary focus. Begin networking and exploring the Australian job market in your field.
3. Seriously Consider Regional Options: The 491 and 494 visas significantly widen the door, especially for those with occupations not on the MLTSSL or who need points relief.
4. Investigate Niche Pathways: If you have high-level achievements or work in a sector covered by a DAMA, these can provide the necessary concessions.
5. Seek Professional Guidance Early: Navigating the shift from points-based to sponsorship-based migration is complex. A registered migration agent can provide a clear roadmap, identify the most viable pathway, and ensure your application addresses all specific requirements.

At Riverwood Migration, we specialise in creating tailored strategies that turn professional experience into successful migration outcomes, regardless of age.

Don’t let age be the end of your Australian dream. Contact Riverwood Migration for a detailed assessment to identify which sponsored pathway aligns with your career and opens your door to Australia.

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