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Free tool · 6 countries

Am I too old to migrate?

You are rarely too old to migrate. Australia's skilled visas need you to be under 45 when invited and New Zealand's Skilled Migrant visa 55 or younger, but Canada and Germany only lower your points, and the UK and Ireland set no maximum age. Enter your age to see what it costs you.

How much does your age really cost you?

At 42, you are not too old to migrate

Possible, with work

You are not too old. Age counts least against you in the UK, Ireland and New Zealand. In Canada, age costs you 82 CRS points, so language and job category matter more.

1. UK (Skilled Worker)
Age not scored
2. Ireland (Critical Skills permit)
Age not scored
3. New Zealand (Skilled Migrant)
Not scored, 55 or under

Get the full table for all 6 countries

Canada, Australia, Germany, the UK, Ireland and New Zealand: your points now and at the best age, the next birthday that costs you points, and the official rule for each.

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Which countries have an age limit for immigration?

  • Australia: under 45 when invited, for the 189, 190 and 491 skilled visas. Age points peak at 25 to 32.
  • New Zealand: 55 or younger when you apply for the Skilled Migrant Category visa. Age is not scored.
  • Canada: no maximum age. CRS age points peak at 20 to 29 and reach 0 at 45.
  • Germany: no maximum age. The Opportunity Card gives 2 points up to 35 and 1 point up to 40.
  • UK and Ireland: no maximum age set and no age points. Under 26, the UK allows a lower new-entrant salary.

How does the age checker work?

For Canada, Australia and Germany it runs the same scoring as our CRS calculator, Australia points calculator and Opportunity Card calculator. It scores you at your age and at the best age, so the gap is exactly what age costs you. The UK, Ireland and New Zealand do not score age, so we show their age rule instead.

Want the story behind the numbers? Read am I too old to migrate? and the age points cliff: when to apply.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an age limit to migrate?

Some routes have one. Australia's points-tested skilled visas need you to be under 45 when you are invited, and New Zealand's Skilled Migrant Category needs you to be 55 or under. Canada's Express Entry and Germany's Opportunity Card have no upper limit, but give fewer points as you get older. The UK Skilled Worker visa and Ireland's Critical Skills permit set no maximum age and do not score age.

Can I migrate to Canada after 45?

Yes. You get 0 age points from 45, but you can still enter the Express Entry pool. Language, French, Canadian experience, an occupation category or a provincial nomination can make up the difference.

What is the best age to migrate?

On points alone, 20 to 29 in Canada and 25 to 32 in Australia. In practice, the best age is the one where your language results, experience and documents are ready, because those points usually matter more than one birthday.

Does age matter for an employer-sponsored work visa?

Usually much less. The UK Skilled Worker visa and Ireland's Critical Skills permit look at the job and the salary, not your age. Germany asks first-time skilled workers aged 45 and over for a salary of at least €55,770 a year (2026) or an adequate pension, though not for the EU Blue Card.

Estimate only, based on official rules checked in October 2026. Each government decides your case from your own documents.