GOOD NEWS
Graduates may be eligible for up to 6 years post-study work rights, depending on their degree type.
From 1 July 2023, the Government have confirmed that the duration of stay for some Temporary Graduate visas (subclass 485) will be extended for those with a degree listed on the Eligible Qualifications List. Read more about the latest update here.
The Post-Study Work stream is for students who have recently graduated from an Australian institution and allows graduates to live, work and study in Australia between 2 and 4 years, depending on their qualification.
The Second Post-Study Work stream is for holders of the Temporary Graduate visa (first Post-Study Work stream or Replacement stream) who have a degree from an Australian institution located in a regional area. The visa allows graduates to stay for 1-2 years depending on where they studied and where they live.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR A SECOND 485 VISA?
- Must have completed study from a regional education provider (contact us to find out which instructions qualify).
- Holders of a 485 (Post Study Work) stream visa.
- Have lived, worked and studied only in a designated regional area for two years continuously on your first Post Study Work 485 immediately before applying for the second 485 visa.
- You and your family must be in Australia to apply
This is designed to encourage people to study and live in Australia’s many regional areas. Go Study loves regional areas, there are plenty of job opportunities and that’s where you will get the ‘real’ Aussie experience. Talk to us today to discuss your study options.
HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?
The cost for a Second Post-Study Work stream 485 visa:
- Base charge primary applicant – $745 AUD
- Additional applicant > 18 yo – $375 AUD
- Additional applicant < 18 yo – $190 AUD
Example Case Study
If someone were to study a 2-year master’s at Southern Cross University on the Gold Coast, and then lived and worked for 2 years on their 485 visa also on the Gold Coast, they would qualify for an additional 1 year 485 visa.
But if they studied on the Lismore campus, then worked for 2 years in the Lismore campus (or another designated Regional Centre) they would be eligible for another 2-year post-study work visa.
What if you hold an 18 month 485 Graduate visa that was granted on the basis of either Advanced Diploma level study or below (or first study before 5 November 2011)?
Unfortunately, you are not eligible for an additional 485 visa
WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR A SECOND 1-YEAR 485 VISA?
If you graduated, held a Post Study Work 485 and only lived, worked and studied in a designated city or major regional area, you may be eligible for the grant of a subsequent one-year Post Study Work 485.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR A SECOND 2-YEAR 485 VISA?
If you have graduated, held a Post Study Work 485 and only lived, worked and studied in a designated regional centre or another regional area you may be eligible for a second two-year Post Study Work 485.
DOES IT HAVE TO BE THE SAME DESIGNATED REGIONAL AREA?
No, you can live and work in a different designated regional area.
What if you didn’t work in a regional area, but instead lived and undertook further study in the designated regional area?
Yes, you may still be eligible for a second 485 visa.
WE CAN HELP YOU
If you need migration advice, we have migration agent partners across Australia who can help map your plan to stay in Australia.
At Go Study, we have expert counsellors able to support you step by step and guide you through this delicate journey. Before you make any decision, which may affect your current visa or situation, please contact us and seek advice. Our support is free of charge!
ARE YOU IN A DESIGNATED REGIONAL AREA?
Designated city or major regional centre means Perth, Adelaide, the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast, Newcastle/Lake Macquarie, Wollongong/Illawarra, Canberra, Geelong and Hobart
The designated regional centre or other regional area means all other areas of regional Australia apart from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth, Adelaide, the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast,
See the Department of Home Affairs website to check if your postcode is eligible.
