Published: 04/01/2021
Extension for 485 Graduate Visa in Regional Areas
To boost diversity and prosperity in regional Australia, there is additional incentive for international students to study at a regional institution and to live in regional areas post-study: From January 2021, international students studying at all locations outside Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane will be offered an extension on the current two-year Post-study work stream of the Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa (TGV), which applies to Bachelor and Masters by coursework graduates.
You need:
- To have graduated from a regional institution; and
- Resided for at least two years in a regional area immediately prior to your second 485 visa application.
Eligibility will include international students who studied at a regional campus of a metropolitan university.
Do you qualify for a 1 or 2-year extension?
One-year second Post Study 485 visas
If you’ve graduated, held a Post Study Work 485 and only lived, worked and studied in a designated city or major regional area (Perth, Adelaide, the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast, Newcastle/Lake Macquarie, Wollongong/Illawarra, Canberra, Geelong and Hobart) you’ll be eligible for the grant of a subsequent one-year Post Study Work 485 visa.
Two-year second Post Study 485 visas
If you’ve graduated, held a Post Study Work 485 and only lived, worked and studied in a designated regional centre or other regional area (all other areas of regional Australia apart from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth, Adelaide, the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast, Newcastle/Lake Macquarie, Wollongong/Illawarra, Canberra, Geelong and Hobart (i.e., the areas listed in the definition of a designated city or major regional centre)) you’ll be eligible for the grant of a second two year Post Study Work 485 visa.
Postcodes that Define What is Regional
Postcodes |
|||
Item |
Column 1State or Territory |
Column 2Category |
Column 3Postcodes |
| 1 | New South Wales | Cities and major regional centres | 2259, 2264 to 2308, 2500 to 2526, 2528 to 2535 and 2574 |
| 2 | New South Wales | Regional centres and other regional areas | 2250 to 2258, 2260 to 2263, 2311 to 2490, 2527, 2536 to 2551, 2575 to 2739, 2753 to 2754, 2756 to 2758 and 2773 to 2898 |
| 3 | Victoria | Cities and major regional centres | 3211 to 3232, 3235, 3240, 3328, 3330 to 3333, 3340 and 3342 |
| 4 | Victoria | Regional centres and other regional areas | 3097 to 3099, 3139, 3233 to 3234, 3236 to 3239, 3241 to 3325, 3329, 3334, 3341, 3345 to 3424, 3430 to 3799, 3809 to 3909, 3912 to 3971 and 3978 to 3996 |
| 5 | Queensland | Cities and major regional centres | 4207 to 4275, 4517 to 4519, 4550 to 4551, 4553 to 4562, 4564 to 4569 and 4571 to 4575 |
| 6 | Queensland | Regional centres and other regional areas | 4124 to 4125, 4133, 4183 to 4184, 4280 to 4287, 4306 to 4498, 4507, 4552, 4563, 4570 and 4580 to 4895 |
| 7 | Western Australia | Cities and major regional centres | 6000 to 6038, 6050 to 6083, 6090 to 6182, 6208 to 6211, 6214 and 6556 to 6558 |
| 8 | Western Australia | Regional centres and other regional areas | All postcodes in Western Australia not mentioned in item 7 |
| 9 | South Australia | Cities and major regional centres | 5000 to 5171, 5173 to 5174, 5231 to 5235, 5240 to 5252, 5351 and 5950 to 5960 |
| 10 | South Australia | Regional centres and other regional areas | All postcodes in South Australia not mentioned in item 9 |
| 11 | Tasmania | Cities and major regional centres | 7000, 7004 to 7026, 7030 to 7109, 7140 to 7151 and 7170 to 7177 |
| 12 | Tasmania | Regional centres and other regional areas | All postcodes in Tasmania not mentioned in item 11 |
| 13 | Australian Capital Territory | Cities and major regional centres | All postcodes in the Australian Capital Territory |
| 14 | Australian Capital Territory | Regional centres and other regional areas | None |
| 15 | Northern Territory | Cities and major regional centres | None |
| 16 | Northern Territory | Regional centres and other regional areas | All postcodes in the Northern Territory |
| 17 | Norfolk Island | Cities and major regional centres | None |
| 18 | Norfolk Island | Regional centres and other regional areas | All postcodes in Norfolk Island |
| 19 | Other Territories | Cities and major regional centres | None |
| 20 | Other Territories | Regional centres and other regional areas | All postcodes in a Territory other than the Australian Capital Territory, the Northern Territory or Norfolk Island |
Note: Items 14, 15, 17 and 19, and columns 1 and 2, of the table are included for information only.
Note: See Gold Coast as the perfect regional location.
Note: Those eligible for a second TGV will be required to remain in a regional area for the duration of their new visa.
Other Incentives
- The Visa Application Charge has been reduced by 40% to attract talent:
- Primary applicant $ 650
- Additional applicant (over 18 years) $ 325
- Additional applicant (under 18 years) $ 165
- No evidence of English language proficiency is required
- No new Australian Federal Police check is required
When does the Extension Commence?
The second Post Study Work 485 commences when the first Post Study Work 485 expires or would have expired (i.e., the grant of the second Post Study Work 485 does not cease the first Post Study Work 485 enabling the holder to gain the full benefit of both visas).
To navigate the complex world of migration, let the experts at This Is Australia guide you. Contact us today to find out more information about your eligibility and any other information you may require.
Call +61 (0)7 5592 0755
Book an appointment with us to discuss courses and prices.
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