Second Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) - Regional

Overview

The Second Post-Higher Education Work stream is designed to encourage graduates to settle in regional Australia. It is not an automatic extension; you must apply for this new visa grant while holding your first eligible 485 visa. Eligibility is strictly tied to your history of living, working, and studying in a designated regional area.

Who qualifies

To qualify, you must have held a first Temporary Graduate visa (Post-Higher Education Work, Post-Study Work, or Replacement stream) as the primary applicant. You must have lived in a designated regional area for at least two years immediately before applying. Your qualification must be from an Australian institution located in a designated regional area.

Application steps

1. 1

   Step 1

   Confirm your eligibility, specifically that your previous 485 visa and regional residency meet the two-year requirement.

2. 2

   Step 2

   Gather all required documentation, including proof of regional residence and health insurance.

3. 3

   Step 3

   Prepare your ImmiAccount to lodge the application online.

4. 4

   Step 4

   Submit the application and pay the required government fee.

5. 5

   Step 5

   Provide any additional information or biometrics if requested by the Department of Home Affairs.

Required documents

• Current passport
• Evidence of previous 485 visa
• Academic transcripts and completion letter
• Proof of residence in a designated regional area for at least 2 years
• Evidence of adequate health insurance (OVHC)
• Australian Federal Police check

PR, family, language & arrival

Common pitfalls

• Applying after the 6-month window from course completion (if applicable to initial status)
• Failing to maintain continuous regional residency
• Incomplete documentation regarding regional address history
• Incorrectly identifying the regional category of your study location