Second visa SC 485: Post-Higher Education Work stream criteria for second/subsequent visa grant

Second 485 Visa

If you’ve already had a Temporary Graduate visa and are thinking about applying for another one, you might have heard that where you lived and studied in Australia really matters.

This is especially true for graduates who spent time in regional Australia.

Here’s a simple breakdown of how it works.

What is the second 485 visa?

The second 485 visa lets you stay longer in Australia after your first 485 visa, but only if you’ve been living in a regional area.

Why your location matters

When applying for another 485 visa, immigration looks closely at:

where you studied your qualification
where you lived after your studies
where you worked or studied during that time

The key idea is simple: The more time you spent living in regional Australia, the better your chances of getting a longer visa.

Two types of regional pathways

There are two main regional pathways, and they affect how long your next visa may last. Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane are classified as “Category 1” Major cities (non-regional), that is, they are not in a designated regional area

1. Designated city or major regional centre (1 year)

This applies if you studied in a designated regional area (this includes more locations than the first pathway) and lived only in those areas for at least 2 years before applying.

Category 2:

Perth, Adelaide, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Canberra, Newcastle/Lake Macquarie, Wollongong/Illawarra, Geelong and Hobart.
For specific postcodes please refer to the Migration (Designated regional areas for certain skilled and temporary graduate visas) Instrument (LIN 22/022) 2022.

2. Regional centre or other reginal area (2 years)

This applies if you:

studied in a regional area
lived only in those regional areas
stayed there for at least 2 years before applying

If you worked or studied during that time, it must have also been done while physically located in regional areas.

Category 3: Regional centre or other regional area means:

all locations outside Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Canberra, Newcastle/Lake Macquarie, Wollongong/Illawarra, Geelong and Hobart.
For specific postcodes please refer to LIN 22/022.

Special note: Tasmania

Exceptions apply where prescribed Tasmanian postcodes. Regional centre or other regional area postcodes from Tasmania may be eligible for 2 extra years.

Who can apply?

You may be eligible if you:

Previously held a 485 Post-Study Work visa
Studied in a regional area in Australia
Currently hold a 485 Post-Study Work visa

The rule: 2 years in regional Australia

You must show that for at least 2 years before applying, you have:

Lived in a regional area while completing your studies
Continued living there after graduation

This must be continuous and genuine, not temporary or partial.

Your declaration (very important)

When you apply, you must declare that you (and your family):

Will live only in a regional area
Will work/study only in a regional area

This is not just paperwork, you must commit to staying regional. Your visa conditions will reflect this.

At the time of decision

Even when your visa is being decided, you must still:

- Be living in a regional area

- Be working or studying only in a regional area (if applicable)

If you move before a decision is made, your visa could be refused.

Do you need to work or study during the 2 years?

No, you are not required to work or study. But if you do, you must be physically in a regional area when doing it

Good news:

- Working remotely from home in a regional area is okay

- Online study while living in a regional area is also okay

What about travelling?

Short trips away (like holidays or visiting cities) are usually fine.

For example, a few weeks away does not automatically break your regional residence

The most important thing is you genuinely live in regional Australia during that period.

Common mistakes to avoid

- Moving to a major city before applying

- Working remotely for a city-based job while living regionally (risk area)

- Short breaks outside regional areas

- Inconsistent address or employment history

Quick checklist

Before applying, ask yourself:

Have I lived in a regional area for 2+ years?
Did I study in a regional area?
Have I ONLY worked/studied in regional areas?
Am I still living there now?

If you meet the eligibility criteria and are committed to living and working in regional Australia, our experienced migration team is here to help you navigate the application process smoothly.

Let us guide you through every step, ensuring your application highlights your genuine commitment to regional Australia. Don’t miss the opportunity to extend your stay and further your career in Australia!

Book a consultation https://cal.com/chapter-one-migration

MARN 2619298

https://www.facebook.com/australiaprpathway/

About Me (Registered Migration Agent)

MARN 2619298 Hi, I’m Shay — a Registered Migration Agent based in Australia As a migrant myself, I understand how challenging it can be to navigate studying, working, and building a future in a new country. I’ve been through that journey step by step. Before becoming a migration agent, I built my career in the education industry in Australia. Since 2019, I have worked across both education agencies and a large education provider. I started as an education agent and later progressed into a team leader role in the Genuine Student assessment team, which is part of the quality assurance department. Through this experience, I’ve reviewed and assessed many student cases and understand what institutions and the Department look for when assessing genuine study intentions. I have also reviewed hundreds of real visa refusal cases to better understand common risks and how applications can be strengthened. This has given me a strong foundation in identifying potential issues early and helping...

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