Post-Study Work Stream Criteria for Regional Extension Visa (Subclass 485) Grant
Overview of Temporary Graduate Subclass 485 Visa Regional Extension
As of January 20, 2021, holders of the first Subclass 485 visa in the Post-Study Work stream who have resided, studied, or worked solely in a designated regional area may apply for and be granted a second Subclass 485 visa (Regional Extension) for a duration of up to two years, provided they meet the eligibility criteria. This initiative aims to attract more international students to regional Australia, encouraging them to study, live, and work in less populated areas following their graduation.
Definition of Designated Regional Area
A designated regional area encompasses all of Australia, excluding Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. It is classified into two categories:
Designated City or Major Regional Centre (Category 2) – This includes cities such as Perth, Adelaide, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Canberra, Newcastle/Lake Macquarie, Wollongong/Illawarra, Geelong, and Hobart.
Postcodes for Designated City or Major Regional Centre (Table 1):
- New South Wales: 2259, 2264 to 2308, 2500 to 2526, 2528 to 2535, 2574.
- Victoria: 3211 to 3232, 3235, 3240, 3328, 3330 to 3333, 3340, 3342.
- Queensland: 4207 to 4275, 4517 to 4519, 4550 to 4551, 4553 to 4562, 4564 to 4569, 4571 to 4575.
- Western Australia: 6000 to 6038, 6050 to 6083, 6090 to 6182, 6208 to 6211, 6214, 6556 to 6558.
- South Australia: 5000 to 5171, 5173 to 5174, 5231 to 5235, 5240 to 5252, 5351, 5950 to 5960.
- Tasmania: 7000, 7004 to 7026, 7030 to 7109, 7140 to 7151, 7170 to 7177.
- Australian Capital Territory: All postcodes.
Regional Centre or Other Regional Area (Category 3) – This category includes all locations outside of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Canberra, Newcastle/Lake Macquarie, Wollongong/Illawarra, Geelong, and Hobart.
Postcodes for Regional Centre or Other Regional Area (Table 2):
- New South Wales: 2250 to 2258, 2260 to 2263, 2311 to 2490, 2527, 2536 to 2551, 2575 to 2739, 2753 to 2754, 2756 to 2758, 2773 to 2898.
- Victoria: 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, 3978 to 3996.
- Queensland: 4124 to 4125, 4133, 4183 to 4184, 4280 to 4287, 4306 to 4498, 4507, 4552, 4563, 4570, 4580 to 4895.
- Western Australia: All postcodes not included in Table 1.
- South Australia: All postcodes not included in Table 1.
- Tasmania: All postcodes not included in Table 1.
- Northern Territory: All postcodes.
- Norfolk Island: All postcodes.
- Other Territories: All postcodes not in the Australian Capital Territory, Northern Territory, or Norfolk Island.
While all Subclass 485 visa eligibility requirements must be met, greater emphasis will be placed on the applicant’s study location while on a student visa and residence location during their first Subclass 485 visa, rather than their work and/or study history.
Eligibility for a Second Subclass 485 Visa in the Post-Study Work Stream (Regional Extension)
To qualify for a two-year visa under the Post-Study Work stream (Regional Extension), applicants must fulfill the following criteria:
The applicant must hold a first Subclass 485 visa in the Post-Study Work stream when applying for the second visa.
The initial visa must have been granted based on study completed in a regional centre or other regional area at an educational institution located in that area, and the applicant must have resided in a regional centre or other regional area while undertaking that study.
The applicant must have completed the qualification that led to the first Subclass 485 visa while living in a regional centre or other regional area at an institution located in that same area. For instance, an applicant residing in Armidale while studying at the University of New England meets this criterion, promoting the intention to incentivize international students to reside and study in regional centres.
The applicant, along with any family members included in the application, must declare their intention to reside exclusively in a regional centre or other regional area. If they also plan to work or study, this must be exclusively in a regional centre or other regional area.
The applicant must have lived solely in a regional centre or other regional area for at least two years immediately prior to applying for the second Subclass 485 visa. If the applicant engaged in work or study during this period, such activities must also have taken place exclusively in a regional centre or other regional area.
Evidence of Residence for Post-Study Work Visa
Proof of residence may include, but is not limited to:
- Lease or rental agreements
- Utility bills (telephone, gas, electricity, or internet) indicating the applicant’s address
- Any other documentation demonstrating residency in a regional centre or other regional area
Periods Spent Outside a Regional Centre or Other Regional Area
Short visits outside a regional centre or other regional area, such as holidays in Sydney or overseas travel, do not invalidate the applicant’s period of residence. For instance, if an applicant can demonstrate residency in a regional centre before applying for a second Subclass 485 visa on June 20, 2021, a three-week visit to friends in Brisbane would not compromise their claim of ongoing residence.
Should the applicant have engaged in work or study during this two-year period, all activities must have occurred within a regional centre or other regional area. While there is no requirement to work or study while holding the first Subclass 485 visa, any such activities during the two-year period must occur within a regional centre or other regional area.
Remote Work and Distance Education
When assessing whether the individual is working or studying in a regional centre or other regional area, the focus is on the individual’s physical location relative to their usual place of work or study. If a person is employed in a regional centre or other regional area, even if their employer is located elsewhere (e.g., in Sydney), they satisfy the requirements. Similarly, distance education conducted while residing in a regional centre or other regional area is acceptable.
At the time of the decision regarding the application for the second Subclass 485 visa in the Post-Study Work stream (Regional Extension), the applicant must still reside in, and if applicable, work or study only in a regional centre or other regional area. This stipulation ensures that the applicant remains committed to residing in a regional centre while holding the second Subclass 485 visa.
One-Year Visa Grant for Designated Regional Areas
A second Subclass 485 visa in the Post-Study Work stream (Regional Extension) valid for one year is available to applicants who studied for their Australian qualification in a designated regional area but do not meet the criteria for a two-year visa. Essentially, applicants who do not qualify for the two-year visa may still be eligible for a one-year visa if they studied in a designated regional area (defined as postcodes other than Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane) for the qualification leading to their initial Subclass 485 visa, and they must have lived (and worked or studied, if applicable) solely in a designated regional area for at least two years prior to applying for the second Subclass 485 visa.
Criteria for One-Year Visa Grant
The eligibility criteria for the one-year grant of a second Subclass 485 visa in the Post-Study Work stream (Regional Extension) include:
The applicant must hold the first Subclass 485 visa in the Post-Study Work stream when applying for the second visa.
The initial visa must have been granted based on study completed in a designated regional area at an educational institution in that area, and the applicant must have resided in a designated regional area during their studies.
The applicant must have undertaken their studies for the qualification leading to the first Subclass 485 visa while living in a designated regional area at a campus situated in that same area.
The applicant is not eligible for a two-year visa. This criterion prevents overlap, ensuring that those who qualify for a two-year visa cannot also be eligible for a one-year visa.
The applicant, along with any family members included in the application, must declare their intention to reside solely in a designated regional area. If they also plan to work or study, it must be exclusively in a designated regional area.
The applicant must have lived solely in a designated regional area for at least two years immediately prior to applying for the second Subclass 485 visa. If the applicant has engaged in work or study during this period, these activities must also have occurred exclusively in a designated regional area.
Evidence of Residence for One-Year Visa Grant
The requirements for evidence of residence for the one-year visa grant are the same as those for the two-year visa grant. Acceptable proof may include lease or rental agreements, utility bills, and any other documentation that verifies residency in a designated regional area.
Periods Spent Outside a Designated Regional Area
Similar to the two-year visa, short visits outside a designated regional area, such as holidays or overseas travel, do not compromise the applicant’s residency claim.
Remote Work and Distance Education
The same criteria apply as those for the two-year visa regarding the applicant’s physical location relative to their work or study. If they are employed in a designated regional area, or if they are enrolled in distance education while residing there, they satisfy the requirements.
This framework aims to incentivize international students to live, study, and work in designated regional areas, enhancing their contributions to these communities while supporting Australia’s economic growth. It provides clear pathways for eligible graduates to extend their stay in Australia, allowing them to gain valuable work experience and contribute to the regional workforce.
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