Temporary Graduate Visa Extension

A temporary extension visa for graduates who previously held a Post‑Higher Education Work or Post‑Study Work stream 485 visa and who studied at an eligible regional Australian institution, allowing a further limited period to live, work and study in Australia.

Overview How to Apply

Duration

Temporary

Cost

AUD905.00

Processing Time

4-8 months

Pathway

Pathway to Permanent Residency

Overview

This second Temporary Graduate visa is for holders of a prior 485 visa (Post‑Higher Education Work or Post‑Study Work) granted after studying at an eligible designated regional institution. It is granted for between 1 and 2 years depending on the regional location of the institution and where you have been living on your first 485 visa. You must be in Australia to apply and meet health, character and insurance requirements.

Do You Have What It Takes?

✔ Be aged 35 years or under when you apply (exceptions may apply)
✔ Be physically in Australia when you lodge the application
✔ Currently hold a Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa in Post Higher Education Work, Post Study Work, or Replacement stream
✔ Have previously held a 485 visa granted in the Post Higher Education Work or Post Study Work stream as the main applicant
✔ Hold a degree from a CRICOS registered course completed at an institution located in an eligible designated regional area that led to your first 485 grant

✔ Have lived in an eligible designated regional area for at least 2 years immediately before applying for the second 485 visa
✔ Provide evidence of adequate health insurance for all applicants when applying
✔ Meet health requirements (medical exams may be requested)
✔ Meet character requirements (police certificates may be required)
✔ Continue to satisfy any other departmental requirements for the visa at the time of application

Why Choose This Path?

Extend your lawful stay in Australia for an additional 1–2 years
Continue to work full time or part time without restriction while the visa is valid
Study further in Australia during the visa period
Maintain the ability to travel to and from Australia while the visa is valid
Include eligible family members as dependants on the application
Gain additional regional work experience that can strengthen permanent residence prospects
Remain lawfully in Australia while you explore further visa or sponsorship options
Access local employment and community networks in regional areas
Use the extra time to meet requirements for other permanent or employer sponsored visas
Provide continuity of status if your first 485 visa is expiring and you meet extension criteria

Your Roadmap to Success

Confirm you meet all eligibility criteria, especially the 2 year regional residence rule
Collect proof of your degree from the eligible regional institution that led to your first 485 grant
Gather evidence of continuous residence in the designated regional area for the required 2 years (leases, utility bills, employment records)
Ensure you currently hold the required 485 visa stream and have documentation of that visa grant
Obtain and prepare identity documents (passport, birth certificate, photos)
Arrange and document adequate health insurance for all applicants
Complete any required health checks and obtain police certificates if requested
Create or log in to your ImmiAccount and fill in the online application form
Upload supporting documents and pay the application fee (current fee applies)
Monitor correspondence from the Department and respond promptly to any requests for further information

Visa Duration

Initial Duration

Temporary

Visa Pathways

Pathway to Permanent Residency

This pathway leverages your extended stay in Australia, particularly in regional areas, to meet the requirements for various permanent residency visas. Key routes include points-tested skilled migration (subclasses 189, 190, 491), employer-sponsored visas (subclasses 482, 186, 494), and partner visas, all requiring strategic planning, skills assessment, and often specific work experience or regional residence.