From 20 January 2021, any holder of a first Subclass 485 visa in the Post-Study Work stream who has lived (and worked or studied, if relevant) only in a designated regional area* can apply for, and be granted, a second Subclass 485 visa (Regional extension) for up to two years if they meet the eligibility requirements.
The criteria for the grant of a second Subclass 485 visa in the Post Study Work stream (Regional extension) are specified in clauses 485.232 and 485.233.
While all Subclass 485 visa eligibility requirements must be met, under policy, greater time is to be allocated to assessing the study location of the applicant when they held a Student visa and residence location while holding the first Subclass 485 visa, rather than where the applicant worked and/or studied (if relevant) on their first Subclass 485 visa.
Applicants for a second Subclass 485 visa in the Post-Study Work stream (Regional extension) will only be entitled to a 2 year visa when they both studied (while on a student visa) and lived (while on their initial Subclass 485 visa) in a Category 3 (regional centre or other regional) area.
Criteria for two-year grant
The criteria for the grant of a second Subclass 485 visa in the Post-Study Work stream (Regional extension) that will be granted for two years are set out below:
- Applicant must hold the first Subclass 485 visa in the Post- Study Work stream when applying for the second Subclass 485 visa (paragraph 485.232(1)(a));
- The first Subclass 485 visa in the Post-Study Work stream must have been granted as a result of study in a regional centre or other regional area at an educational institution located in that area (paragraph and lived a regional centre or other regional area whilst undertaking that study (paragraphs 485.232(1)(b) and 485.232(2)(a))
- Applicants and any family member making a combined application with the applicant must declare in the application that they intend to reside only in a regional centre or other regional area (and if the applicant or family member also intends to work or study —to work or study only in a regional centre or other regional area) – (paragraph 485.232(1)(c)).
- Applicant must have lived only in a regional centre or other regional area for a period of at least two years immediately before applying for the second Subclass 485 visa (paragraph 485.232(2)(b)). If the applicant also worked or studied , this also must have been undertaken only in a regional centre or other regional area for a period of at least 2 years immediately before applying for the second Subclass 485 visa (paragraph 485.232(2)(c).
Evidence of residence
Proof of residence can include but is not limited to:
- leases or rental agreements;
- utility bills such as telephone, gas, electricity or internet that show an applicant’s home address(es);
- any other evidence that demonstrates the applicant is resident in a regional centre or other regional area.