February 2021
On 10 December 2020 new regulations were enacted in relation to Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visas in the Post-Study Work stream.
The purpose of the new regulations is to encourage international students to study in regional Australia on a Student visa, and to continue living in regional Australia on a Temporary Graduate visa thereafter.
Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) Visa Update
Visa holders in “regional centres or other regional areas”
Importantly, the new rules provide that applicants who studied for their Australian qualification in a specified “regional centre or other regional area” are eligible for a second Temporary Graduate visa in the Post-Study Work stream, valid for two (2) years, in circumstances where they lived (and worked or studied) only in a “regional centre or other regional area” for at least two (2) years immediately before applying, while holding their first Temporary Graduate visa in the Post-Study Work stream.
For those successful in getting a second Temporary Graduate visa in the Post-Study Work stream, it will be a condition of their visa (and the visas of their family members) that they live (and work/study) only in a “regional centre or other regional area”.
Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) Visa Update
Visa holders in “designated regional areas”
The new rules also provide that other applicants in a “designated regional area” can be granted a second Temporary Graduate visa in the Post-Study Work stream, valid for one year.
Applicants are eligible if they study anywhere other than Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane for the Australian qualification that leads to the grant of their first Temporary Graduate visa in the Post-Study Work stream and, while holding the first Temporary Graduate visa, they live (and work or study) only in areas that are outside those cities for at least two (2) years immediately before applying for the second visa.
For those successful in getting a second Temporary Graduate visa in the Post-Study Work stream, it will be a condition of their visa (and the visas of their family members) that they live (and work/study) only in a “designated regional area” (i.e., outside of Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane).
To speak with an experienced, specialist immigration lawyer regarding Temporary Graduate visa, or your Australian visa options, please contact us on +61 3 9329 8744 or by email at info@erskinerodan.com.au
