Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream (subclass 485)
Assess a second 485 based on eligible first visa history, regional study and residence. Regional location affects eligibility and the possible one- or two-year stay.
- Status
- Temporary; not a PR visa
- Possible stay
- One or two years, depending on qualifying regional circumstances
- Residence
- At least two years of qualifying regional residence immediately before application
- Primary application
- In Australia while holding the required eligible first visa
- Decision location
- In or outside Australia
- Age
- Usually 35 or under; applicable research-degree and Hong Kong/BNO exceptions allow applicants under 50
Additional temporary stay for eligible graduates who meet the regional study and residence requirements.
Important limitations
- Living regionally for a short time or moving after the first visa expires does not establish eligibility.
- The standard second stream is not available simply because someone holds a Post-Vocational Education Work visa.
- One or two years is not a guaranteed extension. Designated regional classifications, including applicable exceptions, and the actual grant matter.
- Subclass 485 is temporary and does not guarantee employment, a skilled invitation, sponsorship or permanent residency. Any later visa requires its own eligibility assessment.
Before you rely on this page
Check the stream-specific age rule, completion window and visa history before lodging. Evidence required at application cannot simply be assumed to be supplied later. Booking does not lodge a visa application, extend your visa or protect an application deadline.
Key requirements
- Hold the required valid first Post-Higher Education Work, Post-Study Work or eligible Replacement stream visa, with the qualifying primary-applicant history.
- Have a qualifying degree from an institution in a designated regional area that led to the relevant first graduate visa.
- Have lived in an eligible designated regional area for at least two years immediately before applying. The study location, residence location and relevant regional classification all matter.
- Be in Australia when making the primary application and meet the applicable age requirement. Under-50 exceptions depend on the relevant research degree used for the first visa or eligible Hong Kong/BNO passport.
- Provide evidence of adequate health insurance for all applicants at application and meet other relevant health, character and visa criteria.
- Comply with the applicable regional residence, work and study conditions after grant.
What this allows
- Continue living, working or studying in Australia for the period granted, subject to the conditions.
- Include eligible family members under the applicable rules.
- Use the additional period to assess other migration options independently.
Evidence to prepare
- First graduate visa and relevant primary-applicant grant history.
- Qualifying degree, institution and campus location records.
- Evidence of qualifying regional residence for the required period, such as housing, employment, study and other reliable records.
- Passport, age-exception evidence if relied on, adequate insurance and relevant family records.
How the process works
- Review the first visa, qualifying degree and designated regional location.
- Assess the full two-year residence history, any travel and applicable regional classification.
- Check that the eligible first visa remains valid and prepare the required evidence.
- Lodge a valid application in Australia and review the conditions and stay period if granted.
How we help
- Assess original study location, visa history, regional residence and possible stay period.
- Review the relevant evidence and prepare a migration application where eligible.
- Compare an eligible second graduate visa with other independently available migration options.
Related services
General information, not an individual eligibility assessment. Requirements, charges and processing times change and are not promised. Official sources:
About Second Post-Higher Education Work (485)
No. The qualifying first stream, primary-applicant visa history, regional degree and residence requirements must all be met.
No. The qualifying study location and first graduate visa must also meet the requirements, and residence must cover the required period and eligible area.
No. It is a new visa application requiring its own eligibility assessment, evidence and valid lodgement while holding the required eligible visa.
Generally one or two years according to the eligible regional study and residence circumstances. Check the applicable category and exceptions rather than assume all regional areas receive two years.
Your matter:
Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream.
Selected service · Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream
A consultation assesses your circumstances, discusses realistic options and outlines possible next steps. It is not a visa or review application and not a representation agreement. Any further work, its scope and fees are agreed separately.
- 01Book your appointment
Choose an available appointment time and check the details before confirming.
Book appointment (opens booking page in a new tab) - 02Complete the visitor registration form
After booking, add your details and circumstances for your second post-higher education work stream consultation.
Complete registration form (opens in a new tab) - 03Attend your consultation
Appointments are normally by phone, via Zoom, or in person at our Melbourne office. Follow your appointment confirmation for the arrangements.
Urgent matter or approaching deadline? Call our office on 03 9620 3195 or mobile +61 415 997 528.Message (SMS)WhatsAppA booking does not lodge anything, preserve rights or extend a deadline.