What Is the 485 Second Graduate Visa and How Long Does It Last?
The 485 second graduate visa is a temporary visa that allows eligible graduates to stay in Australia and work after completing certain studies in regional areas. The duration of the visa depends on the location and category of your regional study. For the second Post-Study Work stream, the duration can be up to 2 years if you studied and lived in a regional area classified as Category 2 for the entire period of study, and up to 1 year if you studied and lived in a regional area classified as Category 3 for the entire period of study.
What Are the Application Requirements?
To apply for the second graduate visa, you must meet several criteria. You need to have held a 485 visa as the primary visa holder. You must have a degree or qualification from an Australian educational institution that was awarded after studying in a regional area. Precisely, you must have studied for at least 2 academic years in a regional campus. You also need to have lived in that regional area while studying, which can be verified with evidence such as accommodation records. Furthermore, you must be under 50 years of age and meet the health and character requirements.
How Can You Use the Second Visa to Build Work Experience?
The second graduate visa allows you to work full-time in Australia without restrictions, giving you the opportunity to gain valuable work experience in regional locations. Many regional areas have industries such as agriculture, tourism, hospitality, and healthcare that actively seek skilled workers. Using this visa period to work in your field or in a related industry can help you build professional networks, strengthen your resume, and potentially qualify for further visa pathways that require Australian work experience.
What Should You Keep in Mind?
It is important to note that the duration of the second visa is directly tied to the regional classification of your study location. Therefore, when planning your studies, understanding the regional classification categories can affect your visa options. Also, the second graduate visa does not automatically lead to permanent residency, but the work experience you gain can support future applications. Make sure you seek advice from a registered migration agent or your institution’s international student support services for personalised guidance.