Good news for all international graduates! From 2021, any international student that is studying at any location outside of Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane will be given the opportunity to extend their Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa, adding one more year to the current two year Post-study work stream.
This new initiative is a fantastic way to increase diversity and boost the economy in regional Australia, as well as controlling the pressures that our major cities are faced with as a result of an ever growing population. This extension does not change the Student visa per say, but it is an option that is available for international students to study and reside in regional parts of the country. As it does not change the requirements of the 485 visa, part of the conditions of the extension is ongoing residence in the regional area, which means you still need to live in a regional area for 2 years. This new initiative being brought in to 2021 can also increase the chances for students to find employment, and with the extra 5 points you can get for studying in regional Australia, students will be far better equipped if they decide to apply for other visas or even go for a pathway to permanent residency in Australia.
There are different categories when we think of “regional” in Australia. Migration Centre of Australia have simplified it for you:
| Category | Incentives |
| Category 1: Major Cities | This includes: · Sydney · Melbourne · Brisbane
These 3 cities do not receive any regional incentives. |
| Category 2: Cities and Major Regional Centres | This includes:
Graduates will be eligible for an additional year on a second Temporary Graduate visa.
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| Category 3: Regional Centres and Other Regional Areas | Graduates will be eligible for an additional 2 years on a second Temporary Graduate visa.
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As you can see from our table, Category 2 and 3 are the two categories targeted by the Government in this new initiative. So unless you choose to study and live in a regional part of Australia, the extra year post-study will not apply to you.
Another incentive is that the type of qualification you have can also affect the length of extension you receive. Outlined below is what you can expect to get with each qualification:
- Bachelor’s degree (including Honours): 2 years + 1 extra year
- Masters degree (by coursework): 2 years + 1 extra year
- Masters degree (by research): 3 years + 1 extra year
- Doctorate: 4 years + 1 extra year
Are you thinking of studying in a regional area?
If you would like to consider your options for a graduate work visa and move your study to a regional part of Australia, don’t delay, 2021 is just around the corner and the benefits of being prepared early will help ease your transition.From determining your visa eligibility to take advantage of this new initiative, to explaining how this visa can help you gain permanent residency, our experienced migration agents can answer any question that you may have.
At Migration Centre of Australia, we have trained registered migration agents and lawyers in the industry for many years and we have extensive expertise in student visas. We also understand it can be difficult to navigate your way, especially with all the conditions attached to the Temporary Graduate Work 485 visa, but we at Migration Centre of Australia are ready to help. Send us an email or call us today on 02 4626 1002 and one of our registered migration agents will be ready to answer all your questions. Make 2021 your year!
