What Is the Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream?

The second post-higher education work stream is designed for certain graduates who have already held a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) under the post-study work stream.

​

It provides an additional stay period for eligible applicants, depending on their qualification and study location.

This stream forms part of the broader Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)

​

Can I Apply for a Second 485 Visa?

You may be able to apply for a second 485 visa under this stream if you meet all eligibility requirements at the time you lodge your application.

​

This includes conditions related to:

• Your previous 485 visa

• Your qualification

• Your study location

• Your visa status when applying

​

Your eligibility depends on your individual circumstances. The Department of Home Affairs assesses each application based on current legislation and policy.

​​

How Much Does the Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream Cost?

The Second Post-Higher Education Work stream (subclass 485) costs AUD 2,265 for the primary applicant, effective 1 July 2026. This is significantly lower than the Post-Higher Education Work and Post-Vocational Education Work streams, which both cost AUD 5,750.

​

Additional applicants pay extra: AUD 1,140 for each applicant aged 18 and over, and AUD 575 for each applicant under 18. Applicants who lodge without internet access pay a non-internet application charge of AUD 80. A lower visa cost applies to eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens.

​

These fees cover the visa application charge only. Applicants should budget separately for health examinations, English language tests, and police certificates, which the Department of Home Affairs requires as supporting evidence rather than part of the visa charge itself.

​

Source: Department of Home Affairs Visa Pricing Table, current as of 1 July 2026.

​

Second 485 Visa Australia Eligibility

To be eligible for the second post higher education work visa 485, you must meet criteria set by the Department of Home Affairs.

​

Key Eligibility Factors

These may include:

• You have previously held a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) in the post-study work stream

• You hold an eligible qualification from an Australian institution

• Your qualification is linked to an eligible field of study (if applicable)

• You studied in a designated regional area (if required under current rules)

• You meet visa application conditions (including location requirements at time of application)

​

Eligibility requirements can change. You must refer to the Department of Home Affairs for current criteria.

​

485 Second Visa Requirements

When applying, you must provide documents required by the Department of Home Affairs.

​

Common Requirements

These may include:

• Identity documents

• Evidence of your qualification

• Proof of previous 485 visa

• Health and character documents (if requested)

• English language evidence (if applicable)

​

For a full list, refer to: TR485 document checklist

​

485 Second Visa Duration Australia

Your visa length depends on the regional classification of where you lived (on your first Temporary Graduate visa) and where you studied (on your student visa):

• Lived in a Category 2 area, studied in a Category 2 or Category 3 area: 1 extra year

• Lived in a Category 3 area, studied in a Category 2 area: 1 extra year

• Lived in a Category 3 area, studied in a Category 3 area: 2 extra years

• Lived in a Category 1 area (Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne): not eligible for this stream, regardless of where you studied

 

Tasmania exception: if both your residence and study postcodes were in Tasmania, you can be granted a 2 year visa — even if your residence was only in a Category 2 (not Category 3) area.

​

If you lived or studied across more than one category, the Department generally grants the shorter visa length, unless both locations were in Tasmania.

​

Category 2 refers to designated cities and major regional centres. Category 3 refers to regional centres and other regional areas. See the full list of eligible regional areas for your specific postcode.

​

Source: Department of Home Affairs, Second Post-Higher Education Work stream (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au).

​

485 Second Visa Work Rights

If your visa is granted, it generally allows you to work in Australia.

However:

• Work rights are subject to visa conditions

• Conditions may vary between applicants

​

You must check your visa conditions in VEVO.

For more details, see: What you can do on a TR 485 visa

​

When to Apply for Second 485 Visa

Timing is one of the most common areas of confusion.

You must apply while holding a valid visa that allows you to lodge the application.

​

In many cases:

• You need to apply before your current visa expires

• You must meet application timing rules set by the Department of Home Affairs

​

Applying too late or under the wrong visa can affect your eligibility.

Related guide: Best time to apply for TR 485 visa

​

485 Second Visa Extension Rules

The second post higher education work stream is separate from temporary extension measures.

Some applicants may confuse:

• Visa extensions

• Second 485 visa eligibility

​

These are different pathways and depend on government policy at the time.

You should assess your situation carefully before deciding which option applies.

​

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many applicants face issues due to misunderstanding eligibility or timing.

Common mistakes include:

• Assuming the second visa is automatic

• Applying after visa expiry

• Not meeting location requirements at time of application

• Misunderstanding eligibility criteria

​

If your visa is refused, your options will depend on your situation: What to do after a TR 485 refusal

​

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the second 485 visa automatic?

No. You must meet eligibility criteria and apply. The Department of Home Affairs assesses each application individually.

​

Can I apply for the second 485 visa after my first visa expires?

This depends on your visa status at the time of application. In most cases, you must hold a valid visa that allows you to apply.

​

How many times can you apply for a 485 visa?

The number of times you can apply depends on the stream and your eligibility under current rules.

​

Can I include my partner in the second 485 visa?

This depends on your individual circumstances and visa application details.

​

Can I apply offshore?

Application requirements, including location, depend on current Department of Home Affairs rules at the time of application.

​

Important Disclaimer

This page provides general information based on publicly available guidance.

Visa eligibility, duration, and conditions can change. You must confirm your situation directly with the Department of Home Affairs. You must check your visa conditions in VEVO.

​