485 visa new rules for students in Perth

Hi All, 

Great news for students in Perth, well those who have studied in a ‘designated regional area’. 

From the 20th January 2021 eligible students can apply for a second Temporary Graduate Visa (PSW) (subclass 485) for either 1 or 2 years depending on where they studied. 

The purpose of the 485 visa extension 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. 

Immigration have outlined 2 designated regional areas for the purposes of the 485 visa new rules:

1. Designated city or major regional centre (includes places such as Perth metro, Joondalup and Mandurah) - see list of postcodes below

2. Regional centre or other regional area (includes places such as Bunbury) - see list of postcodes below

This is great news for students who need more time to meet the requirements to go from the 485 visa to PR. 

Many students at present struggle to meet the work experience requirements for the employer sponsored visas. (eg TSS 482 - 2 years, ENS 186 - 3 years and Regional 494 - 3 years). 

This will give students more breathing space to be able to meet the requirements to go from the 485 visa to PR.

Sadly for those who studied in Sydney, Brisbane or Melbourne will miss out on the new TR visa. 

Remember legally the 485 visa extension is not in reality a visa extension but an application for a new visa. 

485 visa new rules - postcodes (for students in Perth)

Designated city or major regional centre

6000 to 6038, 6050 to 6083, 6090 to 6182, 6208 to 6211, 6214 and 6556 to 6558

Regional centre or other regional area

All postcodes in Western Australia not mentioned above. 
Current 485 Visa Processing Time

485 - Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) - Graduate Work = 6 to 9 months wait
485 - Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) Post-Study Work = 4 months wait 

To discuss the 485 visas new rules please call Andrew EP McAuley on 0416 468 333 or email directly on [email protected]. 

Alternatively book a free 15 min call back by clicking on the link below: 
Book Free Call Back 


Andrew McAuley 
Registered Migration Agent 
MARN: 1278335