PR & Visa Pathways
485 Graduate Visa Extension Australia 2026: Eligibility, Cost & Timeline
Complete guide to extending your Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) in 2026 — new 2-year extension rules, regional bonuses, costs, and how to apply.
Published 2026-05-18 · 10 min read
The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) lets international graduates stay and work in Australia after finishing their degree. In 2026, the rules around extensions are some of the most generous they've been in years — especially if you studied or work in a regional area.
Who Can Extend the 485 Visa?
You can apply for a second 485 visa (the regional extension) if you:
- Hold or held a first 485 Post-Study Work stream visa
- Lived in a designated regional area for at least 2 years while on the first 485
- Hold a substantive visa or have not breached visa conditions
- Meet health, character, and English requirements
How Long Can You Stay?
| Degree | First 485 Length | Regional Extension |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's | 2 years | +1 year |
| Master's by coursework | 3 years | +1 year |
| Master's by research | 4 years | +2 years |
| PhD | 4 years | +2 years |
Combine the two and a PhD graduate in a regional city can legally work in Australia for 6 years post-study.
Designated Regional Areas (2026)
Everywhere except: Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane CBD postcodes. This includes:
- Perth, Adelaide, Hobart, Darwin, Canberra (Category 2)
- Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Newcastle, Wollongong, Geelong (Category 3)
- All true regional towns (Category 3)
Cost in 2026
- Application fee: AUD $2,235 (primary applicant)
- Partner: +$1,115
- Each child: +$555
- Plus health checks (~$400) and police clearances
Step-by-Step Application
- Get your completed qualification letter from your university
- Get a regional postcode evidence pack: rental agreements, payslips, utility bills covering full 2 years
- Renew your English test if your previous one is over 3 years old (IELTS 6.0, PTE 50, TOEFL 64)
- Apply via ImmiAccount before your first 485 expires
- Submit health checks once Home Affairs requests them
Processing Times
In 2026, processing is faster than recent years:
- 75% of applications: 4 months
- 90% of applications: 7 months
You're on a Bridging Visa A while waiting, so you keep working.
What If You Didn't Live Regionally?
You can still potentially extend if you've moved to a regional area now, but the 2-year regional residency is non-negotiable for the second 485 extension. Other options:
- Subclass 482 (employer-sponsored work visa)
- Subclass 491 (skilled regional)
- Subclass 189/190 (skilled independent / nominated)
Check our PR Points Calculator to see if you're ready for the skilled stream instead.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying too early — wait until you complete the 2-year regional requirement
- Wrong postcodes — verify your suburb is on the current designated list before signing a lease
- Letting your English test expire — they accept tests up to 3 years old
- Working outside conditions — even one breach can void your eligibility
Related Guides
Last updated 18 May 2026 with current Home Affairs fees and processing data.
Frequently asked questions
Can I extend my 485 visa in 2026?
Yes — if you lived in a designated regional area (anywhere except Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane CBD) for at least 2 years on your first 485, you can apply for a second 485 visa giving you 1–2 extra years.
How much does the 485 extension cost in 2026?
The main 485 visa application fee in 2026 is AUD $2,235 for the primary applicant, plus $1,115 for a partner and $555 per child. Add roughly $400 for health checks.
How long does the 485 extension take to process?
Home Affairs is processing 75% of 485 applications within 4 months and 90% within 7 months in 2026. You remain on a Bridging Visa A and can keep working full-time while waiting.
What counts as a regional area for the 485 extension?
Everywhere in Australia except Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane CBD postcodes. Perth, Adelaide, Hobart, Canberra, Darwin, Gold Coast, Newcastle, and all true regional towns all count.