First 485 held on regional basis
Applicant held a PSW stream 485 after graduating from a regional Australian institution.
Regional Graduates · 1-2 Extra Years · Second PSW Stream
Regional graduates get extra 485 time.
Regional 485 extensions are handled by Vishal Sharma and Sourabh Aggarwal from Gold Coast, Cairns, and Darwin. Students who completed their qualification at a regional Australian institution can add 1-2 years to their Post-Study Work period through the Second PSW stream. Here is how it works and who qualifies.
Core eligibility
Three requirements.
Second PSW stream assessment covers these three areas.
Lived and worked regionally
During the first 485, lived and worked in a designated regional area.
Apply during first 485 period
Second PSW application lodged while the first 485 is still valid. Usually in the final 6 months.
Duration of extension
1 or 2 additional years.
Extension length depends on qualification and institution location.
Bachelor from Category 2 regional: +1 yearCategory 2 regional institutions (most regional cities like Gold Coast, Newcastle, Canberra, Hobart). +1 year extension.
Bachelor from Category 3 regional: +2 yearsCategory 3 regional institutions (smaller centres, very remote areas). +2 years extension.
Masters from Category 2 regional: +1 yearSame extension as Bachelor. Total 4 years post-study work (3 + 1).
Masters from Category 3 regional: +2 yearsMost generous pathway. 5 years total post-study (3 + 2).
Regional category list
Category 1 vs 2 vs 3.
Regional Australia is split into three categories for 485 extension.
Category 1 (no extension)
Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne metro. No extension available (not regional).
Category 2 (+1 year)
Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Newcastle, Wollongong, Canberra, Hobart, Geelong. Major regional cities.
Category 3 (+2 years)
Small regional centres and remote areas. Most generous. Check current list.
A Masters from a Category 3 regional institution gives 5 years total PSW.
This is one of the most generous post-study work pathways globally. For students choosing where to study in Australia, regional categories can add 2+ years of post-study work at no additional visa cost. Worth factoring into study choice.
Common questions
The questions we hear most.
For regional 485 extension, book with Vishal Sharma.
Do I need to stay regional during the extension?
Yes. Second PSW stream continues to require regional living and working.
Can I apply the extension after my first 485 expires?
No. The second stream is applied during the first 485. After expiry, options narrow significantly.
Does time spent outside Australia during first 485 count against me?
Extended absences can affect the regional living and working evidence. Keep travel reasonable.
Can I add a PhD to get more PSW time?
Completing a PhD after your first 485 opens a fresh 485 for Doctoral graduates (4 years). Different pathway.
Some information on this page has been sourced from the Department of Home Affairs and has been interpreted and approved by Principal Migration Agent Sourabh Aggarwal (MARN 1462159). Last reviewed: May 2026.