Starting from 20 January 2021, the widely anticipated Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) extension visas will be available to applicants. These visas depend on applicants having studied and lived in regional Australia.
In preparation for the extensions, the Department has redefined the meaning of 'designated regional area.'
Currently, designated regional area means anywhere outside of the metropolitan area of Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. From 20 January, there will be two categories of regional Australia.
Category 1 includes major urban centres outside of Australia's three largest cities. Adelaide, Perth, Hobart, Canberra, Newcastle, Geelong and the Gold Coast come under this Category.
Category 2 covers areas which are not in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and anywhere mentioned under Category 1. Think smaller cities like Albury-Wodonga on the NSW-Victorian border, Rockhampton in QLD, Bunbury WA and all of the Northern Territory.
Why does it matter?
Applicants who studied, lived and worked in Category 1 postcodes will be eligible to apply for a second Temporary Graduate visa with a period of one year. Applicants in Category 2 will be eligible for a two year visa.
Identifying which category (if any) of regional Australia an individual belongs to will be essential when applying for the second TG visa. Check the list of postcodes below to see which category you belong to.
In our next post, we will look at the requirements for second TR visas. Subscribe below to receive our posts in your inbox.
Category 1 postcodes - designated cities or major regional centres
New South Wales - 2259, 2264 to 2308, 2500 to 2526, 2528 to 2535 and 2574
Victoria - 3211 to 3232, 3235, 3240, 3328, 3330 to 3333, 3340 and 3342
Queensland - 4207 to 4275, 4517 to 4519, 4550 to 4551, 4553 to 4562, 4564 to 4569 and 4571 to 4575
Western Australia - 6000 to 6038, 6050 to 6083, 6090 to 6182, 6208 to 6211, 6214 and 6556 to 6558
South Australia - 5000 to 5171, 5173 to 5174, 5231 to 5235, 5240 to 5252, 5351 and 5950 to 5960
Tasmania - 7000, 7004 to 7026, 7030 to 7109, 7140 to 7151 and 7170 to 7177
Australian Capital Territory - All postcodes
Category 2 postcodes - regional centres or other regional areas
New South Wales - 2250 to 2258, 2260 to 2263, 2311 to 2490, 2527, 2536 to 2551, 2575 to 2739, 2753 to 2754, 2756 to 2758 and 2773 to 2898
Victoria - 3097 to 3099, 3139, 3233 to 3234, 3236 to 3239, 3241 to 3325, 3329, 3334, 3341, 3345 to 3424, 3430 to 3799, 3809 to 3909, 3912 to 3971 and 3978 to 3996
Queensland - 4124 to 4125, 4133, 4183 to 4184, 4280 to 4287, 4306 to 4498, 4507, 4552, 4563, 4570 and 4580 to 4895
Western Australia - All postcodes in Western Australia not mentioned in category 1
South Australia - All postcodes in South Australia not mentioned in category 1
Tasmania - All postcodes in Tasmania not mentioned in category 1
Northern Territory - All postcodes
Have any questions? Post them in the comments below or email me at elan@ryshermigration.com.au
About Elan
Elan Rysher is a Registered Migration Agent and Qualified Student Counsellor. He is the main Writer for ImmiUpdates and the founder of Rysher Migration. Elan has many years of experience working in immigration, finance and health. Being a former migrant himself, Elan is passionate about helping others fulfill their Australian dream.
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