Updated 485 visa conditions for higher education graduates in Hobart

The Department of Home Affairs has introduced a significant update to the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa. Higher-education graduates who studied and lived in Hobart or nearby postcodes can now receive a two-year Second Post-Higher Education Work (PHEW) visa. This change ends the previous one-year limit, placing Hobart on the same footing as other regional areas. It gives graduates more time to gain skilled work experience and provides employers with longer access to qualified candidates.

What’s changed for Hobart graduates

Hobart graduates who previously met the Second PHEW criteria were limited to a one-year Temporary Graduate visa, while graduates in other regional areas received two years. The Department of Home Affairs has now updated its procedural instructions to close this gap, and final guidance will be published on LEGENDcom after secondary clearances.

Graduates granted their first Subclass 485 visa under the old settings may now qualify for the two-year Second PHEW visa if they meet the updated criteria. Applicants should maintain clear evidence of their residence in eligible Hobart postcodes and monitor LEGENDcom for the finalised instructions to ensure their applications meet current requirements.

Eligibility overview

Applicants for the Second PHEW visa must meet the core criteria published on the Home Affairs website:

• Hold or have held a first Temporary Graduate visa in the Post-Higher Education Work, Post-Study Work, or Replacement stream.
• Have a degree from a campus in a designated regional area.
• Have lived in a designated regional area for at least two years immediately before applying for the second visa.
• Show evidence of residence and, if applicable, employment in the designated regional area during that period.
• Meet all health, character and other general visa requirements.

Hobart and nearby postcodes are now recognised for the full two-year Second PHEW stream, subject to meeting all other conditions.

Visa duration

Under the Second Post-Higher Education Work stream, the visa grant period depends on the location of study and residence:

• Two years for graduates who studied and lived in a Category 3 regional
• One year for graduates who studied and lived in a Category 2 regional

As of 12 September 2025, Hobart postcodes now fall under the two-year grant category. This change gives graduates more time to establish themselves and supports Tasmania’s broader workforce needs.

Why the change matters

The two-year Second PHEW visa gives graduates from Hobart the same opportunity as those in other regional areas. This update benefits:

• Graduates: who now have additional time to work in Australia and potentially strengthen their pathway to permanent residency
• Employers: who gain longer access to qualified graduates and more stability in their workforce planning
• Tasmania’s regional economy: which can attract and retain more skilled international students

By aligning Hobart’s visa settings with other regional areas, the policy enhances Tasmania’s competitiveness as a study and settlement destination and gives employers confidence in long-term workforce planning.

Planning for the future

Graduates and employers can take practical steps to benefit from the new settings:

• Check eligibility now: confirm that study and residence were in qualifying Hobart or nearby postcodes for at least two years.
• Gather evidence early: maintain clear records of addresses, employment, and study history to support the application.
• Monitor policy updates: keep an eye on LEGENDcom for the finalised procedural instructions to ensure applications align with the latest guidance.

These steps will help reduce delays and refusals under the new framework.

Key actions for employers and applicants

• Review recruitment timelines to take advantage of the longer visa validity.
• Update internal HR and immigration policies to reflect Hobart’s new two-year status.
• Communicate the change to international graduates and staff to support retention plans.
• Engage with qualified migration advisors to confirm individual eligibility and ensure full compliance.

How Absolute Immigration supports you

The shift to a two-year second Subclass 485 visa for Hobart graduates signals the government’s ongoing focus on regional development and skilled retention. Employers and graduates who act early can maximise the benefits of this reform.

At Absolute Immigration, we understand the importance of clear, up-to-date visa information. Our team can help you navigate the new Second PHEW framework, prepare strong applications, and build a compliant workforce plan.

Contact our specialists at aisupport@absoluteimmigration.com to ensure your migration strategy is aligned, compliant and future-ready.