The Department of Home Affairs has officially announced a major policy change — from 12 September 2025, international students who study and graduate in Tasmania, and continue to live and work in the state, will now be eligible for an additional two-year extension on their 485 Post-Study Work Visa (regional stream).

Previously, graduates in Hobart were only eligible for a one-year extension. Under the new settings, graduates across the whole of Tasmania can now secure up to four years in total (2+2) on their 485 visa — a substantial benefit for students and future migrants.

Source: Internet

Who Can Benefit?

This policy applies to all graduates in Tasmania:

• Whether you complete your studies in Hobart, Launceston, or Burnie, as long as you remain living and working in Tasmania for two years post-graduation, you are eligible for the extension.
• Even if you relocate within the state (e.g. moving from Launceston to Hobart), you will still qualify, provided you maintain continuous residence in Tasmania.

Why Does It Matter?

• Double the stay period: The extension increases post-study work rights from 2 years to 4 years, giving graduates more time to gain skilled work experience in Australia.
• Clearer migration pathway: Four years of work rights allows graduates to meet requirements for the 491 Skilled Work Regional visa and helps build eligibility for the 191 Permanent Residence visa.
• Boost for Tasmania’s competitiveness: The new 2-year extension places Tasmania on par with the Northern Territory, making it one of only two regions in Australia offering the “2+2” arrangement.

Tasmania vs. Other States

At present, only Tasmania and the Northern Territory provide graduates with a total of four years on the 485 visa. In contrast, cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane remain highly competitive and offer limited extensions. For students aiming for long-term settlement, Tasmania stands out as a more stable and strategic choice.

Recommendations for Students

• Current students in Tasmania: Stay on after graduation to maximise the benefit of the full 4-year work rights.
• Prospective students: Consider Tasmania as a top study destination, with this policy making Tasmanian qualifications far more valuable as a migration pathway.
• Migration planners: Leverage the pathway of Tasmanian study + 2+2 485 visa + 491/191 regional stream to design a steady, long-term plan for permanent residency.

This reform represents a major gain for international students in Tasmania. By extending work rights, it directly addresses the challenge of limited time and insufficient local work experience, while enhancing Tasmania’s appeal as both an education hub and a migration pathway. For students aiming to secure their future in Australia through regional migration, Tasmania has now sent a clear and positive signal.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at Riverwood Migration (Email: enquiry@riverwoodmigration.com), or book a consultation. We are committed to providing transparent and professional migration services to help you secure your visa and achieve your goal of moving to Australia.

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