Previously, all qualifications used to apply for the 485 Post-Study Work (PSW) visa had to be a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree.

Now, the Department of Home Affairs has officially confirmed that a Graduate Diploma (GD) can be used to apply for the 485 PSW visa.

According to the new regulations, starting from July 1, both Graduate Certificate (GC) and Graduate Diploma (GD) qualifications will be eligible for the 485 PSW visa. This is the first time the legislation has explicitly recognized GC and GD as valid qualifications for 485 visa applications!

From now on, GD holders no longer need to worry about their eligibility for the 485 visa. While it was previously possible to apply for 485 using a GD, there was never a clear legislative basis for it. Now, with official confirmation from the Australian immigration authorities, applications for 485 using GD or even GC are fully secured!

This means that if you complete a 1.5-year Master’s + 0.5-year GC or a 1-year GD, you can meet the requirements for a 485 Temporary Graduate Visa!