IT Students: ACS Now Supports 485 Graduate Visa Pathway for Diploma Holders
  • By Mindroom Institute
  • July 21, 2025
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IT Students: ACS Now Supports 485 Graduate Visa Pathway for Diploma Holders

We wanted to provide a quick clarification regarding our recent update about the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485).

What Changed?

Although the 485 visa itself has not changed, the Australian Computer Society (ACS) is now offering a specific 485 skills assessment for students who have completed eligible Diploma or Advanced Diploma qualifications in IT.

This means that eligible students who graduated with a relevant Diploma or Advanced Diploma may apply and be eligible for the grant of the Post-Vocational Education Work Stream of the 485 visa (duration of 18 months) — provided they meet all the visa relevant criteria, including nominating an occupation from the MLTSSL and receiving a positive 485 skills assessment from ACS.

Key Benefits:

  • No work experience required for this visa stream
  • No English language test required by ACS (note: English is still required to meet the visa criteria)
  • If granted, this visa allows 18 months of full-time work in Australia.
  • Monthly ACS Applicant Webinars for step-by-step guidance and Q&A

💰 Application Fee: $605 (payable when you begin your application)

Watch the ACS video that explains the steps:

Mindroom is here to support you, but we don’t offer immigration advice. To ensure everything goes smoothly, we strongly recommend speaking with a registered Migration Agent.

This article was written in collaboration with:
Aline Catalane – AWI Educational and Migration Agency
Director & Principal Migration Agent (MARN 1806866)
Committee Member at the Migration Institute of Australia (MIA) QLD/NT Chapter

📚 Useful Links:

ACS Temporary Graduate Pathway

Home Affairs Temporary Gradudate Visa

ACS Qualification Evidence

ACS Proof of Identity Verification

If you’d like to learn more or need support, feel free to reach out to us – and don’t miss the next ACS Webinar, usually held on the first Wednesday of every month.

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