485 graduate visa expiring in 4 months — TR or skilled pathway?

Anonymous Anxious Quokka · 15 May 2026

I finished my Masters in IT at UTS last year, on a 485 that expires September. Currently working as a junior developer in Sydney CBD on $72k. My points right now: age 30 (30), English PTE 79+ (20), Masters in Australia (15), 2 years study (5), 485 work experience (5) = 75. Not enough for 189 obviously. Options I'm weighing: (1) try for a 482 sponsorship (employer keen but slow), (2) NSW 190 nomination, (3) regional 491 to add 15 points. Anyone been in this spot?

3 replies

Anonymous Watchful Brolga · 15 May 2026
491 regional if you can live somewhere outside Sydney/Melbourne/Brisbane CBDs. +15 points solves it immediately and converts to 191 PR after 3 years. A lot of regional areas are surprisingly liveable.
Anonymous Optimistic Ibis · 15 May 2026
482 sponsorship is faster IF the employer is genuinely committed. "Slow and keen" usually means "won't actually do it". Push them for a timeline by end of next week or assume it's not happening.
Anonymous Easygoing Cormorant · 15 May 2026
NSW 190 rounds are unpredictable right now. Don't rely on it as plan A. Stack 491 and 482 in parallel.

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