TR 485 Visa Pathways: From Graduate Visa to Permanent Residency in Australia

The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) is often the first visa international students receive after completing their studies in Australia. While it allows full-time work rights and is valid for 18 months to 4 years (depending on the stream), its real value lies in how it can help you build a pathway to Permanent Residency (PR).

With recent immigration updates—including stricter age caps, shorter visa durations, and shifting policy priorities—it’s essential to plan early. This article outlines the most effective TR 485 visa pathways based on your situation, location, occupation, and long-term goals.

Regional Graduates: Pathway Through the Second TR 485

If you held your first TR 485 visa under the Post-Higher Education Work stream and studied in a designated regional area, you may qualify for a Second Post-Study Work stream visa.

Eligibility criteria:

• Completion of an eligible course in a regional area

• Ongoing residence and employment in a designated regional postcode

• Same qualification and stream as the first 485

Benefits:

• Adds 1 to 2 more years to your graduate visa duration

• Offers more time to meet work experience or residency criteria for skilled or regional PR visas

• Aligns well with 491 Regional Sponsorship pathways

This is one of the few options that provide additional time based on location—not points or sponsorship.

Employer-Sponsored Visas: Build Work History That Leads to PR

If you secure full-time employment in an eligible occupation, your employer may sponsor you under one of the following programs:

• 482 Temporary Skill Shortage Visa

• 186 Employer Nomination Scheme

• 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa

• 407 Training Visa (non-PR, but strategic in some cases)

Common requirements:

• Occupation listed on the MLTSSL, STSOL or ROL

• Employer must be an approved sponsor

• Minimum salary threshold, relevant qualifications and English proficiency

For example, the 482 visa allows you to work while gaining eligibility for the 186 permanent visa after two years. Meanwhile, the 494 visa offers a regional PR pathway with a three-year requirement and a subsequent 191 visa.

Skilled Migration: Independent and State-Nominated PR Options

The General Skilled Migration (GSM) program remains one of the most direct routes to PR, especially for graduates with qualifications and work experience in high-demand occupations.

Available visas include:

• 189 Skilled Independent Visa (no state nomination required)

• 190 State-Nominated Visa

• 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa

You will need to:

• Complete a skills assessment in a relevant occupation

• Lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect

• Reach a competitive points score based on factors like age, English, study, and experience

• (For 190 and 491) be invited by a state or territory government

Your TR 485 period is ideal for meeting Australian work experience thresholds and improving your points profile—especially if you’ve studied or worked in the state where you intend to apply.

Further Study: Improve Eligibility and Points Profile

Continuing your education can significantly enhance your migration prospects. Many students pursue a second qualification to meet visa requirements or to enter occupations with better PR opportunities.

Examples include:

• Master by Coursework or Research

• Doctoral (PhD) programs

• Accredited programs leading to occupations on skilled lists (e.g., teaching, social work, IT)

Why it’s effective:

• Adds 5–20 points to your GSM score

• May qualify you for new skills assessments

• Allows you to work part-time while studying full-time

• Strengthens eligibility for state or regional sponsorship if the course is completed in a priority area

Studying in a regional area may also allow you to apply for the second TR 485.

Partner Visas: Relationship-Based Migration Pathway

If you are in a genuine relationship with an Australian citizen or permanent resident, you may be eligible for a partner visa, which is a strong option for those not pursuing skilled or sponsored pathways.

Visa types:

• 820/801 (onshore application)

• 309/100 (offshore application)

Advantages:

• No occupation, points, or employer requirement

• No age restriction

• Direct transition to PR through a two-stage process

• De facto and married relationships both considered

You will need to provide substantial evidence of the relationship, including shared financial, residential, and social commitments.

Selecting the Right TR 485 Visa Pathway

Choosing the right direction after receiving your 485 visa depends on multiple factors. Consider:

• Is your current employment eligible for sponsorship?

• Have you met the criteria for a second 485 based on your location?

• Do you have enough points or a skills assessment for skilled migration?

• Are you considering further study that can reposition your PR pathway?

• Are you in a relationship that qualifies for a partner visa?

Rushing through these decisions late in your 485 period can reduce your chances of qualifying for longer-term visas. Acting early allows time to meet the specific evidence, residency, or work requirements associated with each visa stream.

Build Your PR Pathway With Expert Support on TR 485 Visa Pathways

RACC Migration & Education Services has supported thousands of graduates in making the transition from TR 485 to long-term visas and Permanent Residency. Our MARA-registered migration agents will review your study background, location, goals, and migration readiness to recommend the most suitable visa strategies.

Whether you're exploring skilled migration, considering sponsorship, or planning to apply for a partner visa, our team can help you structure a roadmap that works. Book your free consultation today to speak with an expert and move forward with confidence.

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