What Can You Do During Your TR 485 Visa?
- Feb 13
- 3 min read
Last Updated : 13 February 2026
If you’re currently holding a Temporary Graduate visa, you’re probably asking:
"What can I actually do during my TR 485 visa to improve my PR chances?"
Your TR 485 visa is not just extra time in Australia, it’s your work experience window, points-building period, and migration strategy phase. Used strategically, this visa can significantly improve your pathway to skilled migration or employer sponsorship.
Understanding the TR 485 Visa
The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) allows eligible international graduates to stay, work and study in Australia temporarily after completing their qualification. But what you do during this period matters.
Many applicants waste valuable time. Others use it to build a strong migration profile.
Let’s break down what you can do, and why it matters.
Study Further During Your TR 485
Yes, you can study while holding a TR 485 visa.
You may enrol in:
Trade courses
Graduate Diplomas
Master’s degrees
Early Childhood Education qualifications
Other short courses aligned with your occupation
Why Further Study Can Help
Strategic study can:
Strengthen your qualification alignment for skills assessment
Open alternative occupation pathways
Support registration requirements (where applicable)
Improve employability
However, study should support your long-term migration goal, not delay it.
Complete a Professional Year (+5 Migration Points)
If you are an Engineering or IT graduate, completing a Professional Year program can give you:
+5 migration points
This can significantly improve your competitiveness for skilled migration visas such as:
In competitive occupations, 5 points can be the difference between receiving an invitation — or waiting another year.
Gain Relevant Work Experience
Your TR 485 visa gives you full work rights.
This is your opportunity to:
Build experience in your nominated occupation
Strengthen future skills assessment applications
Meet state nomination employment requirements
Increase skilled employment points
Position yourself for employer sponsorship
Not all work experience carries equal weight.
It must be:
Closely aligned to your ANZSCO occupation
Properly documented
Paid and genuine employment
Strategic employment matters more than simply “working anywhere”.
Use Your Experience for Employer-Sponsored Pathways
Your TR 485 can lead to employer sponsorship if you secure the right role and employer.
Potential pathways include:
Employer sponsorship can be a strong alternative if:
Your points score is not competitive
Your occupation is not receiving frequent invitations
You have strong employer support
Plan Your State Strategy Carefully
One of the most overlooked strategies during TR 485 is location planning.
Each Australian state has:
Different occupation lists
Different work experience requirements
Different nomination priorities
Different invitation competitiveness
Relocating early to a state with stronger demand for your occupation can significantly improve your PR prospects. Waiting too long may reduce your options.
Your TR 485 Is a Migration Strategy Phase
Your Temporary Graduate visa is not simply a “stay longer” visa.
It is your:
✔ Work experience window
✔ Points-building period
✔ Employer sponsorship preparation phase
✔ State nomination positioning stage
The decisions you make during this period can shape your long-term migration outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I study on a TR 485 visa?
Yes. There are no study restrictions, provided the course fits within your visa duration.
Can TR 485 lead to PR?
Yes, indirectly. It allows you to build points, gain experience, complete a Professional Year, and position yourself for skilled or employer-sponsored visas.
Is moving states during TR 485 a good idea?
It can be — if the new state has stronger demand or clearer nomination pathways for your occupation.
Is employer sponsorship possible during TR 485?
Yes, if you meet experience and employer nomination requirements.
Final Thoughts
If you are on a TR 485 visa, time is your most valuable asset.
Strategic planning, not just staying employed, can significantly improve your PR opportunities in Australia. Before enrolling in a course, changing jobs, or relocating states, make sure your actions align with your long-term migration pathway.
Disclaimer: The information provided is general in nature and does not constitute migration advice. Visa eligibility and requirements are subject to change and depend on individual circumstances. Please seek advice from a Registered Migration Agent for tailored guidance.
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