Visa requirement
I must always hold a valid visa to continue staying in Australia. This page clearly explains those options.
I currently hold a graduate visa, and my main pathways are:
485 (graduation (NOW)) -> 482 (Skills in demand [sponsor]) -> 186 (PR)
485 (graduation (NOW)) -> (491 (State-nominated visa))* -> 190 (PR)
485 (graduation (NOW)) -> 189 (PR)
* If I have high points, I can apply 190 directly. If not, 491.
Visa type
I am a graduate visa holder with a very high chance of continuing my job.
482 visa
It’s a sponsor visa. After one year of employment, if you become my sponsor, there is a 99% chance that I will qualify to stay in Australia and continue working. After getting the 482 visa, if I work for the same company for two years and you apply for the 186 visa for me, I can get PR and work permanently
190 or 491
It’s a state-nominated visa, and since Software Engineer is on the state's occupation list, there is a high chance of getting it. The 190 visa grants PR immediately, while the 491 requires me to work in a regional area for three years before I can get PR. In my case, I can get a high score for the 491, which means I have a high chance of getting it—and that means I have a very high chance of getting PR.
It’s a completely independent visa, and the work location doesn’t matter, but the competition is high. The chances are 50/50.
189
If you tap the image above, you can see the Immigration Office's explanation. If you scroll down, you’ll find my simplified explanation with all the necessary details.
ALL State
Regional Area: Tasmania(Very high proportion for 190), Adelaide(High propotion)
All State
482 -> 186 [Sponsor visa] route
Cost for 482 and 186.
With this visa, the sponsoring company is generally required to cover the cost. In return, I gain the right to stay and work in Australia, which allows me to work for your company long-term. Eventually, by switching to the 186 visa, I can gain the right to work permanently.
The costs are shown in the table. If I am sponsored, I promise to work for a long time. In fact, if I don’t need to change jobs frequently, I would prefer to keep it to a minimum.
If the salary is at least $73,150 and I have been employed full-time for more than one year, I can apply. Location doesn’t matter—this visa can definitely be extended in any state.
(491) -> 190 [State-nominated visa] route
This visa does not require any cost from the employer.
This visa is a state-nominated visa, and since Software Engineer is on the occupation list, I can apply if I meet the required points. Both 491 and 190 visas require at least 65 points, but I can score well above that.