482 or 190 (Vic)

I’m looking for some advice because I’m at a bit of a crossroads with my PR

My current situation is:

Occupation : ICT Business Analyst

190 points: 90

I’ll complete 1 year of skilled work experience in January 2027

Salary: $50.8k/year

Age: 22

I graduated with my Bachelor’s degree earlier this year and have 2 years remaining on my Temporary Graduate visa (TR).

My employer has offered to sponsor me for a 482 visa, which I’m grateful for. However, I’m struggling with whether it’s the right decision.

The biggest concern is that I genuinely don’t enjoy my current job. I feel like I’ve already learned most of what I can, and I don’t see much room for growth. If I go down the 482 → 186 TRT pathway, I’d likely be committing several more years to this employer before becoming eligible for permanent residency.

On top of that, my employer isn’t an accredited sponsor, so from what I’ve read, processing times can be longer, which adds even more uncertainty.

I also only have 1.5 years left on my TR, so I don’t feel like I have enough time to switch jobs, establish myself with a new employer, and still have a realistic chance of sponsorship. I could probably negotiate a salary increase with my current employer.

Part of me feels like accepting the sponsorship is the “safe” option, but another part feels like I’d be spending my early 20s stuck in a job I don’t enjoy, with limited career progression, just to secure PR.

Has anyone here turned down employer sponsorship for a 190 (or vice versa)? Do you regret your decision?

Would negotiating a higher salary make a meaningful difference for a Victorian 190 nomination?

I’d really appreciate hearing from anyone who’s been in a similar situation, especially people in ICT occupations who’ve recently received a Victorian 190 invitation or gone through the 482 → 186 pathway.

Thanks in advance!