Software engineers and ICT professionals are among the most in-demand skilled workers in Australia's migration system. The country has a persistent shortage of qualified technology workers, and this is reflected across multiple visa pathways available to software engineers in 2026. This guide covers the main routes, the skill assessment process, and what you need to do to get your application started.
Are software engineers on Australia's occupation lists?
Yes. Software Engineers and related ICT occupations appear on multiple Australian migration occupation lists:
- Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) — Software and Applications Programmers, ICT Business Analysts, Systems Analysts, and Database Administrators are all listed. This makes them eligible for the Skills in Demand visa (Subclass 482) under the Core Skills stream.
- Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) — Software engineers (ANZSCO 261313) are on this list, making them eligible for the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa via an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect.
- State and territory nomination lists — Most states include ICT occupations on their own targeted nomination lists for the 190 and 491 visas.
Main visa pathways for software engineers
Subclass 189 — Skilled Independent
The 189 is a permanent visa that does not require employer sponsorship or state nomination. It is points-tested, with a minimum of 65 points required to submit an EOI, and the actual invitation cutoff is typically much higher.
Skill assessment body: Australian Computer Society (ACS)
Typical minimum points to receive an invitation: 80–90+ points (varies by invitation round)
Process:
- Obtain a positive skills assessment from ACS
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect
- Receive an invitation (if your points score is competitive)
- Lodge your visa application within 60 days of invitation
ACS assessments can take 6–12 weeks. If your qualifications are from a non-ICT field but your work experience is in software engineering, ACS may still assess you positively via the RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) pathway.
Subclass 190 — Skilled Nominated (State Nomination)
The 190 is a permanent visa that requires nomination by an Australian state or territory. It adds 5 points to your EOI score, which can be the difference between receiving an invitation and waiting.
Most states actively nominate software engineers and ICT professionals. Each state has its own requirements, application process, and occupation-specific conditions. New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia, and Queensland are the largest nominators of ICT workers.
Process:
- Submit an EOI in SkillSelect
- Apply for state nomination through your preferred state's portal
- If nominated, receive an additional invitation to apply for the 190 visa
- Lodge your visa application within 60 days
Subclass 491 — Skilled Work Regional (Provisional)
The 491 is a regional visa that also attracts 15 additional points, more than the 190. It requires you to live and work in a regional area of Australia for 3 years, after which you can apply for the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence visa.
For software engineers willing to work in regional areas, the 491 is an attractive pathway because the points advantage and lower nomination competition can make it easier to secure an invitation.
Skills in Demand visa (Subclass 482) — Employer Sponsored
If you have a job offer from an Australian employer, the Skills in Demand visa is the most direct route to work in Australia as a software engineer.
Stream: Core Skills (for most software engineering roles) or Specialist Skills (if your total remuneration is AUD $135,000 or above)
For Specialist Skills stream applicants, there is no occupation list requirement — any software engineering role earning above the threshold qualifies.
For Core Skills stream applicants, the occupation must appear on the CSOL. Software and Applications Programmers (ANZSCO 261300 group) and related roles are listed.
Pathway to permanent residence: After 2–3 years working for your sponsoring employer, you can apply for the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) visa for permanent residence.
The ACS skills assessment
The Australian Computer Society (ACS) is the designated assessing body for most ICT occupations in Australia's migration system. A positive ACS assessment is required for:
- Subclass 189 and 190 applications
- Some 491 applications
- Certain 186 applications
Assessment types:
- Skills Assessment (SA): For applicants with an ICT-related degree. ACS assesses whether your qualifications and experience match a skilled ICT occupation.
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): For applicants without an ICT degree but with substantial ICT work experience. You submit a detailed portfolio of your technical work.
Processing time: 6–12 weeks for a standard assessment. Priority processing is available for an additional fee.
Tips:
- Ensure your employment references clearly describe your technical duties, not just your job title
- ACS focuses on whether your work has been at a skilled level — managing systems, developing software, designing architecture
- Recent graduates may need to wait until they have at least a year of post-graduation ICT experience
Points score for software engineers
Australia's skilled visa points test covers:
| Factor | Points available |
|---|---|
| Age (25–32 is maximum) | Up to 30 points |
| English language ability | Up to 20 points |
| Skilled work experience (in Australia) | Up to 20 points |
| Skilled work experience (overseas) | Up to 15 points |
| Educational qualifications | Up to 20 points |
| Australian study requirement | 5 points |
| Partner skills | Up to 10 points |
| State or territory nomination (190) | 5 points |
| State or territory nomination (491) | 15 points |
| Professional Year in Australia | 5 points |
Software engineers from countries where English is not the primary language typically need IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE scores to claim English points. A score equivalent to Competent English (IELTS 6.0 in each band) is the minimum. Superior English (equivalent to IELTS 8.0) adds the maximum 20 points.
State nomination for ICT in 2026
Each state runs its own ICT nomination program with different conditions:
- New South Wales — Nominates a wide range of ICT occupations. Requires applicants to have a job offer or established employment in NSW, or demonstrate financial capacity to establish in the state.
- Victoria — Has targeted ICT rounds through the DJISR portal. Requires a job offer in Victoria for most ICT occupations.
- Western Australia — Nominates ICT professionals through the WA Skilled Migration Program. Job offers in WA are required for most ICT roles.
- South Australia — Offers a Graduate Pathway for international students who have studied in SA, including ICT graduates.
- Queensland — Nominates ICT occupations and has been particularly active in 2025–26.
State nomination conditions change frequently. Always check the current requirements on the state migration authority's website before applying.
How long does it take to migrate as a software engineer?
The timeline depends on your pathway:
| Pathway | Approximate total timeline |
|---|---|
| 482 Skills in Demand (Core Skills) | 1–2 months to get job offer + 4–8 months processing |
| 482 Skills in Demand (Specialist Skills) | 1–2 months to get job offer + 1–4 weeks processing |
| 189 Skilled Independent | 6–12 months for ACS + 3–6 months waiting for invitation + 6–12 months processing |
| 190 State Nominated | 6–12 months for ACS + state nomination time + 5–9 months processing |
Getting help with your application
ICT visa applications involve multiple steps — skills assessment, points calculation, EOI strategy, state nomination, and then the visa application itself. Mistakes at any stage can delay your timeline significantly.
A registered migration agent who specialises in skilled migration can assess your points score, advise on which state to target, and manage your application from EOI to grant.
Frequently asked questions
Do software engineers need a skills assessment to migrate to Australia?
Yes, for most skilled visa pathways (189, 190, 491). The Australian Computer Society (ACS) is the designated assessing body. For the employer-sponsored Skills in Demand visa, a skills assessment may not be required, depending on the stream and the employer's nomination.
What ANZSCO code do software engineers use for Australian migration?
Software Engineers are classified under ANZSCO 261313. Related roles include Software and Applications Programmers (261300 group), Systems Analysts (261112), and ICT Business Analysts (261111).
Is it hard to get state nomination as a software engineer in Australia?
It depends on the state and the current round. ICT occupations are generally well-represented on state nomination lists, but each state has quotas and may require a job offer or other conditions. Victoria and NSW are typically the most competitive; regional states and territories like South Australia and the NT may have lower thresholds.
Can I include my partner in a software engineer visa application?
Yes. Most temporary and permanent visa subclasses allow secondary applicants (spouse or de facto partner and dependent children). Your partner may also be eligible to work in Australia while you hold your visa.
What English score do I need to migrate to Australia as a software engineer?
The minimum for most skilled visas is Competent English (IELTS 6.0 in each band, or equivalent in PTE or TOEFL). For the 189 and 190 visas, scoring Proficient or Superior English significantly increases your points score and your chances of receiving an invitation.
Important Disclaimer
The information in this article is intended as a general guide only. Always verify the latest details on the official Department of Home Affairs website or seek help from a registered migration agent.