Information and Communications Technology professionals are among the most successful applicants in Australia's skilled migration program. With many ICT occupations on the MLTSSL, strong employer demand, and competitive salaries, the pathway for software engineers, developers, analysts, and other IT professionals is well-established. This guide covers everything from ACS skills assessment to visa selection and points optimisation.
Quick Facts: IT Migration Pathway
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Key ANZSCO Codes | 261313 (Software Engineer), 261312 (Developer Programmer), 261111 (ICT Business Analyst), 263111 (Computer Network and Systems Engineer) |
| Skills Assessment | Australian Computer Society (ACS) |
| Main Visa Options | Varies by code: the four key codes above are listed for the 189, 190, 491, 494, 482, 186 and 485 |
| Occupation List | Varies by code: the four key codes above are on the MLTSSL and CSOL (see the table below) |
| ACS Processing | 4 to 6 weeks, according to the ACS |
| Points Competition | 80-95+ for 189, lower for state-nominated |
ICT Occupations on Skilled Lists
List placement varies by code. This table follows the Home Affairs occupation list:
| Occupation | ANZSCO | List |
|---|---|---|
| Software Engineer | 261313 | MLTSSL and CSOL |
| Developer Programmer | 261312 | MLTSSL and CSOL |
| Analyst Programmer | 261311 | MLTSSL and CSOL |
| ICT Business Analyst | 261111 | MLTSSL and CSOL |
| Systems Analyst | 261112 | MLTSSL and CSOL |
| Computer Network and Systems Engineer | 263111 | MLTSSL and CSOL |
| ICT Security Specialist | 262112 | MLTSSL (not on the CSOL, so no 482 or 186 under this code) |
| Database Administrator | 262111 | STSOL and CSOL (no 189) |
| ICT Project Manager | 135112 | STSOL and CSOL (no 189) |
| Multimedia Specialist | 261211 | MLTSSL and CSOL |
| Web Developer | 261212 | STSOL and CSOL (no 189) |
For the 482 and 186, Home Affairs uses the 2022 version of ANZSCO. That version splits cyber security into separate codes on the CSOL, such as 261315 Cyber Security Engineer and 262116 Cyber Security Analyst.
Note that Web Developer, Database Administrator and ICT Project Manager are on the STSOL, not the MLTSSL. Home Affairs lists them for the 190, 491, 494, 482 and 186, but not the 189.
ACS Skills Assessment
The Australian Computer Society (ACS) is the designated assessing authority for all ICT occupations. Understanding the ACS process is critical.
Assessment Pathways
ACS offers several assessment pathways:
Skills Assessment (most common): For experienced professionals with ICT qualifications or substantial work experience.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): For applicants without formal ICT qualifications but with extensive industry experience.
Post-Australian Study Skills Assessment: For applicants who completed Australian ICT qualifications.
ACS Requirements
ACS sets different experience requirements depending on whether you have an ICT major, a non-ICT degree, or no degree (the RPL pathway). The number of years it requires, and the years it deducts, are set out in the ACS guidelines. Check them before you apply.
The Skill Level Met Date
ACS calculates a "skill level met date" based on your qualifications and experience. Experience before this date doesn't count toward the points test. This is one of the most important and most misunderstood aspects of the ACS assessment.
For example, if ACS determines your skill level was met after some years of experience, only experience after that date counts for points.
Documentation Required
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- Detailed employment references on company letterhead (must describe duties, dates, hours)
- CV/resume
- Statutory declaration if employer references aren't available
- NAATI-certified translations of non-English documents
ACS Fees and Processing
The fee depends on your pathway. Check the current fees on the ACS fees page. Standard assessments take 4 to 6 weeks, according to the ACS.
Visa Pathway Options
Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent)
The most competitive option. No nomination needed, but points requirements are high:
- Minimum 65 points, but realistically 80-95+ for ICT occupations
- Software Engineer and Developer Programmer are among the most competitive codes
- Round sizes and invitation frequency vary
Subclass 190 (State Nominated)
State nomination adds 5 points and may have lower effective thresholds:
- Victoria, NSW, and ACT prioritise ICT professionals
- State-specific requirements apply
- Typically competitive at 75-85 points
Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional)
15 bonus points for regional nomination:
- Available in most states' regional programs
- Perth, Adelaide, and Hobart offer city living with regional benefits
- Competitive at 70-80 points for many ICT roles
Subclass 482 (Employer Sponsored)
For IT professionals with Australian job offers:
- Core Skills stream (up to 4 years) for occupations on the CSOL, or the Specialist Skills stream if the salary meets AUD146,576 (from 1 July 2026)
- Pathway to permanent residency via subclass 186
- No points test — employer sponsorship based
- Must meet the Core Skills Income Threshold of AUD79,423 (from 1 July 2026) or higher
Home Affairs also lists the four key codes for the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (subclass 494) visa (AUD6,140 for the main applicant), an employer-sponsored regional visa.
Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme)
Direct permanent residency through employer sponsorship or transition from 482.
Points Optimisation for IT Professionals
Where IT Applicants Typically Score
| Factor | Typical IT Score | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Age (25-32) | 30 | 30 |
| English (Superior) | 20 | 20 |
| Overseas experience (8+ years) | 15 | 15 |
| Australian experience (1+ years) | 5-10 | 20 |
| Qualifications (Bachelor's) | 15 | 20 |
| State nomination (190) | 5 | 5 |
| Regional (491) | 15 | 15 |
Key Strategies
Maximise English: Many IT professionals already have strong English. Push for Superior English to claim 20 points. That means at least 8 in each IELTS band, or PTE Academic scores of 69 listening, 70 reading, 85 writing and 88 speaking (for PTE tests taken from 7 August 2025).
Professional Year Program: An ACS Professional Year in Australia adds 5 points and provides Australian experience.
Australian Study: On the Home Affairs points table, an Australian degree can earn 5 points for the Australian study requirement, and 5 more if you studied in regional Australia. A Master's earns the same 15 qualification points as a Bachelor. A Masters by research or Doctorate from an Australian institution in an eligible ICT field can add 10 points for a specialist education qualification.
State Nomination: If your 189 score isn't competitive, the 190 or 491 with state nomination provides a significant boost.
Common Challenges for IT Professionals
ACS Experience Deduction
The ACS "skill level met date" deduction reduces your claimable experience. ACS may deduct years of experience; check the ACS guidelines. Plan for this in your points calculation.
High Competition
ICT occupations attract large numbers of applicants globally, particularly from India, China, and Southeast Asia. Competition pushes the effective points threshold higher than many other occupations.
Web Developer Limitation
Web Developer (261212) is on the STSOL and the CSOL, not the MLTSSL. Home Affairs lists it for the 190, 491, 494, 482 and 186, but not the 189. If you're a web developer, consider whether your duties actually align more closely with Developer Programmer (261312) or Software Engineer (261313) on the MLTSSL.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which ANZSCO code should I choose — Software Engineer or Developer Programmer?
Choose based on your actual duties. Software Engineer (261313) implies more design, architecture, and systems-level work. Developer Programmer (261312) is more focused on coding and development. Read the full ANZSCO descriptions and match to your duties.
How long does ACS assessment take?
Standard assessments take 4 to 6 weeks, according to the ACS. A priority request is only available for Australian visa deadlines less than 12 weeks from the date of application, the ACS says.
Can I count freelance/contract work for ACS assessment?
Yes, but you need to provide contracts, invoices, and statutory declarations as evidence. Each engagement should be documented separately.
What's the Professional Year and is it worth it?
The ACS Professional Year is a program combining formal learning and internship in Australia. It adds 5 points and provides Australian work experience. Home Affairs only gives the 5 points if it was in your nominated or a closely related occupation, was completed over a period of at least 12 months, and was completed in Australia in the four years before your invitation. It's worth considering if you're already in Australia on a student or graduate visa.
Do I need an Australian degree?
No. ACS assesses both Australian and overseas qualifications. However, an Australian degree adds points and may strengthen your profile.
What salary can IT professionals expect in Australia?
Salaries vary by role and location. Software engineers in Sydney/Melbourne typically earn AUD $90,000-$150,000+. Regional areas may be lower but cost of living is also less.
