Software Engineers & IT Professionals: Complete Migration Guide to Australia 2026

However, competition is fierce. The 2025-2026 migration program allocates 185,000 places with 71% (132,200) for skilled migration. This guide covers the ACS skills assessment process, realistic points thresholds, employer sponsorship options, and strategies to maximize your chances of success.

The 2026 Reality: Points Inflation

189 Visa: The Hard Truth

While IT occupations remain on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa has become statistically challenging for most IT professionals.

Factor	Reality
Minimum points	65 to submit EOI
Actual invitation threshold	95-100 points for 2613 group (Software Engineers)
Priority	Healthcare and teaching get priority invitations
Strategy	Treat 189 as a "lottery ticket", focus on 190/491/482

Where IT Professionals Actually Get Invited

Pathway	Points Required	Likelihood
189 Skilled Independent	90+	Low
190 State Nominated	85+ (includes 5 points from state)	Medium
491 Regional	75+ (includes 15 points from state)	High
482/494 Employer Sponsored	N/A (salary-based)	High (if you have a job offer)

Key insight: For IT professionals without exceptionally high points, employer sponsorship (482 → 186) or regional pathways (491 → 191) are now the most realistic routes to PR.

IT Occupations & ANZSCO Codes

The Australian Computer Society (ACS) assesses most IT occupations. From January 2025, ANZSCO has been significantly updated with new dedicated codes for emerging roles.

Software Development

Occupation	ANZSCO Code	Notes
Software Engineer	261313	Most common code (crowded)
Developer Programmer	261312	Web, mobile, application developers
DevOps Engineer	261316	NEW 2025 - Previously mapped to 261313, now independent
Analyst Programmer	261311	Combined analysis & development
Software and Applications Programmers (nec)	261399	Catch-all for other programming roles

Data & Analytics

Occupation	ANZSCO Code	Notes
Data Scientist	224115	NEW 2025 - Finally independent from "NEC" category
Data Analyst	224114	NEW 2025 - Separated from Business Analyst (261111)
ICT Business Analyst	261111	Business process focus
Database Administrator	262111	SQL, Oracle, cloud databases
Systems Analyst	261112	Business requirements focus

Cybersecurity

Occupation	ANZSCO Code	Notes
Cyber Security Engineer	261315	NEW 2025 - Engineering/architecture focus
Penetration Tester	261317	NEW 2025 - Offensive security, OSCP holders
ICT Security Specialist	262112	General security analyst roles
Security Analyst (262116)	262116	Compliance and operational security

Infrastructure

Occupation	ANZSCO Code	Notes
Network Administrator	263112	Network infrastructure
Systems Administrator	262113	Server and cloud management
Cloud Solutions Architect	261313/261316	Often mapped to Software Engineer or DevOps

Management & Architecture

Occupation	ANZSCO Code	Notes
ICT Project Manager	135112	Requires management experience
Solutions Architect	261313	Often mapped to Software Engineer
ICT Manager	135111	Senior management roles

Strategic tip: If your work involves CI/CD, infrastructure-as-code, or Kubernetes, consider the new DevOps Engineer (261316) code - it's less crowded than 261313 and often prioritized by states for digital transformation initiatives.

ACS Skills Assessment: The Gateway

The Australian Computer Society (ACS) is the designated assessing authority for IT occupations. A positive skills assessment is mandatory before lodging an Expression of Interest (EOI).

Assessment Pathways

Pathway	Who It's For	Experience Required
General Skills	Offshore IT professionals	2-4 years (see below)
Post-Australian Study	Australian IT graduates	1 year post-study OR ACS Professional Year
Temporary Graduate (485)	Students applying for 485	No work experience required
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)	No formal IT qualification	6-8 years experience + project reports

General Skills: Experience Requirements

Qualification	Experience Needed
Bachelor's in IT (closely related to occupation)	2 years in last 10 years, OR 4 years anytime
Bachelor's in IT (not closely related)	4 years anytime
Bachelor's with IT Minor	5 years in last 10 years, OR 6 years anytime
Diploma/Advanced Diploma in IT	5 years in last 10 years, OR 6 years anytime
Non-IT qualification + RPL	6-8 years + RPL project reports

ICT Major definition: At least 33% of your degree must be computing subjects for a Bachelor's, or 50% for a Diploma.

The "Deduction" Concept

ACS deducts a portion of your work experience before counting it toward points. This catches many applicants off guard.

Scenario	Deduction
ICT Major, closely related	2 years deducted
ICT Major, not closely related	4 years deducted
ICT Minor	5-6 years deducted
RPL pathway	6-8 years deducted

Example: If you have 6 years experience with a closely related ICT Major, ACS deducts 2 years. You're assessed as having 4 years "skilled" experience for points purposes.

ACS Fees and Timeline (2025)

Component	Fee (AUD)	Timeline
General Skills Assessment	$1,498 (from Nov 2025)	4-6 weeks
Post-Australian Study (PAS)	~$1,136	4-6 weeks
Temporary Graduate (485)	$560	2-3 weeks
RPL Assessment	$1,498+	6-8 weeks
Priority Processing	+$200-300	10 business days
Appeals/Review	$700	Varies

Note: ACS closed Dec 19, 2025 - Jan 5, 2026. Plan accordingly.

2025 New Rule: Multi-Code Applications

From 2025, ACS allows applicants to request assessment for up to 3 ANZSCO codes in a single application.

How it works:

Pay one fee, submit one application
Select up to 3 codes (e.g., Software Engineer 261313 + DevOps Engineer 261316 + Developer Programmer 261312)
ACS assesses each code separately

Strategic value: If your role spans development and operations, you may receive positive assessments for multiple codes. This gives you flexibility when applying to different states that may prioritize different occupations.

Points Breakdown for IT Professionals

Understanding how to maximize points is critical when 90+ is needed:

Age

Age Group	Points
25-32	30
33-39	25
40-44	15
18-24	25
45+	0

English Language

Level	Points	IELTS Equivalent
Competent	0	6.0 each band
Proficient	10	7.0 each band
Superior	20	8.0 each band

Critical: The jump from Proficient (10 pts) to Superior (20 pts) is often the difference between invitation and rejection. Budget time for IELTS/PTE preparation-see our English Test Comparison Guide for strategies on achieving Superior English.

Work Experience (After ACS Deduction)

Overseas Experience	Points
3-4 years	5
5-7 years	10
8+ years	15

Australian Experience	Points
1-2 years	5
3-4 years	10
5-7 years	15
8+ years	20

Qualifications

Qualification	Points
PhD	20
Bachelor's/Master's	15
Diploma/Trade	10
STEM qualification (bonus)	+10

Other Bonuses

Factor	Points
Partner with skills assessment + Competent English	10
Single/partner is Australian citizen	10
NAATI Community Language	5
Professional Year in Australia	5
Studied in regional Australia	5

Visa Pathways for IT Professionals

Subclass 189: Skilled Independent

Requirement	Details
Skills assessment	ACS positive outcome
Points	Minimum 65 (realistically 90+)
Age	Under 45
English	Competent (but Superior recommended)
Visa fee	$4,910 AUD (main applicant, July 2025)

Reality: Submit your EOI but focus your energy on other pathways. Use our GSM Points Calculator to estimate your current score.

Subclass 190: State Nominated

Requirement	Details
Skills assessment	ACS positive outcome
Points	60 + 5 from state = 65 minimum
State nomination	NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, WA all nominating IT
Commitment	2 years in nominating state
Visa fee	$4,910 AUD

Best states for IT: NSW (Sydney tech hub), VIC (Melbourne startup scene), QLD (emerging tech corridor)

Subclass 491: Skilled Work Regional

Requirement	Details
Skills assessment	ACS positive outcome
Points	50 + 15 from state = 65 minimum
Regional living	3 years in designated regional area
PR pathway	Subclass 191 after 3 years
Visa fee	$4,910 AUD

Regional includes: Perth, Adelaide, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Canberra, Newcastle, Wollongong, Geelong, Hobart + all of SA, WA (incl Perth), NT, TAS, ACT, plus non-Sydney NSW and non-Melbourne VIC.

Subclass 482 → 186: Employer Sponsored

This is often the fastest and most reliable pathway for IT professionals with job offers. Learn more in our Employer Sponsored Visa guide.

Step	Details
1. Find employer	Australian tech company willing to sponsor
2. ACS Skills Assessment	Required for nomination
3. 482 visa grant	4-6 months processing
4. Work for sponsor	2 years minimum
5. 186 TRT stream	Permanent residency

TSMIT (minimum salary): $76,515 AUD (from July 2025). Most IT roles exceed this easily.

482 visa fee: $3,210 AUD (main applicant)

Skills in Demand (SID) Visa: The New 482

The 482 visa is transitioning to the "Skills in Demand" visa with three streams:

Stream	Salary Threshold	PR Pathway	Processing
Specialist Skills	$141,210+ (SSIT)	Yes, after 2 years	7 days target
Core Skills	$76,515+ (CSIT/TSMIT)	Yes, after 2 years	2-6 months
Essential Skills	Below CSIT	Limited	Standard

Key improvements over old 482:

180-day mobility period: If terminated, you have 180 days to find a new sponsor (was 60 days)
Experience accumulation: Work experience with different approved sponsors can now be combined for 186 TRT
No occupation list for Specialist Skills stream (salary is the qualifier)

⚠️ Critical 186 TRT Change (29 Nov 2025): Only work completed while actively sponsored by an approved employer now counts toward the 2-year requirement. Unsponsored work periods (up to 365 days previously allowed) no longer count. Job changes reset the clock.

Most IT roles: Senior engineers and architects often qualify for Specialist Skills ($141,210+). Mid-level developers typically fall into Core Skills ($76,515+), both with guaranteed PR pathways.

IT Salary Benchmarks (2025-2026)

Most IT professionals easily meet TSMIT thresholds:

Specialisation	Salary Range (AUD)
Software Developer/Engineer	$80,000 - $140,000+
Cybersecurity Specialist	$90,000 - $150,000+
Cloud Engineer/DevOps	$100,000 - $160,000+
Data Scientist	$90,000 - $150,000+
IT Project Manager	$100,000 - $140,000+

ACS projects a shortfall of 100,000+ technology professionals by 2026, making IT migration pathways increasingly viable.

State Nomination Strategies

New South Wales (NSW)

✅ Sydney is Australia's largest tech hub
⚠️ Highly competitive - Software Engineer (261313) offshore requires ~100 points (incl. state 5 pts)
✅ Strong demand for cybersecurity, cloud, AI/ML, DevOps
⚠️ Onshore: Requires 6 months continuous NSW residence + working in nominated occupation preferred
✅ 191 Pathway 2: Managed by Investment NSW, typically 5-10 points lower than 190

Victoria (VIC)

✅ Melbourne startup and fintech scene
✅ ROI (Registration of Interest) system - no job offer required for offshore
⚠️ Annual Earnings declaration: VIC ranks applicants by salary; $100k+ earners get priority over $60k
✅ Partner skills (with competent English + skills assessment) significantly boost ranking
✅ Prioritizes "Digital Economy" roles: Data Scientists, Cybersecurity, Cloud Architects

Queensland (QLD)

✅ Growing tech corridor (Brisbane, Gold Coast)
⚠️ 190 onshore: Must work full-time (35hrs/week) in QLD for 9 months + 12-month job offer
✅ Now accepts casual work as long as hours meet threshold (2025 change)
⚠️ Offshore: Requires 3-5 years experience, strong points (75+), limited windows
✅ Preparing for 2032 Olympics - infrastructure investment

South Australia (SA)

✅ Entire state (including Adelaide) is regional
✅ High Performing Graduate (GPA 6.0+) may exempt work experience requirement
✅ Lower points thresholds; Adelaide has growing space & defence tech sector
✅ 491 is very accessible; draws directly from SkillSelect

Western Australia (WA)

✅ All of WA (including Perth) is regional
⚠️ 190 (Schedule 2): Requires 6-month employment contract in WA - very hard for offshore IT
✅ Graduate Stream: WA study graduates exempt from contract requirement
✅ 491 more accessible for offshore applicants; mining tech sector strong

ACT (Canberra)

✅ Strong government IT sector (Defence, Services Australia, Home Affairs)
✅ Classified as regional (491 available)
⚠️ Canberra Matrix system: Separate scoring system from EOI points
⚠️ Key factors: ACT residence duration, ACT employment, property ownership, partner status
✅ Best for those already living/working in Canberra

The Realistic IT Migration Timeline

Pathway 1: Points-Tested (189/190/491)

Step	Timeline
1. ACS Skills Assessment	4-6 weeks
2. English test (if needed)	1-3 months preparation
3. Submit EOI	Immediate
4. Wait for invitation	3-18 months (unpredictable)
5. Visa application	6-12 months processing
Total	1-3 years

Pathway 2: Employer Sponsored (482 → 186)

Step	Timeline
1. Secure job offer	Variable
2. ACS Skills Assessment	4-6 weeks
3. Employer nomination	1-2 months
4. 482 visa grant	4-6 months
5. Work for sponsor	2 years
6. 186 TRT application	6-12 months
Total to PR	3-4 years

Pathway 3: International Student → PR

Step	Timeline
1. Complete Australian IT degree	2 years
2. Graduate visa (485)	2-4 years
3. Work experience + ACS assessment	During 485
4. Apply 189/190/491	6-18 months
Total to PR	4-7 years

For international students, see our detailed guide on Student to PR Pathway Options 2026 and Graduate Visa 485 Changes.

Processing Timeline by Visa Type

Visa	Current Processing (Dec 2025)
189 Skilled Independent	9-17 months
190 State Nominated	6-12 months (post-nomination)
491 Regional	9-27 months
482 SID (Core Skills)	2-6 months
482 SID (Specialist Skills)	7 days target
186 Employer Nominated	3-12 months
858 Global Talent	1-3 months

Global Talent Visa (Subclass 858) for IT

For elite IT professionals with international recognition, the Global Talent Visa offers permanent residency in as little as 1-3 months.

Target Sectors for IT

DigiTech (software, AI, machine learning)
Cybersecurity
FinTech
Defence, Space and Advanced Manufacturing
Renewables and Circular Economy

Eligibility Requirements

Requirement	Details
International recognition	Significant publications, patents, awards, or innovation leadership
Income threshold	$162,000 AUD (or capacity to earn at this level)
Nominator	Endorsement by recognised Australian organisation or individual
Asset to Australia	Evidence of contribution to Australia's competitiveness

No points test, no employer required. This pathway suits founders, CTOs, lead architects, and senior engineers with exceptional credentials.

485 Graduate Visa: The 35-Year Age Cliff

The 2025-2026 policy changes include a significant restriction:

Category	Age Limit
Higher Education (Coursework Masters/Bachelor's)	35 years (reduced from 50)
Research Masters/PhD	50 years
Hong Kong passport holders	50 years

Impact for IT students:

Students aged 33+ at course start may exceed 35 by graduation
Without 485, no time to complete Professional Year, CCL, or accumulate work experience
Must consider SID visa (employer sponsorship) as alternative to 485

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Relying only on 189 - 95-100 points needed for 2613 group, effectively a lottery
❌ Choosing wrong ANZSCO code - DevOps workers using 261313 may get reduced assessment; use 261316
❌ Underestimating English requirements - Superior (IELTS 8) gives 20 points vs 10 for Proficient. See our English Test Comparison Guide for the lowest-risk strategy. ❌ Ignoring ACS deductions - Your "skilled" experience is less than total experience
❌ Not using multi-code option - 2025 allows 3 codes per application for flexibility
❌ Overlooking regional options - ACT, Adelaide, Perth are "regional" with lower thresholds
❌ Age 33+ not planning for 485 cliff - Consider employer sponsorship early

How First Migration Can Help

Navigating the complex interplay between ACS assessment requirements, points calculations, state nominations, and employer sponsorship options can be overwhelming. At First Migration Service Centre, we assist with:

ACS skills assessment preparation - Ensuring correct ANZSCO code selection
Points optimization strategy - Maximizing your score across all categories
State nomination targeting - Matching your profile to the best jurisdiction
Employer sponsorship guidance - Understanding the 482 → 186 pathway
Application lodgement - Professional visa application support

Ready to start your tech career in Australia? We invite you to submit a free visa assessment so we can understand your situation and provide tailored advice.