Migrate by occupation / Software Engineer

MLTSSL

Migrate to Australia as a software engineer

Software engineering is in demand but is also the most contested occupation in the points-tested program. Invitations cluster at high scores, so a bare pass mark rarely gets you invited. State nomination and the regional 491 are usually more realistic than the independent 189, and employer sponsorship skips the points contest entirely.

The essentials

Occupation
Software Engineer
ANZSCO code
261313
Occupation list
MLTSSL — Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List
Visas it supports
Subclass 189, 190, 491, 485
Assessed by
ACS
Assessment cost
around AUD 550
Assessment time
typically 4 to 12 weeks

Which visas actually fit

Subclass 189possibleHistorically needs a high score - ICT is where the 90+ invitations cluster.
Subclass 190strongMost ICT applicants get there through state nomination rather than independent.
Subclass 491strongRegional nomination is common for ICT, and the 15 points matter more here than anywhere.
Subclass 482strongA well-worn route: sponsorship first, then the 186 after two years.

Check your points and pathways →

Your skills assessment

Before you can apply for any skilled visa as a software engineer, ACS must assess your skills. They generally need:

  • A completed ICT qualification, or a non-ICT qualification plus a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) application.
  • Employment references on company letterhead showing dates, hours and duties.
  • Evidence the duties actually match the nominated ANZSCO occupation, not just the job title.
ACS deducts years from your experience before it counts

This is the single most misunderstood rule in Australian skilled migration. ACS does not count all your experience. It applies a "skill requirement met" date and everything before it is discarded. If your degree is a closely related ICT major, roughly 2 years are deducted. If it is ICT but not closely related, roughly 4 years. If your degree is not ICT at all, roughly 6 years plus an RPL. Someone with 6 years of real experience can end up claiming only 5 points instead of 10.

Where software engineers are nominated

Most states nominate ICT occupations, but usually with narrow sub-lists and a preference for applicants already working locally. Check the specific occupation, not the category.

Worth knowingICT scores are inflated by the sheer number of applicants. Assume you need substantially more than the pass mark.

Compare state nomination programs →

Data sourceOccupation, list membership and assessing authority from LIN 19/051, the compilation in force 28 March 2026, read on 21 July 2026. Occupation lists and assessment requirements change - confirm the current position before you pay any fee.

Registered migration agents

We are building a directory of MARN-registered agents and immigration lawyers. Listings are checked against the public register before they appear.

How the directory works

Placement shown on the software engineer migration page.

General information, not migration advice. myPRJourney summarises publicly available information about Australian visas so you can understand your options. It does not assess your case, and it is not a substitute for advice from a registered migration agent (MARN) or Australian legal practitioner. Migration rules, occupation lists, income thresholds and state nomination criteria change frequently and sometimes without notice. This page was last reviewed on 21 July 2026. Always confirm current requirements directly with the Department of Home Affairs at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.