Moving to Australia as a Software Engineer

TL;DR

Software engineers can reach Australia via permanent skilled migration (subclasses 189, 190, 491) or temporary employment (482, 494). The Australian Computer Society (ACS) conducts skills assessments. Processing takes 4-12 weeks. You'll need IELTS 6.0 or higher (competent level). The visa you choose depends on your points, experience, state sponsorship, and whether you have a job offer.

Visa Options at a Glance

Skills Assessment: ACS Requirements

The Australian Computer Society assesses IT qualifications and work history. ACS must verify your degree and ICT knowledge before any visa application.

Assessment pathway depends on your qualification:

Completed an ACS-approved ICT degree (Australian or recognised international)? You're fast-tracked. Degree unrelated to ICT? You'll need 6+ years of relevant ICT work experience. Work experience needs detailed evidence: employment contracts, payslips, referee reports from past employers, and documented evidence of your specific duties.

ACS assessment takes 4-12 weeks. Faster applications have complete, well-organised documentation. Incomplete submissions cause delays and rejections.

Costs:

- Standard assessment: AUD 500–650
- Expedited assessment: AUD 1,200–1,500
- Re-assessment (if rejected): AUD 400–500

Points and Eligibility

Software engineers (ANZSCO 261312, 261311) are on the Medium and Long Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). This means they're prioritised for permanent visas and eligible for provisional visas.

Points breakdown for a typical engineer:

- Age 25–32: 30 points
- Bachelor degree: 15 points
- IELTS 6.0–6.5: 10 points
- 5–8 years work experience: 10 points
- Total: 65 points

This falls short for 189 (typically 90+). You'd need state sponsorship (190/491) or an employer offer (482).

Boost your points:

IELTS 7.0+ (15 points instead of 10). IELTS 8.0+ (20 points). Completing a relevant Australian qualification. Getting a state sponsorship (adds 5–15 points).

State sponsorship isn't guaranteed. Most states prioritise candidates living in-state or willing to relocate. New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland have shorter queues but higher competition.

English Language Requirements

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is standard. You need Competent English: IELTS 6.0 or equivalent in all four components (listening, reading, writing, speaking).

Other accepted tests: Cambridge English, TOEFL, Pearson Test of English (PTE), or occupational English tests. Check the Department of Home Affairs for current requirements.

Professional English is IELTS 7.0+ and worth more points.

Cost Breakdown

Visa application charges are those in force from 1 July 2026.

Employer-sponsored 482 visas are cheaper upfront but have no permanent outcome unless you later transition.

Processing Timelines

Skills assessment (ACS): 4–12 weeks from submission of complete documentation.

Visa application processing (189/190/491): 8–12 weeks after grant of skills assessment and submission to DHA (Department of Home Affairs). Processing can extend if additional documentation is requested.

Visa application processing (482/494): 4–6 weeks for employer-nominated applications, subject to employer verification.

Plan for 4–6 months total from start to visa grant. Fast-track applications (ACS expedited + DHA priority) can reach 8–10 weeks.

Where Software Engineers Are Needed

MLTSSL status: Yes, software engineers are on the Medium and Long Term Strategic Skills List. This means they are included in permanent visa pathways.

State sponsorship demand:

- New South Wales: High demand for developers, especially in Sydney tech hubs. Typical points threshold: 80–90.
- Victoria: Strong demand. Melbourne is a tech hub. Points threshold: 85–95.
- Queensland: Growing IT sector. Points threshold: 75–85.
- Western Australia: Moderate demand. Perth expanding tech community. Points threshold: 70–80.
- South Australia: Lower competition. Points threshold: 65–75.

Federal visa (189) has no location restriction. You can live and work anywhere in Australia once granted.

Country-Specific Starting Points

Your path depends on your origin country, qualifications, and work history.

From India: Indian software engineers often have strong credentials and ICT degrees. Many are younger and can accumulate points through work experience. See Indian Software Engineer to Australia for detailed pathways.

From the United Kingdom: UK engineers often have strong credentials recognised by ACS. Some pursue 482 employer sponsorship first, then transition to permanent visas. See UK Software Engineer to Australia.

From Pakistan or other countries: Ensure your degree is ACS-recognised or build 6+ years of documented work experience. Degree recognition can be slow; start early.

Common Reasons for Refusal

ACS assessment rejected:

Your ICT work experience isn't clearly documented. Duties listed are vague or generic. Contracts don't match your role description. References from past employers are insufficient or unavailable.

Visa application refused:

False information on your application. Police clearance issues or criminal history. Failure to meet English language requirements during assessment. Medical examination reveals untreated health condition. Financial capacity not demonstrated (for dependent family).

Points fell short:

Miscalculated points. Thought offshore experience counted but it doesn't (ACS has specific rules). Age tipped over to next bracket during processing. State sponsorship quota filled before your application reached the top of the queue.

You can reapply if circumstances change. See Visa Refused? Appeal or Reapply for next steps.

The 485 Graduate Route

If you're in Australia on a student visa studying an ICT qualification, you can apply for a 485 Graduate Visa after graduation. This gives you 18 months (or 2 years for a PhD) to gain work experience, improve English, and build points for permanent visas. Many software engineers use this pathway to meet Australian experience benchmarks.

Next Steps: Get Professional Advice

Permanent visa timelines are unpredictable. State sponsorship quotas fill, processing delays occur, and policy changes shift. A MARA-registered migration agent can:

- Advise which visa suits your profile (189 vs. 190 vs. 482)
- Guide your skills assessment application
- Estimate your realistic points and success rate
- Prepare your visa application to minimise delays

Start early. ACS assessment takes weeks. Visa processing takes months. If you're serious about moving, begin your skills assessment now.

What visa should a software engineer choose?

189 (independent skilled), 190 (state sponsorship), or 482 (employer sponsorship) depending on points, location preference, and job offer availability.

How long does ACS assessment take?

4-12 weeks, depending on application complexity and document submission quality.

Is offshore experience counted by ACS?

Yes, if your degree is comparable or if you completed ACS-approved ICT qualifications.

What points do software engineers typically need?

189 typically requires 90+ points due to high competition. 190 can be lower depending on state quotas.

Can I apply for permanent residency on a 482?

Yes, via the Permanent Residence Transition Stream (PRTS) or other pathways after meeting requirements.