Australian PR Points for Analyst Programmers
If you're an Analyst Programmer looking to make Australia your permanent home, you're looking at a generally favourable pathway. Falling under ANZSCO 261311, this occupation currently sits on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). This means you have potential access to the primary skilled migration visas: the independent subclass 189, as well as the state-nominated 190 and 491 subclasses.
Because ICT is a popular sector, competition can be high. Having a solid understanding of how the points test works for your specific occupation can help you plan your migration journey more effectively.
Subclass 189
Skilled Independent
This visa doesn't require state nomination, offering maximum flexibility. However, it often demands the highest points. Recent historic rounds (2023–2024) saw minimums of 85–90 points for this occupation.
→ Read the 189 guideSubclass 190
State Nominated (+5 pts)
If a state or territory nominates you, you receive an extra 5 points. State criteria vary wildly-some prioritise local graduates, while others focus on high offshore points.
→ Read the 190 guideSubclass 491
Regional (+15 pts)
A provisional visa requiring you to live in a regional area. It offers a generous 15-point boost, which can be invaluable if your base points are slightly lower.
→ Read the 491 guideUnderstanding Your Visa Options
| Feature | Subclass 189 | Subclass 190 | Subclass 491 |
|---|
| Nomination points | None | +5 points | +15 points |
| Historic 2023-24 minimums | 85–90 pts | Varies by state | Varies by state |
| Occupation list status | MLTSSL | MLTSSL | MLTSSL |
| Assessing body | ACS | ACS | ACS |
Invitation cutoffs are not static. The Department of Home Affairs sets ceilings and adjusts priorities regularly, meaning future rounds could require higher or lower scores.
→ Track the latest SkillSelect invitation roundsSkills Assessment: The ACS Pathway
Before you can even lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI), you must have a positive skills assessment.
Analyst Programmers are assessed by the Australian Computer Society (ACS).
Crucial Work Experience Note:The ACS will deduct a portion of your work experience (often between 2 to 4 years, or up to 6 years for RPL) to deem you "suitably skilled." You can only claim PR points for relevant employment completed after the "skill met" date listed on your assessment letter. This is a common stumbling block for applicants calculating their points.
- Standard Requirements: Typically, you need a bachelor's degree (or higher) with an ICT major that is closely related to Analyst Programming, plus relevant post-qualification work experience.
- Duties: Your employment references must demonstrate both systems analysis and programming duties. If your role was purely analytical, the ACS might assess you closer to an ICT Business Analyst (ANZSCO 225113).
- Validity: ACS assessments are generally valid for 24 months. Your assessment must be valid on the day you are invited to apply for the visa.
State Nomination Options
Because state nomination programmes open, close, and change criteria dynamically throughout the financial year, you must check current availability directly with the states.
| State/Territory | Program Status | General Notes |
|---|
| New South Wales (NSW) | Check current list | Historically a large nominator of ICT roles, but highly competitive. Often prioritises high points and relevant experience. |
| Victoria (VIC) | Check current list | Requires an ROI. Often looks favourably upon candidates already working in their targeted sectors. |
| Queensland (QLD) | Check current list | Criteria can be strict; often requires onshore employment in Queensland or very high points for offshore applicants. |
| Western Australia (WA) | Check current list | The WASMOL (general stream) and graduate streams periodically feature ICT occupations. |
| South Australia (SA) | Check current list | Often prioritises international graduates of SA or those currently working in the state. |
| Other Territories (ACT, TAS, NT) | Check current lists | Generally require you to be living and working in the territory, or use specialized matrices (like the ACT Canberra Matrix). |
Disclaimer: We do not guarantee state nomination eligibility. Always verify the current occupation list at each state's official migration portal before relying on this information.
→ Guide: Which state should you choose?Strategies to Improve Your Points
If your points are sitting below the historic cutoffs, you might need to look at ways to boost your score.
Superior English
Achieving Superior English (e.g., IELTS 8.0 or PTE 79 in all bands) adds 20 points to your total-a massive 10-point leap if you currently only have Proficient English. For highly competitive ICT roles, this is often essential.
Partner Skills
If you have a partner who also has Competent English and a positive skills assessment in an eligible occupation, you can claim 10 points. Single applicants automatically receive 10 points.
NAATI CCL
If you are bilingual, passing the Credentialed Community Language (CCL) test grants you an additional 5 points. It's a popular strategy to gain an edge.
The Proposed 2026 Points Test Reform
Important: The 2026 points test reform is currently just a proposal. The existing Schedule 6D points test system remains fully in effect as current law.
The Federal Government has released discussion papers regarding a potential overhaul of the skilled migration points test. Proposals include raising the baseline pass mark and introducing new points categories based on income thresholds (e.g., higher points for those earning substantial salaries).
For Analyst Programmers, this could mean that those working in senior roles with high remuneration might benefit significantly under a reformed system, while those on entry-level salaries may need to rely heavily on English and age points.
→ Learn more about the proposed points test reform