The Path to PR for Network Engineers
Computer Network and Systems Engineers are in phenomenal demand across Australia, driving everything from enterprise digital transformations to critical infrastructure. Being on the MLTSSL means you're eligible for the "big three" skilled visas (189, 190, and 491).
However, demand from applicants is also sky-high. If you're chasing the independent subclass 189 visa, you'll need an incredibly strong profile, often upwards of 90 points. Because of this, the state-nominated subclass 190 and the regional subclass 491 visas are usually the smarter, more accessible bets.
Subclass 189
Skilled Independent
Requires zero state sponsorship but demands an elite points score. Cutoffs routinely sit at 90+.
→ 189 visa guideSubclass 190
State Nominated (+5 pts)
Gives you a handy 5-point boost. You're nominated by a state, making this the go-to pathway for most tech pros.
→ 190 visa guideSubclass 491
Regional (+15 pts)
The massive 15-point bump makes this incredibly appealing. You'll need to live and work regionally for a few years.
→ 491 visa guideComparing Your Visa Options
| Metric | Subclass 189 | Subclass 190 | Subclass 491 |
|---|
| Bonus points | None | +5 | +15 |
| Recent historical cutoff | 90-95 | 80-85 | 75 |
| Invitation likelihood | Tough | Strong | Very Strong |
| Assessing body | ACS | ACS | ACS |
Remember: Invitation rounds are unpredictable. Cutoffs jump around depending on how many people are in the SkillSelect pool and what the government's priorities are that month.
→ Track the latest SkillSelect invitation round resultsGetting Your ACS Skills Assessment
You literally can't put an Expression of Interest (EOI) into SkillSelect without a positive skills assessment first.
Your assessing authority is the Australian Computer Society (ACS).
| Official ACS Portal | acs.org.au/msa |
| General Skills Fee | AUD $1,498 (excl. GST) |
| Temporary Graduate/RPL | AUD $625 (excl. GST) |
| Processing Time | As little as 15 days for decision-ready applications (can take 4-8 weeks) |
| What they look for | A closely related bachelor's degree (or higher) plus post-qualification work experience. |
Heads up on work experience: ACS usually deducts at least 2 years of your work experience to meet their "suitability criteria." For example, if you've worked as a network engineer for 5 years, ACS might only count 3 of those years toward your points test. Your daily duties must clearly map to the ANZSCO 263111 description.
State Nomination Strategies for Networking Pros
Chasing a 190 or 491 visa? You'll need a state to nominate you. Here's how the landscape looks right now.
| State | 190 Active? | 491 Active? | The Vibe |
|---|
| NSW | Yes | Yes | Massive ICT allocations, but brutally competitive. High points are a must. |
| VIC | Yes | Yes | Excellent tech hub. You'll need to submit a Registration of Interest (ROI). |
| QLD | Yes | Yes | Expanding their ICT intake as they ramp up for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. |
| WA | Yes | Yes | Great options, particularly if you're a WA graduate or have a job offer there. |
| SA | Yes | Yes | Very friendly to international students who graduate from a South Australian uni. |
| ACT | Yes | Yes | You've got to play by the Canberra Matrix rules. |
| TAS & NT | Check | Yes | Both strongly prefer applicants who already live and work locally. |
Fair Warning: State and territory occupation lists are notoriously fickle. They can open and close without a moment's notice depending on their quotas. Always check the official state migration portals before you bank on a strategy.
→ Not sure where to go? Read our guide on choosing a stateHow to Squeeze Out More Points
Sitting at 75 points and need a boost? Here's how most network engineers bump their scores up.
Nail the English Test
If you're currently at 'Proficient' (e.g., IELTS 7.0 or PTE 65), pushing hard to hit 'Superior' (IELTS 8.0 or PTE 79) gives you a mammoth 10-point jump. It's the single fastest way to leapfrog the competition.
Claim Partner Points
If you're single, you automatically get 10 points. If you have a partner, you need them to do an English test (5 points) and ideally get their own skills assessment (another 5 points) so they don't drag your score down.
Sit the NAATI CCL
If you speak a second language fluently, the NAATI Credentialed Community Language test is an incredibly popular way to pick up an extra 5 points.
Go Regional
Pivoting your strategy away from Sydney or Melbourne and applying for a 491 regional visa instantly hands you 15 bonus points.
Will the 2026 Points Test Reform Change Things?
Important Note: The highly anticipated 2026 points test overhaul hasn't been legislated yet. Until it actually passes through parliament, the existing Schedule 6D system remains entirely in effect.
The government is looking to totally revamp the migration system, raising the absolute minimum points threshold to 70 and overhauling how points are allocated. Because ICT is considered a 'priority digital sector', you're in a relatively safe occupation.
However, the proposed new system puts a huge emphasis on salary. If you're a senior Computer Network and Systems Engineer earning above the top tier threshold (e.g., $146,717), you'll likely secure a massive advantage under the new rules. If you're a junior on a lower wage, you might find the new system tougher to crack.
→ See exactly how the 2026 reforms might impact your application