Australian PR Points for Data Scientist, ANZSCO 224115
Data Scientists (ANZSCO 224115) represent a rapidly growing profession within Australia's digital and tech sectors. It's a role heavily favoured under modern migration strategies, provided the occupation appears on the relevant skilled occupation lists at the time of your invitation. Note that PhD or research master's degree holders in STEM fields may also claim the specialist education bonus (+10 points), a distinct advantage for highly qualified data professionals.
Subclass 189: Skilled Independent
Subject to Federal Lists
Access to the 189 visa depends strictly on Data Scientist being listed on the federal skills list during a given round. There are no officially published occupation-specific minimum cutoffs for this code, so aim for the highest points possible.
→ Subclass 189 guideSubclass 190: State Nominated
With +5 state nomination points
This visa pathway relies on individual states or territories selecting Data Scientists to meet their specific economic needs. Eligibility is entirely dependent on state migration programmes.
→ Subclass 190 guideSubclass 491: Regional
With +15 regional bonus points
The 491 visa offers a significant 15-point boost. It is a fantastic option if a state or territory regional authority is looking to build its regional tech capabilities.
→ Subclass 491 guideYour Data Scientist Score Across All Three Visa Pathways
| Subclass 189 | Subclass 190 | Subclass 491 |
|---|
| Nomination bonus | +0 | +5 | +15 |
| Last cutoff (ANZSCO 224115) | Data limited | Data limited | Data limited |
| Occupation list status | Verify on CSOL | Verify on state list | Verify on state list |
| Primary assessing body | ACS | ACS | ACS |
Data limitations: The Department of Home Affairs does not reliably publish minimum invitation cutoffs specifically for ANZSCO 224115. Be cautious of anyone guaranteeing a specific points threshold.
→ See our monthly invitation round tracker for latest resultsSkills Assessment for Data Scientist
A positive skills assessment is mandatory before you can submit an EOI in SkillSelect.
Data Scientist (ANZSCO 224115) is assessed by the Australian Computer Society (ACS)
| Assessing body | Australian Computer Society (ACS) |
| Official portal | acs.org.au |
| Processing time | 4 to 12 weeks standard (priority options exist) |
| Approximate fee | AUD $625–$1,498 |
| Assessment type | General Skills, Post Australian Study, or RPL |
| Qualification required | Bachelor degree or higher (ICT/STEM related) |
When applying through the ACS, your evidence must clearly demonstrate statistical analysis, machine learning, and advanced data modelling, rather than general business analysis. A strong foundation in tools like Python, R, and SQL should be evident in your employment references.
⚠ Warning: Your skills assessment must remain valid at the time you receive your Invitation to Apply, not just when you lodge your EOI. ACS assessments are typically valid for two years for migration purposes. If your assessment is nearing expiry, secure a new one before your EOI lapses.
→ Complete ACS Skills Assessment GuideState Nomination for Data Scientists: Which States to Target
State nomination adds +5 points (190) or +15 points (491). However, not all states nominate Data Scientists.
| State | 190 Available? | 491 Available? | Notes |
|---|
| NSW | Check current program | Check current program | Subject to the state's priority sector focuses and lists. |
| VIC | Check current program | Check current program | Typically requires an active ROI and solid earnings. |
| QLD | Check current program | Check current program | Usually mandates ongoing employment in Queensland. |
| SA | Check current program | Check current program | Accessible pathways often exist for local graduates. |
| WA | Check current program | Check current program | Subject to WA's specific schedule requirements. |
| TAS | Check current program | Check current program | Historically a strong pathway for local TAS graduates. |
| ACT | Check current program | Check current program | Dependent on your Canberra Matrix score and residency. |
| NT | Check current program | Check current program | Strong preference is given to long-term NT residents. |
Note: State occupation lists and nomination criteria change frequently. Always verify the current status directly at each state's official migration portal before relying on this information.
→ Which state should I choose for PR?How to Improve Your Score as a Data Scientist
We recommend focusing on these high-impact point boosts to maximise your chances of an invitation.
1. Superior English
Securing Superior English (e.g., IELTS 8.0 or PTE 79) adds 20 points overall (a 10-point jump from Proficient). This is arguably the single most effective way to strengthen your application.
→ English points guide2. State Nomination (190)
Pursuing a 190 visa instantly adds 5 points. If a state has a shortage of Data Scientists, they may nominate you with a lower base score than what is required for an independent 189 visa.
→ 190 visa guide3. STEM Education Bonus
Many Data Scientists overlook the specialist education bonus. If you have a research master's or PhD in a STEM discipline, you could be eligible for a valuable 10 extra points.
→ Education points guide| Strategy | Points Gained | Time Required | Reform Risk |
|---|
| Superior English (if at Proficient) | +10 | 2-6 months | Low |
| State nomination (190) | +5 | 2-12 weeks | Low |
| Regional sponsorship (491) | +15 | 2-12 weeks | Low |
| Australian work exp (1 more year) | +5 | 1 year | Low |
| NAATI CCL (if bilingual) | +5 | 3-6 months | Medium |
| Professional Year | +5 | 12 months | HIGH |
How the 2026 Reform Affects Data Scientists
⚠ The 2026 points test reform is proposed, not yet legislated. The current Schedule 6D system remains fully in effect until Parliament passes the changes.
Although the exact points allocation is still being debated, Data Science sits squarely in the "digital" priority sector. Because the proposed reforms heavily reward high income potential and STEM qualifications, experienced Data Scientists with strong salaries will likely fare very well under the new model.
→ Learn more about the 2026 points test reform