Australian PR Points for Database Administrator, ANZSCO 262111
Are you looking to migrate to Australia as a Database Administrator? We've got good news and a bit of a reality check. While tech professionals are in high demand across Australia's digital sector, the Database Administrator (ANZSCO 262111) occupation currently sits on the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL).
This means you cannot apply for the subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa. Instead, your pathway to permanent residency relies heavily on securing state nomination through the subclass 190 or 491 visas. It's a competitive route, but with the right strategy and a strong points score, it's absolutely achievable.
Subclass 189: Skilled Independent
Not Eligible (STSOL)
Database Administrators are not on the STSOL, meaning you cannot lodge an Expression of Interest for the 189 visa.
Subclass 190: State Nominated
With +5 state nomination points
The primary permanent pathway for Database Administrators. You must be nominated by a state or territory government, which adds 5 points to your base score.
→ Subclass 190 guideSubclass 491: Regional
With +15 regional bonus points
A fantastic option if you're willing to live and work in a designated regional area. The +15 points can make up for a lower base score, providing a stepping stone to permanent residency.
→ Subclass 491 guideYour Database Administrator Score & Pathways
| Subclass 189 | Subclass 190 | Subclass 491 |
|---|
| Nomination bonus | N/A | +5 | +15 |
| Eligibility Status | Not Eligible | Eligible | Eligible |
| Occupation list | STSOL | STSOL | STSOL |
| Typical invitation frequency | None | Medium | Medium |
| Primary assessing body | - | ACS | ACS |
Because 262111 is an STSOL occupation, the Department of Home Affairs does not publish official minimum point cutoffs. State rounds are held independently and rarely disclose occupation-specific thresholds.
→ See our monthly invitation round tracker for latest resultsSkills Assessment for Database Administrator
A positive skills assessment is mandatory before you can submit an EOI in SkillSelect. This proves to the Australian Government that your qualifications and experience match local standards.
Database Administrator (ANZSCO 262111) is assessed by the Australian Computer Society (ACS)
| Assessing body | Australian Computer Society (ACS) |
| Official portal | acs.org.au |
| Processing time | 8-12 weeks standard |
| Approximate fee | AUD $1,498 (General Skills) |
| Assessment validity | 3 years |
| Qualification required | Bachelor degree or higher (ICT related) |
Note on ACS Assessment: The ACS is incredibly strict about aligning your duties with the ANZSCO description. Your employment reference letters must clearly show that you plan, develop, configure, maintain, and support database management systems. Simply doing "data entry" or using a database as part of another role will not pass the assessment.
⚠ Recent Fee Hikes: Keep in mind that ACS significantly increased its skills assessment fees in late 2025. The General Skills pathway is now $1,498, while the Temporary Graduate and RPL pathways sit at $625. Always double-check the ACS portal for the most current pricing before you apply.
→ Complete ACS Skills Assessment GuideState Nomination for Database Administrators
Because 262111 is an STSOL occupation, state nomination is your bread and butter. It adds +5 points (190) or +15 points (491) to your tally.
| State | Programme Status | Notes for Tech Professionals |
|---|
| NSW | Check current list | NSW has the largest allocation for tech, but competition is fierce. You'll likely need very high base points. |
| VIC | Check current list | Victoria usually requires an ROI (Registration of Interest) and prioritises applicants already working in the state's tech sector. |
| QLD | Check current list | Queensland periodically expands its ICT nominations, especially looking ahead to the Brisbane Olympics. |
| WA | Check current list | WA manages its own regular invitation rounds; their specific occupation lists dictate availability. |
| SA / TAS / NT / ACT | Check current list | These states can offer more accessible pathways, particularly if you are an international graduate from an institution in their region. |
Note: State occupation lists are updated continuously based on economic demand. Always verify the latest requirements at each state's official migration centre before lodging an EOI.
Pro Tip: Don't put all your eggs in one basket. If your points are hovering around 70-75, seriously consider the 491 regional visa. Yes, it's provisional, but it provides a clear, legislated pathway to permanent residency after living and working in a regional area for three years.
How to Improve Your Score as a Database Administrator
Since you can't rely on the 189 visa, maximising your base points for the 190 and 491 is critical.
1. Superior English
Moving from Proficient (IELTS 7.0/PTE 65) to Superior (IELTS 8.0/PTE 79) adds 10 massive points to your EOI. For tech professionals, nailing the PTE Academic is often the fastest way to surge up the invite queue.
→ English points guide2. Partner Skills
If you have a spouse or de facto partner, their skills matter! A partner with Competent English gives you +5 points. If they also have a positive skills assessment in a related occupation, that's +10 points total.
→ Partner points guide3. NAATI CCL
Are you bilingual? Passing the NAATI Credentialed Community Language test adds an easy +5 points. It’s an online interpreting test that requires some study, but it's highly achievable.
→ NAATI CCL guideHow the 2026 Reform Affects Database Administrators
⚠ The 2026 points test reform is proposed, not yet legislated. Until laws officially pass, the current Schedule 6D system remains fully in effect.
The Australian Government's Migration Strategy is heavily focused on streamlining pathways for the "digital" priority sector. As a Database Administrator, your skills are definitely needed to harmonise Australia's tech ecosystem.
However, under proposed reforms, the points test may shift to prioritise income over simply holding a degree. If you are a senior Database Administrator earning above the high-income threshold (proposed at AUD $146,717), you could benefit significantly from a fast-tracked or higher-pointed application process. If you are a junior, focusing on state nomination (which is expected to continue) will remain your best strategy.
→ Learn more about the 2026 points test reform