Australian PR Points for Developer Programmer, ANZSCO 261312
Developer Programmers (ANZSCO 261312) remain a core part of Australia's digital workforce strategy. Situated on the MLTSSL, this occupation shares a lot of DNA with Software Engineering (261313)-but it's often chosen by applicants whose daily duties focus more squarely on hands-on coding and application maintenance, rather than end-to-end software architecture.
This page helps you explore how your personalised points score translates across the three primary skilled visa pathways, providing essential context on how Developer Programmers fare in the current migration landscape. Keep in mind that points alone do not guarantee an invitation; they are simply the starting point for your Expression of Interest (EOI).
Subclass 189: Skilled Independent
Developer Programmer, MLTSSL
As an MLTSSL occupation, Developer Programmers can submit EOIs for the 189 visa. Be prepared for strong competition, as historical cutoffs have often hovered around the 85-90 point mark.
→ Read our Subclass 189 guideSubclass 190: State Nominated
Includes +5 state nomination points
State nomination provides a valuable +5 points boost. While states often look for ICT professionals, you'll need to meet their specific criteria, such as current employment or residency in the state.
→ Read our Subclass 190 guideSubclass 491: Regional
Includes +15 regional bonus points
A generous +15 points can make the 491 visa an appealing alternative if you are willing to commit to living and working in a designated regional area of Australia.
→ Read our Subclass 491 guideComparing the Three Visa Pathways
| Subclass 189 | Subclass 190 | Subclass 491 |
|---|
| Nomination bonus | +0 | +5 | +15 |
| Historical cutoffs (ANZSCO 261312) | Varies significantly | Subject to state rules | Subject to state rules |
| Occupation list status | MLTSSL | MLTSSL | MLTSSL |
| Primary assessing body | ACS | ACS | ACS |
Note: Invitation cutoffs are a reflection of past rounds, not a prediction of the future. The Department of Home Affairs does not publish occupation-specific cutoffs for every round.
→ Check out our monthly invitation round tracker for the latest updatesGetting Your Skills Assessed
Securing a positive skills assessment is a mandatory first step before you can even think about submitting your EOI.
Developer Programmers (ANZSCO 261312) are assessed by the Australian Computer Society (ACS)
| Assessing body | Australian Computer Society (ACS) |
| Official portal | acs.org.au/msa |
| Processing time | Typically 8-12 weeks, though this varies based on application volume. |
| Approximate fee | Varies by pathway (approx. $530 to $1450) |
| Assessment pathways | Temporary Graduate, Post Australian Study, General Skills, and RPL. |
| Qualification baseline | Generally requires a Bachelor degree (ICT related) or equivalent experience via the RPL pathway. |
When preparing your ACS application, ensure your employment references clearly outline duties that align with ANZSCO 261312. If your job title says "Programmer" but your duties read like an IT Support desk, your assessment may not be successful. It is all about demonstrating hands-on application development, coding, and maintenance.
⚠ Crucial Tip: Your ACS skills assessment must be valid at the very moment you are issued an Invitation to Apply (ITA). If your assessment is nearing its two-year expiry, do not let it lapse while sitting in the SkillSelect pool.
→ Read our comprehensive guide on the ACS Skills Assessment processState Nomination for Developer Programmers
Seeking state nomination adds +5 points for a 190 visa or +15 points for a 491 visa. However, states have their own distinct rulebooks.
| State | 190 & 491 Potential | Current Landscape |
|---|
| NSW | Conditional | Historically strong demand in the tech sector, but highly competitive and subject to targeted sector priorities. |
| VIC | Conditional | Often prioritises onshore applicants residing in Victoria and those working in target sectors. |
| QLD | Conditional | Usually requires applicants to meet strict onshore employment requirements. |
| WA | Conditional | Available via the General stream and Graduate stream, depending on current state list updates. |
| SA | Conditional | Heavily prioritises international graduates of South Australian institutions and current SA residents. |
| TAS | Conditional | Strongly favours applicants who have studied in Tasmania or have long-term established employment there. |
| ACT | Conditional | Governed entirely by the Canberra Matrix system. |
| NT | Conditional | Prioritises current Northern Territory residents and graduates. |
Note: State occupation lists and eligibility criteria are updated periodically without notice. The table above is a general guide; always verify current conditions at each state's official migration portal before applying.
Because Developer Programmers share a very similar demand profile with Software Engineers, it is worth carefully checking ACS guidance to see which ANZSCO code most accurately reflects your day-to-day duties.
How to Boost Your PR Points
Looking to edge out the competition? Here are some of the most effective strategies for a Developer Programmer to increase their points.
1. Max Out Your English
Pushing your English score from Proficient (e.g., IELTS 7.0) up to Superior (IELTS 8.0 or PTE 79) adds an invaluable 10 points. For highly competitive ICT roles, this is often the game-changer.
→ Master the English points2. Consider the 190 Pathway
If reaching the sky-high points often needed for a 189 visa feels out of reach, state nomination provides a 5-point boost. You just need to ensure you meet a state's specific criteria.
→ Discover the 190 visa3. Claim Partner & NAATI Points
Are you bilingual? Passing the NAATI CCL test adds 5 points. Additionally, maximising points through a skilled partner (up to 10 points) can make a huge difference.
→ Explore partner points| Strategy | Points Gained | Time Investment | Notes |
|---|
| Superior English (if currently at Proficient) | +10 | Usually 2-6 months | High impact; entirely within your control. |
| State nomination (190) | +5 | Varies by state | Subject to strict state criteria. |
| Regional sponsorship (491) | +15 | Varies by state | Requires a commitment to regional living. |
| Additional year of Australian work experience | +5 | 12 months | Only experience accumulated after your ACS 'skill met' date counts. |
| NAATI CCL credential | +5 | 3-6 months | A great option if you speak a LOTE (Language Other Than English). |
How Might the 2026 Reforms Affect You?
⚠ Reminder: The 2026 points test reforms are currently proposed-not yet legislated. The existing Schedule 6D system remains fully in force.
The Australian Government's recent budgets have highlighted a push towards a 'digital' priority sector. While Developer Programmers are generally well-placed to benefit from this, the landscape remains highly competitive. The proposed reforms hint at structural changes to the points test-potentially rewarding high salary potential and superior English skills more aggressively. While we await final legislation, the best strategy is to focus on maximising your current points, particularly through English proficiency and relevant work experience.
→ Keep up to date with the proposed 2026 points test reform