Australian PR Points for ICT Security Specialist, ANZSCO 262112
Cyber security continues to be a major priority for the Australian Government and private sector alike. As an ICT Security Specialist (ANZSCO 262112), you're positioned in a skills shortage area that offers genuine migration pathways under the General Skilled Migration programme. This guide explores your points test considerations and strategies specific to cyber security professionals looking to settle in Australia.
Subclass 189: Skilled Independent
MLTSSL Occupation
Because you're on the MLTSSL, the 189 visa is an option. It's a points-tested, highly competitive visa where the strongest applicants receive invitations directly from the federal government.
→ Read our Subclass 189 guideSubclass 190: State Nominated
Earn +5 extra points
If an Australian state nominates you for your cyber security skills, you gain an extra 5 points. State criteria vary wildly, so researching individual state programs is vital.
→ Read our Subclass 190 guideSubclass 491: Regional
Earn +15 extra points
A fantastic option if you're willing to live in a designated regional area for a few years. The massive 15-point boost makes this visa much more accessible.
→ Read our Subclass 491 guideComparing Your Visa Options
| Subclass 189 | Subclass 190 | Subclass 491 |
|---|
| Points bonus | +0 | +5 | +15 |
| Eligibility list | MLTSSL | MLTSSL (if state nominates) | MLTSSL (if state nominates) |
| Flexibility | Live and work anywhere in Australia | Moral obligation to stay in the nominating state for 2 years | Must live and work in a regional area for 3 years to gain PR |
| Primary assessing body | ACS | ACS | ACS |
While historical data occasionally shows specific cutoff scores, the Department of Home Affairs doesn't publish reliable occupation-by-occupation cutoffs for every round. Therefore, there's no "guaranteed" score to aim for. Treat past scores strictly as a rough guide, not a promise.
→ View our monthly invitation round trackerGetting Your Skills Assessed by the ACS
Before you even think about submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI), you must have a positive skills assessment.
The Australian Computer Society (ACS) assesses ICT Security Specialists.
| Assessing body | Australian Computer Society (ACS) |
| Official website | acs.org.au/msa |
| Estimated timeframe | 8 to 12 weeks |
| Rough cost | AUD $530 to $850 (pathway dependent) |
| Typical pathways | Standard Skills Assessment or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) |
Heads up on work experience: The ACS will deduct anywhere from 2 to 6 years of your past work experience to declare that you have met their "suitability criteria". You can only claim points for skilled employment gained after this "Skill Level Requirement Met Date". Make sure to account for this when calculating your PR points!
⚠ Keep it valid: Your skills assessment needs to be valid at the exact moment you receive an Invitation to Apply for your visa. ACS assessments generally expire after 24 months. If yours is getting old, apply for a renewal early.
→ Read our comprehensive guide on passing the ACS Skills AssessmentState Nomination: Is It Worth It?
State nomination (subclass 190 and 491) can be a fantastic way to secure an invite, but it's loaded with conditions.
| State or Territory | Potential for Nomination | What You Need to Know |
|---|
| New South Wales (NSW) | Conditional | Often looks for high points and related work experience. Check their current skilled list. |
| Victoria (VIC) | Conditional | Requires a Registration of Interest (ROI) and focuses on target sectors, which often include digital tech. |
| Queensland (QLD) | Conditional | Usually demands that you are currently living and working in Queensland in your occupation. |
| Western Australia (WA) | Conditional | Has attractive streams for WA graduates and those with job offers. |
| South Australia (SA) | Conditional | Heavily favours local graduates and those currently working in SA. |
| Tasmania (TAS) | Conditional | Pathways typically involve studying, working, or running a business on the island. |
| Aust. Capital Territory (ACT) | Conditional | Uses the 'Canberra Matrix'. High demand exists due to federal government security needs. |
| Northern Territory (NT) | Conditional | Primarily for those already residing and working in the NT. |
Disclaimer: State nomination programs are highly fluid and change frequently. You must verify current criteria directly on each state's official migration website.
→ Having trouble choosing a state? Read our guideActionable Ways to Improve Your Points Score
Struggling to reach a competitive score? Focus on these high-impact areas.
1. Max Out Your English Score
Securing 'Superior English' (e.g., PTE 79+ or IELTS 8.0) gives you 20 points. This is often the deciding factor between waiting years and getting invited quickly.
→ Master the English points criteria2. Nail a State Nomination
As discussed, meeting the criteria for a 190 (+5 points) or 491 (+15 points) visa can entirely bypass the highly competitive 189 independent queue.
→ Learn how to secure a 190 visa3. Claim Partner Points
If your partner can pass their own skills assessment and secure competent English, you can claim an extra 10 points. Single applicants also receive these 10 points automatically.
→ Read our deep dive into points buildingLooking Ahead: The Proposed 2026 Reforms
⚠ Important Note: The 2026 points test reform is currently only a proposal. No laws have changed yet, and the existing Schedule 6D system remains fully operational.
The government has signalled significant changes to the points test, potentially shifting away from the current system to one that prioritises core skills, younger applicants, and high-income earners. While details remain speculative, cyber security has been consistently flagged as a critical national capability. It's likely that highly skilled, well-paid ICT Security Specialists will remain in strong demand under whatever new system emerges, potentially through a new Core Skills pathway.
→ Stay updated on the proposed 2026 points test reform