Overview for ICT Project Managers, ANZSCO 135112
If you're an ICT Project Manager (sometimes called an IT Project Manager) looking to migrate to Australia, you're in a relatively strong position. Classified under ANZSCO 135112, this occupation sits on the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL). This means you have access to the state-nominated 190 and regional 491 options, but you are not eligible for the independent Subclass 189 visa.
While it's a recognised pathway, it's also highly competitive. Points cutoffs fluctuate, and state nomination criteria change frequently. To succeed, you'll need a solid understanding of how your points are calculated and what the assessing authority expects.
Subclass 189 Options
Independent visa
Because this occupation is on the STSOL, it is not eligible for the 189 visa. You'll need to look at state nomination.
Ineligible PathwaySubclass 190 Options
State nominated (+5 points)
A popular choice. State nomination gives you an extra 5 points, but you must meet the specific criteria of the nominating state, such as living and working there.
→ How state nomination worksSubclass 491 Options
Regional (+15 points)
If you're willing to commit to a regional area, the 491 provides a massive 15-point boost, making it a highly accessible pathway for many applicants.
→ How regional sponsorship worksUnderstanding Invitation Scores
| Subclass 189 | Subclass 190 | Subclass 491 |
|---|
| Nomination bonus | N/A | +5 | +15 |
| Indicative range | N/A | ~85 pts | ~75 pts |
| Occupation list | STSOL | STSOL | STSOL |
| Assessing body | ACS | ACS | ACS |
Data Limitations: The indicative figures above are based on general historical patterns, not a specific published Department of Home Affairs figure or a live government feed. Cutoffs for state nomination (190/491) vary significantly by state and over time. We strongly advise against relying on historical cutoffs as a guarantee of an invitation.
Skills Assessment for ICT Project Managers
A positive skills assessment is mandatory before you can submit an EOI in SkillSelect.
ICT Project Manager (ANZSCO 135112) is assessed by the Australian Computer Society (ACS)
| Assessing body | Australian Computer Society (ACS) |
| Official portal | acs.org.au/msa |
| Processing time | Typically 8-14 weeks |
| General Skills / RPL fee | From around AUD $550 (confirm current pricing on the ACS site; priority processing costs an extra AUD $320-$400) |
| No formal ICT qualification? | The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) pathway is available with 6+ years of relevant ICT project delivery experience and two detailed project reports, provided your most recent relevant work is within 2 years of applying. |
Crucial note on work experience: ACS will assess your duties against the ANZSCO definition. You must be able to demonstrate that you were managing ICT projects specifically, not just general business or construction projects. If your references don't clearly outline the tech-focussed nature of your project delivery, your assessment may not be successful.
⚠ Warning: Your skills assessment must remain valid at the time you receive your Invitation to Apply, not just when you submit your EOI. ACS assessments are typically valid for 2 years.
→ Read our complete ACS Skills Assessment GuideIs this occupation on the skilled occupation list?
Yes, as of current legislation, ICT Project Manager is on the STSOL. To see the full lists (including MLTSSL, STSOL, and ROL) and understand how they interact with visa subclasses, check our guide.
→ Check the skilled occupation list for PR 2026State Nomination Options (190 and 491)
State nomination adds +5 points (190) or +15 points (491), but it is heavily conditional.
| State | 190 & 491 Status | Applicant Conditions |
|---|
| NSW | Has nominated previously | ICT is one of NSW's five named priority sectors, but ICT Project Manager isn't individually named on the currently published skills list. Check the NSW skilled visas portal for the current position. |
| VIC | Has nominated previously | ICT is not one of Victoria's named 2025-26 priority sectors, so this occupation would compete as a general application after the ROI stage. |
| QLD | Not in our reference data | Our records don't show this occupation being nominated by Queensland recently. Check the Queensland skilled migration portal to confirm current status. |
| SA, WA, ACT | Has nominated previously | These three states are the other jurisdictions in our reference data that have nominated ICT Project Manager for the 190 visa. Usually favours local graduates or those already working in the state. |
| TAS, NT | 491 only, historically | These two territories/states have historically covered the regional 491 visa for this occupation, but not the 190 visa — always confirm current status directly with each state. |
Note: State occupation lists and requirements are updated frequently. Always verify 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
Because ICT Project Management is competitive, maximising your points is essential.
| Strategy | Points Gained | Notes |
|---|
| Superior English | +10 | Moving from Proficient (7.0) to Superior (8.0) is often the fastest way to gain points. |
| State/Regional nomination | +5 or +15 | Targeting 190 or 491 immediately boosts your score. |
| NAATI CCL | +5 | If you are bilingual, passing a credentialed community language test is a reliable boost. |
| Partner Skills | up to +10 | If your partner also has a positive skills assessment and Competent English. |
How the 2026 Reform Might Affect You
⚠ The 2026 points test reform is proposed, not yet legislated. The current Schedule 6D system remains fully in effect.
The Australian Government is consulting on a proposed new points test. Early indications suggest they may introduce an income-based points system. Because ICT Project Managers often command higher salaries, this could be a significant advantage if those reforms are passed. The tech sector has also been broadly labelled a priority, though nothing is certain until the final legislation is released.
→ Learn more about the 2026 points test reform