What to Expect as a Software Engineer, ANZSCO 261313
Software Engineers (ANZSCO 261313) are consistently in high demand across Australia's General Skilled Migration programme. Because it's on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), you have access to the 189, 190, and 491 visa pathways. However, the sheer number of IT professionals applying makes it a fiercely competitive space. You'll likely need a very strong points score to stand out, especially for the independent 189 visa.
Subclass 189
Skilled Independent
As a general indicative range rather than a published figure, you generally need around 90 to 95 points to be competitive for a 189 invite. It's the ultimate goal for many, but tough to secure.
→ Read our 189 guideSubclass 190
State Nominated (+5 pts)
A more realistic option for many engineers. States like NSW, VIC, and WA frequently nominate tech professionals with solid work experience.
→ Read our 190 guideSubclass 491
Regional (+15 pts)
If you're willing to live outside the major capitals, the +15 points can be a game-changer. Great for graduates of regional universities.
→ Read our 491 guideComparing Your Options
| Subclass 189 | Subclass 190 | Subclass 491 |
|---|
| Nomination bonus | +0 | +5 | +15 |
| Indicative range | ~90 pts | ~85 pts | ~75 pts |
| Occupation list | MLTSSL | MLTSSL | MLTSSL |
| Level of competition | Very High | High | Medium/High |
| Assessing body | ACS | ACS | ACS |
Remember, these target points are estimates based on recent trends. The Department of Home Affairs doesn't publish guaranteed cutoffs, and state requirements vary.
→ Check our latest invitation round analysisGetting Your ACS Skills Assessment
You absolutely must have a positive skills assessment before you can submit an Expression of Interest (EOI).
The Australian Computer Society (ACS) handles Software Engineer (261313) assessments.
| Assessing body | Australian Computer Society (ACS) |
| Official website | acs.org.au/msa |
| Typical wait time | Usually 8–12 weeks |
| Expected fee | AUD $530–$800 (pathway dependent) |
| Common pathway | Skills Assessment, Post-Australian Study, or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) |
| Baseline education | Bachelor degree or higher (with an ICT major) — or, without a formal ICT qualification, 6+ years of relevant work experience via the RPL pathway |
The "Skill Level Requirement Met" Date
One of the most important things to understand about ACS is their work experience deduction. ACS will generally deduct at least two years of your relevant work history to determine when you officially became "skilled". This means you can only claim PR points for the work experience you gained after that specific date.
⚠ Watch your expiry dates: Your skills assessment needs to be valid on the day you receive an invitation to apply, not just when you lodge your EOI. ACS assessments typically last for 2 years.
→ Read our deep-dive on ACS Skills AssessmentsState Nomination Options for Software Engineers
State nomination gives you a handy +5 points (190) or +15 points (491). Keep in mind that states change their priorities often.
| State | 190 Active? | 491 Active? | What to keep in mind |
|---|
| NSW | Yes | Yes | ICT is one of NSW's five named priority sectors under its post-2023 sector-based model, which generally works in software engineers' favour, though very high points and strong employment evidence are still typically needed. |
| VIC | Yes | Yes | ICT is not one of Victoria's named 2025-26 priority sectors (health, social services, teaching, construction, new energy, hospitality/tourism, advanced manufacturing), so software engineers compete as a general application after the ROI stage. |
| QLD | Check current programme | Check current programme | We could not confirm Queensland's current occupation-specific status for this role. Check the Queensland skilled migration portal directly. |
| SA | Limited recently | Limited recently | Public invitation-round records show South Australia issued no Software Engineer invitations across several recent rounds through mid-2026. Confirm current status on the SA migration portal before relying on this pathway. |
| WA | Yes | Yes | ICT occupations are generally listed on WASMOL Schedule 2 (the broader, lower-priority schedule alongside Engineering and Trades), which doesn't require prior work experience but is more competitive than Schedule 1. Check current availability. |
| TAS | Check | Yes | Tends to favour local graduates and long-term residents. |
| ACT | Yes | Yes | You'll need to navigate the Canberra Matrix scoring system. |
| NT | Check | Yes | Strongly prioritises people already living and working in the Territory. |
Note: State occupation lists can change without notice. Always verify your eligibility directly on the official state migration websites.
Because the 189 visa is so competitive for software engineers, exploring state nomination is often a smart strategy. Just make sure you understand the residency and work commitments required by each state.
How to Boost Your PR Points
If your score is sitting around 70 or 80, here are a few ways to increase your chances.
1. Nail the English Test
Achieving Superior English (IELTS 8.0 or PTE 79) gives you an extra 10 points over Proficient. For many software engineers, this boost can make a huge difference in reaching competitive thresholds.
→ Full guide to increasing your points2. Look to the States (190)
If 189 seems out of reach, state nomination (190) is your friend. It adds 5 points immediately and shifts you into a pool where the state selects you based on local demand.
→ 190 visa criteria3. Claim Partner Skills & NAATI
Don't forget the 'extras'. A skilled partner can add up to 10 points. Passing the NAATI CCL test (if you speak another language) adds another 5 points.
→ See partner eligibility criteria| 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 experience (1 more year) | +5 | 1 year | Low |
| NAATI CCL (if bilingual) | +5 | 3-6 months | Medium |
| Professional Year | +5 | 12 months | HIGH |
Will the 2026 Reforms Affect Me?
⚠ Keep in mind: The 2026 points test reforms are currently just proposals. The existing Schedule 6D points system is still fully in effect until any new legislation actually passes.
Tech and digital roles remain a massive priority for Australia. However, because it's such a popular occupation, any proposed increase to the minimum points threshold (potentially up to 70 points) could affect applicants currently sitting on the border. On the flip side, if the government goes ahead with a new income-based points system, senior software engineers earning higher salaries could find themselves at a distinct advantage.
→ Stay updated on the 2026 points test reform