Software Engineer (ANZSCO 261313)

Fixed price

There are no hidden costs for our services. Our fees are clearly set out in a fee agreement.

Deal direct with a lawyer

From the first same-day response to the granting of your visa, you’ll have direct access to a lawyer.

Clear communication

Our experienced lawyers will give you regular updates and clear explanations of visa pathways.

Satisfaction guarantee

We offer a client satisfaction guarantee in relation to our visa application services.

Installments available

3 - 6 months installment options available on some visa types.

Occupation Overview: Software Engineer in Australia

What a Software Engineer Does: Including Maintaining Program Code

A Software Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, testing, and maintaining software systems and applications. The role typically involves analysing user requirements, writing and reviewing code, integrating systems, and ensuring software performance, security, and scalability across various platforms and industries.

ANZSCO 261313 Classification for Software and Applications Programmers

Software Engineer is classified under ANZSCO code 261313 and is generally assessed at Skill Level 1. This reflects the requirement for a Bachelor degree or higher qualification in a relevant field, or equivalent industry experience demonstrating a comparable level of expertise.

At least five years of relevant experience and/or relevant vendor certification may substitute for the formal qualification for Software Engineers.

ACS Skills Assessment Requirements

Australian Computer Society (ACS) Assessment

For migration purposes, applicants nominating Software Engineer must obtain a positive skills assessment from the Australian Computer Society (ACS). This assessment evaluates whether an applicant’s qualifications and work experience meet the standards expected in the Australian Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector.

Qualification Criteria

ACS typically requires applicants to hold a tertiary qualification in information technology, computer science, or a closely related discipline. The relevance of the qualification to the nominated occupation is a key factor in the assessment outcome.

ACS Skills Assessment Requirements

Australian Computer Society (ACS) Assessment

For migration purposes, applicants nominating Software Engineer must obtain a positive skills assessment from the Australian Computer Society (ACS). This assessment evaluates whether an applicant’s qualifications and work experience meet the standards expected in the Australian Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector.

Qualification Criteria

ACS typically requires applicants to hold a tertiary qualification in information technology, computer science, or a closely related discipline. The relevance of the qualification to the nominated occupation is a key factor in the assessment outcome.

Work Experience Considerations

Work experience is assessed to determine whether it is closely related to the nominated occupation and meets the required level of skill. In some cases, ACS may require a period of relevant employment to be demonstrated before the experience is considered suitable for migration purposes.

Australian Visa Options for Software Engineers

Software Engineer is included on relevant skilled occupation lists, making it eligible for a range of visa pathways, subject to legislative requirements.

Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

The Subclass 189 visa is a points-tested permanent visa that does not require sponsorship. Applicants must meet the points threshold and receive an invitation to apply.

Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

The Subclass 190 visa requires nomination by an Australian state or territory government. Applicants must satisfy both the general migration requirements and the specific criteria set by the nominating jurisdiction.

Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491)

The Subclass 491 visa is a provisional visa for applicants nominated by a state or territory or sponsored by an eligible relative in a designated regional area. It provides a pathway to permanent residency subject to meeting further requirements.

Employer-Sponsored Visas

Employer-sponsored visa pathways may be available where an approved Australian employer nominates a Software Engineer for a role that cannot be filled locally. These visas are subject to requirements relating to sponsorship, nomination, and employment conditions.

Temporary & Graduate Pathways

Temporary visas, including graduate pathways, may provide opportunities for Software Engineers to gain Australian work experience. Eligibility depends on individual circumstances, including qualifications obtained in Australia and current visa status.

{visa type} visa checklist

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Applicants for points-tested visas must achieve the minimum points threshold and a competitive score. Points are allocated based on factors such as age, qualifications, skilled employment, and English language ability.

Applicants are generally required to demonstrate English language proficiency through an approved test unless exempt. The required level of English may vary depending on the visa subclass and individual circumstances.

Applicants must meet age requirements at the time of invitation, typically being under a specified age threshold. Additional criteria may apply depending on the visa subclass, including nomination requirements or regional commitments.

Employment Outlook & Industry Demand

Software Engineers remain in strong demand across Australia, driven by ongoing digital transformation, growth in the technology sector, and increasing reliance on software systems across industries.

Opportunities exist in areas such as financial services, healthcare, government, and technology companies, with demand often extending to regional areas. Salary expectations vary based on experience, specialisation, and location, with competitive remuneration offered across the sector.

How Australian Migration Lawyers Can Help

Migrating as a Software Engineer requires careful navigation of skills assessment requirements, visa eligibility criteria, and supporting documentation.

Australian Migration Lawyers can provide advice on your eligibility, assist in selecting the most appropriate visa pathway, and prepare a compliant application aligned with current migration law. Our team focuses on preparing decision-ready applications and addressing potential issues to help maximise your prospects of a successful outcome.

If you are considering migrating to Australia as a Software Engineer, we encourage you to reach out to Australian Migration Lawyers for tailored legal advice and guidance.

1. Consultation and engagement

Organise a consultation time to speak with one of our lawyers. You can meet with us in person, via Zoom or telephone. Following this, we will send you paperwork that confirms our engagement to represent you.

2. Preparation and support

We will prepare written submissions in support of your visa application. This will be based on your individual circumstances, and supported by evidence where appropriate.

3. Submission and communication

We submit your application to the relevant body (Department of Home Affairs, courts or tribunal). We will continue to update you concerning the status of your application.

4. Representation and success

We will keep you informed about your application, and notify you of the outcome. If you receive an unfavourable outcome and we can reapply, we will!

Book consultation

Saemeh Ghasemi Australian Migration Lawyer

Crystal Johnston posing with a professional backdrop.

Do I need a skills assessment to migrate as a Software Engineer?

In most cases, a positive skills assessment from the Australian Computer Society (ACS) is required for skilled migration visas.

What kind of qualifications are needed?

A bachelor degree or higher qualification in information technology, computer science, or a closely related field is typically required.

How many points do I need to apply?

Applicants must meet the minimum points threshold; however, the points required to receive an invitation may vary depending on demand and occupation ceilings.

Can overseas work experience count toward my points?

Overseas skilled employment may contribute to your points score if it meets the relevant criteria and is assessed as closely related to the nominated occupation.

What English level is required?

The required English language level depends on the visa subclass and individual circumstances, with different thresholds applying across migration pathways.

Can my family be included in my application?

Many skilled visa subclasses allow applicants to include eligible family members, subject to meeting legislative requirements.

What is the difference between 189 and 491 visas?

The Subclass 189 visa is a permanent visa without sponsorship requirements, while the Subclass 491 visa is a provisional regional visa that can lead to permanent residency if certain conditions are met.

Perry Q Wood

Partner - Principal Migration Lawyer

Perry Q Wood is Immediate Past President of the Australian Institute of Administrative Law and one of Australia’s leading administrative, immigration and human rights lawyers.

Important Information Regarding the Use of the Term 'Partner'

Australian Legal Partnership Pty Ltd is an incorporated legal practice which is a corporation for the purposes of the Corporations Act 2001. The use of the title ‘Partner’ by a lawyer in this practice is used to denote seniority and does not and is not intended to signify that the practice is contracting otherwise than as a corporation. For the avoidance of doubt, any such title does not and is not intended to signify that a partnership within the definition of the Partnership Act exists at law.

Visa Pathways, ACS Skills Assessment & Migration Requirements

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The Australian Migration Lawyers difference

Fixed price

Deal direct with a lawyer

Clear communication

Satisfaction guarantee

Installments available

Occupation Overview: Software Engineer in Australia

What a Software Engineer Does: Including Maintaining Program Code

ANZSCO 261313 Classification for Software and Applications Programmers

ACS Skills Assessment Requirements

Australian Computer Society (ACS) Assessment

Qualification Criteria

ACS Skills Assessment Requirements

Australian Computer Society (ACS) Assessment

Qualification Criteria

Work Experience Considerations

Australian Visa Options for Software Engineers

Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491)

Employer-Sponsored Visas

Temporary & Graduate Pathways

{visa type} visa checklist

Personal documents

Character documents

Evidence of relationship

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Eligibility Criteria Under Australian Migration Law

Points Test Requirements

English Language Requirements

Age & Other Conditions

Employment Outlook & Industry Demand

How Australian Migration Lawyers Can Help

Visa application process

1. Consultation and engagement

2. Preparation and support

3. Submission and communication

4. Representation and success

Meet your Australian Migration Lawyer

Perry Q Wood

Dr Cindy Zhao 趙青

Madeleine Scanlon

Frank Sabelberg

Benjamin Magill

Don (Susantha) Katugampala

Saemeh Ghasemi

Cherlyn Teo (CPA)

Neil Williams

Shereen El Ali

Andrew Euan

Walt Calis

Joshua Coulson

Nicholas Merlin

Oliver Thomas Christensen

Olivia Parrott

Taahira Rajudin

Yasmin Hicks

Micah Schembri

Carolyn Salman

Mariam Hassan

Terrance Chu

Ronan Lopez-Kos

Annalise Pope

Sam Prasad

Moniroth Ieng

Andre Lim Lo Suy

Evette Sheridan

Jenny Zhou

Crystal Johnston

Ali Shefaju

Gerard Gupit

Zhara Pope

Sophia Smith

Hannah Warner

Hayley Kim