How to Get Permanent Residency for Software Engineer in Australia: Study, Skills Assessment & Visa Options
- RACC Australia - Education and Migration Services
- Jun 12
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 14
Australia remains one of the most attractive destinations for skilled software engineers due to its strong tech sector, ongoing digital transformation, and significant workforce shortages. If you're exploring your options for Software Engineer Australia migration, understanding the available visa pathways, skill assessment process, and eligibility criteria is essential.
With the role of Software Engineer (ANZSCO 261313) listed on both the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and the Combined Skilled Occupation List (CSOL), applicants have access to a wide range of permanent and temporary visas.
Why Software Engineers Are in High Demand in Australia
Australia’s demand for tech talent has outpaced local supply, making skilled migration critical to supporting digital growth across industries. According to the ACS Guide to Skilled Migration (April 2024), Australia requires approximately 60,000 new IT and Data Science professionals each year, and many of these positions are filled through migration.
As the technology landscape evolves, software engineers are needed across banking, healthcare, logistics, government, and more. This shortage is recognised by the Australian Government, which is why Software Engineer is included in both short-term and long-term occupation lists. This opens the door to multiple skilled migration and employer-sponsored visa pathways.
Skills and Qualification Requirements
Migrating to Australia as a software engineer begins with meeting key academic and professional requirements. These help ensure your qualifications and experience align with Australian workforce standards and visa rules.
Education
Applicants are typically expected to hold a Bachelor’s degree or higher in:
Software Engineering
Computer Science
Information Technology
The qualification should closely align with the ACS Core ICT knowledge areas to ensure positive skill assessment outcomes.
Skills Assessment
All software engineering applicants must obtain a Migration Skills Assessment from the Australian Computer Society (ACS) — the authorised assessing body for ICT professionals. This process evaluates your qualifications, work experience, and their relevance to the nominated occupation (ANZSCO 261313).
ACS offers different pathways depending on your background:
Post Australian Study
General Skills
Temporary Graduate (485)
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Selecting the correct pathway is critical and can affect your assessment outcome. Details on each can be found directly in the ACS Guide.
English Language Requirement
To be eligible for skilled migration, you must demonstrate proficient English, generally via an accepted test like IELTS or PTE. Higher test scores can contribute additional points toward visa eligibility.
Visa Pathways for Software Engineers
Australia offers several migration pathways for software engineers, depending on your points score, experience, and whether you have a sponsor. Since the occupation is listed on both the MLTSSL and CSOL, applicants enjoy flexibility when choosing between skilled and employer-sponsored options.
Points-Tested Skilled Visas
These visas do not require employer sponsorship and are ideal for independent migrants with high points:
Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent Visa: Offers permanent residency without needing state nomination or employer support.
Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa: Requires nomination by a state or territory, often with additional criteria.
Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa: Requires nomination for regional areas; offers a pathway to permanent residency after 3 years.
As of the latest invitation round, the cut-off score for Software Engineers is 95 points, indicating high competition for invitations under the points-tested stream.
Employer-Sponsored and Training Visas
These options are suitable for applicants who have a job offer or employer willing to sponsor them:
Subclass 482 – Skills in Demand Visa: Temporary visa that may lead to permanent residency.
Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme: A direct pathway to permanent residency.
Subclass 494 – Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa: Offers long-term work rights in designated regional areas.
Subclass 407 – Training Visa: For workplace-based training to improve skills relevant to your occupation.
Boosting Your Points and Improving Success Rate
Meeting the basic requirements may not be enough to receive an invitation due to high cut-off points. Applicants are encouraged to strategically strengthen their profile to improve competitiveness.
Completing the ACS Professional Year Program is a valuable step for recent graduates. This job-readiness program includes an internship, networking opportunities, and provides 5 additional points toward the migration points test.
Other ways to improve your profile include:
Improving your English test score to earn more points.
Gaining additional years of work experience.
Studying or working in regional Australia for state nomination points.
Also, platforms like LinkedIn, SEEK, Indeed, and the ACS Jobs Board are valuable for finding sponsorship or employment in the Australian market.
Software Engineer Australia Migration: Your Next Steps
The Software Engineer Australia migration pathway is both promising and competitive. With the occupation listed on both the MLTSSL and CSOL, and demand continuing to grow across Australia, skilled applicants can access numerous permanent and temporary visa options. However, success depends on strategic planning, from obtaining a positive ACS skills assessment to boosting your points score and preparing a strong Expression of Interest.
If you're serious about taking the next step, our team can guide you through the skills assessment, visa selection, and documentation process.
Book a consultation with us today to begin your migration journey and plan your PR pathway as a Software Engineer in Australia!
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