If you’re a Software Developer (Software Engineer ANZSCO 261313) aiming for Australian permanent residence in 2025, your journey almost always begins with the Australian Computer Society (ACS) and ends with a points-tested skilled visa. This guide walks you through the full process, step by step, so you know what to do at each stage and what to expect from the authorities.
Step 1: Confirm software engineering is the right occupation
Australia uses ANZSCO occupation codes, and for most people who write, test, or design software, Software Developer (Software Engineer ANZSCO 261313) is the most suitable skilled occupation.
Choosing the right code matters because:
- The ACS will assess your skills against that occupation description.
- The visa options available to you depend on the ANZSCO code selected.
If your work is closer to database design, systems analysis, or another ICT area, compare those ANZSCO descriptions or get professional advice before you proceed.
Step 2: Prepare for your ACS skills assessment
The Australian Computer Society (ACS) is the official assessing authority for this occupation. You must receive a positive skills assessment before the Department of Home Affairs will consider your visa application.
What ACS checks:
- ICT qualifications (degree certificates, transcripts).
- Work experience (detailed employment references describing duties, dates, and hours worked).
Important fee and timing note:
- ACS assessment fees rose by 3.3% from 3 November 2025 and now sit at about AUD 530–600. Budget for this early.
Experience vs qualification rules (typical examples):
- If your qualification is an ICT Major that closely matches software engineering, ACS usually requires less work experience.
- Applicants with an ICT Major often need at least 2 years of relevant experience in the last 10 years.
- If your degree is partly ICT or not ICT, you may need up to 6 years.
- Your ACS result letter will later help the Department decide how many years of skilled work they can count toward your points.
Step 3: Meet English language and age rules
English requirement:
- Minimum: IELTS 6.0 in each band or an equivalent score in accepted tests (e.g., PTE, TOEFL iBT).
- Higher scores (for example IELTS 7.0 or above) improve daily work prospects and add extra points to your migration points total.
Age requirement:
- You must be under 45 years old at the time you receive an invitation to apply for your visa, unless a specific exemption applies.
Step 4: Work out your points and choose a visa pathway
Australia’s skilled migration system is points-based.
- The legal minimum is 65 points, but software engineers typically need 80–90 points to receive an invitation due to high demand.
- Points come from:
- Age
- English level
- Skilled work experience
- Qualifications
- Australian study
- State or regional nomination (when applicable)
Relevant visa lists and typical visa types:
- Software Developer (Software Engineer ANZSCO 261313) appears on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
- Common visa choices:
Consider whether state or regional nomination could help you reach the points needed.
Step 5: Lodge your Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect
Once you have your ACS skills assessment and English test results, submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via the government’s SkillSelect system.
What to include in your EOI:
- Claimed points total
- Work history
- Education details
- Whether you’re open to state or regional nomination
Notes:
- There is no fee to lodge an EOI.
- Ensure accuracy — the Department will later verify your claims against your documents.
- If aiming for Subclass 190 or 491, states/territories may invite you to apply for nomination based on your EOI.
Step 6: Receive an invitation and lodge the visa application
If your points are high enough (or you receive nomination), you will receive an invitation to apply.
Key steps after invitation:
- Lodge your visa application online through ImmiAccount by the deadline specified in the invitation.
- Upload supporting evidence:
- ACS skills assessment letter
- English test report
- Identity documents
- Degree certificates
- Detailed work references
- Pay the main government visa application fee (separate from ACS/test fees).
Step 7: Health, character, and waiting for a decision
All skilled visa applicants must meet health and character requirements.
- You may be requested to:
- Attend a medical examination.
- Provide police certificates for each country where you’ve lived for a set period.
During this period, the Department will:
- Verify your claims and work history.
- Confirm consistency between your ACS assessment and other documents.
Processing times vary with policy and demand. For official updates consult the Australian Department of Home Affairs skilled visa page: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia
Step 8: After grant — what this pathway can mean for your life
A successful skilled visa typically allows you to live and work in Australia as a software professional, with a route to citizenship later if you meet residence and character requirements.
Potential benefits:
- Access to a strong tech job market
- Good schools for children
- Long-term stability and prospects for permanent residence and citizenship
Industry context:
- According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, software professionals remain among the most competitive candidates in the skilled migration program.
- They also face higher points cut-offs than many other occupations — so early planning is critical.
Key takeaway: Early planning for your ACS skills assessment, English scores, and state nomination strategy can make a real difference to your chance of invitation and visa grant.
If you’re unsure about your ANZSCO choice, seek individual professional advice early.
This guide explains how Software Developers (ANZSCO 261313) pursue Australian permanent residence in 2025. Start with a positive ACS skills assessment, prepare ICT qualifications and detailed employment references, and meet English and age requirements. ACS fees rose to roughly AUD 530–600. Calculate migration points—most invitations require 80–90 points—and consider state or regional nomination. Lodge an EOI via SkillSelect, await invitation, then apply through ImmiAccount with documents and meet health and character checks.
