Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent visa (Points-tested stream)
Submitted EOIsAt least 9,728
Most common submitted EOI points †75 points
Recent invited-status presence<20*
Visa applications lodgedAt least 131
Software Engineer - ANZSCO 261313
Skilled occupation profile
Software Engineer
ANZSCO 261313Software Engineer designs, develops, modifies, documents, tests, implements, installs and supports software applications and systems.
MLTSSLCSOLSkilled Employer Sponsored Regional Occupations
Recent SkillSelect information
Recent SkillSelect information for Software Engineer
SkillSelect information published for May 2026 provides a historical snapshot of available EOI activity for Software Engineer, ANZSCO 261313. Selected published indicators relevant to this occupation are shown below.
Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated visa
Submitted EOIsAt least 22,250
Most common submitted EOI points †80 points
Recent invited-status presence<20*
Visa applications lodgedAt least 412
Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa – State or Territory nominated
Submitted EOIsAt least 24,106
Most common submitted EOI points †85 points
Recent invited-status presence<20*
Visa applications lodgedAt least 153
Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa – Family Sponsored
Submitted EOIsAt least 531
Most common submitted EOI points †105 points
Recent invited-status presenceNo published EOIs with invited status appear
Visa applications lodged<20*
* <20: the official source published a small-number value below 20. The exact number is not shown by the official source.
† PointsView-calculated indicator: calculated from the published SkillSelect points distribution where sufficient data is available.
This information gives historical SkillSelect EOI information. It does not predict invitation chances, guarantee visa outcomes, or state a minimum invitation score.
Occupation guide
Occupation details and migration pathways
This guide brings together the key occupation tasks, possible visa pathways and skills assessment information for Software Engineer ANZSCO 261313.
Typical tasks and duties
Software Engineer may perform the following tasks:
- researching, consulting, analysing and evaluating system program needs
- identifying technology limitations and deficiencies in existing systems and associated processes, procedures and methods
- testing, debugging, diagnosing and correcting errors and faults in an applications programming language within established testing protocols, guidelines and quality standards to ensure programs and applications perform to specification
- writing and maintaining program code to meet system requirements, system designs and technical specifications in accordance with quality accredited standards
- writing, updating and maintaining technical program, end user documentation and operational procedures
- providing advice, guidance and expertise in developing proposals and strategies for software design activities such as financial evaluation and costings for recommending software purchases and upgrades
Possible visa pathways
This occupation appears on MLTSSL and CSOL and Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Occupations. The right visa pathway depends on factors such as your age, English level, qualifications, work experience, skills assessment, points score, nomination options and employer sponsorship.
Skilled Independent visa subclass 189A permanent skilled visa for invited applicants who may be able to apply without state, territory or employer sponsorship.Skilled Nominated visa subclass 190A permanent skilled visa for applicants nominated by an Australian state or territory government.Skilled Work Regional visa subclass 491A provisional regional skilled visa for applicants nominated by a state or territory or sponsored by an eligible family member.Skills in Demand visa subclass 482A temporary employer-sponsored visa for skilled workers where an Australian employer cannot find a suitably skilled Australian worker.Employer Nomination Scheme visa subclass 186A permanent employer-sponsored visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer.Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa subclass 494A provisional regional employer-sponsored visa for skilled workers sponsored by an employer in regional Australia.
Skills assessment
For skilled migration purposes, Software Engineer usually requires a suitable skills assessment. Relevant assessing authorities may include:
Additional occupation-specific assessment information
The assessment authority for this occupation is Australian Computer Society (ACS) and the ACS skills assessment will assess if your educational qualifications and work experience are at a professional ICT level and closely related to your nominated occupation for migration purposes.
You are required to receive a positive assessment for your qualifications and work experience from Australian Computer Society if you are planning to migrate to Australia through skill migration program.
Click here to read further information regarding the process of assessment by Australian Computer Society.
Legacy subclass 187 pathway
Do you currently hold, or have you previously held, a subclass 457 or 482 visa?
If you have worked for a sponsoring employer in regional Australia, please note that Software Engineer — ANZSCO 261313 was included in the legacy Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (subclass 187) occupation list. The subclass 187 Direct Entry stream is closed to new applications, but the Temporary Residence Transition stream may remain available to certain transitional subclass 457 and subclass 482 workers. Eligibility is limited and depends on your visa history, relevant dates, sponsored regional employment, employer nomination, age, English and other requirements. Being included on this occupation list does not establish eligibility.
If this may describe your circumstances, we can assess whether the subclass 187 transitional arrangements may still apply to you.
Check your options
Check your skilled migration options
If Software Engineer is your nominated occupation, complete our skilled visa assessment form so we can review your possible migration pathways.
PointsView report available
Software Engineer historical SkillSelect report
The current PointsView report includes historical SkillSelect data through June 2026 for ANZSCO 261313.
View report detailsPurchase full report
Historical information does not predict invitations, visa outcomes or migration eligibility.
Reviewed by Principal Migration Consultant
Reviewed by Mohammad Reza Azimi
This occupation page has been reviewed for migration context by Shada Migration Services. Mohammad has assisted clients with Australian migration matters since 2009 and holds a Graduate Certificate in Migration Law from the Australian National University.
Last reviewed: July 2026
