Quick Answer
Primary Visa: Skilled Independent (subclass 189) or Employer-Sponsored (subclass 482/494)
Expected Salary: EUR 60,000 - 95,000/year
Processing Time: 189: 6-12 months. 482: 1-4 months with employer sponsorship.
Key Requirements: Bachelor's degree in CS or related. Skills assessment by ACS. English IELTS 6.0+ (each band). 2+ years experience.
Australia actively recruits software engineers through multiple visa pathways. The profession appears on both the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), opening several routes.
The Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) allows you to apply without an employer sponsor. You need a positive skills assessment from the Australian Computer Society (ACS), which evaluates your qualifications and experience. A bachelor's degree in CS with 2+ years of experience typically meets the criteria.
Employer-sponsored routes (subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage, or subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional) are faster, especially through accredited sponsors. Salaries are strong: AUD 80,000-130,000 (EUR 60,000-95,000) in Sydney and Melbourne, with growing markets in Brisbane and Perth.
Path to Permanent Residency
Subclass 189 grants immediate PR. Subclass 482 holders can transition to PR via subclass 186 after 2-3 years. Regional visa holders (494) can apply for PR after 3 years in a regional area.
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How do I get a skills assessment for software engineering in Australia?
Apply to the Australian Computer Society (ACS). You need a bachelor's degree in ICT with 2+ years of relevant experience, or a non-ICT degree with 4+ years of experience. The assessment takes 6-8 weeks and costs AUD 550. A positive assessment is required for both independent and employer-sponsored visas.
What is the points requirement for Australia subclass 189?
You need a minimum of 65 points, but competitive scores in 2026 are typically 80-90+ for software engineering. Points come from age (25-32 is optimal), English proficiency, education, work experience, and state nominations. Getting superior English (IELTS 8.0+) and Australian work experience adds significant points.
Is software engineering on Australia's shortage list?
Yes. Software and Applications Programmers (ANZSCO 261399) and related codes appear on the MLTSSL, giving access to both independent (189) and employer-sponsored (482/186) visa pathways. This means the occupation qualifies for the broadest range of visa options.