Software Engineer
ICT Professionals
Part of the Software and Applications Programmers group
Software Engineer is listed on Australia's Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL). Skilled migration to Australia for Software Engineers involves visa pathways, skills assessment requirements, and key eligibility requirements under the CSOL.
Software Engineer (ANZSCO 261313) is on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).
ANZSCO Code
261313
Skills Assessment Body
Typical Qualification
Bachelor degree or higher (ANZSCO Skill Level 1)
Visa pathways for Software Engineer
- Occupation code
- ANZSCO 261313
- Occupation lists as at 2026-09-25
- CSOL, MLTSSL
- Assessing authority
- Australian Computer Society Incorporated (ACS) · assessment fee $625 to $1,498 AUD by pathway, checked September 2026
- Typical qualification
- Bachelor degree or higher (ANZSCO Skill Level 1)
Subclass 482
Skills in Demand, Core Skills stream
Employer nomination of Software Engineer under ANZSCO 2022 code 261313, with at least 1 year of relevant work experience.
Subclass 186
Employer Nomination Scheme
Direct Entry on the CSOL with a skills assessment from ACS, or Temporary Residence Transition after 2 years on a 482 with the sponsoring employer as Software Engineer; the TRT stream has no occupation list.
Subclass 494
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional)
Software Engineer is on the 494 list under ANZSCO 2013 code 261313; a regional employer nominates, and the Subclass 191 permanent visa follows after 3 years without an occupation list of its own.
Subclass 189
Skilled Independent
Software Engineer is on the MLTSSL (ANZSCO 2013 code 261313), so a points-tested invitation with no nominator is open.
Subclass 190
Skilled Nominated
Software Engineer is on the MLTSSL, so a state or territory can nominate it; each state's own list decides whether it does.
Subclass 491
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional)
State or territory nomination for Software Engineer on the MLTSSL, or family sponsorship in a regional area.
How each visa works: 482, 186, 494, 189, 190, 491, DAMA and skills assessment. Lists: Department of Home Affairs.
Related occupations in the same group
Reviewed by Visa Plan Lawyers · Last updated: April 2026 · Occupation data sourced from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Occupation Standard Classification for Australia (OSCA) and the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO), and the Department of Home Affairs Core Skills Occupation List, given legal effect through the Subclass 482 instrument (F2024L01620) and the Subclass 186 instrument (F2024L01618). Occupation list status (MLTSSL, STSOL, ROL) as published by the Department of Home Affairs on 2026-09-25. This page provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Contact Visa Plan for advice specific to your situation.