Software Engineer — Subclass 190 Pathway
Skilled Nominated visa · Permanent
At a glance
- Visa
- Subclass 190 — Skilled Nominated visa
- Points test
- Yes — points-tested via SkillSelect
- Sponsor
- State / territory nomination required
- Eligibility list
- MLTSSLSTSOLCSOL
- Base fee
- from $4,640 (check immi.gov.au for current fee)
- Processing time
- ~8-14 months (median)
Skills assessment for this occupation
Assessing Software Engineer for migration purposes is handled by: ACS.
Each occupation has a single designated assessing authority for migration purposes — refer to the occupation page for the body that assesses it.
Software Engineer × Subclass 190 — pathway overview
Software Engineers (ANZSCO 261313) can access the Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated visa. With software engineering listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), this is one of the most actively nominated ICT occupations across Australian states and territories. State nomination adds five points, which is often sufficient to secure an invitation. State nomination requires meeting jurisdiction-specific criteria including minimum experience, English language performance, and willingness to live in the nominating state. New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, and Western Australia all actively nominate software engineers. A positive ACS skills assessment must be obtained before lodging an EOI. After nomination and a SkillSelect invitation, the 190 visa is lodged with the Department of Home Affairs. English proficiency, health, and character checks are all mandatory. For advice tailored to your individual circumstances, always consult a registered MARA migration agent.
Content last generated: 2026-06-26
Key requirements
High-level criteria for Subclass 190. Verify every requirement on immi.gov.au before applying.
- Under 45 years of age at invitation
- Competent English (IELTS 6 or equivalent)
- Positive skills assessment in a nominated occupation on a state list
- State or territory nomination (each state runs its own program)
- Commitment to live and work in the nominating state
- Health and character requirements
Other visa pathways for Software Engineer
- 186Details →Employer Nomination Scheme visa
Permanent employer-sponsored visa for workers nominated by an approved sponsor.
- 189Details →Skilled Independent visa
Permanent points-tested visa for workers not sponsored by an employer, family member, or state.
- 482Details →Skills in Demand visa
Employer-sponsored temporary visa (formerly TSS) for occupations on the relevant list.
- 485Details →Temporary Graduate visa
Post-study work visa for recent graduates of Australian qualifications.
- 491Details →Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa
Five-year provisional visa for workers willing to live and work in regional Australia.
- 494Details →Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa
Five-year employer-sponsored provisional visa in regional Australia, with a path to PR.
State nominations for Software Engineer
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.