Software Engineer — Subclass 482 Pathway
Skills in Demand visa · 1-4 years (Specialist Skills, Core Skills, or Essential Skills stream)
At a glance
- Visa
- Subclass 482 — Skills in Demand visa
- Points test
- Not points-tested
- Sponsor
- Employer sponsor required
- Eligibility list
- MLTSSLSTSOLROLCSOL
- Base fee
- from $1,455 short-term / from $3,035 medium-term (check immi.gov.au for current fee)
- Processing time
- ~1-4 months (median)
Skills assessment for this occupation
Assessing Software Engineer for migration purposes is handled by: ACS.
Skills assessment is only required for some occupation/passport combinations — the assessing body is the same one listed for the ANZSCO code.
Software Engineer × Subclass 482 — pathway overview
Software Engineers (ANZSCO 261313) are among the most sponsored professionals under the Subclass 482 Skills in Demand visa, with the occupation listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). Technology companies, consulting firms, banks, health technology providers, and government agencies regularly sponsor software engineers to fill critical development roles. An employer with Standard Business Sponsorship must nominate the position and complete labour market testing. At least two years of software engineering experience is required. Salary must meet or exceed the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold. The ACS conducts the skills assessment. English proficiency requirements apply under the Medium stream. Health and character checks are mandatory. The 482 visa is valid for up to four years and provides a recognised pathway to the permanent 186 ENS visa. 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 482. Verify every requirement on immi.gov.au before applying.
- Nominated by an approved Australian sponsor
- Position pays at least the relevant Core Skills Income Threshold
- At least one year of relevant work experience in the nominated occupation
- Positive skills assessment if required for the occupation/passport combination
- Vocational English (IELTS 5.0 in each component or equivalent)
- 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.
- 190Details →Skilled Nominated visa
Permanent visa for workers nominated by a state or territory government.
- 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.