Software Tester — 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 Tester 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 Tester × Subclass 482 — pathway overview
Software Testers (ANZSCO 261314) are eligible for the Subclass 482 Skills in Demand visa under the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). Technology companies, banks, insurance firms, and consulting organisations across Australia regularly sponsor software testers to meet quality assurance and testing automation demands as software delivery cycles accelerate. An employer with Standard Business Sponsorship must nominate the position and complete labour market testing. At least two years of relevant software testing experience is required. Salary must meet or exceed the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold. ACS conducts the skills assessment covering manual testing, automation frameworks, and defect tracking. 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 may lead to permanent residence through the 186 ENS pathway. 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 Tester
- 186Details →Employer Nomination Scheme visa
Permanent employer-sponsored visa for workers nominated by an approved sponsor.
- 190Details →Skilled Nominated visa
Permanent visa for workers nominated by a state or territory government.
- 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 Tester
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.