Explore Australian Visa Pathways for IT Professionals in 2025

If you’re an IT professional planning to move to Australia, this blog post will guide you through the various visa pathways available.

 

Undoubtedly, Australia’s IT sector is growing rapidly. The country has many tech companies, from startups to big global firms. This growth has created a high demand for skilled IT professionals.

 

In fact, IT spending in Australia is expected to reach over AUD 133 billion at the end of 2024. So, it’s an almost 7.8% increase from the previous year. The job opportunities are diverse, and you can easily start your IT career in Australia.

 

To learn all about Australian visa pathways for IT professionals, continue reading.

 

Australian Visa Pathways for IT Professionals

Following are the different visa options available for IT professionals who want to move to Australia for better career opportunities:

 

• Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189)

• Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

• Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)

• Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482)

• Global Talent Visa (Subclass 858)

 

Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

The Skilled Independent Visa is a points-tested visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, state, or family member. 

 

You must be under 45 years old and proficient in the English language. Moreover, you must have relevant skills in your occupation mentioned on the skilled occupation list.

 

You must have obtained a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority. It’s a point-based test, so you should have at least 65 points to apply for this visa. 

 

So, if you meet the above-mentioned eligibility criteria, follow these steps to apply for 189 visa in Australia:

 

• Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the SkillSelect website. 
• If your EOI is successful, you will receive an invitation to apply for the visa.
• If invited, you can then apply for the visa. Complete your application within 60 days of receiving the invitation.

 

Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

The Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) is another permanent residency option but requires nomination by an Australian state or territory government. It is almost similar to the Subclass 189 visa except for state or territory nomination.

 

Moreover, each state has its own list of in-demand occupations. So, verify whether your occupation (IT-related) is on the list. 

 

You must be proficient in the English language, have the necessary IT skills related to your occupation, and score at least 65 points in the test system to be eligible for this visa. 

 

Benefit of 190 Visa: State nomination adds additional points to your application. Therefore, your chances of receiving an invitation to apply for the visa will be increased. 

 

Follow these steps to apply for a 190 visa if you meet its eligibility requirements: 

 

• Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and select the state you wish to be nominated by. 
• If your EOI is successful, you’ll get an invitation to apply for the visa.
• After receiving the invitation, submit your application within 60 days.

 

Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)

The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491) allows skilled workers to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia. It is a temporary visa; however, you can apply for permanent residency after spending three years under this visa. 

 

You must be sponsored by a state, territory, or eligible family member living in a designated regional area to apply for this visa. Moreover, your occupation must be mentioned on the relevant Skilled Occupation List.

 

Make sure you meet the points test requirements and have a positive skills assessment. If you fulfil the eligibility criteria, follow these steps to apply for the subclass 491 visa:

 

• Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and select the state you wish to be nominated by. 
• If your EOI is successful, you’ll get an invitation to apply for the visa.
• After receiving the invitation, submit your application within 60 days.

 

Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482)

The Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482) allows Australian employers to sponsor foreign workers when they cannot find suitable local candidates for that position. After working for the same employer for three years, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency.

 

This visa has the following streams:

 

• Short-term Stream: This stream is designed for occupations listed on the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL).
• Medium-term Stream: This stream is designed for occupations on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).

 

To be eligible for these streams, you must have a job offer from an approved employer. Moreover, you must meet skills and experience requirements for your nominated occupation. You must demonstrate that you have competent English language proficiency.

 

To apply for a temporary skills shortage visa, follow these steps:

 

• Your employer must first apply to be a sponsor. 
• Once approved, they can nominate you for the visa.
• After receiving sponsorship approval, submit your application.

 

Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)

The Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) allows skilled workers who are nominated by their employer to live and work permanently in Australia. It is a permanent visa. This visa has the following streams:

 

• Direct Entry Stream: This visa permits skilled individuals to live and work continuously in Australia if they are nominated by their employer.
• Labour Agreement Stream: This stream allows skilled workers who are nominated by their employer to live and work in Australia permanently. The labour agreement is made between the employer and the government.
• Temporary Residence Transition Stream: This visa permits skilled individuals to live and work continuously in Australia if their employer nominates them.

 

To be eligible for a 186 visa, you must have a job offer from an Australian employer and meet the specific requirements of the stream you are applying under.

The basic application process involves these steps:

 

• Your employer must submit a nomination application to the Department of Home Affairs Australia.
• After receiving approval from your employer’s nomination, you can apply for the visa.

 

Global Talent Visa (Subclass 858)

This visa is designed for those who have an internationally known record of extraordinary and outstanding success in an approved field. This visa provides a pathway to permanent residency, and you don’t need to meet the points requirements. 

 

You must be internationally recognised with evidence of outstanding achievements and be able to attract a salary at or above the Fair Work High Income Threshold to apply for this visa. 

 

So, these are the Australian visa options available for IT professionals. However, if you are still confused and need further assistance, contact us at The Migration. We’ll help you choose the right visa category after assessing your skills and qualifications. 

 

Things You Need to Know Before Applying for Skilled Visas

Here are some important assessments and information that you need to know before applying for the skilled worker visa in Australia. 

 

What is a Skills Assessment in Australia for Skilled Visas?

A skill assessment evaluates your skills, qualifications, and work experience required to work in your chosen occupation in Australia. It ensures that your qualifications and experience meet Australian standards.

 

For getting your skills assessed, there are different organisations working under the Australian government. Different occupations have different assessing bodies. For IT professionals, the Australian Computer Society (ACS) is the main assessing body.

 

How to Apply for the Australian Computer Society Skills Assessment? 

Follow these steps to apply for the ACS skills assessment: 

 

• Gather all necessary documents, including academic transcripts, employment references, and proof of English proficiency.
• Apply online through the ACS website and attach all necessary and supporting documents.
• The ACS will review your application and provide an outcome, which you will need for your visa application.

 

How to Calculate Points Score for Skilled Migration Visas?

 

 

The points system is used to rank applicants for certain skilled visas. To calculate your points score, visit the official website: Points calculator. Here are the main factors that influence your points score:

 

• Age
• English Language Proficiency
• Work experience
• Educational qualifications
• State/Territory Nomination or Sponsorship

 

Here is the detailed breakdown of these points:

 

Age

Look at the table below and find out how many points you will get based on your age:

 

Age	Points
18-24 years	25 points
25-32 years	30 points
33-39 years	25 points
40-44 years	15 points

 

English Language Proficiency

Look at the table below and find out how many points you will get based on your English language proficiency:

 

English Proficiency Level	Points
Competent English	0 points
Proficient English	10 points
Superior English	20 points

 

Skilled Employment Experience

If you have relevant skill work experience inside Australia, you will get points on the following basis:

 

• If you have 1-2 years of work experience in Australia, you will get 5 points. 
• If you have 3-4 years of work experience in Australia, you will get 10 points. 
• If you have 5-7 years of work experience in Australia, you will get 15 points. 
• If you have 8-10 years of work experience in Australia, you will get 20 points. 

 

If you have relevant skill work experience outside Australia, you will get points on the following basis:

 

• If you have 3-4 years of work experience in Australia, you will get 5 points.
• If you have 5-7 years of work experience in Australia, you will get 10 points.
• If you have 8-10 years of work experience in Australia, you will get 15 points.

 

Educational Qualifications

You will receive the following points on the basis of your educational qualifications:

 

• If you have a doctorate degree, you will receive 20 points. 
• If you have a bachelor’s or master’s degree, you will receive 15 points.
• If you have a diploma or trade qualification, you will receive 10 points.

 

State/Territory Nomination or Sponsorship

Points are also awarded on the basis of state or territory nomination. 

 

• If you have state or territory nomination  for Subclass 190, you will receive 5 points.
• If you have regional sponsorship for Subclass 491, you will receive 15 points.

 

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it, a comprehensive guide to various Australian visa options for IT professionals. Choosing the right visa pathway is important for a successful move to Australia. Because each visa has its own requirements and benefits, it’s important to research and understand your options. 

 

Seeking professional advice from a migration agent can also be very helpful.

 

Schedule an online consultation now and allow us to help you deal with your problems. At The Migration, we have a MARA-certified agent, Nasir Nawaz, who has a wide range of experience in providing Australian immigration consultation. 

 

Therefore, contact us now and get authentic and genuine consultation at affordable rates.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How to Migrate to Australia as an IT Professional?

To migrate to Australia as an IT professional, you need to follow these steps:

 

• Identify the visa that suits your qualifications and experience.
• Get your skills assessed by the relevant authority, such as the Australian Computer Society (ACS).
• Submit an EOI through SkillSelect and provide details about your skills, experience, and qualifications.
• If your EOI is successful, you will receive an invitation to apply for the visa.
• Complete the visa application, submit all required documents, and pay the application fee.
• Undergo health examinations and provide police certificates to meet Australia’s health and character requirements.
• The Department of Home Affairs will review your application and notify you of the outcome.

 

Is There PR in Information Technology in Australia?

Yes, there is permanent residency (PR) available for IT professionals in Australia. Several visa options provide pathways to PR, including:

 

• Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
• Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
• Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)
• Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)

 

What is the ICT Skilled Visa in Australia?

The ICT Skilled Visa refers to various visas available for IT professionals under the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program. These visas include:

 

• Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
• Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
• Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)
• Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)

 

Is Cyber Security in PR List in Australia?

Yes, cybersecurity is on the PR list in Australia. ICT Security Specialists are listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), making them eligible for several PR visas, including:

 

• Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
• Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
• Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)
• Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)

These pathways provide opportunities for cybersecurity professionals to obtain permanent residency in Australia.