Occupation list status and visas
- Occupation: Developer Programmer, ANZSCO 261312.
- Lists: Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
- Employer-sponsored visas in our list data: 482, 494 and 186.
- Industry: IT / Technology.
- Caveat: none recorded on the Core Skills Occupation List (WIDEN's copy of the Home Affairs list, read 6 November 2026).
The 482 Specialist Skills stream is open to occupations outside ANZSCO major groups 3, 7 and 8 where the salary is at least A$146,576, so it is an option when the salary reaches that level. The job you are offered must match the Developer Programmer duties; a different role cannot be nominated under this code.
Skills assessment, registration and English
The Australian Computer Society (ACS) is the assessing authority for Developer Programmer (261312) and Software Engineer (261313). For a 482, a skills assessment is needed only where the Department's instrument lists the occupation for your passport country; for the 494 and 186 the rules differ, so check before you pay for one.
In ANZSCO 2022, Software Developer is a specialisation of Developer Programmer (261312). Software Engineer (261313) is a separate occupation that is also on the Core Skills Occupation List; the nominated occupation should match the duties of the actual role. In Home Affairs' figures for the 2025-26 program year to 31 December 2025, Software Engineer was the fifth most-granted occupation for primary 482 visas nationally (about 760 grants), and Developer Programmer was in the New South Wales top 15 (about 160).
Sources: ABS: ANZSCO 2022, 261312 Developer Programmer · DEWR: skills assessment occupations and assessing authorities (ACS) · Home Affairs: temporary resident (skilled) report, 31 December 2025 (table 1.18)
English: you must meet the visa's English requirement, which differs between the 482, 494 and 186 and by passport. A registered migration agent can confirm which test score you need.
Pay
A sponsored software developer must be paid at least A$79,423 (2026–27) and no less than an Australian software developer doing the same job. SponsorTalent's occupation data puts the market range at roughly A$85,000 to A$165,000. Accept only a written offer that meets the threshold.
Who you are up against, and where
14 software developers have profiles on SponsorTalent seeking sponsorship, 5 of them in Australia now. Employers compare profiles, so a complete one (assessment status, English result, licence or registration, and the locations you will accept) is what gets you shortlisted.
| Preferred state | Candidates | In Australia now |
|---|---|---|
| New South Wales | 3 | 1 |
States where at least 3 candidates want to work, from the preferred location on each profile. A candidate can name more than one state; many are open to anywhere.
The employers who usually hire software developers: software companies, fintech, consulting firms, startups, government technology agencies, large retailers and banks.
Step by step
- Check that your work matches Developer Programmer (ANZSCO 261312) and gather proof of your qualification and experience.
- Find out whether you need a skills assessment and sit an English test if your passport does not exempt you.
- Create a free profile so employers searching software developer candidates can find you, and apply to sponsored software developer jobs.
- Approach employers directly from the approved sponsor list.
- Once an employer offers to sponsor you, the employer lodges the sponsorship and nomination and you lodge the visa. For the legal steps in your case, book a registered migration agent at WIDEN. Do not resign or travel until the visa is granted.
Frequently asked questions
Can a software developer be sponsored in Australia?
Yes. Developer Programmer, ANZSCO 261312, is on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) and the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). In SponsorTalent's list data it is eligible for the 482, 494 and 186 employer-sponsored visas. An employer must sponsor and nominate you.
Who assesses software developers for migration?
The Australian Computer Society (ACS) is the assessing authority for Developer Programmer (261312) and Software Engineer (261313). For a 482, a skills assessment is needed only where the Department's instrument lists the occupation for your passport country.
What salary must a sponsored software developer be paid?
At least A$79,423 for 2026–27, and no less than the market rate for the same job.
How do employers find software developers on SponsorTalent?
Employers search candidate profiles at /find/software-developer. A free profile with your assessment status, English result and experience makes you findable; applying to listed jobs is also free.
Next step
Create a free profile so sponsoring employers can find you.
Employers: read how to hire a software developer with visa sponsorship.
Other occupation guides: motor mechanic · electrician · welder · accountant · civil engineer · carpenter · electrical engineer · baker · mechanical engineer · dentist · bricklayer · hotel or motel manager · diesel motor mechanic · joiner · midwife · hairdresser · glazier · structural engineer · cook · butcher · hospitality manager · plumber · enrolled nurse · metal fabricator · wall and floor tiler · panel beater · dental technician · stonemason · engineering technician · marketing specialist · ict business analyst · mechanical engineering technician · fitter · sales and marketing manager · management consultant · Not on the standard 482 list: dental assistant · aged care assistant · farm worker · construction labourer
General information only, not migration advice. SponsorTalent is a marketplace; migration advice is provided by WIDEN (Keshab Chapagain, MARN 1576536) under a service agreement. Occupation list status from the Department of Home Affairs skilled occupation lists as held in SponsorTalent's occupation data; salary thresholds for 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027. Candidate counts are live and change daily. No outcome can be guaranteed.