From WIDENWIDEN Migration ExpertsSponsorTalentWiden CPDKeshab Chapagain · MARN 1576536
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How to hire a software developer with visa sponsorship

Written 10 November 2026. Candidate counts are live; list status from SponsorTalent's occupation data.

Developer Programmer, ANZSCO 261312, is on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) and the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). That makes it eligible for the 482, 494 and 186 employer-sponsored visas. Right now 14 software developers on SponsorTalent are seeking an Australian sponsor, 5 of them in Australia now.

The candidates available now

Live counts from candidate profiles on SponsorTalent. Search and filter them at /find/software-developer; profiles show visa status, location and experience before you unlock contact details.

Software Developer candidates on SponsorTalent

Live count of candidate profiles listed on SponsorTalent for this occupation, all seeking an Australian sponsor. Profiles are anonymous until you unlock one.

OccupationCandidatesIn Australia nowMost-listed locations
Software Developer145NSW, Sydney, Melbourne

Counted when this page loaded. A candidate can appear under more than one occupation. Browse and filter the profiles: hire by occupation.

Where they want to work

Preferred stateCandidatesIn Australia now
New South Wales31

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.

Can your business sponsor a software developer?

Developer Programmer, ANZSCO 261312, is on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) and the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). Eligible employer visas in our list data: 482, 494 and 186. The occupation you nominate must match the duties of the job: the ANZSCO title is Developer Programmer.

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.

Sponsoring from regional Australia opens the 494 as well; see regional sponsorship and DAMA for employers.

What you must pay

The nominated position must pay at least A$79,423 (2026–27 Core Skills Income Threshold for the 482 and 186, and the TSMIT for the 494), and no less than an Australian software developer in the same role and location is paid. SponsorTalent's occupation data puts the market range for software developers at roughly A$85,000 to A$165,000, depending on experience and location. Check a specific offer with the sponsorship salary check.

Checks before you make an offer

The Australian Computer Society (ACS) is the assessing authority for Developer Programmer (261312) and Software Engineer (261313). A skills assessment is not needed for every 482: it applies where the Department's instrument lists the occupation for the worker's passport country. Profiles on SponsorTalent show whether a candidate already holds an assessment.

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)

Who sponsors software developers

Software companies, fintech, consulting firms, startups, government technology agencies, large retailers and banks are the usual employers of software developers.

The steps

  1. Find the candidate. Search software developer candidates and unlock the profiles that fit, or post the role so candidates apply to you.
  2. Sponsorship. Your business needs Standard Business Sponsorship (or a labour agreement or DAMA) before it can nominate. WIDEN explains the requirements in how to become an approved sponsor.
  3. Nomination. You nominate the position as Developer Programmer at a salary that meets the threshold and the market rate. Costs are in WIDEN's cost to sponsor a worker and our sponsorship cost calculator.
  4. Visa. The worker lodges the visa after the nomination. For the legal steps for your case, use a registered migration agent: book WIDEN Migration Experts.

Frequently asked questions

Can I sponsor a software developer on a 482 visa?

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. Your business needs Standard Business Sponsorship (or a labour agreement) before you nominate.

What is the minimum salary for a sponsored software developer?

At least A$79,423 for 2026–27, and no less than the market rate an Australian software developer would be paid for the same job.

How many software developers are looking for sponsorship on SponsorTalent?

The live count is on this page and on the Software Developer candidate search at /find/software-developer. Profiles are anonymous until you unlock one.

Who handles the sponsorship and nomination?

Your business lodges them, usually through a registered migration agent. WIDEN Migration Experts (MARN 1576536) can prepare the sponsorship, nomination and visa; SponsorTalent itself is a marketplace for finding candidates.

Search software developer candidates

Browse anonymous profiles free; unlock the ones that fit.

Job seeker? Read how to get sponsored as a software developer.

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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.