Software and Applications Programmers nec – ANZSCO 261399
- Software and Applications Programmers Nec design, develop, test, maintain and document program code in accordance with user requirements, and system and technical specifications.
Note: this occupation group covers Software and Applications Programmers not elsewhere classified
- Skill Level
- 1
- Specialisations
-
- No occupations have currently been identified for this residual category.
Skills Assessment Requirement
Unless you are exempt in very limited circumstances, you are required to have a positive Skills Assessment to apply for the visas listed above.
Skills Assessment authority for Software and Applications Programmer Nec is Australian Computer Society (ACS). To have a positive skills assessment, you must meet the following criteria:
- Qualification comparable to AQF Bachelor Degree or higher with an ICT Major
- If the applicant has completed a course with an ICT Major that is closely related to the occupation of Software and Applications Programmer Nec, the following is required:
- 2 years relevant work experience completed within the past 10 years; or
- 4 years relevant work experience completed anytime in your previous work history
- If the applicant has completed a course with an ICT Major that is NOT closely related to the occupation of Software and Applications Programmer Nec, the following is required:
- 4 years relevant work experience completed anytime in your previous work history
- If the applicant has completed a course with an ICT Major that is closely related to the occupation of Software and Applications Programmer Nec, the following is required:
- Qualification comparable to AQF Bachelor Degree or higher with an ICT Minor
- If the applicant has completed a course with an ICT Minor that is closely related to the occupation of Software and Applications Programmer Nec, the following is required:
- 5 years relevant work experience completed in the past 10 years; or
- 6 years relevant work experience completed anytime in your previous work history
- If the applicant has completed a course with an ICT Minor that is NOT closely related to the occupation of Software and Applications Programmer Nec, the following is required:
- 6 years relevant work experience completed anytime in your previous work history
- If the applicant has completed a course with an ICT Minor that is closely related to the occupation of Software and Applications Programmer Nec, the following is required:
- Qualification comparable to AQF Diploma or Vendor Certification
- If the applicant has completed a course with an ICT Major that is closely related to the occupation of Software and Applications Programmer Nec, the following is required:
- 5 years relevant work experience completed within the past 10 years; or
- 6 years relevant work experience completed anytime in your previous work history
- If the applicant has completed a course with an ICT Major that is NOT closely related to the occupation of Software and Applications Programmer Nec, the following is required:
- 6 years relevant work experience completed anytime in your previous work history.
- If the applicant has completed a course with an ICT Major that is closely related to the occupation of Software and Applications Programmer Nec, the following is required:
- ACS also recognises prior learning (RPL).
- If the applicant has a Non-ICT Qualification that is comparable AQF Diploma or higher, the following is required:
- 6 years relevant work experience completed anytime in your previous work history; and
- Recognition of Prior Learning application
- If the applicant has no tertiary qualification and has work experience only, the following is required:
- If the applicant has a Non-ICT Qualification that is comparable AQF Diploma or higher, the following is required:
- 8 years of relevant work experience; and
- Recognition of Prior Learning Application
- Note: a prior learning application requires you to demonstrate how you acquired your ICT knowledge. You must submit 2 Project Reports with an RPL application.
- The following Vendor Certifications are accepted by ACS as comparable to AQF Diploma level qualification:
- Microsoft Certifications
- Cisco Certifications
- Australian qualifications that have been accredited by ACS will most likely meet the ICT Major Criteria. However, it may not necessarily be assessed as being closely related to your nominated occupation. Therefore, it is important to ensure you nominate the correct occupation.
- ACS will only count employment that is completed after the date you have met the ACS Suitability Criteria as Skilled Employment. This means they will not consider pre-qualification employment experience.
Important
ACS has specific requirements relating to some regions.
- Bologna Agreement
- If your qualification was completed in a country that is a signatory to the Bologna Agreement, please submit the Diploma Supplement
- People’s Republic of China (PRC)
- If your qualification was completed in China, please provide the graduation Diploma and certificate of award according to the regulations of academic degrees in PRC.
- Pakistan
- If your qualification was completed in Pakistan, you are required to submit an attested Higher Education Commission Pakistan copy of the award certificate and a full academic transcript.
- If you have work experience completed in Pakistan, you are required ot provide evidence that the employer is registered with the Securities Exchange Commission of Pakistan and/or the Federal Board of Revenue of Pakistan.
- Philippines
- If you qualification was completed in the Philippines, you need to supply evidence of passing the Professional Regulation Commission’s Licensure Examinations.
Potential Visa Pathways for Software and Applications Programmers Nec
| ANZSCO | Occupation | Skills Assessment | 189 | 190 | 485 | 491 (State) | 491 (Family) | 186 (Direct) | 407 (Training) | 494 (regional Sponsored) | 482 (TSS Medium Term) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 261399 | Software and Applications Programmers Nec | ACS | √ | √ | √ | √ | √ | √ | √ | √ | √ |
Group: 2613 Software and Applications Programmers
- Description
- Design, develop, test, maintain and document program code in accordance with user requirements, and system and technical specifications.
- Tasks
-
- Researching, consulting, analysing and evaluating system program needs
- Identifying technology limitations and deficiencies in existing systems and associated processes, procedures and methods
- Testing, debugging, diagnosing and correcting errors and faults in an applications programming language within established testing protocols, guidelines and quality standards to ensure programs and applications perform to specification
- Writing and maintaining program code to meet system requirements, system designs and technical specifications in accordance with quality accredited standards
- Writing, updating and maintaining technical program, end user documentation and operational procedures
- Providing advice, guidance and expertise in developing proposals and strategies for software design activities such as financial evaluation and costings for recommending software purchases and upgrades
- Skill Level
- Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with a bachelor degree or higher qualification. At least five years of relevant experience and/or relevant vendor certification may substitute for the formal qualification. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 1).
- Occupations in this Group
-
- 261311 Analyst Programmer
- 261312 Developer Programmer
- 261313 Software Engineer
- 261314 Software Tester
- 261315 Cyber Security Engineer
- 261316 DevOps Engineer
- 261317 Penetration Tester
- 261399 Software and Applications Programmers nec
How to calculate your points (skilled visas)
To apply for a skilled visa, you need to know how many points you can score. The minimum score to be eligible for application is 65 points. However, depending on your occupation, the competitiveness, and the states you are applying to, you might need to score more points to get an invite.
Points will be given to you based on the following:
- Age
- Educational Qualifications
- Points for Professional Year
- Points for NAATI- Credentialled Community Language
- Points for 2 Year Study
- Points for English
- Points for Regional Study
- Points for Work Experience
- Points for Specialist Educational Qualifications (STEM)
- Points for Partner
Click here to calculate your points.
189 visa – Skilled Independent Visa
This 189 visa allows you to live, work and study in Australia permanently. It is a points-tested visa. The minimum score to apply is 65 points. However, based on previous invitation rounds, you would need to achieve a higher score to have a better chance of obtaining an invitation.
In short, to be eligible for visa 189, you need to meet the following criteria:
Immigration Points
Must score at least 65 points. Due to the competitive nature of this visa, a pool mark does not guarantee an invitation to apply.
English
Must have at least Competent English, i.e., IELTS 6.0 or equivalent.
Age
Must be under 45 years of age. There is however no age limit for the 189 NZ stream.
be invited
Must lodge the EOI and be invited by the Department of Home Affairs to apply for the visa.
Skills assessment
Must have positive skills assessment. Each occupation has a specific assessing authority.
HEALTH AND CHARACTER
Must meet health and character requirements.
Subclass 190 visa– Skilled Nominated Visa & Subclass 491 visa – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa
To apply for visa subclass 190 and visa subclass 491, you need to have a nomination from the state/territory government where you want to live and work. Each State and Territory have individual requirements that must be met in order to receive nomination. (See below)
While the 190 visa is a permanent visa, subclass 491 visa gives you right to live and work in regional Australia for 5 years with a pathway to permanent residency through the subclass 191 visa.
Another difference between the 190 and 491 visa is that you can only apply for visa subclass 491 if you are living and working in regional areas in Australia, while it is not a requirement if you are applying for the 190 visa.
In summary, to be eligible for 190 visa, you need to meet the following criteria:
Immigration Points
Must score at least 65 points, or higher points if the state or territory requires.
English
Must have at least Competent English, i.e., IELTS 6.0 or equivalent, or higher if the state or territory requires.
Age
Must be under 45 years of age.
be invited
Must lodge an EOI and be invited by the state or territory and then apply for the visa.
Skills assessment
Must have positive skills assessment. Each occupation has a specific assessing authority.
HEALTH AND CHARACTER
Must meet health and character requirements.
To check if the state/ territory government requirements for your occupation, refer to the following links
State/ Territory |
Links to requirements |
| New South Wales |
|
| Victoria | |
| South Australia | |
| Western Australia | |
| Northern Territory | |
| Australian Capital Territory (ACT) | |
| Tasmania | |
| Queensland |
485 Visa – Graduate Temporary Visa (Graduate Work Stream)
The 485 visa is a work visa available to international students who have completed two years of study in Australia. It is an 18-month visa that has full work rights and full study rights. It also allows you to travel freely to and from Australia throughout the validity of the visa.
To be eligible for visa 485, you need to meet the following criteria:
Visa History
Must hold a student visa when applying or have held one in the last 6 months.
English Level
Must have at least IELTS 6.0 or equivalent with no band less than 5, or equivalent.
Age
You must be under 50 years of age.
Education
Must have completed a two-year CRISCOS registered course(s).
Skills assessment
Must have positive 485 skills assessment.
Occupation
Your occupation must be on the MLTSSL list.
Subclass 491 Family Sponsored visa – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa
This 491 Family sponsored visa requires you to have a family member who is living in regional area to sponsor you. This visa offers pathway to permanent residency through visa subclass 191.
Immigration Points
Must score at least 65 points, or higher points as it is competitive.
English
Must have at least Competent English, i.e., IELTS 6.0 or equivalent.
Age
Must be under 45 years of age.
be invited
Must lodge an EOI and be invited by DHA to apply for the visa.
Skills assessment
Must have positive skills assessment. Each occupation has a specific assessing authority.
HEALTH AND CHARACTER
Must meet health and character requirements.
Subclass 186 visa – Employer Nomination Scheme
If you have an employer who is willing to sponsor you, you may be eligible for a Subclass 186 visa. This visa is permanent and will allow you to live, work and study in Australia indefinitely. To be eligible for this visa, you need to have at least 3 years of working experience in your nominated occupation and a positive skills assessment. Alternatively, if you are a holder of a Subclass 457 or TSS visa, you can apply for Subclass 186 after working for your employer for at least 2 years under the Temporary Residence Transition stream.
Experience
At least 3-year full-time work experience in the nominated occupation.
English
Must have at least Competent English, i.e., IELTS 6.0 or equivalent.
Be Sponsored
Must be sponsored by an Australian employer.
Skills assessment
Must have a positive skills assessment. Exemptions apply for the 186TRT.
HEALTH AND CHARACTER
Must meet health and character requirements.
407 Training Visa
The 407 visa a short stay visa for individuals to participate in occupational training or professional development in Australia. This visa is generally valid to stay in Australia for 2 years. Please note this visa is subject to condition 8102 which forbids work apart from the training that is specified in the visa application. You are also required to maintain health insurance whilst in Australia.
To be eligible for visa 407, you need to meet the following criteria:
GTE
You must prove that you genuinely stay in Australia for training and will depart when you complete the training.
English Level
Must have Functional English, i.e. IELTS overall 4.5 with no band less than 4, or equivalent.
Age
Must be over 18 years old.
Be Sponsored
You must be sponsored by an approved temporary activities sponsor – Can be an employer or a commonwealth agency
HEALTH INSURANCE
Must hold valid private health insurance.
Health and Character
Must meet health and character requirements.
Subclass 494 visa – Skilled Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa
You can apply for subclass 494 if you have a regional employer who is willing to sponsor you. To be eligible for this visa, you must have at least 3 years of working experience in your nominated occupation and have a relevant skills assessment. With this visa, there is a requirement that you must work for the employer who is sponsoring you.
This visa provides pathway to permanent residency through the 191 visa.
Experience
At least 3 years full-time work experience in the nominated occupation.
English
Must have at least Competent English, i.e., IELTS 6.0 or equivalent.
Be Sponsored
Must be sponsored by an Australian regional employer.
Skills assessment
Must have a positive skills assessment.
Location
Must live and work in regional areas in Australia.
Subclass 482 visa – Temporary Skill Shortage (Medium Term) visa
The Subclass 482 visa is a Temporary Skill Shortage visa that requires a sponsorship from an Australian employer. This visa allows to your live and work in Australia for up to 4 years. You may apply for as many 482 visas as you want, as long as the employer is willing to sponsor you.
Experience
At least 2 years work experience in the nominated occupation.
English Level
Must have IELTS overall of atleast 5.0 with no band less than 5.0.
Age
There is no age requirement for this visa.
Be Sponsored
Must be sponsored by an Australian employer.
Skills assessment
Generally not required unless on this list.
Health and Character
Must meet health and character requirements.
Job Outlook
Study Pathway to Software and Applications Programmers Nec
To become a programmer you usually have to complete a VET qualification. You can also become a programmer by studying information technology or computer science at university with a major in programming, software development or games development. To get into these courses, you usually need to gain your Senior Secondary Certificate of Education. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English and mathematics are normally required. There are also a wide range of vendor and industry certifications available that may substitute for formal qualifications and can be highly regarded by employers.
Course Details
Certificate IV in Information Technology (Programming)
- Duration: 6 months
- Total Course Cost Approx: $7,500 AUD
Requirements
- Completion of Australian secondary education or equivalent
- English proficiency requirement – IELTS 5.5 overall
- Applicants are also required to complete a literacy and numeracy assessment and a pre-training interview
Related Courses
- Diploma of Software Development
- Bachelor of Information Technology
- Bachelor of Computer Science (Advanced) (Honours)
Book a consultation with our Registered Migration Agents in Melbourne to find out more about your visa options and your path to Australian permanent residency or applying for citizenship.
