Developer Programmer.
ANZSCO 261312
Developer programmers are in strong demand across Australia's technology sector. This occupation covers roles focused on coding, developing, and testing software applications. Sydney and Melbourne are the primary tech hubs, but Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide are growing rapidly.
At a glance
- ANZSCO code
- 261312
- Occupation list
- MLTSSL CSOL
- Eligible visas
- Subclass 189, Subclass 190, Subclass 491, Subclass 482, Subclass 186, Subclass CSOL pathway
- Assessing authority
- ACS
Eligible visa subclasses.
Subclass 189 - Skilled Independent
Points-tested, no sponsorship needed. Direct permanent residency.
Subclass 190 - Skilled Nominated
State-nominated with 5 bonus points. Permanent residency.
Subclass 491 - Skilled Work Regional
Regional visa with 15 bonus points. Pathway to PR via 191.
Subclass 482 - Temporary Skill Shortage
Employer-sponsored temporary visa. Pathway to 186 PR.
Subclass 186 - Employer Nomination
Employer-sponsored permanent residency.
State nomination availability.
Based on current state occupation lists. Availability changes regularly - check official state websites for the latest.
Other states may also nominate this occupation. View all state nomination guides.
Migration tips.
- ACS assessment is the same process as for software engineers. Ensure your employment references clearly describe programming and development responsibilities, not just general IT work.
- The distinction between Developer Programmer (261312) and Software Engineer (261313) in the ANZSCO system is subtle. Choose the one that best matches your actual work - ACS will assess based on your duties, not your job title.
- Developer programmers with experience in cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), DevOps, or machine learning have strong prospects in the Australian job market.
Frequently asked questions.
What is the difference between Developer Programmer and Software Engineer for migration?
Both are on the MLTSSL and assessed by ACS. Developer Programmer (261312) focuses on writing and maintaining code, while Software Engineer (261313) encompasses broader system design. Choose based on your actual work duties - the visa outcomes are identical.
Do I need a computer science degree?
A closely related ICT degree speeds up the process (only 2 years experience needed). With a non-ICT degree, you need 4+ years of relevant experience. Without any degree, you need 6+ years of relevant experience.
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