Do you know that over 60% of qualified and skilled engineers in Australia are from overseas? It is because Australia have become the prime destination among skilled engineers looking for the Australia PR Visa. Additionally, software engineers are in significant demand across various Australian states and territories.
Therefore, Australia’s skilled migration program offers multiple visa programs to software engineers planning to settle down in Australia permanently.
If you are a skilled software engineer, this article is for you. Here, we will provide a step-by-step guide on applying for the Australia PR Visa from India.
Steps to Secure an Australia PR Visa from India in 2025
The process of securing an Australian PR Visa involves several steps that candidates must follow accordingly. Below, we have outlined the step-by-step procedure to obtain an Australian PR Visa.
Understanding the Australia PR Visa Options
This kangaroo nation offers various PR visa subclasses under the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program. For software engineers, the most relevant visa subclasses are:
- Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent Visa: It is a points-tested visa for skilled employees who are not sponsored by family or employer or state/territory-nominated.
- Subclass 190 – Nominated Skilled Visa: This visa, which is based on a points test, is intended for skilled workers who have been nominated by the government of an Australian state or territory.
- Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa: This visa enables skilled workers to reside and work in designated regional areas. It provides a pathway to permanent residency under Subclass 191.
All of these visas demand satisfaction of specific requirements, such as age, qualifications, English language ability, and a points test.
Verify Eligibility and Occupation List
Software Engineer (ANZSCO Code: 261313) is on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). Being on the MLTSSL qualifies you to apply for all three visa subclasses (189, 190, and 491), if you satisfy the other requirements.
- Eligibility requirements typically are:
- Age below 45 on invitation.
- English language skills (IELTS 6.0 minimum in all bands or equivalent).
- Relevant qualifications and work experience.
- Minimum 65 points on the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) points test.
Get Skills Assessed by ACS
An initial official step is having your skills assessed by the Australian Computer Society (ACS), the approved assessing authority for IT professions. ACS Skills Assessment Steps:
- Register on the ACS website.
- Select the right assessment pathway based on your educational background and work experience.
- Submit documents such as:
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates.
- Resume/CV.
- Employer reference letters (with explicit mention of job role, period, and responsibilities).
- Passport and ID proof.
- Pay the fee (as of 2025, it’s approximately AUD 530–600).
- Wait for the result, taking 8–10 weeks on average.
ACS may ask for work experience that is closely related to your qualifications. In case of a gap, you may be asked to provide more documentation or evidence.
Take an English Language Test
To demonstrate English competency, you are required to take one of the following tests:
- IELTS (General or Academic)
- PTE Academic
- TOEFL iBT
- OET (for health-related professions, not usually relevant in this case)
The minimum required mark is Competent English:
- IELTS: 6 in all bands
- PTE: 50 in each section
- TOEFL iBT scores are 12 for listening, 13 for reading, 21 for writing, and 18 for speaking.
For higher marks, you may target Proficient (IELTS 7) or Superior (IELTS 8) English levels.
Calculate Your Points
You must have at least 65 points to qualify to apply. Yet, because of saturation in software-related jobs, more points (85–90+) greatly enhance your chances. Points are given for:
- Age (Max 30 points for ages 25–32)
- English language proficiency (Up to 20 points)
- Skilled work experience (Up to 20 points)
- Qualification (Up to 20 points)
- Study on Australian and regional issues (extra points if relevant)
- Partner qualifications, community language qualifications, nomination or sponsorship (varies)
Use the Australia PR Points Calculator to determine your total.
Lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI)
When you have received your skills assessment and English test result, make a SkillSelect account and lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI).In your EOI, you will:
- Select the visa subclasses for which you are making an application.
- Share information regarding your skills, qualifications, and experience.
- Refer to your ACS assessment reference and English test score.
This is not an application for a visa but an expression of your desire to immigrate to Australia. Your profile is scored according to your points, and if you are at the cut-off, then you can expect an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Apply for State Nomination (if required)
If your scores are not adequate for Subclass 189, look into state nomination for Subclass 190 or Subclass 491. All Australian states and territories have different requirements and occupation lists. You will have to:
- Select a state in which a Software Engineer is required.
- Apply separately for state nomination.
- Comply with particular requirements such as offer of employment (for some states), proof of funds, or agreement to settle in that state.
After nomination, you receive a further 5 points (Subclass 190) or 15 points (Subclass 491).
Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Australia PR visa
When your EOI is chosen (either because of high points or state nomination), you will be invited to apply (ITA) by the Department of Home Affairs. This is the formal step that marks the beginning of your visa application.
You’ll typically have 60 days to submit your complete visa application with all supporting documents, such as:
- ACS assessment letter
- English language test results
- Police clearance certificates
- Medical examination reports
- Employment evidence
- Proof of relationship (for partners/spouses)
Submit Visa Application
Apply for the visa online via the ImmiAccount portal. Upload all documents and pay the visa application fee (for Subclass 189, it’s around AUD 4,640 as of 2025 for the primary applicant). Make sure your documents are:
- Certified or notarised if necessary.
- Translated accurately (if not in English).
The Department can ask for more information or an interview in certain circumstances.
Await Visa Grant
Processing time is different for different visa subclasses and number of applications. On average:
- Subclass 189: 6–9 months
- Subclass 190: 7–10 months
- Subclass 491: 6–12 months
You will be informed when the visa has been approved. You and your relatives can then relocate to Australia and start residing and working as permanent residents.
Conclusion
Immigrating to Australia as a software engineer involves a well-defined yet competitive process. With your occupation listed under the MLTSSL, you already have a strong chance of getting the permanent residency visa. However, maximising your points, preparing quality documents, and staying updated with the state nominations are key to success.
If you are also planning to Immigrate to Australia, consulting Keymart Visa, the Best Australia Immigration Consultant at +91 9911338722 or info@keymartvisa.com, ensure accuracy in the complete application process.
