ICT · ANZSCO 261313
Software Engineer immigration to Australia & Canada
Software engineers design, build, and maintain software applications and systems. One of the highest-demand occupations across Australia and Canada; ACS assesses ICT skills and may require an RPL report for non-ICT degrees.
Australia pathway
Skilled migration (189 / 190 / 491)
ACS assesses Software Engineer (ANZSCO 261313). With an ICT major closely related to the nominated occupation, ACS deducts two years of experience; four years if the ICT major is not closely related; and roughly six years plus an RPL report where the qualification is not ICT. A positive skills assessment is required before an Expression of Interest. Points cover age, English, education, and experience; state nomination (190) or regional (491) can add points.
Canada pathway
Express Entry & 2026 category draws
2026 category: STEM occupations
Software engineering is inside the renewed STEM category for 2026, one of the more consistently drawn categories. You will need an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) and qualifying language scores. We help optimise your CRS and prepare a document-ready profile.
Why Software Engineer applications most often stall
The ACS deduction is the single most miscalculated factor for this occupation. Deducted years are not skilled employment for points, so a candidate with six years of experience and a non-ICT degree can claim zero employment points. Calculate your points after the deduction, not before.
Based on files ImmiPace has reviewed. Last reviewed 2026-08-29.
Software Engineer migration — common questions
Is Software Engineer eligible for Australian skilled migration?
Software Engineer is assessed by Australian Computer Society (ACS) for Australian skilled visas (subclass 189 Skilled Independent, 190 State Nominated, and 491 Regional). ACS assesses Software Engineer (ANZSCO 261313). With an ICT major closely related to the nominated occupation, ACS deducts two years of experience; four years if the ICT major is not closely related; and roughly six years plus an RPL report where the qualification is not ICT. Occupation lists and state nomination criteria change, so always confirm current eligibility with the Department of Home Affairs and the relevant assessing authority.
Which Canada Express Entry category does a Software Engineer fall under in 2026?
Software Engineer generally falls under STEM occupations. Software engineering is inside the renewed STEM category for 2026, one of the more consistently drawn categories. For renewed categories IRCC requires at least one year of experience in an eligible occupation. Category eligibility can matter more than raising your CRS score, because category rounds frequently invite below the general cut-off.
Why do Software Engineer skilled migration applications get refused or delayed?
The ACS deduction is the single most miscalculated factor for this occupation. Deducted years are not skilled employment for points, so a candidate with six years of experience and a non-ICT degree can claim zero employment points. Calculate your points after the deduction, not before.
What documents does a Software Engineer need for a skills assessment?
Typically: degree certificates and transcripts, detailed employment reference letters matching the duties of the nominated occupation, CV, English test results, and identity documents. ImmiPace reviews your documents and prepares a submission-ready file.