If you work in IT and want an Australian skilled visa, the ACS skills assessment is the first formal step. The Australian Computer Society is the authority that assesses IT, data science and cyber security qualifications and experience for migration. This guide explains the four pathways, the 2026 fees, how long an outcome is valid and what to prepare – using ACS’s own pages.
Quick answer
The ACS Migration Skills Assessment examines your identity documents and evaluates your educational qualifications and work experience to decide whether they meet professional IT standards and are closely related to your nominated occupation (ANZSCO) for migration. It is built on SFIA, the Skills Framework for the Information Age. ACS reviews your qualification against the Australian Qualifications Framework, classes its IT content as a Major, Minor or Insufficient, and then decides how much relevant work experience you need.
| Pathway | Who it is for | Assessed on | Fee (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Skills | Experienced IT, data science or cyber security professionals with recognised tertiary qualifications | Overseas and Australian qualifications and at least 2 years of experience | 1,498 |
| Post Australian Study | International students with an Australian bachelor’s degree or higher in IT, data science or cyber security | The Australian degree plus at least 1 year (365 days) of relevant Australian experience or the ACS Professional Year | 1,136 |
| Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) | Experienced professionals without formal IT tertiary qualifications | Professional currency evidence, an RPL form with 2 projects and at least 6 years of experience | 625 |
| Qualification Only | Students with an Australian diploma or associate degree (for example to apply for a 485 visa), or to check a bachelor degree’s ICT content | Qualification | 625 |
Appeals are also priced: Level 1 appeal AUD 516 and Level 2 appeal AUD 620, and ACS may refund an appeal fee if the decision is overturned. ACS reserves the right to change its fees, so confirm the current amount at the start of your application.
| Pathway | Documents |
|---|---|
| General Skills | Proof of identity, evidence of qualifications and evidence of work experience |
| Post Australian Study | Proof of identity, evidence of qualifications and evidence of work experience or the completed ACS Professional Year |
| RPL | Proof of identity, evidence of work experience, two RPL project reports and professional currency evidence |
| Qualification Only (485) | Proof of identity and evidence of qualifications |
Watch out
Everything you want considered must be in the application when you submit it. ACS says additional documentation cannot be added once the application is in process, and it cannot tell you in advance whether a degree will be accepted.
Suitable outcomes are valid for 2 years. A suitable letter is evidence for the Department of Home Affairs; it is not a formal IT award, qualification or licence. If you receive an Unsuitable outcome, ACS notes the reason and explains the appeal process. Because ACS updates its criteria, returning applicants can sometimes receive an outcome that differs from their earlier one.
A positive ACS outcome is one requirement for a skilled visa. Next you check your points on our Australia PR points calculator, confirm your English score (see PTE vs IELTS for Australia PR and our IELTS and PTE coaching), and look at the skilled occupation lists. IT professionals can also read our overview of the Australia immigration process for IT professionals. If you studied in Australia, see the Graduate visa 485 guide.
| Your situation | Pathway |
|---|---|
| IT or data science degree and at least 2 years of relevant experience | General Skills |
| No IT tertiary qualification but at least 6 years of experience | Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) |
| Australian bachelor degree or higher in IT, data science or cyber security, and at least 1 year of relevant Australian experience or the ACS Professional Year | Post Australian Study |
| Australian diploma or associate degree, or you want to check your degree’s ICT content | Qualification Only |
ACS says General Skills is for applicants with ICT qualifications and professional ICT work experience, and RPL is for applicants with professional ICT work experience but no tertiary qualifications. It also notes that you do not have to upload a resume, although you can add one in the Personal Details section.
ACS does accept vendor certifications, but only in certain circumstances, and they are assessed subject to the ANZSCO you select. Check the ACS guidelines for your occupation before you rely on them.
The Australian Computer Society (ACS) is authorised to assess IT, data science and cyber security professionals on behalf of the Australian Government.
According to ACS: AUD 1,498 for the General Skills pathway, AUD 1,136 for Post Australian Study, and AUD 625 for RPL and Qualification Only. ACS can change its fees.
A suitable outcome is valid for 2 years. ACS does not currently support outcome reassessment or renewals.
No. When you start your application you are offered a complimentary 12-month ACS membership, but membership is not required.
No. Once the application is in process, additional documentation cannot be included, so submit everything you want considered at the start.
Facts on this page were checked against the official sources listed at the end on 23 October 2026. Immigration rules, fees and thresholds change often, so confirm the current figure on the official site before you apply.
Planning to migrate to Australia as an IT professional? Our Australia immigration consultants in Hyderabad help you pick the right ANZSCO code, pathway and documents before you pay the ACS fee. Book a free consultation or call +91 95055 15154.
