ICT Support Engineers in Australia typically work in enterprise environments, collaborating closely with systems administrators and network engineers to ensure seamless IT operations. They often operate within a team, providing support to end-users and solving complex technical issues promptly. Australian ICT Support Engineers are distinct in their proactive approach to cybersecurity measures, reflecting the country's stringent data protection laws.
ICT Support Engineer is a skilled occupation on Australia's Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL). This occupation is eligible for the points-tested Subclass 190 and 491 visas (state or territory nomination required). It is not currently on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) and therefore not eligible for employer-sponsored visas via the standard 482 Core Skills stream.
Telecommunications companies expanding their 5G networks are actively hiring ICT Support Engineers. The Australian Government's $1.9 billion investment in digital infrastructure is driving demand in this area. Employers report that network security expertise is the hardest skill to find among ICT Support Engineers.
In Australia, ICT Support Engineers are often required to adhere to the ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) framework, which is a set of detailed practices for IT service management that is not as rigorously implemented in countries like the UK, South Africa, India, or the Philippines, where other frameworks or informal practices may be more prevalent. This is different from what many engineers from those countries are accustomed to, as they might rely on less structured problem-solving approaches or different service management systems. To adapt effectively, an overseas-trained ICT Support Engineer should prioritise obtaining ITIL certification and become familiar with its processes, as this will be crucial for aligning with Australian professional standards and expectations in their daily work.
Holding the ACS Certified Professional (CP) credential substantially impacts salary levels for ICT Support Engineers in Australia by recognising specialised expertise. Senior roles such as ICT Support Manager are particularly well-compensated due to their strategic importance in managing comprehensive IT support services across organisations. Salaries in the private sector often exceed those in the public sector due to competitive demand and budgetary flexibility.
New South Wales sees strong demand driven by increased investments in smart city initiatives. Western Australia's demand is propelled by the growth of the resources sector requiring robust ICT infrastructure.
No national licence exists for ICT Support Engineers, but professional registration with ACS is often required.
ACS assesses overseas qualifications against the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) to ensure equivalency, typically expecting a Bachelor's degree level or higher.
ICT Support Engineers can progress to roles like ICT Support Manager or Chief Information Officer, often requiring additional management training and leadership experience.
Entry AUD $75,000 → Senior AUD $150,000, driven by geographical demand and specialist certifications.
Migrants often face difficulty in obtaining local experience, which is highly valued by Australian employers.
The five-year outlook for ICT Support Engineers is positive, driven by continued investment in digital transformation and cybersecurity initiatives.
The collaborative multitasking environment in Australian IT teams stands out to overseas ICT engineers.
The points test for ICT Support Engineers is moderately competitive, with employer sponsorship being a viable pathway due to consistent demand.
The current occupation mapping identifies 2 potential skilled visa pathways. A listed pathway is not an approval or guarantee; the applicant must satisfy every requirement applying to that subclass.
These occupation-explorer estimates compare entry, experienced and senior salary levels across Australia. They are planning figures rather than job offers and should be checked against current vacancies, awards and employer terms.
| State or territory | Entry salary | Experienced salary | Senior salary | Demand | Regional context |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New South Wales | AUD$90,000 | AUD$126,000 | AUD$174,000 | High | Check current state and regional employer demand. |
| Victoria | AUD$86,000 | AUD$121,000 | AUD$167,000 | High | Check current state and regional employer demand. |
| Queensland | AUD$82,000 | AUD$115,000 | AUD$158,000 | High | Regional areas offer 491 nomination, reduced cost of living and faster invitations |
| Western Australia | AUD$87,000 | AUD$122,000 | AUD$169,000 | High | State nomination available; mining sector drives strong demand |
| South Australia | AUD$78,000 | AUD$110,000 | AUD$151,000 | Medium | SA Skilled & Business migration, competitive 190/491 quotas |
| Tasmania | AUD$75,000 | AUD$105,000 | AUD$144,000 | Medium | 491 regional visa available; lifestyle benefits and lower living costs |
| Australian Capital Territory | AUD$95,000 | AUD$132,000 | AUD$183,000 | Medium | High government and defence sector demand |
| Northern Territory | AUD$83,000 | AUD$116,000 | AUD$160,000 | Low | NT nomination available; remote area incentives |
State and territory nomination allocations indicate programme capacity, not places reserved for ICT Support Engineer. Applicants must confirm that their occupation is open and meet the jurisdiction's current criteria before relying on a Subclass 190 or 491 pathway.
| State or territory | Subclass 190 places | Subclass 491 places | Nomination context |
|---|---|---|---|
| New South Wales | 2,500 | 0 | NSW nomination available for select occupations. Check NSW Skills List. |
| Victoria | 2,000 | 0 | Victoria State Nomination (VSNP) program. Competitive quotas. |
| Queensland | 1,200 | 1,800 | Queensland Skilled Migration, separate 190 and 491 streams. |
| Western Australia | 1,500 | 500 | WA State Nomination, strong demand in mining, engineering, health. |
| South Australia | 1,000 | 1,200 | SA Skilled & Business program, open occupation list. |
| Tasmania | 500 | 800 | Tasmania 491 covers the whole state; 190 for critical occupations. |
| Australian Capital Territory | 600 | 0 | ACT Critical Skills and Graduate pathways. High competition. |
| Northern Territory | 200 | 600 | NT nomination, remote area incentives and dedicated quotas. |
The assessing authority is ACS. A skills assessment compares overseas qualifications and employment history with the Australian standard for ANZSCO 263212. Applicants normally need identity documents, academic certificates and transcripts, detailed employer references, proof of paid employment and certified translations where applicable.
Assessment rules differ by authority and occupation. Some authorities require English testing, professional registration, supervised practice, competency demonstrations or a technical interview. Applicants should use the authority's current checklist and ensure that duties in employment references align with the nominated occupation rather than relying only on a job title.
Published processing ranges change with application volumes and individual complexity. The figures below are planning ranges used by the occupation explorer. They begin after a valid visa application is lodged and do not include time needed for English testing, skills assessment, Expression of Interest, nomination or sponsorship.
| Visa pathway | 75% planning range | 90% planning range |
|---|---|---|
| Subclass 190: Skilled Nominated | 5–7 months | 12–24 months |
| Subclass 491: Skilled Work Regional | 4–8 months | 10–18 months |
Typical duration: 1–3 months
Check occupation on MLTSSL/STSOL lists, identify assessing authority, research state nomination options, calculate migration points score.
Typical duration: 3–12 months
Submit application to the relevant assessing authority. Gather qualifications, employment evidence and references.
Typical duration: 1–24 months
Lodge EOI in SkillSelect. Wait for an invitation to apply based on your points score. Higher scores are invited first.
Typical duration: 6–36 months
Lodge formal visa application with Department of Home Affairs. Undergo health examinations and police clearances.
Typical duration: 1–3 months
Book flights, arrange accommodation, open an Australian bank account, research your destination city.
Typical duration: Ongoing
Activate your visa by entering Australia. Begin building your life, applying for work, and accessing services.
Yes. ICT Support Engineer (ANZSCO 263212) is on Australia's Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL). Its list placement determines which points-tested, state-nominated, regional or employer-sponsored pathways may be available. List placement alone does not guarantee a visa: applicants must also meet age, English, skills assessment, points, nomination or sponsorship requirements for the selected subclass.
The occupation data currently identifies Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated), Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional) as potential pathways for ICT Support Engineer. Each pathway has separate eligibility rules. State nomination depends on the relevant state list and invitation settings, while employer-sponsored pathways require a qualifying position and an approved sponsoring employer.
ACS is the assessing authority shown for ICT Support Engineer. A positive skills assessment is generally required before lodging an Expression of Interest for points-tested skilled migration. Applicants should confirm the authority's current qualification, employment evidence, English, registration and document requirements before applying because assessment criteria can change.
The occupation explorer estimates New South Wales earnings from AUD$90,000 at entry level to AUD$126,000 for an experienced worker, with senior roles around AUD$174,000. Actual pay depends on location, employer, industry, registration, specialisation and experience. Regional positions may combine a different base salary with allowances or lower living costs.
Subclass 189, 190 and 491 applicants need at least 65 points to submit an Expression of Interest, but 65 does not guarantee an invitation. Competitive invitation scores can be higher. Points are awarded for age, English proficiency, qualifications, skilled work experience, Australian study and other factors, with state nomination adding points for Subclass 190 or 491.
A positive assessment from ACS is required for most points-tested pathways connected to ICT Support Engineer. The authority examines qualifications and employment evidence against Australian standards. Processing often takes several months, so applicants should prepare detailed references, payslips, tax evidence, transcripts and certified identity documents before submitting.
Subclass 190 grants permanent residence after state or territory nomination. Subclass 491 is provisional and may lead to permanent residence through Subclass 191 after meeting regional requirements. Eligibility depends on the applicant's complete circumstances and the rules in force when invited or applying.
A complete skilled migration journey can take two to four years. Skills assessment may take three to twelve months, followed by an uncertain wait for an invitation or nomination. After invitation, visa processing varies by subclass and caseload. Health examinations, police clearances, employer sponsorship and requests for further information can extend the timeline.
To work as an ICT Support Engineer, you typically need a Bachelor’s degree in IT or Computer Science, assessed by ACS.
Local experience is crucial as it demonstrates familiarity with Australian IT systems and compliance standards to employers.
Certifications in ITIL, AWS, or Microsoft Azure are highly regarded and can significantly enhance job prospects and salary potential.
Key areas include network support, cloud services management, cybersecurity, and enterprise software support, reflecting market demands.