Developer Programmer (ANZSCO 261312): What the Code Covers

Developer Programmer, ANZSCO 261312

Developer Programmer (261312) is a skill level 1 occupation in the Software and Applications Programmers group.

The ABS description covers the core work: interpreting specifications, technical designs and flow charts, then building, maintaining and modifying the code for software applications. It also includes constructing technical specifications from business functional requirements, covering areas such as cyber security.

Skill level 1 means the occupation is benchmarked against a bachelor degree or higher, or at least five years of relevant experience. The ABS sets this benchmark; the assessing authority confirms it for your specific background. Different countries and education systems are assessed differently, so the occupation page is your starting point for checking what counts toward that benchmark.

Who assesses it

The occupation page at anzscofinder.com/en/anzsco/2022/261312 carries the current assessing authority for this code. We link there rather than state a name here, because authority assignments can change and the page reflects the live position.

Which lists it sits on

Developer Programmer sits on two Australian visa lists, as at 2025-12-22:

• Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL): inclusion on this list opens access to several permanent and temporary visa subclasses. Check the current list at Home Affairs before you rely on it.
• Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL): the CSOL is the list for the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) Core Skills stream. CSOL inclusion is not the same as a shortage rating. Being on the list means the pathway is open; how tight the market is for this role is a separate question.

No verified 2025 Occupation Shortage List (OSL) rating was available for this piece. The current OSL rating, if one exists, is on the occupation page.

Near-miss codes to check

Two codes in the same group are easy to confuse with 261312:

• Software Engineer (261313): focuses on applying engineering principles to software design and architecture. If your work is closer to systems design and specification than to writing and modifying application code, 261313 may be the better fit.
• Analyst Programmer (261311): combines analysis and programming. If a significant part of your role involves analysing business requirements and translating them into system designs, rather than primarily writing code, 261311 may be closer.

The distinction matters because different codes can carry different list memberships and assessment pathways.

Find your code

Browse all occupations at /en/anzsco/2022/ to check whether 261312 is the right fit or whether another code matches your work more closely. If you are unsure, the CV matcher at app.anzscofinder.com can show you the closest codes based on your experience.

For advice on which visa to apply for, speak with a registered migration agent. We find codes; we do not give visa advice.