Common ACS Mistakes for IT Migration Occupations
Mistake 1 — Choosing the wrong ANZSCO code
This is the root error that leads to many other problems. DevOps practitioners lodge under code 261313 (Software Engineer) because they are unaware that code 261316 has existed since ANZSCO 2021. Business Analysts lodge under 261112 (Systems Analyst) because they have heard that code is easier.
The consequences: ACS may reassess under a different code (if the application does not match the chosen code), or refuse the application if it does not fall within ICT. If the new code is not on the MLTSSL, the entire subclass 189 visa strategy has to change.
How to avoid it: Read the official ANZSCO 2021 definition from the ABS before choosing. Match your day-to-day duties against that definition, not against the title of the position.
Mistake 2 — Employment confirmation letters that are too generic
A letter that only states “Nguyen Van A worked at Company X from 01/2020 to 12/2023 with the title of Software Developer” — with no specific job description. ACS cannot verify ICT skills from a letter like this, which leads to experience being reduced or not recognised at all.
How to avoid it: The letter needs to describe technical responsibilities in detail: programming languages, the types of systems, specific projects. Prepare a draft and ask your manager to sign it — do not leave HR to write it on a standard template with no clear content.
Mistake 3 — Job descriptions that lean toward management rather than technical work
Many IT professionals, when writing a CV or ACS application, use manager language: “managed a team of 5 developers”, “liaised with stakeholders”, “oversaw project delivery”. This is fine language for a management role, but it does not demonstrate technical ICT skills.
ACS assesses against technical ICT criteria. If the application reads like a project manager, ACS may raise questions about the actual level of technical work involved.
How to avoid it: Emphasise the technical work: “designed and implemented REST API using Java Spring Boot serving 50,000 daily users”, “configured Kubernetes clusters on AWS EKS”, “optimised PostgreSQL queries reducing response time by 40%”. Specific, measurable, technical.
Mistake 4 — Not preparing supporting evidence when it is requested
ACS sends an Additional Information Request, but the applicant does not respond in time or does not provide enough evidence. This leads to the application being refused even though it was initially eligible.
How to avoid it: Keep work evidence on hand: code commits, pull request history, deployment records, project sign-off documents. When you lodge with ACS, keep these documents ready so you can supply them quickly if needed.
Mistake 5 — Miscalculating the length of experience
ACS does not count all of your work experience — only ICT experience relevant to the chosen ANZSCO code. Someone who worked in a non-ICT role first and then moved into IT will not have ACS-recognised experience from the non-ICT period, even if they were working for many years.
In addition, ACS counts in full years (12 months), not by the number of job changes. If you worked three months in one place and five months in another, and the total is under 12 months, that does not yet count as a full year of experience. The number of years of relevant work experience required varies by pathway and visa — check the official source.
How to avoid it: Compile your ICT work timeline and total the months before you lodge. If you are a few months short, consider the timing of your lodgement so that you reach the required number of years of experience.
Mistake 6 — Lodging while your IELTS score is not yet sufficient
ACS requires proof of English proficiency if you did not study in English. Some people lodge their application when their IELTS score is not yet sufficient, or use results that have expired (IELTS results are valid for 2–3 years depending on the purpose, but ACS sets its own specific rules).
How to avoid it: Check the current English language requirements on the ACS website before you lodge. If your qualification was taught entirely in English (with a letter of confirmation from the institution), you usually do not need additional IELTS.
Summary: check before you lodge
Before you click Submit:
- Does the chosen ANZSCO code match your main day-to-day work?
- Does the employment confirmation letter contain specific technical descriptions?
- Does the job description focus on actual ICT skills?
- Has the total number of months of ICT experience been counted accurately?
- Is your English score (if required) still valid?
- Are all supporting documents saved and ready so you can respond quickly if ACS requests them?