Discover how new AI Engineer and Automation Engineer occupations open fast-track visa pathways in Australia’s 2025 skilled migration system. Global Talent Visa, subclass 482, 186, state nomination and more explained.
Introduction
Australia faces a critical shortage of AI and automation talent. Jobs and Skills Australia projects demand for over 200,000 new tech roles by 2030, yet local supply falls short. In direct response, the government introduced two brand-new ANZSCO codes in 2024–2025: AI Engineer (135112) and Automation Engineer (135113). These additions reshape the migration landscape and create priority pathways for qualified professionals worldwide. This article explains exactly how these new occupations affect visas, points tests, and employer sponsorship in 2025–2026.
The Two Game-Changing New Occupations Officially Recognised
The Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) that took effect from December 2024 now explicitly includes:
– ANZSCO 135112 – AI Engineer (new)
– ANZSCO 135113 – Automation Engineer (new)
Both sit in the Core Skills stream, which means they qualify for the Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) currently AUD 73,150 (indexed annually) instead of the higher Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT) of AUD 135,000+. Lower salary thresholds make employer-sponsored visas far more achievable.
Related roles such as Machine Learning Engineer, Robotics Engineer, and Computer Vision Engineer often fall under the “NEC” (Not Elsewhere Classified) category within the same unit group, giving migration agents flexibility during skills assessments.
Visa Pathways That Just Became Faster and Easier
1. Global Talent Visa (Subclass 858) – Independent Route
Australia’s fastest permanent residency option remains the Global Talent Visa (GTI). AI and automation professionals consistently rank in the top three priority sectors. Processing times average 2–4 months, with no job offer or points test required if you earn above AUD 175,000 or demonstrate exceptional achievement.
2. Employer Sponsored Options
– Subclass 482 TSS (Medium-Term stream) → 186 ENS permanent residency
– Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional → 191 permanent residency
Both streams now accept the new ANZSCO codes without labour market testing exemptions in most cases because tech roles appear on the CSOL.
3. Points-Tested Visas (189 & 190)
AI Engineer and Automation Engineer automatically attract state nomination from Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, and South Australia in 2025. A 190 nomination adds 5 points; 491 regional adds 15 points, dramatically lifting total scores above the current 65-point minimum.
4. Skills Assessment Bodies
– Australian Computer Society (ACS) handles AI Engineer assessments
– Engineers Australia assesses Automation Engineer and robotics-related roles
Both bodies updated their guidelines in late 2024 to recognise emerging qualifications and industry certifications.
Who Qualifies and How to Prove It in 2025
You need a relevant bachelor degree or higher (computer science, software engineering, mechatronics, etc.) plus at least two years of highly relevant post-qualification experience in the last five years. ACS and Engineers Australia now accept professional certifications (TensorFlow Developer, AWS Machine Learning Specialty, etc.) as supporting evidence when combined with solid employment references.
Salary remains critical. Core Skills stream roles must meet at least the CSIT; anything below risks refusal unless regional concessions apply.
State nomination lists refresh quarterly. Victoria and NSW already list both new occupations for 2025–2026; Queensland added them to the QSML in February 2025.
Conclusion
The inclusion of AI Engineer and Automation Engineer as formal occupations removes previous uncertainty and opens multiple priority pathways under Australia’s 2025–2026 migration program. Whether you target the Global Talent Visa, employer sponsorship, or state-nominated points-tested visas, qualified professionals now move faster than ever. Start your skills assessment and expression of interest today to secure your place in Australia’s digital future.
