Australia faces a critical cyber security skills shortage in 2025. ICT Security Specialists (ANZSCO 262112) enjoy priority access to skilled migration visas including 190, 491 and Skills in Demand pathways that lead to permanent residency.
Introduction
Australia recorded over 94,000 cyber incidents in 2023–24, and the threat landscape continues to worsen. Government agencies report that more than 50% now face critical cyber security skills shortages. Employment for Database and Systems Administrators and ICT Security Specialists reached 70,900 in August 2025, an increase of 3,300 in just one year.
This surge creates exceptional opportunities for qualified professionals worldwide. The role of ICT Security Specialist (ANZSCO 262112) sits firmly on the Core Skills Occupation List — the direct successor to the former Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) — making it one of the most secure pathways to Australian permanent residency through cyber security expertise.
The Cyber Security Skills Crisis Driving Demand in Australia
Cyber crime costs Australia an estimated $33 billion annually, and mandatory reporting under new laws has exposed the true scale of attacks. Every sector — finance, healthcare, critical infrastructure, and government — scrambles to strengthen defences, yet the talent pool remains critically shallow.
Jobs and Skills Australia confirms strong future growth for ICT Security Specialists. Internet job advertisements for cyber roles consistently rank among the highest growth categories throughout 2025. Major employers including the Big Four banks, Optus, Medibank, and federal agencies actively recruit overseas talent because local graduates cannot fill the gap.
Average salaries reflect this urgency. Experienced ICT Security Specialists now command $130,000–$165,000 base plus super in capital cities, with senior roles or government positions regularly exceeding $180,000–$220,000. Regional areas, where state nomination is often easier, still pay $120,000–$150,000 while offering lower living costs and faster PR pathways.
The Australian Cyber Security Strategy 2023–2030 commits $7.3 billion to workforce growth and explicitly identifies penetration testers, security architects, governance specialists, and incident responders as priority occupations — all core tasks of ANZSCO 262112.
ICT Security Specialist (ANZSCO 262112) – Still a Top Priority Occupation
The former MLTSSL has evolved into the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), but the strategic importance of ICT Security Specialist remains unchanged — in fact, it has strengthened.
Jobs and Skills Australia places the occupation in the highest priority tier for migration. Every state and territory currently nominates 262112 for subclass 190 and 491 visas, with many (ACT, South Australia, Tasmania, Northern Territory) keeping the occupation open year-round or with minimal points requirements.
Key advantages of this priority status in 2025:
– Access to the Core Skills stream of the new Skills in Demand visa (4-year temporary visa with clear PR pathway)
– State/territory nomination adds 5–15 points and often waives job offer requirements
– High success rate in Expression of Interest (EOI) invitations — many applicants with 80–90 points receive 190/491 invites within weeks
– Employer-sponsored pathways (186 Direct Entry or 482-to-186) remain widely available due to labour market testing exemptions for priority roles
Professionals with certifications such as CISSP, CISM, CompTIA Security+, or vendor-specific qualifications (Palo Alto, CrowdStrike, Splunk) score maximum points skills assessment via the Australian Computer Society (ACS).
Visa Pathways That Turn Cyber Skills into Permanent Residency
Most ICT Security Specialists choose one of three proven routes in 2025.
1. State/Territory Nominated Visas (190 & 491)
States actively compete for cyber talent. The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) granted 491 nomination to applicants with just 65 points in recent rounds when they demonstrated cyber security experience. South Australia, Tasmania, and Northern Territory regularly invite at 70–80 points. The 190 visa grants immediate permanent residency; the 491 provides a 5-year visa with a 3-year regional living requirement before PR eligibility.
2. Skills in Demand Visa (Core Skills Pathway)
This 2024 replacement for the old 482 visa offers a 4-year stay with PR pathway after 2 years for Core Skills occupations. Income threshold sits at $73,150 (indexed annually), easily met by genuine ICT Security Specialists. Many employers now prefer this visa because labour market testing requirements are relaxed for CSOL occupations.
3. Employer Nomination Scheme (186 Direct Entry)
Large organisations and government departments frequently sponsor experienced specialists directly to permanent residency. Cyber security roles often qualify for Global Talent visa (independent, fast-tracked PR) when applicants show “exceptional track record” — many penetration testers and security architects succeed through this stream.
Regional Australia particularly needs cyber professionals. Regional cyber security jobs Australia attract additional points, lower competition, and often immediate 491 nomination. Cities like Adelaide, Hobart, Darwin, and Canberra offer excellent salaries combined with rapid PR processing.
Requirements You Must Meet in 2025
Applicants generally need:
– Positive ACS skills assessment (requires relevant degree + experience or vendor certifications for RPL route)
– At least Competent English (IELTS 6.0/PTE 50 or higher for extra points)
– Under 45 years at time invitation (limited exemptions available)
– Minimum 65 points in the points test (most cyber specialists score 80–100+ with state nomination, experience)
Processing times remain fast for priority occupations — many 190/491 visas are granted within 3–8 months.
Conclusion
The combination of critical national shortage, outstanding salaries, multiple visa pathways, and continued priority listing makes ICT Security Specialist one of the safest, fastest routes to Australian permanent residency in 2025. Professionals who act now secure not just a job, but a future in one of the world’s most in-demand and highly rewarded fields.
