This is a 2026 step-by-step pathway guide for a Systems Administrator migrating to Australia under ANZSCO 262113. 262113 is on MLTSSL and CSOL — the full skilled visa stack: Subclass 189, Subclass 190, Subclass 491 → 191, Subclass 186, Subclass 494 → 191, and Subclass 482.
For the cost / timeline view see the 262113 cost & timeline case study. For ACS document details see the skills assessment guide.
Step 1 — Confirm 262113 is the right code
ANZSCO 262113 covers Linux/Windows server administration, Active Directory, Microsoft 365 / Exchange / Intune, identity / SSO, virtualisation, backup/DR, patch management, and increasingly Azure / AWS infrastructure operations. Use ANZSCO search to verify against 263111 Computer Network and Systems Engineer (design-led) and 263112 Network Administrator (network ops).
Step 2 — ACS skills assessment
ACS deducts 2 years for ICT-aligned bachelor + ANZSCO match. RPL pathway for non-ICT bachelors with 6+ years experience deducts 6 years. Reference letters must show server / AD / M365 / cloud-infra duties — not generic helpdesk.
Step 3 — English
Higher tier scores: Proficient (10 pts) / Superior (20 pts). Worth 30 points combined with age 25-32.
Step 4 — Visa pathway
189 / 190 / 491 / 186 / 494 / 482 — all open. Sysadmins are in demand at Telstra, Optus, NBN Co, the Big-4 banks (CBA, Westpac, ANZ, NAB), state governments, hospitals/health services, and managed service providers like NTT, DXC, Accenture. State nomination is realistic via state nomination tracker when paired with regional work.
Step 5 — Submit EOI
Use the points calculator and eligibility wizard. Most successful 262113 invites land at 75-90 points (189) or 65-80 + state nomination (190).
Step 6 — Lodge
Lodge via SkillSelect. Track invitation rounds once your EOI is in.
