Migration Agent for Accountants in Australia

Skilled Migration Pathways for Accountants

Accountants can access multiple skilled migration pathways. The subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa suits high-scoring accountants — typically those with 90+ points who can compete in the invitation pool without state nomination. The subclass 190 Skilled Nominated visa adds 5 points through state nomination and is often more realistic for accountants with 70–85 base points. The subclass 491 adds 15 regional points. Most accounting occupations (General Accountant, Management Accountant, Tax Accountant, External Auditor) appear on the MLTSSL, enabling the 189 pathway and the longer-term Medium-Term stream of the 482 (which can lead to the 186 permanent visa). The right pathway depends on your specific points score, which states are actively nominating your occupation, and whether you have or can secure an employer sponsor.

Skills Assessment for Accountants: CPA, CA ANZ, IPA

All accountants applying for skilled migration need a positive skills assessment from one of three recognised assessing authorities: CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ), or the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA). Each assesses your qualifications and work experience against Australian accounting standards. Key issues to be aware of: the assessing body will determine which ANZSCO occupation code you are assessed under, which directly affects your points calculation and visa pathway eligibility. Some overseas accounting qualifications are assessed as equivalent to a lower-level Australian credential, which can affect points. Working experience must typically be in a role whose duties match the ANZSCO definition of an accounting occupation — not simply holding an accounting title. An agent experienced with accountant applications will review your work history against the ANZSCO task descriptions before your assessment is submitted.

Points Calculation for Accounting Professionals

Accountants frequently face competitive 189 invitation thresholds because accounting is a popular occupation with a high volume of EOIs. Your points calculation matters enormously. Age: maximum points are available if you are under 33. English: a superior English score (IELTS 8 in each band, or equivalent) adds 20 points vs the 10 points for competent English — this is the single biggest discretionary points boost available. Australian work experience adds points only for work performed in Australia under an appropriate visa. Overseas work experience after skills assessment adds 5–15 points depending on duration. A completed Masters or Doctorate adds 5 points. A professional year adds 5 points for certain occupations including accounting. An agent reviews your entire profile and identifies every point you are entitled to claim.

State Nomination for Accountants

Most states and territories actively nominate accountants for the 190 and 491, though which specific accounting occupations are open, the requirements for nomination, and the effective thresholds vary by state and change periodically. Some states require evidence of a job offer in that state. Others assess applications purely on occupational demand. States with smaller pools (Tasmania, ACT, South Australia) may process nominations faster and at lower effective thresholds. For accountants willing to live regionally, the 491 with 15 nomination bonus points opens more options. An agent tracking current state nomination programs can tell you which states are actively nominating your specific ANZSCO code right now and what the requirements are.

Employer-Sponsored Options for Accountants

Accountants can also be sponsored by Australian employers under the 482 Temporary Skill Shortages visa (Medium-Term stream, leading to 186 after 3 years) or nominated directly for the 186 Employer Nomination Scheme. Sponsorship suits accountants who have already secured a role in Australia, or who are willing to accept a role with a sponsoring employer as their pathway to permanent residence. Employer-sponsored pathways can bypass the points test entirely — no SkillSelect EOI or invitation required. The key requirements are a genuine job offer at or above the TSMIT ($73,150 as of 2024), appropriate skills assessment, and an employer approved as a standard business sponsor.

Find a Matched Agent Through Migratio

Migratio is Australia's marketplace for finding and comparing MARA-registered migration agents. Migratio matches accounting professionals with MARA-registered agents who regularly handle accountant skilled migration cases. When you submit your case brief, you describe your accounting occupation, skills assessment status, current points profile, and visa goals — and are matched with 3 agents experienced with your specific situation. Some agents specialise in particular source countries (India, China, Philippines, UK) and understand the specific assessment challenges each presents. The matching service is free for applicants. Compare 3 agents against the same brief before deciding who to work with.

Which assessing body should I use for my accounting skills assessment?

This depends on your qualifications and membership. CPA Australia, CA ANZ, and IPA all recognise different qualification streams. An agent can advise which body is most appropriate for your background — the choice can affect both the ANZSCO outcome and the processing time.

What points score do accountants typically need for a 189 invitation?

In high-competition accounting occupations (General Accountant, Tax Accountant), 189 thresholds regularly exceed 90 points. In less competitive accounting codes, invitations may issue at 80–85. Check the most recent SkillSelect invitation round data for your specific occupation code.

Does the Professional Year add points for accountants?

Yes — successful completion of a Professional Year in Australia adds 5 points to your SkillSelect score. The accounting Professional Year is offered through FCA, IPA, and other providers and takes approximately 44 weeks.

Can I get 190 nomination as an accountant without a job offer?

Some states nominate accountants without requiring a job offer — they assess based on your skills profile and demand in the state. Other states require a confirmed employment offer. The requirements vary by state and change. An agent tracks current state requirements.

How long does a CPA or CA ANZ skills assessment take?

Standard processing is typically 8–12 weeks for CPA and CA ANZ assessments. Priority processing (additional fee) is available from some bodies. Plan the assessment well in advance of your target EOI lodgement date.

What if my overseas qualifications are assessed at a lower level than expected?

If your qualifications are assessed as equivalent to a Diploma or Certificate IV rather than a Bachelor's degree, this affects your points and may affect your ANZSCO outcome. An agent experienced with your source country's qualification system can help you understand the likely assessment outcome before you apply, and advise on supplementary documentation.