Accountant to Australian PR: Skilled Migration Pathway, Points & Case Study (2025)
Who this is for: Qualified accountants (general, management, taxation, external auditor) seeking permanent residency in Australia through skilled migration. This guide covers skills assessment requirements, realistic points benchmarks, visa pathways, and a step-by-step case study showing how to meet the 90-100+ point threshold.
Why Accounting Remains on Australia's Skilled List
Despite increasing competition, multiple accounting occupations remain on Australia's Core Skills Occupation List, reflecting ongoing demand across taxation, auditing, management accounting, and financial reporting sectors. However, invitation points have risen significantly, making strategic planning essential.
Accounting Occupations Eligible for PR
The following ANZSCO codes are eligible for skilled migration:
- 221111 – Accountant (General)
- 221112 – Management Accountant
- 221113 – Taxation Accountant
- 221213 – External Auditor
- 221214 – Internal Auditor
Each occupation has specific duty requirements that must align with your qualifications and work experience.
At-a-Glance Pathway
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Key milestones:
- Qualification: Bachelor or higher in Accounting covering all mandatory competency areas
- Skills Assessment: CPA Australia, CA ANZ, or IPA positive assessment
- English: Minimum IELTS 7.0 each band; aim for 8.0+ for points
- Points: Realistically need 90-100+ for invitation in 2025
- Work Experience: Highly valuable for points; onshore Australian experience particularly beneficial
Step-by-Step PR Pathway for Accountants
1. Obtain Recognised Qualifications
- Complete a Bachelor's degree or higher in Accounting from a recognised institution.
- For Australian graduates, ensure your course covers all mandatory competency areas required by assessment bodies.
- Overseas qualifications must be assessed as comparable to Australian Bachelor level or higher.
Mandatory competency areas include:
- Accounting Systems and Processes
- Financial Accounting and Reporting
- Management Accounting
- Finance and Financial Management
- Business Law
- Taxation Law
- Quantitative Methods
- Economics
- Audit and Assurance (for auditor roles)
2. Choose Your Skills Assessment Body
Three bodies assess accounting qualifications for migration:
CPA Australia (Certified Practising Accountants)
- Assesses all accounting ANZSCO codes
- Requires academic qualification covering all mandatory areas
- English requirement: IELTS Academic 7.0 in each band or equivalent
- Work experience: Usually 1 year post-qualification relevant experience
CA ANZ (Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand)
- Same occupations and requirements as CPA
- Preferred by many working in audit and corporate sectors
- Similar assessment criteria
IPA (Institute of Public Accountants)
- Covers same ANZSCO codes
- Similar academic and English requirements
- Generally faster processing times
Work experience requirement: Offshore applicants typically need 1 year of post-qualification relevant work experience. Australian graduates may not require work experience if all competencies are covered through Australian study.
3. Achieve Required English Scores
Minimum English for skills assessment and visa:
- IELTS Academic: 7.0 in each band
- PTE Academic: 65 in each section
- TOEFL iBT: 24 in each section
Points boost strategy:
- Proficient English (IELTS 7 each): 10 points
- Superior English (IELTS 8 each): 20 points
Tip: Given current competition, aim for Superior English (8.0+ in all bands) to gain the full 20 points.
4. Calculate and Maximise Points
Minimum threshold: 65 points
Realistic invitation target for accountants in 2025: 90-100+ points
Points breakdown:
| Factor | Maximum Points | How to Maximise |
|---|---|---|
| Age (25-32 years) | 30 | Apply early; points decrease after 33 |
| English (Superior) | 20 | Target IELTS/PTE 8+ in all bands |
| Australian work (3-5 years) | 10 | Gain skilled experience on 485 or 482 visa |
| Australian work (5-8 years) | 15 | Extended onshore experience highly valuable |
| Overseas work (8+ years) | 15 | Document all relevant pre-migration experience |
| Australian Bachelor/Master | 15 | Complete accounting degree in Australia |
| Regional Australian study | 5 | Study outside major cities |
| NAATI CCL | 5 | Complete community language test (if eligible) |
| Professional Year | 5 | Complete Accounting Professional Year in Australia |
| Partner skills | 10 | Partner has skills assessment + competent English |
| State nomination 190 | 5 | Apply for state nomination |
| Regional nomination 491 | 15 | Target regional areas with demand |
5. Submit Expression of Interest (EOI)
Lodge EOI through SkillSelect for:
- Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent): No sponsorship required, live/work anywhere in Australia
- Subclass 190 (State Nominated PR): State adds 5 points, must commit to living/working in that state for 2 years
- Subclass 491 (Regional Provisional): Adds 15 points, pathway to permanent PR after 3 years meeting regional criteria
EOI tips:
- Update regularly to maintain date of effect
- Be truthful; all claims will be verified
- Keep English test and skills assessment valid
- Monitor invitation rounds closely
6. State Nomination Strategy for Accountants
State nomination availability for accountants fluctuates based on local demand. Common patterns:
- Victoria: Periodically opens for accountants with onshore experience and job offers
- New South Wales: Competitive; prefers candidates with NSW work experience
- South Australia: More frequent openings for accountants; Chain Migration Stream available
- Western Australia: Graduate stream for WA accounting graduates with local employment
- Tasmania: Strong demand; requires job offer or employment in Tasmania
- ACT: Matrix-based system; Canberra residence and employment beneficial
State nomination requirements typically include:
- Job offer or current employment in the state
- Minimum period of residence in the state
- Commitment to remain in the state for specified period
- Sometimes higher points thresholds
Latest 189 & 190 Invitation Points for Accountants (2025)
Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent):
- Current invitation points: 90-100+
- August 2025 round saw invitations at 95+ points for most accounting codes
- Competition remains extremely high
- Date of Effect matters when points are equal
Subclass 190 (State Nominated):
- Varies by state; typically 85-95+ points (including state's 5-point boost)
- States prioritise candidates with local ties, employment, and higher points
- Some states require 90+ points even with nomination
Subclass 491 (Regional Provisional):
- Lower competition; invitations from 80+ points (including 15-point regional boost)
- Pathway to PR via subclass 191 after 3 years regional residence and income requirements
Reality check: While the minimum is 65 points, accountants should aim for at least 90 points to have realistic invitation prospects in the current climate.
Case Study: How Wei Met the 95-Point Requirement
Background: Wei, a 28-year-old accountant from China, completed a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) overseas and worked for 3 years in corporate tax before moving to Australia for a Master of Professional Accounting.
Wei's Strategy:
Phase 1: Australian Study (2023-2024)
- Enrolled in 2-year Master of Professional Accounting at a Melbourne university
- Ensured all CPA mandatory competencies were covered
- Worked part-time (48 hours per fortnight) during studies in accounting roles
- Points gained: Age 30 points, Australian Master 15 points = 45 points
Phase 2: English Maximisation (Early 2025)
- Took PTE Academic coaching while completing Master
- Achieved 79+ in all sections (equivalent to IELTS 8.0)
- Points gained: Superior English 20 points = 65 points total
Phase 3: Graduate Work & Professional Year (2025-2026)
- Applied for subclass 485 (Post-Higher Education Work) visa immediately after graduation
- Started full-time role as Accountant (General) at mid-sized firm in Melbourne
- Simultaneously enrolled in Accounting Professional Year program
- Completed Professional Year after 12 months
- Points gained: Professional Year 5 points = 70 points total
Phase 4: Skills Assessment (Mid-2026)
- Lodged CPA Australia skills assessment with:
- Master transcripts covering all competencies
- 1 year Australian work experience (detailed reference letter, payslips, contract)
- PTE scores
- Received positive assessment for ANZSCO 221111 (Accountant General)
Phase 5: NAATI CCL (Late 2026)
- Completed NAATI CCL test in Mandarin-English
- Points gained: NAATI 5 points = 75 points total
Phase 6: Continued Australian Experience (2027)
- Continued working in Melbourne; accumulated 3 years total Australian skilled work
- Points gained: 3-year Australian experience 10 points = 85 points total
Phase 7: Partner Points (2027)
- Partner (spouse) obtained skills assessment for their IT occupation
- Partner achieved Competent English (IELTS 6 each)
- Points gained: Partner skills 10 points = 95 points total
Phase 8: EOI & Invitation (Late 2027)
- Lodged EOI for both 189 and 190 (Victoria) with 95 points
- Received 189 invitation in September 2027 invitation round
- Applied for PR with complete documentation
Wei's Final Points Breakdown:
| Category | Points |
|---|---|
| Age (28 years) | 30 |
| English (Superior: PTE 79+) | 20 |
| Australian work (3-5 years) | 10 |
| Overseas work (3-5 years) | 5 |
| Australian Master qualification | 15 |
| Professional Year | 5 |
| NAATI CCL | 5 |
| Partner skills | 10 |
| Total | 100 |
Timeline: 4.5 years from arrival in Australia to PR invitation
Key success factors:
- Strategic planning from day one
- Superior English scores (20 points vs 10)
- Maximum use of post-study work rights
- Combining multiple smaller point gains (Professional Year, NAATI, Partner)
- Patient accumulation of Australian work experience
Alternative Pathways for Accountants
Professional Year Program
What it is: 44-52 week structured program combining:
- Formal learning modules
- Workplace-based training/internship (minimum 12 weeks)
- Professional development workshops
Benefits:
- 5 points for points test
- Improves Australian employability
- Networking opportunities
- Strengthens understanding of Australian accounting standards
Providers: Must be approved by CPA/CA/IPA
Employer Sponsorship Route
If points-tested PR is not immediately achievable, consider:
Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482)
- Employer sponsors you for specific role
- Pathway to ENS 186 PR after 3 years
- No points test required
- Must meet market salary rates and genuine position requirements
Advantages:
- Faster than waiting for high points
- Employer support
- Can build Australian experience while waiting
Regional Options (491/494)
Subclass 491 (Regional Provisional):
- 15-point nomination boost (significantly increases chances)
- Live/work in designated regional areas
- Pathway to PR via 191 after 3 years meeting income/residence requirements
Subclass 494 (Regional Employer Sponsored):
- Employer in regional area sponsors you
- Pathway to PR via 191 after 3 years
Practical Checklist for Accountants
Qualification Stage:
- Bachelor or Master in Accounting covering all mandatory competencies
- Academic transcripts and completion letters ready
- Verification of overseas qualifications if applicable
Skills Assessment Stage:
- Choose assessment body (CPA/CA/IPA)
- Compile work experience evidence (references, contracts, payslips, tax documents)
- Prepare detailed duty statements matching ANZSCO
- English test results valid and meet requirements
Points Building Stage:
- Calculate current points honestly
- Identify quickest pathways to 90+ points
- Book Superior English test if needed
- Enrol in Professional Year if eligible
- Research NAATI CCL eligibility
- Consider partner points pathway
- Plan Australian work experience timeline
EOI & Application Stage:
- Lodge EOI in SkillSelect
- Research state nomination if targeting 190/491
- Keep all documents current and valid
- Monitor invitation rounds monthly
- Prepare full documentation set in advance
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I get PR as an accountant without Australian study?
Yes, but it's significantly harder. You'll need to maximise other points (Superior English, extensive work experience, partner points, state nomination). Most successful offshore accountants have 95-100+ points.
Q2: How long does CPA/CA/IPA skills assessment take?
Typically 8-12 weeks from complete application, but can vary. Apply early and ensure all documents are certified correctly.
Q3: Is 189 realistic for accountants in 2025?
Only with 95+ points. Many accountants now focus on 190 (state nomination) or 491 (regional) as primary strategies, keeping 189 as a backup option.
Q4: Does my overseas accounting experience count?
Yes, if it's closely related to your nominated ANZSCO code and properly documented. However, Australian experience typically earns more points per year and is viewed more favourably.
Q5: Should I do Professional Year or focus on work experience?
Professional Year gives quick 5 points and improves employability. If you're on a 485 visa, you can do both simultaneously. If already working full-time, the trade-off depends on your timeline and current points gap.
Q6: Can I include my CA/CPA membership in points calculation?
Membership itself doesn't give points, but having membership may strengthen your skills assessment and demonstrates professional standing.
Recommendations for Success
For Current Students:
- Plan your points strategy before graduation
- Target Superior English early (multiple attempts if needed)
- Network and secure graduate roles before 485 expires
- Consider Professional Year enrollment timing
For Recent Graduates on 485:
- Lodge skills assessment within first 3-6 months
- Prioritise building Australian work experience in your exact ANZSCO
- Use 485 period to maximize points (English, PY, NAATI, experience)
- Update EOI regularly
For Offshore Applicants:
- Be realistic about points requirements (aim for 95-100)
- Consider Australian Master qualification to boost points significantly
- Research employer sponsorship opportunities
- State nomination may be difficult without Australian ties
For Everyone:
- Start early; PR pathways for accountants take strategic planning
- Keep detailed records of all work experience from day one
- Stay informed on invitation rounds and policy changes
- Consider professional migration advice for complex situations
Timeline Expectations
Typical journey for Australian accounting graduates:
- Year 1-2: Complete Master of Professional Accounting
- Month 1-3 post-graduation: Apply for 485 visa, lodge skills assessment, secure employment
- Year 1 on 485: Complete Professional Year, build experience
- Year 2 on 485: Achieve Superior English, add NAATI/partner points if possible
- Year 3 on 485: Reach 3+ years Australian experience, submit EOI
- Year 4: Receive invitation and apply for PR
Total timeline: 4-6 years from commencing Australian study to PR grant
Offshore pathway: Requires strategic accumulation of points through extensive experience, Superior English, and possibly partner points. Timeline varies greatly; some candidates achieve invitation within 2-3 years of skills assessment, others may need 5-8 years to build sufficient points.
Ready to start your accounting PR journey? Book a free eligibility assessment and personalised points strategy consultation.