Accountants continue to be in high demand in Australia, and can apply for a variety of visas allowing migration under the SkillSelect. If you are considering live and work in Australia, your life just got much easier!
Changes to the skills assessment criteria that will apply to applications lodged on or after 1 July 2015 consolidate the total number of core knowledge areas to nine (9) from the current twelve (12). For a positive skills assessment you must meet only seven (7) core knowledge areas, with the exception of External Auditors and Taxation Accountants, who must meet at least eight (8). The number of compulsory and optional core knowledge areas varies depending on which occupation do your wish to nominate.
The skills assessment changes apply for the following occupations:
- Accountant (General) - ANZSCO 221111
- Management Accountant - ANZSCO 221112
- Taxation Accountant - ANZSCO 221113
- External Auditor - ANZSCO 221213
- Finance Manager - ANZSCO 132211
- Corporate Treasurer - ANZSCO 221212
In addition, your qualifications must be comparable to at least the level of an Australian Bachelor degree and you must meet the English language requirements. Full membership of recognised professional accounting bodies outside Australia is considered to be equivalent to an Australian Bachelor degree.
The following tests are recognised as meeting the English language requirement for the permanent and temporary skilled visas:
| Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking | SMIPA | |
| CAE | 185 | 185 | 185 | 185 | Scanned certified copy of completion certificate |
| IELTS Academic | 7.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | |
| TOEFL ibt | 24 | 24 | 27 | 23 | |
| PTE Academic | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 |
How does these changes affect your skills assessment?
If you hold a positive permanent residency assessment letter - these changes DO NOT affect you as long as your assessment letter outcome is still valid.
If you have received an assessment outcome in which you have been advised to complete further studies to meet the core knowledge criteria - you will need to consider the new competency areas when choosing your study plan.
I hold a positive provisional 485 visa assessment letter but are missing some subjects - you will need to take into account the competency area changes and complete further study if required based on what is outstanding according to the post 1 July assessment criteria.
If you want to
- give yourself the best chance of securing a positive Australian skills assessment and visa outcome
- would like to fast-track your application
- would like to pass the English test the first time
contact us today to discuss your options in a 20 min free initial consultation session.
