Australia PR for Accountants

Accounting remains one of the most popular and competitive occupations for Australian skilled migration. With strong demand for financial professionals, accounting offers a solid pathway to PR — but you need a competitive score.

Considering an accounting career in Australia? You can check your current eligibility by using our PR Points Calculator to see whether your score is competitive for this occupation.

Eligible Accounting Occupations

General Accountant (221111)

Management Accountant (221112)

Taxation Accountant (221113)

Company Secretary (221211)

External Auditor (221213)

Skills Assessment for Accountants

Accountants are assessed by CPA Australia, CA ANZ, or the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA). Requirements include a recognised degree in accounting, meeting competency areas, and English proficiency.

Processing time: 2-4 weeks. Fee: $400-$600 AUD.

Calculate your accounting PR score.

Calculate Your PR Points →

Competitive Scores

Accounting is very competitive. The 189 typically requires 85-90 points. State nomination (190) requires 80-85. The 491 with 15 bonus points makes 70-80 base points viable.

Building Your Accounting Score

Superior English (20 points): Critical for competing
Work experience (up to 20): Relevant accounting experience counts
Education (15): Bachelor or Masters in accounting
CCL (5): If you speak a community language
State nomination (5-15): Many states need accountants

Best States for Accountant Nomination

South Australia: Often has accessible accountant pathways
Tasmania: Graduate pathways with lower thresholds
Western Australia: Growing financial sector demand

Tips for Accountants

Get your assessment early — CPA assessment is relatively quick
Achieve Superior English — the difference between competitive and not
Consider CCL — many accountants speak Mandarin, Hindi, or other community languages

Calculate Your Accounting PR Score

Calculate your PR points as an accountant.

Check Your PR Points Now →

Disclaimer

This article provides general information for accountants seeking Australian PR. Verify with CPA Australia and the Department of Home Affairs.

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Important Notice: The content on this page is for general information only. Australian visa policies and requirements are subject to change at any time. Always refer to the official Department of Home Affairs website for the most current and accurate information.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which body assesses accountants for Australian PR?

Accountants are assessed by CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants ANZ (CA ANZ), or the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA). You must obtain a positive skills assessment from one of these bodies before you can submit your Expression of Interest (EOI).

Is accounting a good occupation for Australia PR?

Accounting is on the MLTSSL, making it eligible for all skilled visas (189, 190, 491). However, it is highly competitive with many applicants. You typically need 85-90 points for the 189 visa, or 75-85 for state nomination pathways.

What is the fastest way for accountants to boost PR points?

For accountants, the fastest improvements are: (1) Achieving Superior English (20 points), (2) Passing NAATI CCL if you speak a community language (5 points), and (3) Completing a Professional Year in accounting (5 points). These can add up to 30 points relatively quickly.

Can I claim points for accounting work done before my degree?

For points purposes, only post-qualification work experience counts. However, pre-qualification experience may reduce the years of experience required for a positive skills assessment with some assessing bodies.

Do accountants need work experience in Australia to get PR?

No, Australian work experience is not mandatory. However, it can add up to 20 points and may make you eligible for additional state nomination pathways. Overseas accounting experience also counts for up to 15 points.