Visas for accountants and finance professionals

Visas for Accountants Migrating to Australia

Accounting is one of the best-mapped occupations in the Australian skilled program, with a code for nearly every specialisation. That breadth is also the trap: pick the wrong ANZSCO code and an otherwise strong application quietly stalls. We match your experience to the right accounting occupation first, then build the visa around it.

Accountants are among the most common skilled migrants to Australia. The range of accounting ANZSCO codes on the skilled occupation lists includes Accountants (General) (221111), Management Accountants (221112), Taxation Accountants (221113), External Auditors (221213), and others.

The skills assessment authorities for accounting occupations are CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ), and the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA). The right authority depends on your qualifications and experience.

VISA OPTIONS FOR ACCOUNTANTS

Skilled independent (189): accounting is one of the most common points-tested skilled visa occupations. A positive skills assessment, a competitive points score (accounting is highly competitive), and an invitation from SkillSelect.

State nomination (190, 491): state nomination is often essential for accountants because the 189 invitation threshold is high. Some state programs specifically target accounting occupations.

Employer sponsorship (482, 186): accounting firms and finance teams that are approved sponsors can nominate overseas accountants on the 482 with a pathway to the 186.

SKILLS ASSESSMENT FOR ACCOUNTANTS

Step 1 Confirm which assessing authority applies to your situation: CPA Australia, CAANZ, or IPA

Confirm which assessing authority applies to your situation: CPA Australia, CAANZ, or IPA. The right choice depends on your qualifications, experience, and whether you intend to pursue membership.

Step 2 Prepare the skills assessment documentation: degree transcripts, employment references, subject content evidence for the accounting degree

Step 3 Lodge the assessment application

Lodge the assessment application. Processing times vary.

Step 4 With a positive assessment: lodge an EOI in SkillSelect

With a positive assessment: lodge an EOI in SkillSelect. Research state nomination options, many accountants find state nomination the most viable route to an invitation.

Step 5 Visa application

Speak to a Migration agent

Call 1300 VISA OZ (1300 8472 69) to discuss employer sponsorship for your Brisbane business. Available Monday to Friday. Zoom consultations take 45-60 minutes and give you a clear answer on what is achievable.

Prefer to start in writing? Email info@migrationburo.com.au with the role title, the occupation, and the candidate's nationality and qualifications.

Skills in Demand (SID) Visa

(Subclass 482)
Custom migration pathways for businesses facing ongoing skills shortages, including DAMA’s, industry-specific Labour agreements and Company Specific Labour Agreements.

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Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (Subclass 186)

Secure permanent residency for skilled international employees, strengthening your workforce with long-term expertise.

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Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494)
This visa provides a way for skilled workers in specific occupations, who are nominated by their employer in regional Australia, to live and work in Australia for 5 years. This visa contains two ‘streams’ with varying conditions and eligibility requirements. Click below to learn more, and contact us for professional advice and assistance.

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Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa (Subclass 400)

The Subclass 400 visa allows individuals with highly specialised skills to undertake short-term, non-ongoing work or projects in Australia..

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Your Australian Visa application

Some frequently asked questions

Answers to some questions we often hear from people in your situation.

Is accounting competitive in SkillSelect?

Yes. Accounting is one of the most competitive occupations in SkillSelect. The invitation cut-off is typically 75-80+ points depending on the round. Most accountants without a state nomination find the 189 difficult to achieve at 65 points.

Which authority should I use: CPA, CAANZ, or IPA?

CPA Australia and CAANZ are the two largest accounting professional bodies. Both assess similar occupations. IPA is a smaller body. The choice can affect processing time and membership implications. MigrationBuro advises on which is most appropriate at consultation.

What is the difference between Management Accountant and Accountant (General) for migration purposes?

Different ANZSCO codes with slightly different occupation definitions. Your employment history should match the nominated ANZSCO code. MigrationBuro identifies the most appropriate code for your work history.

Can a sponsored worker's family come to Australia with them?

Yes. Partners and dependent children can be included in the application as secondary applicants. Each secondary applicant is subject to health and character requirements. Partners may work full-time. Secondary applicants are named in the visa grant and subject to the same conditions as the primary holder.

What is the difference between a 482 and a 186 visa?

The 482 (Skills in Demand) is a temporary visa, typically granted for two to four years. The 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme) is permanent residence. Many 482 holders transition to a 186 after two years of employment with the same employer under the Temporary Residence Transition stream. The 186 can also be lodged directly via the Direct Entry stream if the worker holds the right qualifications and the role meets the criteria.

Migration experience you can trust

MigrationBuro are your trusted migration agents in Brisbane. Founded and led by Andrew Heathcote, we specialise in Australian immigration services. With over 18 years of experience, Andrew is a registered migration agent (MARN) and a member of the Migration Institute of Australia, ensuring expert guidance through every step of the immigration process.

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