Immigrate to Australia as an Accountant

Two Ways Accountants Can Build a Future in Australia

Which Accounting Jobs Qualify

Roles like Accountant (General), Management Accountant, Taxation Accountant, and External Auditor currently appear on Australia’s Core Skills Occupation List, which decides which skilled jobs are open to overseas workers. Being listed is only step one — it doesn’t guarantee a visa, and the list changes, so always confirm your occupation is still on it before you plan.

Sponsorship or Points: Pick Your Path

Employer sponsorship (subclass 482): Search Seek, Indeed Australia, LinkedIn, and specialist accounting recruiters for terms like “Accountant Visa Sponsorship.” You’ll need a job offer from a licensed sponsor, in an eligible occupation, paying the required salary. Not every ad mentions sponsorship — always confirm directly with the employer.

Points-tested visa (subclass 189): No employer needed. You earn points for age, work experience, qualifications, and English, and need at least 70 points to register your interest — though accountants often need well above that to actually get invited. Check the full points table on the official SkillSelect page.

Your Step-by-Step Action Plan

For points-tested: submit your qualifications to CPA Australia, CA ANZ, or IPA (fee ~AUD $500–$600, result in about 4–10 weeks). With a positive result, calculate your points, lodge an Expression of Interest in SkillSelect, and wait to be invited — once invited, you have 60 days to submit your full application. For sponsorship: match your role to an eligible occupation, then search and confirm sponsorship with employers directly. Emig can help with finding roles and preparing your application either way.

Check if you qualify →