Accountants have three assessing bodies to choose from. Here's how the competency areas, occupations, English and fees work — and how to pick the right body.
For a points-tested visa such as the 189, 190 or 491, accountants need a positive skills assessment in their nominated occupation. Three professional bodies are authorised to assess accountants, and you apply to one:
Each checks that your qualification is comparable to at least an Australian bachelor degree, that it covers the required competency areas for your occupation, and (where claimed) your skilled employment. English is also assessed. We help you choose the body and service that best fit your background.
Official information: CPA Australia, CA ANZ and IPA.
Book a consultation to match your qualifications to the right assessing body and the right assessment service.
| ANZSCO | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 221111 | Accountant (General) |
| 221112 | Management Accountant |
| 221113 | Taxation Accountant |
| 221213 | External Auditor |
| 221212 | Corporate Treasurer |
Confirm your code and assessing body with our ANZSCO occupation search.
Indicative CPA Australia fees. CA ANZ and IPA set their own comparable fees.
| Service | Onshore (AUD) | Offshore (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| Qualification assessment | $565 | $514 |
| Combined (qualification + skilled employment) | $620 | $564 |
| Fast Track — qualification | $675 | $614 |
| Skilled employment assessment | $260 | $236 |
| Additional ANZSCO code | $260 | $236 |
Review $185; administration fee $85. CPA indicates ~30 business days once documents are complete. Fees differ between CPA, CA ANZ and IPA and change — confirm with your chosen body, e.g. the CPA Australia fees page.
The competency-area mapping is decisive for accountants — a degree can be "close" yet miss a required area like taxation or commercial law. We check this before you apply.
Three bodies: CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants ANZ (CA ANZ) and the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA). You apply to one for your nominated accounting occupation.
As a guide, CPA Australia charges about AUD $565 (onshore) / $514 (offshore) for a qualification assessment, $620 / $564 combined with skilled employment, and $260 / $236 for skilled employment only. CA ANZ and IPA set comparable fees.
For accounting occupations your studies must cover required areas such as accounting systems, financial and management accounting, finance, auditing, business/commercial law and taxation law. The body checks your qualifications against these for your occupation.
Generally a strong English result (commonly IELTS or PTE Academic at the body's required level) unless an exemption applies. We confirm the current requirement and the best test.
It varies by body and service. CPA Australia indicates around 30 business days once documents are complete; fast-track options may be available for an extra fee.
The general rules are above. These next calls decide your outcome — and they need your documents to answer. Guess wrong and it can cost months and fees:
Last reviewed: June 2026 — authority rules and fees change; we confirm the current position for your case.
A degree that looks complete can still miss a required area like taxation or commercial law — enough for an unsuitable result. Checking the mapping before lodging avoids a wasted fee.
Illustrative only; outcomes depend on your individual circumstances.
Book a confidential consultation with a registered migration agent. We'll map your degree to the competency areas, pick the best assessing body, and plan your English and points.