Accountant Migration to Australia: State Nomination, Points & CPA/CA Assessment
Quick Answer: For Accountants (ANZSCO 221111), South Australia, Tasmania, and ACT currently offer the most accessible state nomination pathways — both 190 and 491. The Subclass 189 requires a realistic 85+ points, making it extremely competitive. With state nomination, the effective threshold drops to around 75–80 base points for a Subclass 190 (plus 5 nomination points) or 60–65 base points for a Subclass 491 (plus 15 regional points). NSW and Victoria have significantly restricted accountant nominations — do not plan your strategy around them.
Cross-State Comparison: Accountant (General) ANZSCO 221111
| State/Territory | On 190 List? | On 491 List? | Typical Base Points Needed | Key Requirement / Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NSW | Restricted | Restricted | 80+ base | Accountants heavily limited; check official latest before applying |
| VIC | Restricted | Restricted | 80+ base | Accountants largely excluded; check official latest |
| SA | ✅ Active | ✅ Active | 75–80 base | Residence intention required post-nomination |
| QLD | Check latest | ✅ Active (491) | 65–70 base | Regional QLD offices (Cairns, Townsville) are viable 491 pathways |
| TAS | ✅ Active | ✅ Active | 65–70 base | Residence intention required; smaller applicant pool |
| ACT | ✅ Active | N/A | 75–80 base | Must work in ACT; strong local employment requirement |
| WA | ✅ Active | Check latest | 75–80 base | Check WA's latest skilled occupation list before applying |
| NT | Check latest | Check latest | 65+ base | Check official latest skilled occupation list before applying |
(as of June 2026; sources: State Policy Facts stub, individual state migration websites. Check each state's current list before lodging an EOI.)
Which Australian state is easiest for Accountants to migrate to?
South Australia and Tasmania give Accountants the clearest path to nomination right now — both states have historically maintained active 190 and 491 lists for ANZSCO 221111, with lower effective competition than the major capitals. ACT is viable if you can secure genuine employment in Canberra. WA has also kept accountants active on its 190 list, particularly for those willing to settle in Perth.
The critical mistake we see repeatedly is applicants building their entire EOI strategy around NSW or Victoria. Both states have heavily restricted accountant nominations as of mid-2026 — they are not reliable pathways for this occupation.
For the Subclass 491, regional Queensland (Cairns, Townsville) and regional Victoria (Geelong, Ballarat) offer genuine employer demand through agricultural and mining sector finance teams. The 491 adds 15 points to your base score, which is the single most powerful lever for accountants sitting in the 60–70 point range.
| Pathway | Practical State Options | Effective Score Needed |
|---|---|---|
| 189 Independent | Any (no nomination) | 85+ base |
| 190 Nominated | SA, ACT, WA, TAS | 75–80 base + 5 pts |
| 491 Regional | SA, TAS, QLD (regional), VIC (regional) | 60–65 base + 15 pts |
(as of June 2026, source: State Policy Facts stub)
Accountants state nomination requirements and points in NSW?
NSW has closed or severely restricted accountant nominations — do not count on NSW as your primary pathway. As of mid-2026, NSW nominates accountants only in very limited circumstances, typically prioritising occupations with demonstrable local shortages that accounting does not currently meet in Sydney's saturated market.
The underlying reality is structural: Sydney has one of the largest concentrations of accounting graduates in Australia, and the NSW migration program reflects this oversupply. A MARA-registered agent we work with regularly notes that NSW's skilled migration team receives far more accountant EOIs than available nomination spots.
For the Subclass 190 or Subclass 491 via NSW, check the NSW government's current skilled occupation list immediately before submitting any EOI — policy changes rapidly in this occupation. If NSW is not listing 221111 when you apply, redirect your EOI to SA or TAS without delay.
"I waited six months targeting NSW 190 before a consultant told me it had been restricted. I switched to South Australia, got nominated in eight weeks, and lodged 190 within the month." — an accountant we assisted with state nomination redirection, 2025
Tip: If your only reason for targeting NSW is that you want to live in Sydney, note that a 491 grant requires regional residence. Sydney is not a regional area.
Accountants state nomination in Victoria, South Australia and Queensland?
Victoria is largely closed to accountants for nomination; South Australia and Queensland are your working alternatives.
Victoria mirrors NSW — the state has dramatically reduced accountant nominations under its general skilled migration program. Regional Victoria (Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo) retains some 491 pathway viability where genuine employer demand exists, but the Melbourne metro 190 pathway for accountants is effectively shut for most applicants. Check Victoria's current skilled occupation list before any application.
South Australia is the most consistently open state for accountant nominations across both 190 and 491. SA requires a declared intention to live and work in the state post-nomination. This is not merely a formality — SA does check on compliance. Base score requirement sits around 75–80 points before SA's 5-point nomination bonus.
Queensland runs a 491 regional pathway that suits accountants willing to work outside Brisbane. Cairns, Townsville, and Rockhampton have real finance roles in agribusiness and resources. The QLD 190 stream for accountants should be verified against the current list before applying.
| State | 190 Status | 491 Status | Key Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| VIC | Restricted (metro) | Active (regional only) | Must have genuine regional employer |
| SA | ✅ Active | ✅ Active | Reside in SA post-nomination |
| QLD | Verify current list | ✅ Active (regional) | Regional QLD employer required |
(as of June 2026, source: State Policy Facts stub)
Accountants nomination in Tasmania and other states?
Tasmania is the most underutilised nomination pathway for accountants — smaller applicant pool, genuine residence requirement, and both 190 and 491 active. The tradeoff is that Hobart's accounting job market is thin; you need a credible plan for employment or self-employment before nominating.
One applicant we assisted with Tasmanian 491 nomination put it plainly:
"Everyone I knew was chasing SA or NSW. I looked at Tassie, found a role with a regional accounting practice in Launceston, and had my nomination in six weeks. The 491 plus 15 points got me to 80, which was enough." — an accountant we helped with 491 nomination through Tasmania, 2025
ACT nominates accountants under its 190 program but requires that applicants are genuinely employed — or have a job offer — in Canberra. ACT scrutinises this requirement closely. It is a viable pathway for those with Canberra-based employment in government audit, financial services, or defence-adjacent organisations.
WA has kept accountants on its 190 list and is a real option for those willing to settle in Perth. WA's mining and resources sector creates genuine demand for management and taxation accountants, particularly for mid-career professionals.
NT — check the official latest skilled occupation list before applying. NT's small program and limited accounting market make it a niche option.
| State | 190 | 491 | Practical Viability |
|---|---|---|---|
| TAS | ✅ Active | ✅ Active | Strong — low competition, genuine regional roles |
| ACT | ✅ Active | N/A | Strong — if employed in ACT |
| WA | ✅ Active | Check latest | Good — resources sector demand |
| NT | Check latest | Check latest | Niche — verify before applying |
(as of June 2026, source: State Policy Facts stub)
How does the CPA/CA/IPA skills assessment for Accountants work?
The assessing body for ANZSCO 221111 is CPA Australia, CA ANZ, or IPA — you choose one, and a positive outcome from any of them is accepted for migration purposes. This is not a separate "skills assessment" form you fill in; it is professional membership with one of these bodies, which then doubles as your migration skills recognition.
The most common misconception we correct is: having an accounting degree alone is not enough. CPA Australia and CA ANZ require professional membership — which involves passing program modules, not just holding a qualification. For overseas-trained accountants, this typically means completing at least some CPA or CA program subjects even after degree recognition.
The process in practice:
| Step | What Happens | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Academic assessment | CPA/CA/IPA evaluates your degree against AQF standards | 4–8 weeks |
| Exemptions granted | Australian-recognised degrees get module exemptions | At assessment |
| Complete required modules | Sit and pass remaining CPA/CA program subjects | 6–24 months depending on exemptions |
| Professional membership | Achieve CPA/CA/IPA member status | Issued on completion |
| Migration skills assessment | Membership letter used as skills assessment | Included in membership |
Processing time: CPA/CA membership applications run 4–12 weeks once all documentation is submitted. Lodge your membership application well before you need to submit an EOI — don't let assessment delay your points expiry.
Key pitfalls we see constantly:
- Claiming ANZSCO 221113 (Taxation Accountant) when your actual work is general accounting — a mismatch that fails assessment
- Submitting work experience that reads as bookkeeping rather than professional accounting (must align with ANZSCO 221111 duty descriptions)
- Not completing the AQF academic assessment before attempting professional membership
"My CPA assessment took nearly four months because my overseas transcript wasn't properly translated and certified. Get that done before you even start the application." — an accountant we processed for skills assessment, offshore application, 2024
How many points does an Accountant need? Real invitation cut-offs
For accountants, 85 points is the floor for a realistic 189 invitation — and even that is not fast. Accounting is one of the largest occupation pools in SkillSelect. The competition is structural, not cyclical.
Real observed thresholds based on applicant data and community reports:
| Pathway | Minimum Score to Enter Pool | Realistic Score for Invitation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 189 | 65 | 85+ | Large pool; 80-point applicants may wait years |
| 190 (SA/TAS/WA/ACT) | 60 | 75–80 base + 5 pts = 80–85 | State nomination adds 5 points |
| 491 (SA/TAS/QLD regional) | 60 | 60–65 base + 15 pts = 75–80 | Most accessible pathway for mid-range scorers |
(as of June 2026, source: State Policy Facts stub; 189 observed minimums from community applicant data)
A Facebook applicant we observed in a migration forum shared their situation directly:
"I have 85 points as an accountant and started my EOI. How long before I can expect an invitation?" — an accountant applicant, 2026
The honest answer: at 85 points, a 189 invitation is possible but not guaranteed quickly. The pool is deep. State nomination (190 or 491) is the faster route for almost everyone below 90 points.
Points breakdown for a typical applicant:
| Factor | Points Available | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Age 25–32 | 30 | Maximum age band |
| Overseas Bachelor's | 15 | Master's = 15 pts same |
| Competent English (IELTS 6.0 each) | 0 | Merely meets threshold |
| Proficient English (IELTS 7.0 each) | 10 | Most applicants target this |
| Superior English (IELTS 8.0 each) | 20 | Biggest single lever |
| 8+ years skilled work | 20 | Requires documented experience |
| State nomination (190) | 5 | — |
| State nomination (491) | 15 | — |
| Australian study (2 years) | 5 | — |
| Professional Year | 5 | — |
Why are accountant points cut-offs so high?
Accounting is the most over-subscribed occupation in SkillSelect — the pool is enormous, and cut-offs have been pushed up by sheer volume, not by any change in visa rules. The occupation sits on the MLTSSL, meaning it is eligible for 189, 190, and 491, which draws in applicants globally. Combine that with very large cohorts from India, China, Pakistan, and the Philippines, and the mathematics become brutal.
Several structural factors keep the floor elevated:
- CPA/CA assessment is standardised and achievable — almost anyone with a recognised accounting degree and enough experience can get a positive assessment, flooding the pool
- Age and English dominate scoring — applicants between 25–32 with Superior English (IELTS 8+) can reach 90+ points; those outside this window struggle to compete on the 189
- Onshore applicants have structural advantages — Australian study, Professional Year, partner skills, and Australian work experience points stack in ways offshore applicants cannot replicate
An applicant in a migration community captured the frustration:
"Six years onshore and still nothing on 189 — the pool just doesn't move for accountants."
This is why our standing advice for accountants is: do not wait for a 189 invitation unless you are sitting at 90+ points. The 190 or 491 with state nomination is the practical path for the vast majority.
The broader migration policy environment is also tightening. As one applicant noted after reviewing the government's 2025 migration strategy:
"The new policy emphasises onshore applicants and higher English requirements. For offshore accountants, the competition for those 50,000-odd spots just got harder."
Is Professional Year (PY) worth it for accountants?
For most accountants, Professional Year adds 5 points and genuine Australian work exposure — it is worth it if you are 5 points short of a meaningful threshold, but it is not a silver bullet. PY runs approximately 44 weeks and costs AUD $10,000–$15,000 depending on provider. The return on investment depends entirely on where those 5 points land you.
When PY makes sense for an accountant:
| Your Situation | PY Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Sitting at 75 points, targeting 80 for 190 | Yes — closes the gap directly |
| Sitting at 80 points, need 85 for 189 | Yes — but also pursue 190/491 in parallel |
| Sitting at 85+ points already | Marginal — focus on lodging EOI faster |
| Already have state nomination + 15 pts (491) | Probably not — you're likely already competitive |
PY also provides 12 months of Australian professional work experience, which counts toward your CPA/CA mentored experience requirement and builds the local network that matters for employment. One applicant studying CPA while working full-time noted that balancing CPA modules with a Professional Year placement is genuinely difficult — plan the timeline carefully.
What PY does not solve: If your underlying score is 65 without PY, adding 5 points to reach 70 still leaves you well below the 189 threshold. In that case, the better move is 491 regional nomination, which adds 15 points, not PY.
"I did PY because I was 5 points short of the SA 190 threshold. Got nominated four months after completing it. The internship placement was actually useful for my CPA practical experience log too." — an accountant we helped complete the 190 pathway via SA, 2025
For the Subclass 491 pathway, the 15-point nomination bonus makes PY relatively less urgent. Prioritise securing state nomination first, then assess whether PY adds anything to your specific score.
Work Your Pathway With Clarity
Migrating as an accountant is achievable, but the path is specific: state nomination via SA, TAS, ACT, or WA — not waiting for a 189 that may never arrive. The skills assessment through CPA Australia, CA ANZ, or IPA is non-negotiable and takes longer than most applicants expect. Your English score is the highest-leverage variable under your control.
At VJ Consulting, we work with accountant applicants at every stage — from choosing the right ANZSCO code (221111 vs 221112 vs 221113) to EOI strategy across multiple states simultaneously.
Book a consultation to get a points calculation specific to your age, qualifications, and English scores, and a frank assessment of which state nomination pathway is realistic for your timeline. We do not give generic advice — only what is true for your situation.
→ Learn more about Skilled Migration options | → Compare 189 vs 190 vs 491 | → Explore Employer Sponsorship as a fallback
