Migrating as an Accountant from the Philippines to Australia: A Practical Guide
1. Choose a Nominated Occupation
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Most Filipinos apply under Accountant (General), ANZSCO 221111, but some with internal audit experience opt for Internal Auditor, ANZSCO 221214
2. Get a Positive Skills Assessment
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A positive skills assessment by CPA Australia (for accounting) or Vetassess (for internal audit) is essential.
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Example: One user got a positive academic and employment assessment from CPA Australia for Accountant (General), successfully applying for visa subclasses 189, 190, and 489
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For internal auditing, a Visa success story with full work experience assessment yielded a 75-point estimate for 189 and 80 for 190
3. Meet English Language Requirements
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English proficiency tests (IELTS or PTE Academic) are mandatory; no exemptions
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Strong PTE scores (e.g., scoring “Superior”) boosted points significantly and resulted in invitations
4. Calculate and Maximize Your Points
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You must reach at least 65 points, but in reality, many successful applicants have around 75–90 points, especially for visa 189
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Some choose Regional or State-nominated pathways (Subclass 190 or 489) for added points—489, for instance, offers an extra 10 points for regional sponsorship
5. Lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI)
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Submit your EOI via SkillSelect after securing a positive skills assessment and achieving a competitive points total.
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Some applicants lodge EOIs for multiple visa options (189, 190, 489) to increase chances
6. Receive Invitation & Submit Visa Application
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Invitation to Apply (ITA) may follow within days once your EOI meets thresholds.
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Example: One internal auditor received ITAs for both 189 and 190 within days after securing superior English results and skills assessment
7. Visa Lodgment and Initial Entry
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After invitation, submit your visa application with required documentation and complete medicals, police clearances, etc.
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Visa grants were achieved in several weeks in these anecdotes; subsequent arrangements like work and settlement followed soon after
8. Optional: Pursue CPA Australia Membership
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While CPA Australia membership doesn’t grant extra migration points, it can provide a strong advantage in securing employment in Australia
Quick Migration Roadmap
Step | Action Summary |
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1. Select Occupation | Accountant (General) or Internal Auditor |
2. Skills Assessment | Acquire positive assessment from CPA Australia or Vetassess |
3. English Proficiency | Take IELTS or PTE; aim for top scores |
4. Points Calculation | Target 75–90 points; consider state/regional pathways for extra points |
5. Lodge EOI | Submit under 189, 190, and/or 489 visa options |
6. Secure ITA | Invitation follows once threshold reached |
7. Apply & Enter | Lodge visa, complete requirements, then move and work |
8. Consider CPA Australia Membership | Helpful for job search though not for migration points |
Final Advice
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Start with a skills assessment early. Without it, you can’t lodge an EOI.
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Invest in English proficiency—especially PTE, as high scores are game-changers.
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Explore multiple visa subclasses (189, 190, 489) to widen your chances.
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Pursue CPA Australia membership to enhance your employability once you’re in Australia.