Finance · ANZSCO 221111
Accountant immigration to Australia & Canada
Accountants prepare and analyse financial records and ensure compliance. A long-standing skilled migration occupation; professional-year and English requirements often apply.
Australia pathway
Skilled migration (189 / 190 / 491)
CPA Australia, CA ANZ or IPA assess Accountant (General) (ANZSCO 221111). Assessment covers a set of core knowledge areas, and gaps are closed by examination rather than by experience. A positive skills assessment is required before an Expression of Interest. Points cover age, English, education, and experience; state nomination (190) or regional (491) can add points.
Canada pathway
Express Entry & 2026 category draws
2026 category: General draws
Accounting is not covered by a 2026 category. This occupation depends on general rounds, program-specific rounds, or a provincial nomination, so CRS and nomination strategy carry the whole case. You will need an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) and qualifying language scores. We help optimise your CRS and prepare a document-ready profile.
Why Accountant applications most often stall
Accounting is one of the most oversubscribed occupations in the pool, so the pass mark is not the target — invitations sit well above it. Applicants who plan to the legislated minimum and skip a Professional Year, NAATI or superior English generally never receive an invitation.
Based on files ImmiPace has reviewed. Last reviewed 2026-08-29.
Accountant migration — common questions
Is Accountant eligible for Australian skilled migration?
Accountant is assessed by CPA Australia / CA ANZ for Australian skilled visas (subclass 189 Skilled Independent, 190 State Nominated, and 491 Regional). CPA Australia, CA ANZ or IPA assess Accountant (General) (ANZSCO 221111). Assessment covers a set of core knowledge areas, and gaps are closed by examination rather than by experience. Occupation lists and state nomination criteria change, so always confirm current eligibility with the Department of Home Affairs and the relevant assessing authority.
Which Canada Express Entry category does a Accountant fall under in 2026?
Accountant generally falls under General draws. Accounting is not covered by a 2026 category. This occupation depends on general rounds, program-specific rounds, or a provincial nomination, so CRS and nomination strategy carry the whole case. For renewed categories IRCC requires at least one year of experience in an eligible occupation. Category eligibility can matter more than raising your CRS score, because category rounds frequently invite below the general cut-off.
Do I need registration or a licence to work as a Accountant in Australia?
No licence is required to work as an accountant, but professional-body membership is expected by most employers and is required for some public-practice work. Registration and the migration skills assessment are separate processes with separate requirements, and passing one does not satisfy the other.
Why do Accountant skilled migration applications get refused or delayed?
Accounting is one of the most oversubscribed occupations in the pool, so the pass mark is not the target — invitations sit well above it. Applicants who plan to the legislated minimum and skip a Professional Year, NAATI or superior English generally never receive an invitation.
What documents does a Accountant need for a skills assessment?
Typically: degree certificates and transcripts, detailed employment reference letters matching the duties of the nominated occupation, CV, English test results, and identity documents. ImmiPace reviews your documents and prepares a submission-ready file.