Australian Migration Skills Assessment Becomes Tougher

With Australia’s government announcing further changes to its migration policy to the country, the migration skills assessment specifically for accounting professionals moving Down Under.

Coming into effect on the 1st July 2015, the requirements for could have some significant impact on a number of applicants. All applicants will have to complete the compulsory core accounting areas as well. For those who are entering the country as External Auditors or Tax Accountants, they will have to take an additional core subject that is essential to their application.

Previously all applicants were required to complete the same number of nine core subjects related to migrant skills assessment. However, to avoid facing the new changes, we advise that you put through your application before the 1st July 2015.

These changes were announced by the Accounting Professional Bodies, which will see the process to meet the criteria for education become harder to meet skills assessment once the changes are in place.

From the existing 12 core areas for accounting, this number will drop to only nine with those applying having to meet at least seven of them. However, depending on some occupations the applicant will need to meet eight.

Occupations Affected

The below are accounting professional bodies that will be affected by the impending changes:

• Finance Manager ANZSCO 132211
• Accountant (General) ANZSCO 221111
• Management Accountant ANZSCO 221112
• Taxation Accountant ANZSCO 221113
• Corporate Treasurer ANZSCO 221212
• External Auditor ANZSCO 221213

Overview of Assessment Criteria

For all that are or will be applying for a Permanent Skills Assessment then they will need to meet the following criteria:
Qualification: One of the criteria not changing, with a qualification comparable to an Australian bachelor degree needed.
Core Accounting Knowledge Areas: Depending on which subject is needed, the changes from 1st July are in relation to these. you must have covered certain compulsory subjects in your qualification.
English Language: This criteria has not received changes and as before you must undertake an English test. Requirements are similar to those for Proficient English.

To discover further changes to the Migration Skills Assessment and to find out more on your visia options visit OzVisaInfo.com