International Students Onshore Applicants

If you are an international student applying onshore

Assessments completed by the NIA of your eligibility will now be in two distinct stages.

Firstly, the assessment of your studies and English language proficiency, which will hopefully result in your eligibility for the issue of a Graduate (Temporary) visa (subclass 485).

Secondly, a further assessment by the NIA of either your IELTS Academic test level 7 or your completion of the Skilled Migration Internship Program - Accounting (SMIPA), which will then allow you to complete your application for GSM.

NOTE:  Each of these assessments carries a fee - the first AUD350 and the second AUD50.    Both assessments must be completed by the same assessing authority.

Assessment prior to the lodgement of your 485 visa application

From 1 July 2010 graduates of Australian accounting degree programs will be able to use their assessments to apply for a 485 visa if they receive an assessment showing that they have:

  • A formal qualification assessed as being at least comparable to an Australian Bachelor degree;
  • Completion of at least 9 of the 12 core knowledge areas at tertiary level, and
  • IELTS General Test Report Form (TRF) showing a band score of at least 6 in each of the four components of speaking, reading, listening and writing

The 485 visa currently runs for a maximum of 18 months.

What happens next?

The 485 visa will allow individuals the time to either (a) complete the Skilled Migration Internship Program - Accounting (SMIPA) or (b) complete IELTS Academic Test Report Form (TRF) of 7, at which time the National Institute of Accountants will update assessments when we receive documentation showing that the graduate has achieved:

  • IELTS Academic Test Report Form (TRF) showing a band score of at least 7 in each of the four components of speaking, reading, listening and writing OR
  • Satisfactorily completed the Skilled Migration Internship Program: Accounting (SMIPA).

Completion of SMIPA or the attainment of IELTS Academic band score of at least 7 will continue to provide the applicant 10 bonus points under the General Skilled Migration (GSM)  points test. 

The professional accounting bodies wish to reassure graduates of Australian accounting degree programs that they still have an opportunity to increase their English language proficiency or to complete SMIPA. 

We have been advised by DIAC that graduates will be able to use this updated assessment to apply for general skilled migration (GSM).

Question:  I have a degree which fully meets requirements and I have evidence of the completion of IELTS Academic level 7.  What should I do? Click here for more.

Please note that a successful assessment is valid for 2 years from the date of assessment.

NOTE: Applications received before 1 July 2010 will be assessed against the old criteria.