Immigration Points for Accountant

Accountants represent one of the most popular professional occupations for immigration to both Canada and Australia, though the immigration landscape for accountants has become increasingly competitive in recent years. In Canada, accountants fall under NOC 11100 (Financial Auditors and Accountants), classified as TEER 1, making them eligible for the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Canadian Experience Class under Express Entry. While accountants are not typically targeted in category-based draws (which have focused on healthcare, STEM, trades, transport, and agriculture), they remain eligible for general all-program draws and can benefit significantly from Provincial Nominee Programs. The accounting profession in Canada is well-established, with strong demand in major financial centers like Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, and Montreal. Internationally qualified accountants may need to complete bridging programs or additional examinations to obtain a Canadian professional designation (CPA — Chartered Professional Accountant). In Australia, accountants are listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) under ANZSCO 221111, qualifying for subclass 189, 190, and 491 visas. However, accounting is one of the most competitive occupations in Australia's skilled migration program, with a large number of applicants relative to the available invitation places. As a result, effective cutoff scores for accountants applying through the subclass 189 pathway have often been significantly higher than the 65-point minimum — sometimes reaching 90 or above. Skills assessment for accountants in Australia is conducted by CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ), or the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA). Candidates typically need a bachelor's degree with sufficient coverage of specific accounting subjects, plus relevant work experience. Both countries offer pathways for accountants to progress from temporary work permits to permanent residence, though the competitive nature of this occupation means that strategic planning — including maximizing language scores, gaining local work experience, and exploring state or provincial nomination programs — is particularly important. Average salaries for accountants range from CAD 55,000 to 90,000 in Canada and AUD 60,000 to 100,000 in Australia, increasing significantly with professional designation and experience.