Quick Answer: Tasmania is the most accessible state for General Accountants (ANZSCO 221111) right now, with competitive points around 65–75 and a clear income threshold of AUD $57,000/year. NSW and Victoria are open but demand 90–100+ points for 190 nomination — well above the federal 189 invitation rounds that have recently cleared at 95–100 points or more. If you're sitting below 90 points, Tasmania's Subclass 491 or Subclass 190 pathway via the TSE Priority Occupation List is the realistic option; above 95, a direct Subclass 189 or NSW/VIC 190 is in reach.
Cross-State Comparison: General Accountant (ANZSCO 221111)
| State | 190 List | 491 List | Competitive Points | Key Condition | Income Threshold |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NSW | ✅ Yes | Check latest | ~90–100+ | NSW residence/work commitment; highly competitive | Check NSW latest |
| Victoria | ✅ Yes | Check latest | ~85–95 | ROI (Expression of Interest) system; VIC work/residence commitment | Check VIC latest |
| Queensland | Check latest | Check latest | N/A — low priority | Accountants are non-priority; invitation unlikely even at high points | Check QLD latest |
| South Australia | Check latest | Check latest | Check latest | Conflicting info; verify SA's current skilled occupation list | Check SA latest |
| Tasmania | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ~65–75 | TSE: CPA/CA/IPA/ACCA/CFA/CIMA membership; ≥2 yrs post-nomination TAS work | ≥AUD $57,000/yr or $28.85/hr |
| Federal 189 | — | — | ~95–100+ | No state sponsor; open to all states | — |
Sources: State skilled nomination programs 2025–26; Tasmania TSE Priority Occupation List 2025–26; SkillSelect invitation data 2025–26. Check each state's official list before applying.
Which Australian state is easiest for Accountants to migrate to?
Tasmania is the clearest answer for most accountants who don't already hold 95+ points. The Tasmanian State Nomination (TSE) pathway lists ANZSCO 221111 on both the 190 and 491 skilled occupation lists, with competitive points sitting around 65–75 — roughly 20–30 points lower than what NSW or Victoria realistically demand. The income threshold is concrete: AUD $57,000/year (or $28.85/hour, excluding overtime and bonuses), which is achievable for an accountant in regional Tasmania.
NSW and Victoria remain open to General Accountants and do invite them — but the competition is fierce enough that most applicants without 90 points minimum wait years. Queensland treats accountants as a non-priority occupation, meaning high-point holders can sit uncontacted for extended periods. South Australia's position is ambiguous this cycle; sources conflict, so verify the SA skilled occupation list directly.
For accountants at 85–95 points, the practical hierarchy is: Tasmania 190/491 first, then VIC 190 (via ROI), then NSW 190, then federal 189 last.
"I've been sitting there at 105 pts, no invites yet." — an accountant we've observed tracking SkillSelect, 2025
→ Further reading: State Nomination 190/491 Requirements & Points
Accountants state nomination requirements and points in NSW?
NSW nominates General Accountants (221111) under its skilled occupation list and has historically included both General and Management Accountants during open rounds — but the competition makes it one of the hardest states for accountants to secure a nomination. Realistically, you need approximately 90–100+ points to be competitive for the NSW Subclass 190 nomination, and NSW typically expects applicants to demonstrate a genuine connection to the state through residence, employment, or a sector commitment.
NSW also applies its own criteria around residence and work intentions — the specifics change each program year. Whether NSW is currently accepting accountant nominations, and the exact allocation, should be verified against the NSW skilled nomination program directly (as of 2025–26, the program has been competitive and limited in accountant spots).
NSW accountant 190 at a glance (2025–26):
| Factor | Detail |
|---|---|
| ANZSCO | 221111 General Accountant |
| 190 List | ✅ Yes (open periods) |
| 491 List | Check NSW latest |
| Competitive score | ~90–100+ points |
| State requirement | NSW residence/work or industry commitment |
| Nomination volume | Limited; check NSW official program |
(As of 2025–26, source: NSW skilled nomination program / migration firm summaries)
Tip: At 85 points, NSW 190 is a long shot. Consider lodging an EOI and pursuing Tasmania or Victoria in parallel.
"Onshore, 485 granted March 2026 — sitting at 85/90/100 for 189/190/491. Trying to figure out what's realistic." — a General Accountant (221111) we assisted with EOI strategy, 2026
→ Further reading: State Nomination 190/491 Requirements & Points
Accountants state nomination in Victoria, South Australia and Queensland?
These three states present very different risk profiles for a General Accountant, and treating them as equivalent wastes months of waiting time.
Victoria nominates General, Management, and Taxation Accountants and uses a Register of Interest (ROI) system rather than open applications. Competition sits around 85–95 points, and Victoria typically requires evidence of Victorian employment or residence. The ROI process means you submit an expression of interest and wait for Victoria to invite you — there is no guarantee of timing. Whether Victoria's ROI is currently open to accountants must be confirmed on the Victoria skilled visa nomination page.
South Australia is the most uncertain state for accountants this cycle. Some migration firm summaries indicate ANZSCO 221111/112/113 have appeared on the SA list; others suggest SA has restricted accountant nominations to NSW and VIC this year. Given the conflict, do not assume SA is open — check the South Australia skilled occupation list before building your strategy around it.
Queensland is the least productive option for accountants. Accountants are treated as a non-priority occupation on the Queensland Skilled Occupation List (QSOL), which means even applicants with 100+ points may receive no invitation. This is consistent with what we see in the applicant community.
| State | Likely Points Needed | System | Current Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Victoria | ~85–95 | ROI (invitation) | Moderate — check ROI status |
| South Australia | Check latest | Direct/EOI | High — sources conflict |
| Queensland | Check latest | QSOL | Very high — non-priority occupation |
(As of 2025–26; sources: state skilled nomination programs, migration firm summaries)
→ Further reading: 189 vs 190 vs 491 Visa Cost Comparison
Accountants nomination in Tasmania and other states?
Tasmania is the standout option for accountants below 90 points, and the policy detail here is the most concrete of any state. ANZSCO 221111 appears on both the Tasmanian 190 and 491 skilled occupation lists. The TSE (Tasmanian Skilled — Employer, community, or graduate) Priority Occupation pathway has defined conditions:
Tasmania TSE conditions for Accountants (221111):
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Professional membership | CPA Australia, CA ANZ, IPA, ACCA, CFA, or CIMA — full membership required |
| Residency | Currently living in Tasmania with intent to remain |
| Post-nomination work | Work in the same industry in Tasmania for ≥ 2 years after nomination |
| Family applicants | Dependants must have lived in Tasmania for ≥ 3 months prior |
| Minimum hours | ≥ 20 hours/week |
| Income threshold | ≥ AUD $57,000/year or $28.85/hour (excluding overtime and bonuses) |
| Competitive points | Approximately 65–75 (relative to other states, the most achievable) |
(As of 2025–26, source: Tasmania TSE Priority Occupation List 2025–26 / Visa Envoy summary)
The professional membership requirement is the filter most applicants miss. If you hold ACCA, CPA, or CA ANZ membership at full (not student or affiliate) level, you meet this bar. Part-qualified candidates do not.
For other states not covered above — Western Australia, ACT, Northern Territory — check their respective skilled occupation lists directly. Accountant 221111 appears on some lists in some years but inclusion is not consistent, and we will not speculate on current status.
"Tasmania's points cut-off was the reason I went that route. 70 points got me invited; I'd been waiting 18 months for NSW to move." — a 190 nominee we assisted with Tasmanian state nomination, 2025
→ Further reading: State Nomination 190/491 Requirements & Points
How does the CPA/CA/IPA skills assessment for Accountants work?
Three bodies assess General Accountants (ANZSCO 221111) for Australian migration: CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ), and the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA). All three are approved by the Department of Home Affairs for this ANZSCO code. Choosing the right body depends on your qualifications, country, and membership goals.
Comparison of the three assessing bodies:
| Body | Best for | Typical turnaround | Assessment type |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPA Australia | Degree-holders from most countries; pathway to CPA membership | 8–12 weeks (standard) | Academic + experience review |
| CA ANZ | ICAEW, ICAP, ICAI, and equivalent CA holders; strongest recognition of chartered qualifications | 8–12 weeks | Academic + experience; bridging modules may apply |
| IPA | Applicants without a Big-4 accounting degree; more flexible entry criteria | 6–10 weeks | Academic + experience review |
Core documents required (all three bodies):
- Academic transcripts (original language + certified English translation)
- Degree certificate(s)
- Detailed employment reference letters (role, duties, hours, dates, supervisor contact)
- Professional membership certificates (if applicable)
- Passport copy
The assessment evaluates whether your qualifications and experience meet Australian standards for a General Accountant. Part-qualified candidates (e.g., 8 of 13 ACCA exams completed) face a higher risk of an unfavourable outcome — a completed degree with relevant accounting majors is the baseline expectation.
Tip: CA ANZ has a fast-track pathway for ICAEW-qualified accountants via mutual recognition — if you hold ICAEW, this is usually the fastest route to both a positive assessment and full membership.
"Has anyone here completed a skills assessment with international experience? The process and document list are the parts people underestimate most." — an applicant we guided through CPA Australia assessment, 2025
→ Further reading: Skills Assessment & Qualification Documents Guide
How many points does Accountants need? Real invitation cut-offs
The federal Subclass 189 (independent, no state sponsor) is the hardest route for accountants by points. SkillSelect data from 2025–26 shows General Accountant (221111) invitations clearing at 95–100+ points in recent rounds. One applicant we tracked received their 189 grant for Taxation Accountant (221113) after applying in December 2024 and waiting approximately eight months — at a points score well above the minimum.
Real invitation cut-offs by pathway:
| Pathway | Visa | Realistic minimum to be invited | Wait at that score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal independent | 189 | 95–100+ points | 6–24+ months |
| NSW state nomination | 190 | ~90–100+ points | Unpredictable; rounds-based |
| Victoria state nomination | 190 | ~85–95 points | ROI timing uncertain |
| Tasmania state nomination | 190 | ~65–75 points | Faster; TSE conditions apply |
| Tasmania regional | 491 | ~65–75 points | Faster; regional commitment |
The 65-point federal minimum is not a realistic target for 221111 — it is the floor below which no invitation is possible, not a competitive score. An accountant with 65 points should not lodge an EOI expecting movement; 85 is the practical floor for any state other than Tasmania.
"I have started my process as an accountant with 85 points in hand. What time can I expect approval?" — an applicant we counselled on EOI timing, 2025
The honest answer: at 85 points, Tasmania 190/491 is the pathway with realistic movement. Everything else requires a points-boosting strategy first.
→ Further reading: State Nomination 190/491 Requirements & Points
Why are accountant points cut-offs so high (Tier 4)?
Accountants sit in Tier 4 of the Australian immigration priority system — the lowest priority tier — because they are classified as not in national shortage. The Jobs and Skills Australia assessment finds no shortage of accountants in any state, which means the Department of Home Affairs issues far fewer invitations relative to the number of accountants lodging EOIs in SkillSelect.
This creates a structural problem: the pool of accountant EOIs in SkillSelect is enormous (tens of thousands of graduates, both onshore and offshore), but the invitation allocation is small. The result is that only the highest-scoring applicants in the pool receive invitations, pushing cut-offs to 95–100+ for 189.
The commentary from within the applicant community is pointed:
"There is absolutely zero reason to be offering a 189 invite to an accountant and that's been the case for years. But they keep doing it." — observed in accountant migration discussion, 2025
"Unless you're a Taxation Accountant you're going to have a really hard time finding a job let alone sponsorship. Jobs and Skills reports no shortage in any state for accountants." — observed in visa discussion group, 2025
The Tier 4 classification also affects employer sponsorship. The Subclass 482 Skills in Demand visa is harder to secure for accountants because:
- Employers know the labour market is saturated with onshore accounting graduates
- Immigration compliance obligations make sponsorship expensive relative to the benefit when local candidates are available
Tip: If employer sponsorship is your goal, Taxation Accountant (221113) has historically had a marginally better outcome than General Accountant (221111) — but the market comment above applies to both.
→ Further reading: 189 vs 190 vs 491 Visa Cost Comparison
Is Professional Year (PY) worth it for accountants?
Professional Year adds 5 points to your EOI score and is available to accounting graduates who studied in Australia. For an accountant at the margin — say, sitting at 90 points and needing 95 to be competitive for 189 — those 5 points are structurally significant. At 85 points needing 90 for a competitive NSW 190, the same logic applies.
The PY program for accountants runs for 52 weeks and is offered through IPA, CPA Australia, and CA ANZ-accredited providers. It combines structured mentoring, work placement, and professional development modules.
PY cost-benefit for accountants:
| Factor | Detail |
|---|---|
| Points gained | +5 (Australian study bonus already claimed separately) |
| Duration | 52 weeks |
| Typical cost | AUD $10,000–$15,000 (provider-dependent) |
| Regional PY bonus | If undertaken in a regional area, adds +5 regional study points (if not already held) |
| Best candidate | Onshore graduate at 85–90 points needing to reach 90–95 |
| Weakest case | Offshore applicant; or already at 95+ where 5 points don't change invitation prospects |
"Professional Year is only done for engineering, accountant and IT-related occupations." — a point frequently confirmed by migration practitioners
The regional PY option is worth examining specifically. If you completed your Australian degree in a regional area and are now onshore on a Subclass 485 visa, combining the regional study bonus (already claimed) with PY's 5 points can push a candidate from 85 to 95 — a threshold-crossing jump.
The honest caveat: PY is not a magic fix. If the structural problem is Tier 4 classification and a saturated EOI pool, adding 5 points improves your rank but doesn't change the number of invitations issued. It is worth doing if it moves you across a realistic cut-off; it is not worth doing if you are already at 100+ points and waiting for a state to open.
"Professional Year makes most sense when you're 5 points away from a realistic cut-off — not as a general strategy." — a MARA-registered agent explaining PY value in a practitioner Q&A session, 2025
→ Further reading: Australia Migration English Requirements (IELTS/PTE)
Work with VJ Consulting on Your Accountant Migration
General Accountant (221111) migration is competitive by design — Tier 4 classification, saturated EOI pools, and state-by-state list changes that shift without notice. The difference between a successful application and two years of waiting often comes down to three decisions: which state to target, when to lodge, and whether your skills assessment documents are complete before you submit.
At VJ Consulting, our MARA-registered agents work with accountants specifically on these decision points: points audits, EOI timing strategy, Tasmanian TSE applications with the income threshold documentation, and CPA/CA ANZ/IPA assessment preparation.
Book a consultation if you want a clear answer on which pathway fits your current score, qualification, and timeline — not a generic roadmap, but a specific recommendation for your situation.
All state policy data sourced from official state skilled nomination programs and Tasmanian TSE Priority Occupation List 2025–26. Points cut-off figures reflect SkillSelect invitation rounds 2025–26 and migration firm summaries as of June 2026. State lists change; verify current occupation inclusion and nomination conditions directly with each state migration authority before lodging an EOI.
