From November 2014 the Test of English Language as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and the Pearson Tests of English – Academic (PTE – A) will also be accepted by the Department of Immigration as evidence of English language competency for the purposes of skilled and business skills migration to Australia.

At present the IELTS – International English Language Testing System – test is the only means by which applicants seeking migration to Australia under the general skilled program or as business migrants can verify their English language competency if they want to claim points under the points test that applies to skilled and business skills visas.

Results of a TOEFL are already accepted by Australia’s Department of Immigration for the purpose of student visas, and are accepted for immigration purposes by the United Kingdom’s Border Agency and the United States of America’s Citizenship and Immigration Services.

The PTE Academic is presently approved by the UK Border Agency for certain student visa applications when students are required to demonstrate English language competency.

We anticipate that the tried and trusted IELTS test will remain the chosen pathway for those seeking to validate their English language abilities. However, these new alternatives will provide options, and we anticipate that the advantages of one testing system over the other will become apparent over time.

In the meantime:

> An announcement on the ETS website (Note: ETS administers the TOEFL) is here

> Information about the TOEFL is here

> Information about the PTE – Academic Test is here

The Australian Workforce and Production Agency (the AWPA) has flagged a number of occupations which were borderline in terms of their inclusion on the SOL.

The AWPA reports that these occupations might be removed from the SOL in future years, subject to monitoring of the labour market, education and migration data, and evidence from stakeholders in relation to future oversupply issues, migration outcomes, and areas of specific need.

The following accounting occupations are included on the list:

> Accountant (General), ANZSCO Code 221111

> Management Accountant, ANZSCO Code 221112

> Taxation Accountant, ANZSCO Code 221113

An occupation must be included on the SOL if an applicant is to be able to apply for a Skilled Independent visa under subclass 189.

An occupation must be included on the Consolidated Sponsored Occupations List (the CSOL) to be able to apply for a Skilled Sponsored visa under subclasses 190 or 489, or employer sponsored visas under subclasses 457, 186, or 187.

The Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia (the ICAA) and CPA Australia have sent a joint submission to the Immigration Minister contending that the AWPA’s approach to assessing Australia’s future skills needs is flawed, and that the SkillSelect model provides the necessary flexibility for the Department of Immigration to allow the migration of skilled accountants to Australia.

The SOL and CSOL are reviewed each year, with changes usually taking effect on the 1st of July.

Our advice to accountants – as is usually the case with all migration to Australia – is to progress your visa strategy at the earliest opportunity while a visa strategy is available. Visa pathways have been known to change quickly and without notice, so what is possible today could easily not be possible in 6 months from now.

If you are an accountant and are considering moving to Australia contact your local GM Skilled office or complete the form on this webpage for a free no obligation discussion about your situation and your Australian visa options.

Welcome to GM Skilled website’s blog.