CPA Australia Skill Assessment for PR Visa: Step-by-Step Guide (2025 - 2026)
If you're an accountant dreaming of securing Permanent Residency (PR) in Australia, a CPA Australia skill assessment is a critical step in your journey. At Peerless Immigration Services, we understand how daunting the process can seem, especially for skilled migration applicants. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the CPA skill assessment for Australia PR in 2025, from eligibility to required documents and common pitfalls to avoid. Let’s dive in!
What Is a Skill Assessment and Why Is It Needed for Australia PR?
A skill assessment is a mandatory evaluation for most General Skilled Migration (GSM) visas, such as the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189), Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190), and Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491). It verifies that your qualifications, skills, and work experience meet Australian standards for your nominated occupation.
For accountants, the CPA Australia skill assessment ensures your credentials align with the Australian labor market’s requirements. A positive assessment outcome is essential to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the Department of Home Affairs’ SkillSelect system. Without it, your PR visa application cannot proceed.
Who Should Apply to CPA Australia?
CPA Australia is one of three assessing authorities for accounting-related occupations, alongside Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ) and the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA). You should apply to CPA Australia if your nominated occupation falls under one of the following ANZSCO codes:
- Accountant (General) – ANZSCO 221111
- Management Accountant – ANZSCO 221112
- Taxation Accountant – ANZSCO 221113
- External Auditor – ANZSCO 221213
- Internal Auditor – ANZSCO 221214
- Finance Manager – ANZSCO 132211
These occupations are listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) or other relevant Skilled Occupation Lists (SOL), making them eligible for PR visa pathways. To confirm your occupation’s eligibility, check the Department of Home Affairs’ Skilled Occupation List or consult our detailed guide on ANZSCO codes for skilled migration.
Eligibility Requirements for CPA Australia Skill Assessment
To qualify for a CPA Australia skill assessment, you must meet the following criteria:
- Qualifications: Hold a qualification equivalent to at least an Australian bachelor’s degree, assessed per the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). Your degree must cover mandatory competency areas specific to your chosen ANZSCO code (e.g., accounting, finance, business law).
- English Proficiency: Provide evidence of English language skills through tests like IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, or CAE (completed on or after 1 January 2015). Minimum scores vary by test but typically require at least 7.0 in each IELTS component or equivalent.
- Work Experience : Must be relevant to your nominated ANZSCO occupation, completed within the last 10 years, post-qualification, and include at least one year of full-time (or equivalent) paid work.
List of Required Documents for CPA Skill Assessment
Submitting complete and accurate documents is crucial for a smooth CPA Australia skill assessment. Below is a comprehensive list of required documents:
- Scanned copy of your passport (details page).
- Secondary photo ID (e.g., driver’s license or national ID card).
- Evidence of name change (e.g., marriage certificate), if applicable.
- Degree certificate(s) or completion letter(s).
- Academic transcripts showing subject titles, codes, and results.
- Official syllabus for non-accredited qualifications (must match transcript details).
- English Proficiency Test results (IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, or CAE) no older than three years.
- Employment reference letters on company letterhead, detailing Job title and ANZSCO code, Start and end dates, Key duties and responsibilities, and Full-time/part-time status and hours worked.
- Proof of salary
Note: Ensure all documents are in English or accompanied by certified translations. Learn more about preparing documents in our guide on writing effective employment reference letters.
CPA Australia Skill Assessment Fees (2025)
As of 1 May 2025, CPA Australia updated its fees to reflect enhanced services. Below are the fees (in AUD)
| Assessment Type | Onshore Applicants (AUD) | Offshore Applicants (AUD) | Applicants in Singapore (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Qualification Assessment | $565 | $514 | $560 |
| Fast Track - Qualification Assessment | $675 | $614 | $669 |
| Combined Assessment - Qualification and Skilled Employment | $620 | $564 | $615 |
| Qualification Assessment - Additional ANZSCO | $260 | $236 | $257 |
| Fast Track - Qualification Assessment Additional ANZSCO | $310 | $282 | $307 |
| Skilled Employment Assessment | $260 | $236 | $257 |
| Combined Assessment - Qualification and Skilled Employment - Additional ANZSCO | $350 | $318 | $347 |
| Qualification Assessment - Update | $185 | $168 | $183 |
| Skilled Employment Assessment - Update | $185 | $168 | $183 |
| Review | $185 | $168 | $183 |
| Administration Fee | $85 | $77 | $84 |
Processing Time for CPA Skill Assessment
Processing times depend on application volume and document completeness:
- Standard Processing: Typically 6–8 weeks, excluding weekends, public holidays, and CPA Australia’s end-of-year closure.
- Fast-Track Processing: Prioritizes your application for assignment to an assessor within 20 business days (outcome time depends on document quality).
Note: Incomplete submissions or requests for additional documents can delay processing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in CPA Skill Assessment
Avoid these pitfalls to ensure a successful application:
- Incomplete Documentation: Missing transcripts, syllabi, or payslips can lead to delays or rejection.
- Non-Accredited Qualifications: If your degree isn’t on CPA Australia’s accredited list, provide a detailed syllabus to prove competency coverage.
- Expired English Test Results: Ensure test results are within three years of your application date.
- Fraudulent Information: Submitting false documents can result in application refusal, no refund, and reporting to the Department of Home Affairs.
- Ignoring ANZSCO Requirements: Ensure your qualifications and experience align with your chosen occupation’s mandatory competencies.
For more details, explore our Guide to General Skilled Migration Visas.
The CPA Australia skill assessment is a vital step for accountants seeking Australia PR in 2025. By understanding the eligibility criteria, preparing accurate documents, and following the application process meticulously, you can boost your chances of a positive outcome. At Peerless Immigration Services, we specialize in guiding skilled migration applicants through every stage of their journey, from skill assessments to visa applications.
Need expert help with your CPA assessment? Get in touch with our team today for personalized advice and support. Contact us now to start your path to Australian Permanent Residency!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The assessment outcome is valid for three years from the issue date for use with the Department of Home Affairs.
Yes, you can apply for multiple ANZSCO codes within the same application, but additional fees apply per code.
Provide an official syllabus for non-accredited qualifications. In exceptional cases, a statutory declaration with a self-written summary may be accepted.
No, CPA Australia does not provide visa or migration advice.
Yes, fast-track processing assigns your application to an assessor within 20 business days for an additional fee.
CPA Australia will request additional documents, delaying processing. If not provided within the specified timeframe, your application may be closed.
Yes, you can request a review within 12 months of the outcome date, using only the original documents submitted.
