How Indian Chartered Accountants Can Secure PR in Australia
VisaClarity Team
Migration Information Hub Writers
Indian Chartered Accountants can secure permanent residency (PR) in Australia by converting their ICAI qualifications through CA ANZ or CPA Australia. Under the reciprocal agreements, a completed ICAI membership paired with an Indian bachelor's degree is recognized as equivalent to an Australian bachelor's degree. Applicants must complete two Australian bridging courses and achieve a proficient English score.
The ICAI Reciprocal Agreement Framework
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has established formal pathways and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with Australia's premier accounting bodies: Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) and CPA Australia.
This reciprocal relationship simplifies the qualification assessment process for General Skilled Migration (GSM) visas. Instead of starting their education from scratch, Indian Chartered Accountants (CAs) can have their professional membership and tertiary education assessed directly for equivalence to the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).
To qualify for an assessment under these international pathways, you must: 1. Be a member in good standing with the ICAI. 2. Have gained admission to the ICAI by completing the standard education, examination, and practical training requirements (admissions via reciprocal routes with third countries are excluded). 3. Hold a recognized university degree (such as a Bachelor of Commerce) from an accredited Indian institution.
To determine how your qualifications contribute to your visa points, use the /tools/points-explainer.
The Skills Assessment Criteria and Bridging Courses
To apply for a skilled visa as an "Accountant (General)" (ANZSCO 221111), "Management Accountant" (ANZSCO 221112), or "Taxation Accountant" (ANZSCO 221113), you must obtain a positive skills assessment. CA ANZ and CPA Australia are the approved assessing authorities.
The assessment requires you to satisfy three core components:
1. Educational Equivalency
Your combination of a university bachelor's degree and the ICAI Chartered Accountancy qualification must be assessed as comparable to an AQF Bachelor's Degree or higher.2. Core Knowledge Areas
Australian accounting bodies require all applicants to show competence in foundational business and accounting subjects. While your ICAI syllabus covers the majority of these fields (such as financial accounting, cost accounting, and auditing), you must complete specific bridging courses to satisfy Australian local requirements. You must pass approved courses in: * Australian Income Tax Law * Australian Corporations Law (also referred to as Australian Business Law)These courses can be completed online through CA ANZ, CPA Australia, or accredited Australian universities before submitting your skills assessment.
3. English Language Competency
Accounting is classified as a highly communicative profession in Australia. The assessing bodies enforce a strict English threshold that is higher than the minimum visa requirement. You must achieve: * An Academic IELTS score of at least 7.0 in all four components (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking), or * A PTE Academic score of at least 65 in all four communicative skills.You can verify the visa types available for accounting codes in the /tools/occupation-list.
Comparison of Skills Assessment Paths: CA ANZ vs. CPA Australia
The table below compares the two primary assessing authorities that Indian Chartered Accountants can use to convert their credentials.
| Parameter | Chartered Accountants ANZ (CA ANZ) | CPA Australia |
|---|---|---|
| Reciprocal Agreement | Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) | Member Pathway Agreement |
| Primary ANZSCO Codes | Accountant (General), External Auditor | Accountant (General), Finance Manager |
| Bridging Courses Required | Australian Tax Law & Corporations Law | Australian Tax Law & Corporations Law |
| English Requirement | Academic IELTS 7.0 or PTE 65 (all bands) | Academic IELTS 7.0 or PTE 65 (all bands) |
| Assessment Fee (2026) | $650 AUD (Standard Assessment) | $650 AUD (Standard Assessment) |
Sources
- [International Pathways - India], Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ), https://www.charteredaccountantsanz.com/become-a-member/memberships/international-pathways, Checked 4 June 2026. - [Member of ICAI Pathway], CPA Australia, https://www.cpaaustralia.com.au/become-a-cpa/am-i-eligible/member-of-another-body/icai, Checked 4 June 2026. - [Skilled Occupations and Assessing Authorities], Department of Home Affairs, https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skill-occupation-list, Checked 4 June 2026.Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a skills assessment with only ICAI membership and no university degree?
No. Under the reciprocal agreements, CA ANZ and CPA Australia require you to hold both a university degree (such as a B.Com) and a completed ICAI membership. If you cleared the CA exams but do not hold a tertiary degree, your qualification may not be assessed as comparable to an AQF Bachelor's degree.How much do the Australian Tax and Corporations Law bridging courses cost?
As of 2026, online bridging modules taken directly through CA ANZ or CPA Australia cost approximately $800 to $1,200 AUD per subject. Most candidates complete these exams online from India before finalizing their skills assessment application.Can I use PTE Academic General for my accounting skills assessment?
No. Accounting assessing bodies in Australia only accept academic versions of English tests. You must sit the Academic IELTS or the PTE Academic test. PTE Academic Online and general training formats are not accepted for skills assessment purposes.What is the EOI points cutoff for Indian Accountants seeking PR?
Accounting is an extremely competitive sector in the General Skilled Migration program. While the statutory minimum to apply is 65 points, the actual invitation cutoffs for Subclass 189 and 190 visas frequently sit between 95 and 100 points. Offshore applicants realistically need Superior English (+20 points) and significant work experience to receive an invitation.Can I apply for PR as an auditor without taking Tax and Corporations Law?
Yes. If you apply for a skills assessment as an "External Auditor" (ANZSCO 221213), the assessing bodies generally do not require Australian Income Tax Law or Australian Corporations Law, as local auditing standards are globally aligned with International Standards on Auditing (ISA).Important Disclaimer: VisaClarity Australia provides general information only and is not a registered migration agent or law firm. This content does not constitute migration advice under the *Migration Act 1958* (Cth). Visa rules change frequently. Always verify details on the Department of Home Affairs website and consult a registered migration agent (MARA) for advice specific to your circumstances.