Lodging the skills assessment
Once the authority for assessment and completing the application has been identified, it has to be mailed to the authority with all supporting documentary evidence with the fee attached.
Usually the fees are paid with a bank draft, however, there is the option of making the payment via a credit card. It is anticipated that three months would be necessary for the processing to complete.
Lodging the visa application
At the time of lodging the visa application, there are few important elements to be considered. A positive skills assessment is mandatory, together with the IELTS test results, which ought to have been completed within the last two years. To be eligible for migration, one must have an IELTS score of 6 in each component. However, to receive priority processing under the Critical Skills List (CSL), 7 in each component in the general IELTS must be demonstrated.
Accounting is a profession that requires post qualified work experience to be recognized at a "skilled" level. Regardless of the qualification, one must have at least 12 months post qualified work experience. Applicants who are pass-finalists of CIMA need extra attention in making the right decision. Often the applicants who are studying for CIMA, gain concurrent work experience and this should not be confused with the post qualified experience requirement.
Avoiding delays in processing
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IELTS scores is the key contributing factor for the long wait in the decision process. One tip that all accountants must know is, the lodging of the visa application could be done with 6 in each band in the IELTS test and at a later stage submit the score of 7 to receive priority in processing.
Visa process consists of a large amount of documents to be attached to the application. Submitting all the required documents will assist the officers of the department of immigration, hence avoiding further request for information.
Settlement factor
Despite the high migration level of professional accountants, the demand for the occupations seems to exist. It could be the reason that migrants arriving from non-English speaking countries are disadvantaged with sound communication skills. This has been pointed out in a survey carried out by the CPA Australia. Despite the fact that English language skills are tested and met, it seems that higher proficiency is required when gaining employment. Potential accounting migrants are encouraged to put a greater emphasis on enhancing the communication skills to have a smooth transition.
Accountants Q& A
Question: I have completed my CIMA passed-finalist level August 2009. I have been working in the accounting field for the past 4 years. I am 29 years. Can I migrate?
Answer: At a glance the answer is yes. However, when examining the legal criteria, the answer is No. Every applicant that is an Accountant must possess one year of fulltime work experience that is post qualification. The applicant has only become a pass-finalist in August this year. Therefore, the visa application can be lodged only in August 2010. However, skills assessment and IELTS can be completed prior to this. Therefore, commencing the process can be done before completing one year of work experience. You will need fresh advice in 2010 as regulations may change.
Question: I have a Bachelor of Finance Degree from University of London and I am working as a financial advisor since 2006. My wife's brother is willing to offer us a sponsorship from Melbourne.
Answer: Primarily you will need to choose between, the following professions; Accountant, External Auditor, Corporate Treasure or Finance Manager. Generally Financial Advisors fulfill the job criteria of an Accountant. However, you need to refer to the Australian Standard of Classification of Occupation to see if you are really engaged in these duties. Your degree sounds very positive, although be mindful that you must have completed 9 subjects out of the 12, which was published in the previous article. If these two hurdles are taken care of you have an excellent chance of obtaining a permanent residency visa.
Question: My basic degree is Business Administration from University of Sri Jayawardanepura. I have up to Intermediate level of ICASL. Will I qualify?
Answer: It is possible to combine degree subjects with other recognized qualifications such as ICASL or CIMA. However, you need to be mindful of degrees such as Business Administration, Public Administration etc does not cover the subjects to the full level the Australian assessment authorities require. The possibility of an unsuccessful skills assessment is very high. I advise you to seek professional advice.
Send your questions on migration to: mirroreducation@wijeya.lk with the Subject line of "Migration Help-Desk"
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