I have already lodged my application for a skills assessment with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia (ICAA). Will this change affect my assessment?

All applications received before close of business on Wednesday 30 June 2010 will be assessed using the current assessing criteria. If you have already lodged your application, these changes will not affect your assessment.

All applications received from Thursday 1 July 2010 onwards will be assessed using the changed assessing criteria.

I will be submitting my application in July 2010. What documents do I need to submit with my skills assessment?

The documents you need to submit for your skills assessment application will depend on your qualifications. Generally speaking, we require the following:

• academic awards (degree & membership certificates)
• statement of academic record (examination results)
• university/college handbook or course outlines (non-accredited and overseas qualifications only)
• IELTS Academic Test Report Form (TRF)
• payment
• DIAC Form 956 or letter of authority (only if you have a third party acting on your behalf)

What is ‘IELTS’?

IELTS, which stands for International English Language Testing System, is a test designed to assess an applicant’s English language ability.

What is the minimum English-Language level the ICAA requires?

From 1 July 2010, ICAA require applicants to provide IELTS documentation which shows they have successfully achieved a minimum IELTS academic score of Band 7 on each of the four (4) components – speaking, reading, listening and writing.

How do I enrol in IELTS?

Please visit www.ielts.org for information about their enrolment process.

How do I provide my IELTS documentation?

You will be required to supply a certified copy of your Test Report Form upon application for a skills assessment. ICAA will complete the necessary checks to confirm your result.

What if I have misplaced my Test Report Form?

Please contact IELTS about your options. ICAA is a Receiving Organisation.

How long are the IELTS results (known as Test Report Form) valid for?

Test Report Forms are valid for two years.

I am a UK citizen. Do I have to provide IELTS documentation?

There are no exemptions for any of the criteria. All applicants will be assessed against the same assessing criteria, including the English language requirement.

I am already an ICAA member. Do I need to provide an IELTS test result to have a skills assessment?

All ICAA members requesting a skills assessment from 1 July 2010 must be supported by a valid IELTS test result.

Can I complete any 9 out of the 12 core knowledge areas?

You will be required to complete at least 9 out of the 12 core knowledge areas at tertiary level. Each nominated occupation has 4 compulsory core knowledge areas and 5 option areas. Please refer to the table below.

* Australian Taxation Law is compulsory only for this code – local tax law is optional for all other codes.

• IELTS Academic Test Report Form (TRF) Number to show you have a band score of at least seven (7) on each of the four (4) components – speaking, reading, listening and writing;
• or Evidence of completion of the Skilled Migration Internship Program Accounting: (SMIPA)

I have a successful skills assessment from the ICAA. Is this still valid without an IELTS test report?

In your case, your skills assessment is valid for a period of 5 years from the date of your assessment letter as long as it was issued prior to 1 July 2010. You do not need to apply for a skills assessment appeal/review. Please visit www.immi.gov.au for information about applying for General Skills Migration.

If I receive a suitable skills assessment outcome from 1 July 2010, how long is this skills assessment valid for?

A skills assessment is valid for a period of 2 years from the date of the assessment letter.

Do I need to provide an IELTS test result if I want to apply for a skills assessment appeal/review?

All applicants who apply for a skills assessment appeal/review from Thursday 1 July 2010 will not be required to provide an IELTS test result as long as your assessment letter was issued prior to 1 July 2010.

Under what assessing criteria will I be assessed from 1 July 2010 if I apply for a skills assessment appeal/review?

All applicants who apply for a skills assessment appeal/review and choose the option of either having completed some additional subjects after a negative result or would like a full review will be assessed from Thursday 1 July 2010, under the same criteria that were applied when advising you of your assessment outcome.

Under what assessing criteria will I be assessed from 1 July 2010 if I apply for a skills assessment appeal/review and choose to change my occupation code for example from Finance Manager 1211-11 to Accountant (General) 221111?

All applicants who had a not suitable skills assesssment completed before 1 July 2010 and apply for a review after 1 July 2010 and as well as completing some additional study they also now want to change their occupation code for example from ASCO Financial Manager to ANZSCO Accountant (General). We will be treating this review as a brand new assessment. You will need to be assessed as per the core knowledge area requirements (compulsory and optional subjects) depending on the occupation and submit an IELTS Academic Test Result of 7 in each component. For more information please see our changed assessing criteria.

I had a suitable assessment outcome completed before 1 July 2010 and wish to apply for a skills assessment appeal/review after 1 July 2010 choosing to change my occupation code. What assessing criteria will I be assessed under?

All applicants who have had a suitable assessment outcome completed before 1 July 2010 and applies for a review after 1 July 2010 just wishing to change their occupation for example from Finance Manager to Accountant (General), we will be treating this review as a brand new assessment. You will need to be assessed as per the core knowledge area requirements (compulsory and optional subjects) depending on the occupation and submit an IELTS Academic Test Result of 7 in each component. For more information please see our changed assessing criteria.

If I apply for a skills assessment appeal/review based on an assessment letter issued prior to 1 July 2010, how long is this skills assessment appeal/review assessment valid for?

Successful appeal/reviews are valid for five years from the assessment outcome date.

I have already lodged my application for a migration skills assessment. Can I withdraw my application? Will I receive a refund?

Yes, you may request to withdraw your application. If we have not yet started your skills assessment you will be refunded the fee (less $50 administration fee). Please make your request in writing or via email to our Service Centre on service@charteredaccountants.com.au

I am due to complete my degree by the end of semester 1 2010 but will not receive a final academic transcript and completion letter until after Thursday 1 July 2010?

You can submit your skills assessment application form, payment and an unofficial academic transcript by 30 June 2010. A final academic transcript and completion letter will be required to be submitted by 1 September 2010.

When are the new ANZSCO codes effective?

The new Skilled Occupation List (SOL) is proposed to commence on 1 July 2010.

What are the new ANZSCO codes?

• Accountant (General) - ANZSCO 221111
• Management Accountant - ANZSCO 221112
• Taxation Accountant - ANZSCO 221113
• External Auditor - ANZSCO 221213
• Finance Manager - ANZSCO 132211
• Corporate Treasurer - ANZSCO 221212

For more information on this visit the Australian Department of Immigration & Citizenship (DIAC) website.

I already have a temporary visa and am applying for a permanent residency (PR). What other qualifications do I need?

Applicants need to have completed an accredited SMIPA Program or achieved an IELTS level 7 (academic).

For more information on this visit the Australian Department of Immigration & Citizenship (DIAC) website.

If I received a skills assessment outcome prior 1 July 2010 and I wish to apply for a skills assessment review/appeal post 1 July 2010 how will I be assessed?

If you apply for a review post 1 July 2010 you will be assessed under the same criteria, that was applied when advising you of your assessment outcome.