If you do not have Australian citizenship, but want to work and study the Chartered Accountants Program in Australia, you will need a visa. So, which type of visa is right for you?

It’s not possible to work and study in Australia without a visa. There are several visa options, but overall, you must:

• Be under 45 years of age
• Have a vocational level of English
• Be skilled
• Meet health and character requirements
• Have a relevant licence registration.

If you can meet these overall requirements, you then have a choice of the following visas to apply for.

Skilled Independent (Residence) visa:
Highly skilled individuals can migrate independently by passing a points test under General Skilled Migration. The pass mark is 120, or 100 points if sponsored by a close family relative.

Graduate - skilled visa:
This is an 18 month work visa for skilled graduates. It allows for full work and study entitlements and for the application for permanent residency when the points test is met. Conditions are that you are under 45 and meet the two year study rule (completed in Australia no more than two months ago).

Employer nominated scheme:
There are a number of ways to satisfy requirements:

• Skills assessment (available from the Institute) plus three years post qualification work experience plus contracted for at least minimum salary levels.
• Be nominated for an executive role with a minimum salary of $165,000 per year.
• At least two years on a qualifying visa (e.g. 457 visa) and the final 12 months with the nominating employer.

To find out more, and to apply online, visit the Australian Government Department of Immigration and Citizenship website.