Accounting Professional Year Program to Cease - Impacts on Skilled Migration Applicants
The recent announcement by CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, and the Institute of Public Accountants has informed the government of their intention to cease the Accounting Professional Year Program (Accounting PY Program) for international students. This change may impact future accounting international students who wish to apply for visas under the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program:
What is a Professional Year Program for Skilled Migration?
A Professional Year (PY) Program is for international graduates in engineering, accounting, or ICT. It is designed for graduates to gain work experience and the necessary skills to achieve their career goals and overcome any obstacles to employment. The program lasts a minimum of 44 weeks. Once the PY Program is completed, graduates can claim 5 points to apply for any of the GSM visa invitations.
Why the Decision to Stop the Accounting Professional Year Program (Accounting PY Program)?
The decision to stop the Account PY Program is due to several reasons, the main reason is that the program may have been seen as insufficiently aligned with the changing requirements of the accounting profession and the evolving skills employers are seeking in new graduates. Additionally, a decline in enrollment may also contribute to the decision to lack an update on the Accounting PY Program.
The Account PY Program will stop accepting new enrolments from 5 March 2025 onwards. The program will conclude all activity no later than 1 May 2026.
Related:
How to Calculate Overseas and Australian Work Experience Points for Skilled PR Visa?
What are the Minimum Points for Subclass 189, Subclass 190 and Subclass 491?
What are the Alternative Solutions for Accounting Graduates?
As seen in the last few years, the accountant role is highly competitive within the GSM program. With the termination of the Accounting PY Program, accounting graduates may find it challenging to meet the points requirement to secure a skilled migration visa. This change may force graduates to explore different options to gain relevant work experiences, such as internships and entry-level accounting positions. Further, some graduates may no longer fulfil the visa requirements and will have to look to alternative visa pathways to meet their objectives. Some visas that may be helpful to explore are:
How Can Agape Henry Crux Help
Before taking any action, seek professional advice and strategize a visa pathway to permanent residency (PR) with an immigration expert. Contact Agape Henry Crux and speak with one of our Accredited Specialist Immigration Lawyers (s) or our team of immigration lawyers and registered migration agents who specialise in handling highly complex matters. You can schedule an appointment with one of our lawyers or agents to seek professional advice by calling 02-8310 5230 or emailing us at info@ahclawyers.com.
We speak fluent English, Mandarin and Cantonese. We can also help you arrange an interpreter if this isn't your language.
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