FAQs - Offshore Applicants

1. Can I complete any 9 of the 12 core knowledge areas? Answer
2. I do not know what ANZSCO code occupation to nominate. Will you provide assessment results for more than one nominated occupation? Answer
3. How long is the skills assessment valid for? Answer
4. I have already lodged my application for a migration skills assessment. Can I withdraw my application? Will I receive a refund? Answer
5. Can I act on behalf of a friend/relative who wishes to apply for assessment? Answer
6. I have received my assessment result but I am not sure what it means. Answer
7. Will the IPA accept documents certified by a registered migration agent? Answer
8. I do not agree with Institute of Public Accountants' (IPA) assessment outcome. I believe I have met the core requirement(s) in question and can provide further information to support my claim. What should I do? Answer

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

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

2. I do not know what ANZSCO code occupation to nominate. Will you provide assessment results for more than one nominated occupation?

No. You must nominate the occupation that will also apply in your GSM application to DIAC.

You may change your nominated occupation at any time, including after the assessment. This change request must be made on a reassessment application form and supporting documentation relating to qualifications must show evidence that you meet the four compulsory core requirements for the changed nominated occupation.

3. How long is the skills assessment valid for?

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

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

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

Yes, you may withdraw your application. If we have not yet started your skills assessment you will be refunded the fee (less AUD30 administration fee). Please make your request in writing or via email to our Assessment Unit on migration@publicaccountants.org.au.

5. Can I act on behalf of a friend/relative who wishes to apply for an assessment?

Yes; the application form must indicate the address to which we send correspondence. It is the authorised person's responsibility to pass correspondence on to the applicant. An applicant must provide a written authority to allow us to discuss details of the assessment with another party.

6. I have received my assessment result but I am not sure what it means.

Correspondence from the Institute of Public Accountants in relation to your assessment covers the following areas:

• General Information: A brief background of the qualifications required for a positive assessment.
• Assessment advice: Advice as to whether your qualification/s are comparable to an Australian Bachelor degree and, if so, whether your qualification(s) includes adequate coverage of at least 9 of the 12 core curriculum areas. If you do not meet the areas, the correspondence lists the core requirements you must complete relevant studies in, in order to meet requirements for a positive assessment.

The wording has been approved by DIAC and AEI-NOOSR.
If the correspondence advises that your qualification is comparable to an Australian Bachelors degree, and you meet at least 9 out of the 12 core knowledge subject areas (including the four compulsory core requirements for your nominated occupation); you may use this assessment for your migration application.

7. Will the Institute of Public Accountants accept documents certified by an Australian registered migration agent?

Yes. Please note that the migration agent's signature, name, RMA number and date must also be clearly shown on every page.

8. I do not agree with Institute of Public Accountants' assessment outcome, believe I have met the core requirement(s) in question and can provide further information to support my claim. What should I do?

You are welcome to seek a reassessment and can forward these further documents for review in support of your claim. You will need to complete a reassessment application form and forward it with certified true copies of all supporting documents. The fee for this reassessment is AUD160.