The Skilled Migration Internship Program: Accounting (SMIPA) is a professional year program approved by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC), available to overseas students who have an Australian accounting degree qualification as a result of at least two years' study in Australia.
SMIPA involves:
- a minimum of 44 weeks' training, including a 12-week internship placement with a relevant host company
- professional development and practical hands-on learning with an emphasis on workplace preparation: culture, ethics and expectations
- recognition as a pathway for 485 graduate visa holders seeking permanent residency under general skilled migration
Successful completion of SMIPA may attract additional points under the general skilled migration points test.
SMIPA was developed by CPA Australia, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Australia and the Institute of Public Accountants, and is delivered by registered providers who have been approved by all three professional accounting bodies.
The professional accounting bodies do not have a financial interest, direct or indirect in SMIPA, and do not gain any financial benefit from SMIPA. Enrolment in any of the accounting bodies’ professional programs is independent of an individual’s participation in SMIPA or any other DIAC approved pathways to permanent residency.
SMIPA aims to achieve learning outcomes that would enhance the ability of a graduate to:
- work within Australian legislative requirements applicable to workplaces and operations
- work safely and participate in occupational safety, health and environment processes
- work effectively within the organisation's requirements, including those for equal employment opportunity and diversity
- communicate effectively in the workplace
- participate in a team
- provide effective client service
- apply occupation-specific knowledge and skills to professional work situations
- implement strategies to manage their personal career development
Who is eligible?
SMIPA is an option for overseas students who have obtained an Australian accounting degree qualification as a result of at least two years' study in Australia and hold a 485 Graduate visa.
Graduates of Australian accounting degree programs will continue to have the option to complete the Skilled Migration Internship Program: Accounting (SMIPA) and gain an assessment that can be used to apply for general skilled migration (GSM). The professional accounting bodies wish to reassure graduates of Australian accounting degree programs that you still have an opportunity to increase their English language proficiency and/or to complete this recognised professional year program.
From 1 July, 2010, graduates of Australian accounting degree programs who receive an assessment showing that you have:
- a formal qualification assessed as being at least comparable to an Australian Bachelor degree
- completion of at least 9 out of the 12 core knowledge areas at tertiary level, inclusive of the compulsory core knowledge areas relevant to your nominated ANZSCO occupation code
- IELTS Academic or General Test Report Form (TRF) to show you have a band score of at least six (6) on each of the four (4) components – speaking, reading, listening and writing
will be able to use your assessment to apply for a 485 visa. You will be able to use the 485 visa period to either gain an IELTS Academic band score of at least seven (7) and/or to complete the Skilled Migration Internship Program: Accounting(SMIPA).
CPA Australia will update assessments when we receive documentation showing that you have achieved:
- 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
- completed the Skilled Migration Internship Program: Accounting (SMIPA)
For further information on the migration points test visit the Department of Immigration and Citizenship website.
Approved SMIPA providers
Contact the following approved SMIPA providers directly:
Please note: The Professional Accounting Bodies and the SMIPA Program are not associated in any way with the AIFA Professional Year Program for Bookkeepers.