Professional Year Points for Skilled Migration
Professional Year Points for Skilled Migration
A Professional Year (PY) is a structured job-readiness program for international graduates of Australian universities. It combines classroom training on Australian workplace culture and communication with a professional internship.
Most programs run for at least 44 weeks: around 32 weeks of training and workshops, followed by a 12-week internship with an Australian host organisation.
Completing an approved PY can give you 5 extra points in the skilled visa points test for the 189, 190 and 491 visas. It also gives you Australian work experience and contacts, which can help you find skilled employment.
To claim the 5 Professional Year points, your PY must have been:
- in your nominated skilled occupation or a closely related occupation
- completed in Australia over a period of at least 12 months
- completed in the 4 years before you are invited to apply for the visa
- provided by, or approved by, one of the specified professional bodies: the Australian Computer Society (ACS), Engineers Australia, CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand or the Institute of Public Accountants
The points are assessed at the time of invitation. If your PY was completed more than 4 years before your invitation, you can no longer claim the points.
- ICT / Computing: the ACS Professional Year Program, for graduates nominating an ICT occupation.
- Engineering: the Professional Year in Engineering, run through Engineers Australia. Applicants usually need a positive Engineers Australia migration skills assessment before enrolling.
- Accounting: the Skilled Migration Internship Program: Accounting (SMIPA), approved jointly by CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants ANZ and the Institute of Public Accountants.
Each program is delivered by a number of approved private providers in the major cities. Course fees, start dates and internship arrangements differ between providers, so compare current offers before enrolling.
Entry requirements are set by each program and provider, but generally you will need:
- a recent bachelor or masters degree from an Australian institution in accounting, ICT or engineering
- a suitable visa with work rights, most commonly the 485 Temporary Graduate visa
- a minimum English test score set by the provider
- for engineering, a positive skills assessment from Engineers Australia
A PY is a full fee-paying course and is not covered by HECS or FEE-HELP.
A PY can be worthwhile if:
- the extra 5 points would take you over the invitation cut-off for your occupation or state
- you need Australian workplace experience and references to find skilled work
- you have enough time left on your 485 visa to complete the program and still use the points
It may be less useful if you already have enough points, if you can get 5 points faster another way (for example the NAATI CCL test or a higher English score), or if you plan to apply for an employer sponsored visa instead. Before enrolling, it is worth getting a points assessment to check where the PY points fit into your overall strategy.
Can I do a PY in a different field to my nominated occupation?
No. The PY must be in your nominated occupation or a closely related occupation for the points to count.
Does the internship count as Australian work experience for points?
Usually not, because the internship is part of the PY. You claim the 5 PY points instead.
Can I complete a PY on a student visa?
Most graduates do the PY on a 485 visa. Check your visa conditions and the provider’s entry rules before enrolling.
How long are the PY points valid?
You can claim them if you completed the PY in the 4 years before your invitation.
Not sure if a Professional Year is right for you? Book a consultation with our Registered Migration Agents for a full points assessment.
