Migrating as a Finance Manager, ANZSCO 132211
If you're looking to migrate to Australia as a Finance Manager (often searched as Financial Analyst, though they are distinct in ANZSCO), the first thing you need to know is that it sits on the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL). This means the independent 189 visa isn't an option for you. Instead, you'll be aiming for state-nominated visas like the 190 and 491.
Because you're relying on state nomination, where you decide to settle matters immensely. States have their own unique requirements, and as a senior finance professional, you might find that states like NSW or VIC are looking for high points and solid local work experience.
Subclass 189
Skilled Independent
Because Finance Manager is on the STSOL, it is not eligible for the 189 visa. You'll need to look at state nomination.
Ineligible PathwaySubclass 190
State Nominated (+5 pts)
A fantastic option for Finance Managers wanting to live in a capital city, but it's competitive. You'll generally need 80-85+ points.
→ Subclass 190 guideSubclass 491
Regional (+15 pts)
With an extra 15 points on offer, this visa makes PR much more accessible if you're open to living in a regional area.
→ Subclass 491 guideComparing Your Visa Options
| Subclass 189 | Subclass 190 | Subclass 491 |
|---|
| Nomination bonus | N/A | +5 | +15 |
| Target points | N/A | 80+ pts | 70+ pts |
| Occupation list | STSOL | STSOL | STSOL |
| Primary assessing body | CPA / CA ANZ / IPA | CPA / CA ANZ / IPA | CPA / CA ANZ / IPA |
Keep in mind that target points are rough estimates. States run their own migration programmes and often have specific criteria, so simply having the points doesn't guarantee an invite.
→ See our monthly invitation round tracker for recent trendsGetting Your Skills Assessed
Before you even think about putting in an Expression of Interest (EOI), you need a positive skills assessment in hand.
Finance Manager (ANZSCO 132211) is assessed by major accounting bodies like CPA Australia, CA ANZ, and IPA.
| Assessing bodies | CPA Australia, CA ANZ, or IPA |
| Official portals | CPA AustraliaCA ANZ |
| Processing time | Standard is around 10 business days (varies by body) |
| Approximate fee | AUD $565-$620 (depends on onshore/offshore location) |
| English requirement | Proficient English (e.g., IELTS 7.0) minimum for the assessment |
| Qualification required | Bachelor degree or higher (Accounting/Finance focus) |
Because these assessing bodies require Proficient English just to get the skills assessment, you'll automatically secure at least 10 points for English in your overall points test. Make sure your role is genuinely a management position; they will look for duties that reflect planning and organising the financial activities of an organisation, rather than just crunching the numbers.
⚠ Watch your expiry dates: Your skills assessment must remain valid at the time you receive your Invitation to Apply, not just when you submit your EOI. They generally last for 3 years, so keep an eye on the clock.
Which States Nominate Finance Managers?
As a Finance Manager on the STSOL, state nomination is your bread and butter. Keep in mind that state priorities shift frequently.
| State | 190 Active? | 491 Active? | What to keep in mind |
|---|
| NSW | Yes | Yes | Australia's largest financial hub. Expect high competition and strict criteria. |
| VIC | Yes | Yes | Strong demand in corporate sectors, but requires navigating their ROI selection process. |
| QLD | Yes | Yes | Often requires you to be currently working there or be a recent graduate. |
| SA | Yes | Yes | Historically very generous to international students who study and stay in South Australia. |
| WA | Yes | Yes | Available on the General stream Schedule 2 list, often with good opportunities. |
| TAS | Check | Yes | Strongly favours long-term residents and local Tasmanian graduates. |
| ACT | Yes | Yes | You'll need to master the Canberra Matrix scoring system. |
| NT | Check | Yes | Generally reserves spots for people already living and working in the Territory. |
Note: State occupation lists change frequently without warning. Always check directly on the official state migration portals before lodging an ROI.
Because you're applying as a Finance Manager, you might also want to look closely at employer-sponsored pathways like the Subclass 482 or 186 visa, as this occupation sits squarely on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) used for employer sponsorship.
→ Which state should I choose for PR?How to Boost Your PR Score
As a senior finance professional, you want to make sure you're claiming every point you're entitled to.
1. Max Out Your English
You already need Proficient English for the skills assessment. Pushing that up to Superior (IELTS 8.0/PTE 79) gives you a massive 20 points overall, an absolute game-changer.
→ English points guide2. Claim All Work Experience
Finance Managers often have years of solid corporate experience. Make sure you're claiming maximum points for skilled employment, both overseas and within Australia.
→ Work experience guide3. Partner Skills & NAATI
A skilled partner can add up to 10 points. If you speak another language, passing the NAATI CCL test adds another 5 points quite quickly.
→ Partner points guide| Strategy | Points Gained | Time Required | Reform Risk |
|---|
| Superior English (from Proficient) | +10 | 2-6 months | Low |
| State nomination (190) | +5 | 2-12 weeks | Low |
| Regional sponsorship (491) | +15 | 2-12 weeks | Low |
| Australian work experience (1 more year) | +5 | 1 year | Low |
| NAATI CCL (if bilingual) | +5 | 3-6 months | Medium |
→ Read our full guide on increasing your PR pointsWill the 2026 Reforms Affect Me?
⚠ Keep in mind: The 2026 points test reform is still just a proposal. Until legislation actually passes, the current Schedule 6D system is what you need to follow.
The government is currently looking at overhauling the points test. For Finance Managers, there's potentially very good news on the horizon. The proposed reforms strongly suggest introducing income-based points. Since Finance Managers are typically senior roles commanding high salaries (often above the proposed top-tier threshold of AUD $146,717), you could find yourself at a massive advantage if these changes become law. On the flip side, the base points requirement might increase to 70 points, making things slightly harder if you don't have that high salary to back it up.
→ Learn more about the 2026 points test reform