Professional Year / SMIPA

Maximise your employment opportunities...

Professional Pathways Australia has taken the lead in delivering two DIAC approved Professional Year programs:

• ACS Professional Year program

• Skilled Migration Internship Program - Accounting (SMIPA). 
               

In partnership with the Australian Computer Society (ACS) and CPA Australia, NIA and the ICAA, these programs have been designed principally for international students graduating from Australian institutions in the fields of ICT (Professional Year) or Accounting (SMIPA). Skills learned during the ACS Professional Year and SMIPA programs will enhance employment opportunities and provide recognised points for Australian permanent residency applications^.

Key benefits of undertaking either the SMIPA or ACS Professional Year program with Professional Pathways Australia include:

• enhanced, industry specific workplace skills
• professional networking opportunities
• small class sizes and individualised support
• work placement within an Australian host company
• central training locations within the CBD (Melbourne & Sydney)
• practical emphasis on workplace preparation – a focus on culture, workplace ethics and career expectations
• relevant hands-on learning designed to increase your job-ready skills and employment prospects.

Professional Pathways Australia is committed to providing the best opportunity for you to gain a quality workplace related experience. By enhancing your career and employment skills with an ACS Professional Year or SMIPA program you can bridge the gap between university and permanent employment in Australia.

Important Announcement - General Skilled Migration

A major announcement was made by the Immigration Minister on 8 February 2010 regarding the review and imminent changes to Australia’s immigration policy. DIAC have provided guidelines which can be summarized by the following:  If an applicant has applied for or was granted a subclass 485 visa prior to 8 February 2010 and continues to hold a valid subclass 485 visa, the applicant is not effected by the Minister’s 8 February 2010 announcement. They will still have access to MODL points, and will still have access to the current SOL. When the new Skills Australia List is brought into effect, the CSL will be abolished. Until that time, there are no changes to the relationship between the CSL and GSM.

Therefore, those graduates who have applied for the 485 visa prior to February 8 are still eligible to enrol in the Professional Year / SMIPA program. Professional Pathways Australia recommends that you contact an immigration agent if you have any questions relating to immigration policy.

^{^Please note that neither the ACS Professional Year or SMIPA program guarantees permanent residency.}