How to Get PR as a Hairdresser in Australia

2 hours ago
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Last Updated: 18 June 2026

Getting PR as a Hairdresser in Australia means matching three pieces: an eligible occupation, a skills assessment, and a visa pathway that recognises your trade. Hairdresser (ANZSCO 391111) sits on the Core Skills Occupation List, opening state-sponsored and employer-sponsored visa routes. You need a positive Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) skills assessment and an AQF Certificate III or IV in hairdressing.

Quick answer: Yes, you can get PR as a Hairdresser in Australia. Your occupation sits on the Core Skills Occupation List, which opens the state-sponsored 190 and 491 visas and the employer-sponsored 482, 186, and 494 visas. You need a positive TRA skills assessment and either a state nomination or an employer sponsor to start your application.

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Is Hairdresser Eligible for PR in Australia?

Yes. The Department of Home Affairs lists Hairdresser (ANZSCO 391111) on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL). This list took effect on 7 December 2024.

The CSOL replaced the old Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL). It now governs eligibility for the Subclass 482 Core Skills stream and the Subclass 186 Direct Entry pathway.

Hairdresser sits at ANZSCO Skill Level 3, under Unit Group 3911 Hairdressers. This skill level opens up six visa pathways: the state-sponsored 190 and 491 visas, the employer-sponsored 482, 186, and 494 visas, and the 407 Training visa.

One pathway stays closed to you. Hairdresser doesn't appear on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). You can't apply for the points-tested Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa on this occupation alone.

What Qualification Do You Need to Work as a Hairdresser in Australia?

The Department of Home Affairs sets the qualification benchmark for ANZSCO Skill Level 3 occupations like Hairdresser. You need one of the following:

An AQF Certificate III in Hairdressing, plus at least two years of on-the-job training
An AQF Certificate IV in Hairdressing
At least three years of full-time relevant work experience, which can substitute for the formal qualification in some pathways

Your assessing authority confirms which option applies to your situation during your skills assessment.

How Do You Get a Hairdresser Skills Assessment Through TRA?

Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) assesses Hairdresser applicants for Australian skilled migration. TRA runs three separate assessment programs. Your visa pathway determines which one you use:

Temporary Skills Shortage Skills Assessment Program (TSS) — for hairdressers who need a skills assessment to support a Skills in Demand (Subclass 482) visa application
Offshore Skills Assessment Program (OSAP) — for hairdressers applying for skilled migration visas other than the 482 or 485, including the 494 visa and the state-sponsored 190 and 491 visas
Migration Skills Assessment Program (MSA) — for hairdressers with a relevant qualification who need a skills assessment for a points-tested or state-sponsored visa application, outside the 482 pathway

The assessment process follows the same broad steps regardless of pathway:

Confirm Hairdresser (ANZSCO 391111) matches your nominated occupation and target visa subclass.
Choose the correct TRA program — TSS, OSAP, or MSA — based on your visa pathway.
Gather your qualification certificates and employment evidence, including references and payslips.
Register with a TRA-approved Registered Training Organisation and lodge your application through the TRA Online Portal.
Complete your technical interview or practical assessment, if your pathway requires one.
Receive your outcome letter and attach it to your visa nomination or application.

What English Score Does a Hairdresser Need for PR?

Your English score requirement depends on which visa subclass you apply through. Points-tested and state-sponsored visas generally ask for Competent English. This benchmark equals an IELTS score of 6 in each band, or the equivalent on another approved test.

Employer-sponsored visas can accept a lower English level in some circumstances, depending on your passport and the visa conditions attached to your sponsorship.

Confirm your exact English requirement against your chosen visa subclass before you book a test.

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Which Visa Pathways Can a Hairdresser Use to Get PR in Australia?

Six visa subclasses recognise Hairdresser as an eligible occupation. Each one suits a different situation, so match your pathway to your circumstances before you commit.

State-Sponsored Skilled Nominated Visa (190)

The Subclass 190 visa grants permanent residency from the day of grant. You need nomination from a state or territory government. Your occupation must sit on that jurisdiction's own skilled occupation list, not just the CSOL. Several states currently list Hairdresser on their own nomination lists.

State-Sponsored Skilled Work Regional Visa (491)

The Subclass 491 visa gives you five years to live and work in regional Australia. After three years, it gives you a pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa. Like the 190, you need nomination from a state or territory whose regional occupation list includes Hairdresser.

Skills in Demand Visa (482) — Core Skills Stream

The Subclass 482 visa needs an Australian employer to sponsor you. Hairdresser sits on the CSOL. This qualifies it for the Core Skills stream. Your employer must pay you at least the Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT), or the higher market salary rate for the role. The CSIT sits at $76,515 for the 2025–26 program year, rising to $79,499 for nominations lodged from 1 July 2026.

Employer Nomination Scheme (186) — Direct Entry

The Subclass 186 visa grants permanent residency directly through employer nomination. Hairdresser's place on the CSOL gives you Direct Entry stream access. You don't need to hold a 482 visa first.

Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa (494)

The Subclass 494 visa needs sponsorship from a regional employer. It runs for five years. After three years of regional employment, it gives you a pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa.

Training Visa (407)

The Subclass 407 visa doesn't lead directly to PR. It lets you build structured, workplace-based training in Australia. This training can strengthen your evidence for a skills assessment or a later skilled visa application.

How RACC Can Help

Working out which visa pathway fits your situation as a Hairdresser takes more than checking one occupation list. State nomination criteria change between jurisdictions, employer sponsorship comes with its own compliance obligations, and your skills assessment pathway depends on where you trained and worked.

RACC's registered migration agents (MARN 1572962, MARN 1172003, MARN 2518802) stay informed of current migration requirements and can help you understand how they apply to your situation.

We can assist with:

Confirming whether Hairdresser sits on your target state's nomination list for the 190 or 491 visa
Reviewing your qualifications and work experience against the TRA skills assessment pathway that fits you
Assessing your eligibility for employer sponsorship under the 482, 186, or 494 visa
Connecting your skills assessment evidence to your overall visa strategy
Explaining the CSIT and other salary requirements your sponsoring employer needs to meet
Keeping you informed of updates to the CSOL and related migration settings

If you would like to explore your options, you can book a consultation with our migration team.

Registered Migration Agents: MARN 1572962 | MARN 1172003 | MARN 2518802

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hairdresser on the skilled occupation list in Australia?

Yes. Hairdresser (ANZSCO 391111) sits on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), effective from 7 December 2024. This makes it eligible for the 482 Core Skills stream, the 186 Direct Entry pathway, the 494 visa, and state-sponsored nomination under the 190 and 491 visas.

Can a Hairdresser apply for the Subclass 189 visa?

No. Hairdresser doesn't sit on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), which the Subclass 189 visa requires. You need a state nomination, regional nomination, or employer sponsor for one of the other five eligible visa pathways.

Which authority assesses Hairdresser skills for migration?

Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) assesses Hairdresser applicants. TRA runs three programs — TSS, OSAP, and MSA — and assigns you to the right one based on your visa pathway and where you trained.

Do I need a formal qualification to get a Hairdresser skills assessment?

Usually, yes — an AQF Certificate III with two years of on-the-job training, or an AQF Certificate IV. Some applicants can substitute at least three years of full-time relevant experience instead. Your assessing authority confirms which option applies to you.

Can a Hairdresser get PR through employer sponsorship?

Yes. An Australian employer can sponsor you through the 482 Core Skills stream, then nominate you for permanent residency through the 186 Direct Entry or Transition stream once you meet the requirements.

What's the difference between the 190 and 491 visa for hairdressers?

The 190 visa grants permanent residency immediately. The 491 visa grants a five-year provisional visa for regional Australia, with a pathway to PR through the Subclass 191 visa after three years. Both need nomination from a state or territory whose list includes Hairdresser.

Does the 407 Training visa lead to PR for hairdressers?

Not on its own. The 407 visa supports structured workplace training, which can strengthen your skills assessment evidence or work history. You still need a separate skilled or employer-sponsored visa to reach PR.

How much does a sponsoring employer need to pay a Hairdresser on the 482 visa?

Your employer needs to meet the Core Skills Income Threshold or the market salary rate for the role, whichever is higher. The CSIT sits at $76,515 for 2025–26 and rises to $79,499 for nominations lodged from 1 July 2026.

Related Migration Pathways

If you're exploring PR options as a Hairdresser, the following visa subclasses and resources may also be relevant depending on your situation:

Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) Visa — a permanent visa requiring nomination by a state or territory government; your occupation needs to appear on that jurisdiction's own skilled occupation list
Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) Visa — a provisional five-year visa for skilled workers willing to live and work in regional Australia, with a pathway to PR through the Subclass 191 visa
Skills in Demand (Subclass 482) Visa — a temporary employer-sponsored visa for occupations on the Core Skills Occupation List, including Hairdresser
Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) Visa — a permanent employer-sponsored visa available through the Direct Entry or Temporary Residence Transition streams
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Subclass 494) Visa — a five-year provisional visa for regional employer sponsorship, with a pathway to PR through the Subclass 191 visa
Training (Subclass 407) Visa — a temporary visa for structured workplace-based training
Migration Skills Assessment Hub — guidance on assessing authorities, including TRA, across skilled occupations
Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) — check the full list of CSOL-eligible occupations and their assessing authorities
Skilled Occupation Lists for Australian Visas — Which List Are You On? — a plain-English guide to how MLTSSL, CSOL, and ROL fit together
How Age Affects Your Eligibility for PR in Australia — age limits and concessions across skilled and employer-sponsored visas