Here's something many skilled beauty professionals don't realise: hairdressers and beauty therapists can now qualify for permanent residency in Australia. While engineering and IT dominate migration conversations, the beauty industry has quietly become one of the most accessible pathways to Australian PR-especially with recent changes to the skills occupation lists.
If you're a qualified hairdresser or beauty professional looking for a new life in Australia, this guide explains exactly how to make it happen.
The Big News: Beauty Professionals Are Now on the CSOL
In December 2024, Australia introduced the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), replacing previous occupation lists. Both key beauty industry roles are now included:
| Occupation | ANZSCO Code | Assessing Body | On CSOL? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hairdresser | 391111 | TRA (Trades Recognition Australia) | ✅ Yes |
| Beauty Therapist | 451111 | VETASSESS | ✅ Yes |
This means both occupations are eligible for:
- Skills in Demand Visa (formerly 482) - Employer sponsored
- Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme) - Direct entry to PR
- Subclass 494 - Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional
- DAMA pathways - With concessions for regional areas
The 2025 Occupation Shortage List also indicates a national shortage for Beauty Therapists across Australia.
Visa Pathways for Beauty Professionals
1. Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482 replacement)
This is the most common pathway for hairdressers and beauty therapists:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Sponsorship | Need an Australian employer to sponsor you |
| Skills assessment | Positive assessment from TRA (hairdresser) or VETASSESS (beauty therapist) |
| Experience | At least 2-3 years in your occupation |
| English | IELTS 5.0 (overall) or equivalent |
| Salary | Minimum $70,000/year (TSMIT) |
| Duration | Up to 4 years |
| PR pathway? | Yes - after 2 years, can apply for 186 visa |
2. Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)
Direct pathway to permanent residency:
| Stream | How It Works |
|---|---|
| Direct Entry | With CSOL listing, you can now apply directly with skills assessment |
| Transition | After 2+ years on 482/Skills in Demand visa with same employer |
| Agreement | Through Labour Agreement or DAMA |
3. Regional Pathway (Subclass 494)
For those willing to live in regional Australia:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Designated regional areas only |
| Duration | 5 years provisional |
| PR pathway | Subclass 191 after 3 years in regional area |
| Income requirement | Must meet threshold ($70,000+) for 3 years |
| Advantage | Often easier to find sponsorship in regional areas |
4. DAMA (Designated Area Migration Agreement)
DAMA offers significant concessions for regional employers:
| Concession | Standard Requirement | DAMA Concession |
|---|---|---|
| Age | Under 45 | Up to 50-55 years old |
| English | IELTS 5.0+ | As low as IELTS 4.5 |
| Salary | $70,000 | May be lower |
| Experience | 3 years | May be 1-2 years |
Active DAMAs for beauty professionals:
- WA DAMA (Statewide) - Launched July 2024
- NT DAMA III - Launched March 2025
- Regional Victoria DAMA
- Adelaide DAMA
- Orana NSW DAMA
- And many more regional agreements
Skills Assessment: What You Need
For Hairdressers (TRA)
Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) assesses hairdressers through the Offshore Skills Assessment Program (OSAP) or other TRA pathways.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Qualification | Trade certificate or diploma in hairdressing |
| Experience | Minimum 3 years full-time (or equivalent) |
| Scope | Cutting, colouring, styling, chemical treatments |
| Evidence | Employment references, photos of work, qualification documents |
| Processing time | 8-12 weeks |
| Fee | ~$600-1,200 depending on pathway |
For Beauty Therapists (VETASSESS)
VETASSESS assesses beauty therapists under their general skilled migration program.
| Pathway | Qualification | Experience Required |
|---|---|---|
| Pathway 1 | AQF Certificate IV (highly relevant) | 1 year post-qualification (in last 5 years) |
| Pathway 2 | AQF Certificate IV (not highly relevant) | 2 years post-qualification |
| Pathway 3 | AQF Certificate III (highly relevant) | 3 years post-qualification |
| Experience only | No formal qualification | 3+ years relevant experience may substitute |
Relevant qualifications include:
- Certificate III in Beauty Services
- Certificate IV in Beauty Therapy
- Diploma of Beauty Therapy
- Equivalent overseas qualifications
VETASSESS Fee: ~$630-830 AUD Processing time: 10-16 weeks
Finding a Sponsoring Employer
This is often the biggest challenge. Here's how to approach it:
Where to Look
| Location Type | Likelihood of Sponsorship |
|---|---|
| Regional towns | Highest - desperate for skilled workers |
| Outer suburbs | High - growing areas with staff shortages |
| Small chains | Medium - may have established sponsorship processes |
| Major city salons | Lower - more local competition |
How to Approach Employers
- Research the business - Check if they've sponsored before (ask migration agents or online forums)
- Demonstrate your value - Portfolio, certifications, client testimonials
- Understand their costs - Sponsorship involves fees and compliance obligations
- Be flexible - Consider regional areas for better chances
- Use job boards - SEEK, Indeed, and Jora sometimes list visa-sponsored positions
Cost for Employers
Many salon owners are surprised to learn that sponsorship is affordable:
| Cost | Amount (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Sponsorship application | ~$540 |
| Nomination application | ~$540 |
| Skilling Australians Fund levy | ~$3,000-4,000 (over 4 years) |
| Total employer cost | ~$4,000-5,000 |
The worker pays the visa application fee (~$2,645 for 482).
Timeline: From Overseas to Australian PR
Standard Pathway (Metro)
| Stage | Typical Duration |
|---|---|
| Skills assessment | 2-4 months |
| Job search and offer | 1-6 months |
| Employer sponsorship approval | 1-3 months |
| Visa application + grant (482/SID) | 2-6 months |
| Work requirement for 186 | 2 years |
| 186 application + grant | 6-12 months |
| Total to PR | ~4-5 years |
Regional Pathway (494 → 191)
| Stage | Typical Duration |
|---|---|
| Skills assessment | 2-4 months |
| Job search in regional area | 1-4 months |
| Employer sponsorship + 494 visa | 3-8 months |
| Work/live in regional area | 3 years |
| 191 application + grant | 3-6 months |
| Total to PR | ~4-5 years |
Cost Breakdown
Worker Costs
| Item | Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Skills assessment (TRA/VETASSESS) | $600-900 |
| English test (IELTS/PTE) | $300-400 |
| Health examination | $400-600 |
| Police clearance | $50-200 |
| 482/SID visa application | $2,645 |
| 186 visa application (later) | $4,640 |
| Total (first visa stage) | ~$4,000-4,700 |
Employer Costs
| Item | Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Sponsorship application | ~$540 |
| Nomination application | ~$540 |
| SAF levy (small business, 4 years) | ~$4,800 |
| SAF levy (larger business, 4 years) | ~$7,200 |
| Total | ~$5,880-8,280 |
Regional Hotspots for Beauty Professionals
These areas have the strongest demand and sponsorship appetite:
| Region | State | Why It's Good |
|---|---|---|
| Cairns/Townsville | QLD | Tourism demand, DAMA available |
| Perth suburbs | WA | WA DAMA concessions |
| Adelaide/Barossa | SA | State priority occupation |
| Tasmania | TAS | Whole state is regional |
| Geelong/Ballarat | VIC | Close to Melbourne, regional benefits |
| Newcastle/Hunter | NSW | Growing population, regional status |
| Darwin | NT | NT DAMA III with strong concessions |
Tip: Regional areas often offer better work-life balance and lower living costs, while providing faster PR pathways.
Common Questions
Can I bring my family?
Yes! The 482/SID, 494, and 186 visas all allow you to include:
- Your spouse/de facto partner
- Dependent children
- Partners receive full work rights
What if I don't have formal qualifications?
For VETASSESS (beauty therapist), you may be assessed based on experience alone if you have at least 3 years of demonstrated work in the field. TRA also considers experience, though formal qualifications are typically required for hairdressers.
Can I start my own salon on a sponsored visa?
No. On 482/494 visas, you must work for your sponsoring employer in your nominated occupation. Self-employment is not permitted until you obtain PR.
Is the occupation in shortage?
Yes! Beauty Therapist is listed as a national shortage occupation on the 2025 Shortage List. Hairdresser demand varies by region but is strong in regional areas.
What if my employer closes down?
Your visa remains valid for 60 days to find a new sponsor. In regional areas with labour shortages, finding alternative sponsorship is typically straightforward.
Tips for Success
1. Get Your Skills Assessment First
Even before job hunting, complete your TRA or VETASSESS assessment. Employers prefer candidates who are "ready to go."
2. Build an Australian-Style Portfolio
Document your work with professional photos. Australian salons want to see your technique and style compatibility.
3. Target Regional Areas
Competition is lower, employers are more motivated to sponsor, and DAMA concessions make you more eligible.
4. Network with Migration Agents
Some agents specialise in beauty industry migration and have connections with sponsoring salons.
5. Consider Upskilling
Additional certifications (colour specialist, extensions, skin treatments) make you more valuable and employable.
How First Migration Can Help
The beauty industry migration pathway involves coordinating skills assessment, employer sponsorship, and visa applications. At First Migration Service Centre, we can:
- Assess your eligibility for hairdresser or beauty therapist sponsorship
- Connect you with potential sponsors through our employer network
- Prepare your skills assessment application for TRA or VETASSESS
- Guide employers through the sponsorship process
- Manage your visa application from lodgement to grant
Ready to start your Australian beauty career? We invite you to submit a free visa assessment and discover your pathway to Australian PR.
MARA Registered Agent
Registration No. 1569835
Certified by the Migration Agents Registration Authority. Your trusted partner for Australian visa applications.
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