Hairdresser Skills Assessment & RPL Pathway

MARN 1576536 · Verifiable at mara.gov.au

Hairdresser (ANZSCO 391111) is a Skill Level 3 occupation covering cutting, styling, colouring and treating hair, and advising clients on hair care. For skilled migration the assessing authority is Trades Recognition Australia (TRA). Widen Migration (MARN 1576536) helps hairdressers evidence their trade.

The skills assessment & RPL pathway for Hairdresser

For a Hairdresser (ANZSCO 391111), TRA conducts the migration skills assessment via the Offshore Skills Assessment Program or the onshore Job Ready Program. TRA generally seeks a qualification comparable to a Certificate III in Hairdressing and current, verifiable salon experience.

The VET qualification and the migration assessment are separate steps. An RPL qualification through an RTO recognises existing skills, while the TRA migration skills assessment independently evaluates your skills and employment for visa purposes. Hairdressing is not a nationally licensed occupation, though some jurisdictions register certain services — confirm local requirements.

Evidence typically required

• Certificate III in Hairdressing or a comparable overseas qualification, with transcripts
• Detailed employer references confirming your duties as a hairdresser
• Evidence of current, relevant work experience (often at least 12 months in the last three years)
• Payslips, contracts or tax records corroborating employment dates and hours
• A work portfolio, photographs or project records demonstrating the level of work
• Identity documents and any relevant licences or training certificates

Looking at the whole journey rather than just the assessment? See the full pathway guide: Migrate to Australia as a Hairdresser →

Which skilled visa uses this occupation?

Once Hairdresser is positively assessed, the assessment supports a points-tested or employer-sponsored skilled visa. The right one depends on your points, age, state nomination and whether an employer will sponsor you.

• Subclass 189 — Skilled Independent (points-tested, no sponsor)
• Subclass 190 — Skilled Nominated (state nomination)
• Subclass 491 — Skilled Work Regional (regional nomination)
• Subclass 482 — Skills in Demand (employer sponsorship)
• 482 → 186 permanent residency pathway
• Check your points for 189/190/491

Speak with WIDEN

Related occupations

• Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic
• Automotive Electrician
• Baker
• Bricklayer
• Butcher or Smallgoods Maker
• Cabinetmaker
• Carpenter
• Chef

General information only, not migration advice. ANZSCO codes and assessing-authority arrangements change (ANZSCO is transitioning to OSCA) and skilled occupation lists are updated periodically — confirm the current code, authority and requirements for your situation. Skills assessments are conducted by the relevant assessing authority and RPL qualifications are issued by Registered Training Organisations, not by WIDEN. No qualification or assessment guarantees a visa. Migration advice is provided by Keshab Chapagain (MARN 1576536) only after a paid consultation under a written service agreement.