This is a worked case study for a Hairdresser migrating to Australia under ANZSCO 391111. 391111 is on STSOL and CSOL — eligible visas: Subclass 190, Subclass 491 → 191, Subclass 186 Direct Entry, Subclass 494 Regional Employer → 191, Subclass 482 Core Skills, and Subclass 407 Training. Not eligible for Subclass 189 Independent.
For visa-by-visa context see the 391111 pathway guide. For VETASSESS evidence pack see the skills assessment guide. For state-by-state breakdown see the state nomination comparison. For invitation round patterns see the invitation rounds trends.
The case profile
Anonymised composite. 28-year-old Senior Stylist + Colourist, UK NVQ Level 3 Hairdressing + Wella Top Colourist credential + L'Oréal Colour Trophy semifinalist + 8 years experience: 2 years junior stylist at UK salon, 4 years senior stylist + colourist at premium London salon (Daniel Hersheson / Hari's), 2 years lead colourist at Sydney boutique salon (Working Holiday Maker bridge). Strong Instagram portfolio (15,000 followers). Proficient English (UK native). Family: spouse, no children.
Strategic note: candidate is targeting Sydney for 186 Direct Entry via CSOL with Edwards and Co, Joh Bailey, Valonz, or Wonderland Hair — Sydney premium salons continuously recruit senior colourists. Backup target: NSW 190 with strong points profile.
Pathway A — Subclass 190 State-Nominated (NSW)
For couple:
| Item | AUD |
|---|---|
| VETASSESS skills assessment | 1,210 |
| 190 visa fees (couple) | 6,725 |
| NSW state nomination fee | 330 |
| Health, police, English (PTE) | 900 |
| Total applicant-side | ~9,165 |
Wall-clock: 12 to 18 months. PR straight away.
Pathway B — Subclass 491 Regional Provisional
For 491 in regional Vic / Tas / SA:
| Item | AUD |
|---|---|
| VETASSESS skills assessment | 1,210 |
| 491 visa fees (couple) | 6,725 |
| State nomination fee | 200-800 |
| Health, police, English (PTE) | 900 |
| Total applicant-side | ~9,035 - 9,635 |
491 wall-clock: 12 to 18 months; 3+ years regional + earnings threshold for 191 PR. Total ~60 months.
Pathway C — Subclass 186 Direct Entry (recommended for senior stylists)
For 186 DE with premium salon sponsor:
| Item | AUD |
|---|---|
| VETASSESS skills assessment | 1,210 |
| 186 visa fees (couple) | 6,750 |
| Health, police, English (PTE) | 900 |
| Total applicant-side | ~8,860 |
Employer SAF + nomination: AUD 3,540 - 5,540 + AUD 540. 186 wall-clock: 6 to 12 months. PR straight away.
Pathway D — Subclass 482 Core Skills
| Item | AUD |
|---|---|
| VETASSESS skills assessment | 1,210 |
| 482 visa fees (couple) | 4,160 |
| Health, police, English (PTE) | 900 |
| Total applicant-side | ~6,270 |
Employer SAF AUD 1,200/year × 4 + AUD 540 nomination. 482 → 186 TRT after 2 years + 3 years cumulative skilled.
Side-by-side
| Path | Applicant cost | Employer cost | Wall-clock to PR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 189 (Independent) | N/A | N/A | Not eligible |
| 190 (any state) | AUD ~9,200 | AUD 0 | 14-22 months |
| 491 (any state) → 191 | AUD ~9,400 | AUD 0 | ~60 months |
| 186 Direct Entry (CSOL) | AUD ~8,900 | AUD 3,540 - 5,540 | 6-12 months |
| 494 regional employer → 191 | AUD ~9,800 | AUD 3,540 - 5,540 | ~60 months |
| 482 Core Skills → 186 TRT | AUD ~6,300 + 186 | AUD 5,340 + 186 SAF | 30-36 months |
Things that frequently surprise people
391111 has the widest STSOL visa stack. All 8 states nominate 190 / 491. CSOL enables 186 Direct Entry. One of the most flexible STSOL pathways.
Specialty colour is the premium niche. Senior colourists, vivid / fashion colour specialists, balayage / ombré experts command premium pay at Australian boutique salons (AUD 80-120k+ for senior).
Instagram portfolio essentially required. Premium Australian salons hire based on Instagram portfolio + engaged following. 5,000+ engaged followers is genuine asset.
Salon owner pathway. Cert IV in Hairdressing + Diploma of Salon Management opens salon owner career track post-PR.
Hairdresser pay range. Junior stylist AUD 50-65k; senior stylist AUD 65-85k; senior colourist AUD 75-110k; master stylist / educator AUD 90-130k+. Tipping culture limited compared to US — though premium clients tip generously.
Working Holiday Maker bridge. Many overseas hairdressers use WHM (417 / 462) for 1-2 seasons to build Australian portfolio and secure 482 / 186 sponsorship.
Regional shortage favours 491 / 494. Regional Australia (Hunter Valley, Coastal NSW / Vic / QLD, Margaret River, Sunshine Coast, Tas) chronically short.
Health examinations expire after 12 months. If your visa takes longer than 12 months to grant, expect to redo them.
Tax residency starts on arrival. The Australian tax year runs 1 July to 30 June. See ATO residency rules before signing.
MARA registration is mandatory for paid migration assistance. Verify any agent at the MARA register.
Tools
- Visa fee calculator
- Points calculator
- Document checklist
- Eligibility wizard
- Invitation rounds tracker
- Skilled Occupation List
- Occupation Shortage List
Where to verify the numbers
- Home Affairs visa pricing page
- VETASSESS
- Australian Hairdressing Council
- Hair & Beauty Australia Industry Association
- Office of MARA
- ATO
Next step
Want to model 190 vs 491 vs 186 vs 494 vs 482 against your specific hairdresser profile? Book a 30-minute free strategy call with a MARA-registered agent at Global Select.