This is the 2026 invitation round trends analysis for ANZSCO 399513 — Light Technician. For visa pathway selection see the 399513 pathway guide. For TRA assessment see the skills assessment guide. For state-by-state breakdown see the state nomination comparison. For cost / timeline see the case study.
Short version
Skills list reality for 399513:
- MLTSSL — not listed. No 189.
- STSOL — not listed.
- ROL — listed. Supports 494.
- CSOL — listed. Supports 186 DE / 482.
State nomination (FY 2025-26):
| State | 190 | 491 |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | ✗ | ✗ |
| VIC | ✗ | ✗ |
| QLD | ✗ | ✗ |
| SA | ✗ | ✗ |
| WA | ✗ | ✗ |
| NT | ✗ | ✗ |
| ACT | ✓ | ✓ |
| TAS | ✗ | ✗ |
Only ACT nominates. CSOL employer-sponsored channels (186 DE / 482) wide open nationally.
SkillSelect rounds reality
For 399513:
- 189 rounds — not eligible.
- 190 rounds — only ACT.
- 491 State rounds — only ACT.
Employer-sponsored alternatives — the realistic primary
For most overseas light technicians:
- 186 Direct Entry (CSOL) — 6-12 months, PR on grant.
- 482 Core Skills — 4-year temp + 186 TRT.
- 494 Regional Employer-Sponsored — 5-year provisional + 191 PR.
Realistic sponsors:
- Sydney Opera House — multiple venue lighting departments.
- Sydney Theatre Company (STC).
- Melbourne Theatre Company (MTC).
- Arts Centre Melbourne.
- Show Group, Bytecraft, Mandylights, PRG — production / event suppliers.
- Disney Studios Sydney, Fox Studios — film lighting.
- Village Roadshow Studios Gold Coast (regional) — film lighting.
- Touring concert production — Frontier Touring, TEG, Live Nation Australia.
- Themed entertainment — Movie World, Sea World, Warner Bros. Movie World.
Realistic strategy
If offshore with no Australian connection:
- Skip points-tested channel — ACT Matrix weak for offshore.
- Focus on employer sponsorship — Sydney / Melbourne theatre + film studio + production company sponsors.
- TRA OSAP early — 4-6 months turnaround.
- Professional portfolio essentially required — production credits / IMDb / showreel.
If onshore in Canberra (485 / partner / WHM visa) with ACT venue / production job — ACT Matrix becomes viable.
Where to verify
- Home Affairs SkillSelect invitation rounds
- ACT Skilled Migration — Canberra Matrix
- Subclass 186 details
- Live Performance Australia
Tools
- Points calculator
- Visa fee calculator
- Document checklist
- Eligibility wizard
- Invitation rounds tracker
- ANZSCO search
Next step
Want help modelling 186 DE for light technician sponsor strategy? Book a 30-minute free strategy call with a MARA-registered agent at Global Select.