This is the 2026 pathway guide for migrating to Australia under ANZSCO 399514 — Make Up Artist. 399514 sits on STSOL with 190 / 491 in 7 states (not WA), plus Subclass 494 Regional Employer and Subclass 407 Training. NOT eligible for 189 Independent, 186 DE, or 482.
For skills assessment, invitation patterns, state-by-state breakdown, and cost / timeline, see the linked cluster.
Who fits ANZSCO 399514
Make Up Artist covers professionals who apply make-up for film, TV, fashion, theatre, bridal, commercial, and special-effects purposes. Typical scope:
Film / TV make-up
- Beauty make-up for lead actors.
- Continuity make-up across scenes.
- Period make-up (Victorian, Edwardian, Mid-Century, contemporary period).
- Aging / de-aging make-up.
- HD / 4K / 8K camera-ready make-up.
Special effects (SFX) / prosthetic make-up
- Prosthetic sculpting and application.
- Silicone, gelatin, foam latex appliances.
- Bald cap application.
- Aging make-up via prosthetics.
- Injury / wound / blood / scar SFX.
- Monster / creature design.
Fashion / editorial make-up
- Fashion magazine editorials (Vogue Australia, Marie Claire, Harper's Bazaar).
- Advertising campaign make-up.
- Runway show make-up.
- Catwalk / Australian Fashion Week.
- Model agency portfolio work.
Bridal make-up
- Wedding day bridal make-up.
- Bridal trial sessions.
- Wedding party make-up.
- Engagement / pre-wedding shoots.
Theatre make-up
- Stage make-up for theatre productions.
- High-contrast make-up for stage lighting.
- Opera / ballet make-up (Australian Ballet, Opera Australia).
- Musical theatre character make-up.
Commercial / corporate
- TVC (Television Commercial) make-up.
- Corporate video make-up.
- Brand / influencer make-up.
- Spokesperson / presenter make-up.
Special / niche
- Drag make-up (drag queen / king).
- Body painting.
- Halloween / theatrical SFX.
- Period / historical reenactment.
Where it does NOT fit:
- Hairdresser (hair only): 391111 Hairdresser (different code, broader visa stack typically).
- Beauty therapist (skin / nails / general beauty services): 451111 Beauty Therapist (different code).
- Tattoo artist: 211412 Visual Arts and Crafts Professional or specialty.
- Permanent makeup / cosmetic tattoo: 451111 Beauty Therapist + specialty crossover.
Skills lists and visas
399514 is listed on:
- STSOL (Short-Term Skilled Occupation List) — supports 190 / 491 / 482 / 494.
- NOT on MLTSSL, CSOL, or ROL.
Eligible visas:
| Visa | Status | Pathway type |
|---|---|---|
| 190 State-Nominated | ✓ (7 states) | State-nominated permanent |
| 491 Regional Provisional | ✓ (7 states) | Regional provisional → 191 |
| 494 Regional Employer-Sponsored | ✓ | Regional employer-sponsored provisional → 191 |
| 407 Training | ✓ | Training visa |
| 189 Independent | ✗ | Not eligible |
| 186 Direct Entry | ✗ | Not eligible (no CSOL) |
| 482 Core Skills | ✗ | Not eligible (no CSOL) |
State nomination (FY 2025-26):
| State | 190 | 491 |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | ✓ | ✓ |
| VIC | ✓ | ✓ |
| QLD | ✓ | ✓ |
| SA | ✓ | ✓ |
| WA | ✗ | ✗ |
| NT | ✓ | ✓ |
| ACT | ✓ | ✓ |
| TAS | ✓ | ✓ |
7 of 8 states nominate. Only WA excludes.
Pathway A — Subclass 190 State-Nominated
Realistic primary points-tested route.
Mechanics:
- TRA OSAP skills assessment — Cert IV in Make-Up + 3 years post-qualification.
- 65+ points (competitive 75-85+).
- Competent English (Proficient / Superior recommended).
- EOI in SkillSelect + state nomination.
- State commitment 2+ years.
Wall-clock: 14-22 months.
Pathway B — Subclass 491 Regional Provisional
5-year provisional. Adds 15 points. → 191 PR after 3 years regional + earnings.
Pathway C — Subclass 494 Regional Employer-Sponsored
For regional sponsor. → 191 PR.
Pathway D — Subclass 407 Training
For structured training programs at established studios.
No 186 DE / 482
399514 on STSOL but NOT CSOL → no 186 DE / 482. Plan via 190 / 491 instead. Same structural limitation as 393213 / 399411 / 399512.
Realistic prioritisation
| Pathway | When to pick |
|---|---|
| 190 (NSW / VIC / QLD / SA / NT / ACT / TAS) | Strong points (75+). |
| 491 (eligible states) | 65-75 points + regional commitment. |
| 494 regional employer | Regional production sponsor. |
| 407 Training | Niche training program. |
For most overseas make up artists: 190 NSW / VIC / QLD if points strong; 491 fallback.
Australian make up industry reality in 2026
Australia's make up industry is strong + growing with Hollywood productions:
Film / TV studios (Hollywood productions)
- Disney Studios Australia (Sydney) — Marvel / Disney+ productions.
- Village Roadshow Studios (Gold Coast — regional) — major Hollywood productions.
- Docklands Studios Melbourne.
- NRG Studios Gold Coast.
Make-up departments for major film / TV productions employ HOD (Head of Department) make-up + Key make-up + assistants.
TV networks
- ABC / SBS / Seven / Nine / Ten — in-house make-up departments.
- Foxtel / Stan / Sky News — make-up departments.
Bridal industry
- Nationwide wedding industry — sustained make-up artist demand.
- Wedding seasons spring / autumn peak.
Fashion industry
- Sydney + Melbourne fashion magazines + agencies.
- Australian Fashion Week (May Sydney) + Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival.
- Editorial work for Vogue Australia, Marie Claire, Harper's Bazaar.
Theatre / opera / ballet
- Sydney Opera House, STC, MTC, Australian Ballet, Opera Australia.
Commercial / TVC
- TVC production make-up.
- Corporate / spokesperson make-up.
Skills that travel well: airbrush make-up, HD make-up technique, prosthetic application (silicone, gelatin, foam latex), period makeup techniques, fashion / editorial creativity, bridal portfolio, special effects (SFX) wounds / aging / monster, MAC Pro Artist / Bobbi Brown / NARS / Chanel / Charlotte Tilbury professional ranges, makeup union membership (IATSE Local 706 USA, BECTU UK).
Practical 12-month sequence
| Month | Action |
|---|---|
| 1-2 | Confirm 399514 fit. Pull TRA OSAP requirements. |
| 2-4 | Cert IV + 3-year work history + portfolio. English test. |
| 3-7 | Lodge TRA OSAP. 4-6 months. |
| 5-9 | EOI (190 / 491) + parallel sponsor outreach. |
| 9-15 | Invitation or sponsor offer. Visa lodged. |
| 12-22 | Visa grant. |
Tools
- Eligibility wizard
- Points calculator
- Visa fee calculator
- Document checklist
- Invitation rounds tracker
- ANZSCO search
Authoritative sources
- Home Affairs — visa fees and charges
- Trades Recognition Australia (TRA)
- Screen Australia
- Make-Up Artists & Hair Stylists Guild Australia
Next step
Need a MARA agent to review your 399514 case? Book a 30-minute free strategy call with Global Select.