IWANKO Yes, based on what you shared, I think your plan is realistic, especially since you’re still only 26 and already have relevant hairdressing experience plus your TESDA Hairdressing NC II.
The first thing I would focus on is completing your TRA skills assessment. One important point though — you mentioned you have almost 3 years of experience. For some TRA and visa pathways, the full 3 years can matter, so make sure you check your exact employment dates and continue building properly documented experience.
For visa pathways, I would look at a few options rather than relying on just one:
- Employer sponsorship, such as the 482 visa, with the possibility of transitioning to PR later through the 186 pathway.
- Regional employer sponsorship (494), which can eventually lead to PR through the 191 pathway.
- 190 or 491 state nomination, depending on which states are accepting Hairdressers and what their requirements are at the time.
Your aunt being a PR is helpful for accommodation and support, but it does not automatically give you a visa pathway. However, if she lives in a designated regional area, there may potentially be a family-sponsored 491 option worth checking, so her exact suburb/postcode is important.
I would also strongly recommend starting your English test (IELTS/PTE) preparation now. Don’t just aim for the minimum if you can avoid it — a higher English score can significantly improve your points for skilled migration.
For now, I would focus on:
- Completing the full 3 years of relevant work experience.
- Getting a positive TRA assessment.
- Taking IELTS/PTE and aiming for a strong score.
- Keeping good evidence of your employment — payslips, contracts, COEs/reference letters, government contribution records, etc.
- Continuing to build hands-on experience in cutting, colouring, styling, treatments and other duties expected of a qualified Hairdresser.
- Once you have TRA + English results, calculate your points and check which states are open to Hairdressers.
- At the same time, start researching Australian salons, especially in regional areas, that may be willing to sponsor.
I wouldn’t rush into taking another course yet just for migration purposes. Since you already have TESDA NC II and relevant experience, wait for the TRA outcome first and see if there is actually any qualification gap that needs to be addressed.
You already have a decent foundation. The key now is to strengthen your experience, English score and TRA result, while keeping both state nomination and employer sponsorship options open.
Just keep in mind that migration rules and state occupation lists can change. It would be best to consult a registered migration agent who can review your complete circumstances, calculate your options properly and advise you on the most suitable pathway before you lodge anything.