What was ANZPAC?
ANZPAC (sometimes referenced as the Australia and New Zealand body for beauty and hairdressing accreditation) was historically listed as the designated skills assessing authority for beauty therapy and hairdressing occupations under Australia's skilled migration program. It represented industry bodies in the personal services and beauty sector.
ANZPAC's primary role was to assess whether internationally trained beauty therapists, hairdressers, and related personal services workers had qualifications and work experience equivalent to Australian standards for these occupations.
The Hair and Beauty Industry Association (HBIA) — formerly known as the Hairdressing and Beauty Industry Association — has been the peak industry body for these sectors in Australia. The skills assessment function for migration purposes has transitioned away from ANZPAC.
What happened to ANZPAC?
ANZPAC's role as a designated assessing authority for migration purposes was wound up or transitioned as part of broader changes to the Australian skills assessment landscape. The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) periodically reviews and updates the list of designated assessing authorities for skilled occupations.
As a result, beauty therapists, hairdressers, and related personal services workers can no longer apply to ANZPAC for a migration skills assessment. Applicants must use the currently designated authority for their ANZSCO occupation.
If you received an assessment from ANZPAC historically, you should confirm whether that assessment is still accepted and whether the validity period has not expired. Contact the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent for advice on your specific situation.
Current assessing authority for beauty and hairdressing
Based on current DHA skills assessment lists, beauty therapy and hairdressing occupations are assessed by VETASSESS for skilled migration purposes. VETASSESS is Australia's largest general assessing authority, covering a wide range of professional and trade occupations.
Beauty therapists and hairdressers typically fall under VETASSESS's trade or professional assessment stream, depending on their qualifications. VETASSESS assesses whether overseas qualifications and experience are comparable to an Australian qualification in the relevant field.
Always check the current DHA skills assessment list for your specific ANZSCO occupation code before lodging any application. Authority assignments can change, and applying to the wrong body wastes time and money.
Beauty and hairdressing occupations on the skilled lists
The following personal services occupations are commonly assessed for skilled migration and were historically within ANZPAC's scope:
| ANZSCO | Occupation | Current Assessor |
|---|---|---|
| 391111 | Hairdresser | VETASSESS |
| 411111 | Beauty Therapist | VETASSESS |
| 391112 | Barber | VETASSESS |
| 391113 | Wigmaker and Related Technician | VETASSESS |
| 411211 | Massage Therapist | VETASSESS |
Note: Occupation list status and designated assessing authorities are subject to change by ministerial instrument. Always verify current list status on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Which visas require a skills assessment for these occupations?
Beauty therapists and hairdressers applying through skills-based visa pathways require a positive skills assessment from the nominated assessing authority.
These occupations primarily appear on state and territory nomination lists (for Subclass 190 and 491), as they are not currently on the MLTSSL for points-tested independent migration. Check current state nomination lists for availability, as these change frequently.