What to Expect as a Graphic Designer, ANZSCO 232411
For Graphic Designers navigating the Australian migration system, the primary pathways revolve around state nomination. Because Graphic Designer is on the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), you cannot apply for the federal 189 Skilled Independent visa. Instead, your focus needs to be on securing a nomination from an Australian state or territory for either the subclass 190 or 491 visa.
Subclass 189
Skilled Independent
Not an option. Your occupation is on the STSOL, which restricts you from this federal pathway.
→ Read our 189 guideSubclass 190
State Nominated (+5 pts)
The premium permanent visa for designers. Requires you to meet the specific criteria of the state nominating you.
→ Read our 190 guideSubclass 491
Regional (+15 pts)
A fantastic and highly accessible pathway if you are happy to live and work in a regional part of Australia for three years.
→ Read our 491 guideComparing Your Options
Understanding Data Limitations:The Department of Home Affairs does not publish occupation-specific invitation scores for state-nominated (190 and 491) visas. Because Graphic Designer is on the STSOL and therefore not invited in the 189 rounds, there is no official, transparent dataset detailing exactly how many points you need. Your invitation relies completely on state criteria and local demand at the time of your application.
| Subclass 189 | Subclass 190 | Subclass 491 |
|---|
| Nomination bonus | +0 | +5 | +15 |
| Target points | N/A | Varies by state | Varies by state |
| Occupation list | STSOL | STSOL | STSOL |
| Level of competition | Not applicable | High | Medium/High |
| Assessing body | VETASSESS | VETASSESS | VETASSESS |
Getting Your VETASSESS Skills Assessment
You must secure a positive skills assessment before you can lodge your Expression of Interest (EOI).
Graphic Designer (232411) is classified as a Group B occupation by VETASSESS.
| Assessing body | VETASSESS |
| Official website | vetassess.com.au |
| Processing time | Approx. 7 weeks (Standard) or 10 business days (Priority) |
| Expected fee | ~$1,205 AUD (onshore) / ~$1,096 AUD (offshore) |
| Baseline education | Bachelor degree or higher |
The VETASSESS Group B Requirements
To get a positive outcome, you need an AQF Bachelor degree (or higher). Your work experience requirements then depend on your major:
- If your degree is highly relevant to graphic design, you need at least 1 year of highly relevant post-qualification experience within the last 5 years.
- If your degree is not highly relevant, you'll need at least 3 years of highly relevant post-qualification experience.
- If your experience was gained before your degree, you'll need 5 years of highly relevant experience in addition to the degree.
⚠ Understanding the "Date Deemed Skilled": VETASSESS will use your early work experience to qualify you for the skills assessment itself. The Department of Home Affairs will only let you claim PR points for the skilled employment you undertook afterthis qualifying period (your "Date Deemed Skilled"). Don't accidentally overclaim your points on your EOI.
→ Read our deep-dive on skills assessmentsState Nomination Options for Graphic Designers
Because you are relying entirely on the 190 or 491 visas, choosing the right state is critical.
| State | 190 & 491 Status | What to keep in mind |
|---|
| NSW | Conditional | Highly competitive. Generally favours candidates with very high points and ongoing local employment in NSW. |
| VIC | Conditional | Requires you to submit a Registration of Interest (ROI). Often targets specific sectors or individuals with strong earnings. |
| QLD | Conditional | Historically requires onshore candidates to have ongoing local employment in Queensland. |
| SA | Conditional | Often provides excellent pathways for international graduates from SA universities and long-term residents. |
| WA | Conditional | Usually favours WA graduates or individuals holding a valid job offer in the state. Check Schedule 1/2 availability. |
| TAS | Conditional | Tends to favour local Tasmanian graduates, residents, and local business operators. |
| ACT | Conditional | You'll need to navigate the Canberra Matrix. Local residency is strongly favoured. |
| NT | Conditional | Almost exclusively prioritises people who are already living and working in the Northern Territory. |
Note: State occupation lists and requirements open, close, and change without notice. You must verify your eligibility directly on the official state migration portals before applying.
Because the 189 visa isn't an option, you should focus on states where you can realistically secure employment as a graphic designer. Strong industry connections and a solid portfolio can help you land the regional or state-based job you need for sponsorship.
How to Boost Your PR Points
Looking for a competitive edge? Here are the most effective ways to increase your score.
1. Nail the English Test
Achieving Superior English (IELTS 8.0 or PTE 79) gives you an extra 10 points over Proficient. This is universally the fastest and most reliable way to boost your profile.
→ English points guide2. Consider Regional (491)
If a 190 nomination proves too competitive, targeting a 491 regional visa offers a massive 15-point boost and generally has more accessible criteria.
→ 491 visa guide3. Claim Partner Skills & NAATI
Don't leave points on the table. A skilled partner can add up to 10 points. Passing the NAATI CCL test (if you speak another language) adds another 5 points.
→ Partner points guide| Strategy | Points Gained | Time Required | Reform Risk |
|---|
| Superior English (if at Proficient) | +10 | 2-6 months | Low |
| Regional sponsorship (491) | +15 | 2-12 weeks | Low |
| Australian work experience (1 more year) | +5 | 1 year | Low |
| NAATI CCL (if bilingual) | +5 | 3-6 months | Medium |
Will the 2026 Reforms Affect Me?
⚠ Keep in mind: The 2026 points test reforms are currently just proposals. The existing Schedule 6D points system is still fully in effect until any new legislation officially passes.
The government is considering introducing an income-based points test and potentially raising the base pass mark. For creative professionals like graphic designers, this means earning a competitive, higher-tier salary could become a major advantage. On the flip side, entry-level designers might find it tougher if the minimum points threshold jumps up. The distinction between the STSOL and other occupation lists (like the proposed CSOL) might also shift, so staying updated is vital.
→ Stay updated on the 2026 points test reform