Chef Migration to Australia

Eligibility Requirements

ANZSCO: 351311 | Assessment Body: Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) | SOL Status: MLTSSL

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Occupation List Status

Chef (ANZSCO 351311) sits on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), which means it is theoretically eligible for the subclass 189, 190, and 491 visas. However, we want to be direct with clients from the outset: the skilled migration pathway for Chefs is largely closed in practice. Invitation rounds through SkillSelect are extremely competitive, and we rarely see 189 invitations issued for this occupation. State and territory nomination (190/491) remains the more viable route, though nomination places are limited and criteria vary significantly by state.

Skills Assessment — TRA

All Chef applicants must obtain a positive skills assessment from Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) before lodging an Expression of Interest. TRA assesses applicants via two main pathways:

• Trade Recognition pathway — for those with formal trade qualifications (Certificate III in Commercial Cookery or equivalent)
• Skills Assessment pathway — for those relying primarily on work experience

In our experience, the TRA assessment is where many Chef applications encounter their first serious hurdle. Documentation of your employment history must be thorough and verifiable.

Qualifications

A Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (or an overseas equivalent) is the standard benchmark. Higher qualifications such as a Certificate IV or Diploma can strengthen an application but are not mandatory.

Work Experience

TRA typically expects three or more years of relevant post-qualification employment as a Chef — not a Cook or Kitchen Hand. Roles must align closely with the ANZSCO 351311 duties.

English Language Requirement

You must meet a minimum of IELTS 6.0 (no band less than 5.0) or OET Grade B across all components for visa purposes. Higher scores directly improve your points score, so we always encourage clients to aim above the minimum.

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Practical tip from our consultants: Before doing anything else, gather your employment reference letters. TRA is strict about format and content — letters need to be on company letterhead, signed by a supervisor or HR representative, and detail your specific duties and hours. We've seen otherwise strong applications delayed by months simply due to inadequate reference documentation.

Skilled Migration for Chefs

The Chef occupation (ANZSCO 351311) sits on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), which sounds promising — but the reality of the skilled migration pathway for Chefs in 2025–26 is one of the toughest we advise clients on. Here is what the numbers actually look like.

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Which Visa Subclasses Are Realistically Available?

Chefs are eligible for the Subclass 189 (points-tested, no sponsorship), Subclass 190 (state nominated), and Subclass 491 (regional). All three appear on paper. In practice, the 189 is effectively closed for almost every Chef we assess. Invitation points in recent rounds have sat at 85–90, a threshold so high that fewer than one in twenty Chef applicants we profile can reach it without an extraordinary combination of age, experience, qualifications, and IELTS scores.

The 190 and 491 remain the only credible independent skilled pathways — but both carry their own constraints that we outline below.

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Points Reality: What Score Do Chefs Actually Need in 2025–26?

The Department of Home Affairs does not publish occupation-specific cut-offs, but our observations across multiple invitation rounds are consistent: Chefs need at least 85 points to have a realistic chance at a 189 invitation, and many rounds have cleared at 90. To put that in perspective, a 35-year-old Chef with a trade certificate, five years of experience, and an IELTS 7 is sitting at roughly 60–65 points — twenty or more points short.

For the 190, state nominations carry a 5-point bonus, bringing the effective competing score up, but states themselves set their own expression-of-interest thresholds before a nomination is even granted. The points bar for a 190 invitation from the Department typically sits around 75–80 once a state nomination is secured, which is achievable but still demanding.

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State Nomination (190): Who Is Actually Nominating Chefs?

State nomination quotas for Chefs fluctuate significantly each program year, and this is one area where we urge clients not to rely on outdated forum posts. In 2025–26, South Australia, Tasmania, and Victoria have shown the most consistent appetite for Chef nominations, often targeting applicants with a genuine job offer or demonstrated regional employment in that state. New South Wales has been highly selective, prioritising specialist cuisine experience or employer-linked applications.

Critical caveat: most states require either a current job offer in the state or a minimum period of residing and working there before they will consider a Chef nomination. If you are sitting offshore hoping to lodge an EOI and receive a nomination within weeks, that is not the realistic timeline for this occupation.

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Regional Pathway (491): Realistic or Not?

The 491 is the most accessible independent pathway for Chefs in 2025–26, but "accessible" is relative. Regional states and territories — including Tasmania, South Australia, and the NT — do nominate Chefs under the 491, often at lower point thresholds than the 190. The trade-off is a five-year regional living and working requirement before you can apply for the 191 permanent residence visa. For clients who are open to regional Australia and have a genuine job offer in a qualifying area, we consider this a viable but genuinely long-term commitment, not a shortcut.

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Real Client Scenario: How the Points Stack Up

Consider a client we recently profiled: 28 years old, three years of post-qualification Chef experience, IELTS 8 overall, Australian trade qualification recognised by TRA.

At 70 points, this client cannot compete for a 189 invitation. With a 190 state nomination adding 5 points, they reach 75 — possible in some state rounds but not guaranteed. Our advice was to pursue a regional 491 with a targeted job offer in Tasmania, while simultaneously building a fourth year of experience to add another 5 points. Honest? Yes. Closed? No — but it requires a plan, not just an EOI.

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Speak to a VJCE registered migration agent before lodging any expression of interest. Points assessments and state nomination criteria change frequently.

Employer Sponsorship for Chefs

How 482 Sponsorship Works for Chefs

The Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa — Subclass 482 — is the primary employer-sponsored pathway available to qualified Chefs seeking to work in Australia. Under this framework, an employer must first become an approved Standard Business Sponsor (SBS) with the Department of Home Affairs before they can nominate any overseas worker.

To become an approved sponsor, an employer must demonstrate that they are a lawfully operating business in Australia, have a genuine need for the nominated occupation, and commit to meeting all sponsorship obligations. These obligations include paying the sponsored worker at least the market salary rate, maintaining accurate records, and notifying the Department of any changes to the worker's employment circumstances. Employers must also pay the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy at the time of nomination. Once approved, the employer nominates the specific role, and the worker then applies for the visa itself.

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Which Industry Sectors Typically Sponsor Chefs

Chef sponsorships are predominantly found within the hospitality and food service industry. Sectors that typically engage in sponsorship for this occupation include:

• Full-service and fine-dining restaurants
• Hotels and resort properties
• Aged care and healthcare catering facilities
• Airline and institutional catering operators
• Pub and club venue operators in regional and metropolitan areas

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TSMIT and Chef Salary Considerations

All Subclass 482 nominations must meet the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT), currently set at AUD $73,150 per annum (as of July 2023). Chef salaries in Australia — particularly at senior or specialist levels — typically meet or exceed this threshold, which is a positive factor when assessing sponsorship viability. However, junior or entry-level Chef roles may present salary alignment challenges, and the nominated salary must also reflect the genuine market rate for the position.

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DAMA and Labour Agreement Pathways

For regions or employers unable to meet standard program requirements, Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs) and Labour Agreements may offer additional flexibility. Several regional DAMAs specifically include Chef occupations and may allow concessions on English language requirements or salary thresholds. Employers in designated regions should explore whether a DAMA is in place for their area, as this can open sponsorship opportunities that are not available under the standard TSS program.

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The 482 → 186 ENS Transition (TRT Stream)

A sponsored Chef working on a Subclass 482 visa may become eligible for permanent residence through the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) via the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream. To qualify, the worker must have been employed by the same sponsoring employer in the same nominated occupation for at least two years at the time of application, hold a current 482 visa, and be nominated by that employer for permanent residence. Meeting these requirements opens a direct pathway to a permanent visa.

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How Competitive Is Employer Sponsorship for Chefs?

Employer sponsorship for Chefs remains a viable but competitive pathway. Employers are required to undertake Labour Market Testing (LMT) to demonstrate that no suitable Australian worker was available before nominating an overseas candidate. This requirement, combined with the administrative burden of sponsorship obligations, means not all hospitality businesses actively pursue this route. Finding a willing and approved sponsor can be challenging. For personalised advice on your situation, we recommend consulting a registered migration agent.

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For personalised guidance on your employer sponsorship options, book a consultation with our MARA-registered agents.

Skills Assessment for Chefs (ANZSCO 351311)

Who Assesses Chefs and How the Process Works

For Chefs (ANZSCO 351311), the assessing authority is Trades Recognition Australia (TRA), operating under the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations. TRA assesses whether your overseas qualifications and work experience are comparable to the Australian trade standard — specifically, the Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (SIT30821).

The TRA assessment pathway for Chefs follows these steps:

1. Create a myTRA account and select the correct ANZSCO code (351311 — Chef, not Cook 351411)
2. Submit your online application with all supporting documents
3. TRA document verification — TRA may contact your employer or institution directly
4. Skills assessment outcome issued — either Suitable, Not Suitable, or referred for a Trade Assessment (practical/technical interview)

Some applicants are referred for a TRA Trade Assessment — an in-depth technical interview conducted via video or in person — particularly where qualifications are below trade level or employment history is inconsistent.

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Documents Typically Required

We've guided hundreds of Chefs through this process and know exactly what TRA scrutinises. Expect to provide:

• Qualifications: Certified copies of cooking diplomas, certificates, or degrees with official English translations
• Employment references: Detailed statutory declarations or letters on company letterhead specifying your job title, duties (must reflect Chef-level responsibilities), weekly hours, and employment dates — signed by a supervisor, not just HR
• Registration certificates (where applicable): Food handling licences, trade certificates, or apprenticeship completion records
• Passport copies and identity documents
• Curriculum vitae aligned precisely to your employment references

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Realistic Timeline and Cost

• Processing time: Approximately 8–16 weeks from submission of a complete application (TRA advises checking the current published processing times on their website, as these fluctuate)
• Application fee: Approximately AUD $730–$800 for the standard skills assessment (fees are subject to change — always confirm on the official TRA website before applying)
• Trade Assessment fee: An additional charge applies if referred (~AUD $350–$450)

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Can Work Experience Substitute for Formal Qualifications?

Yes — but with important limitations. TRA applies an experience reduction rule: applicants without a trade-level qualification may still receive a positive outcome if they demonstrate substantial, verifiable employment as a Chef (generally 3–5+ years of relevant experience). However, TRA will heavily scrutinise the nature of that experience. Working as a kitchen hand, sous chef assistant, or in a fast-food environment will not substitute effectively. The duties described must clearly reflect qualified Chef responsibilities.

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Common Failure Reasons We See from Chef Clients

These are TRA-specific pitfalls, not general advice:

• Misclassifying as Cook (351411): Applying under the wrong ANZSCO code is a surprisingly common and costly mistake
• Vague employment references: Letters stating "worked in our kitchen" without detailing specific duties like menu planning, section management, or supervising staff are routinely rejected
• Inconsistent hours: References showing fewer than 30 hours per week raise serious doubts about trade-level engagement
• Unverifiable employers: Former restaurants that have closed without accessible records create major obstacles — we always advise clients to gather references before employers disappear
• Qualification mismatch: A hospitality management diploma sounds impressive but may not map to the trade-level cooking standard TRA requires

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Our Consultants' Tips: Prepare 6–12 Months in Advance

From our experience working with Chef clients across diverse backgrounds, here is what we recommend starting well before you lodge:

• Contact current and former employers now — securing a compliant statutory declaration takes time, especially across time zones
• Get qualifications officially translated and certified by a NAATI-accredited translator; TRA rejects non-compliant translations
• Document your daily duties in writing — we ask clients to prepare a detailed duty log that our team then cross-references against ANZSCO 351311 descriptors
• Do not lodge a rushed application — TRA does not permit easy amendments post-submission, and a Not Suitable outcome delays your visa timeline significantly
• Check TRA's current processing times monthly in the lead-up to your planned lodgement, as backlogs affect visa nomination deadlines

VJCE advisers review every Chef skills assessment application before lodgement. Book a consultation to ensure your documents are TRA-ready before you spend a cent on fees.

Common Problems & Refusals

Understanding where Chef applications break down helps you avoid the same mistakes. Here's what we tell clients when things go wrong.

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Assessment Failures (TRA)

Inadequate employment references TRA requires references on employer letterhead, signed by a direct supervisor, with specific weekly hours and duties described in trade terminology. We regularly see references that are too vague ("performed kitchen duties") or signed by an owner who wasn't present on the floor. References need to read like a skills inventory, not a character endorsement.

Qualification mismatch A commercial cookery certificate from a college that wasn't on TRA's approved provider list at the time of study — or a qualification assessed as below AQF Certificate III level — will result in a negative outcome. Clients should confirm TRA's accepted qualifications before enrolling or before lodging, not after.

Insufficient documented trade hours TRA requires verifiable post-qualification employment. Gaps, self-employment without supporting evidence (BAS statements, ABN history, client contracts), or overlapping employment claims that don't stack up will trigger adverse findings.

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Skilled Path Issues

EOI never receives an invitation With Chef largely closed to the independent skilled stream, clients sitting on 65–70 points in SkillSelect have waited years without an invitation. The honest advice: do not structure your life around an EOI that may never clear.

State nomination rejection States prioritising regional or high-demand occupations frequently reject Chef nominations at the Expression of Interest stage. A rejection here doesn't mean reapply immediately — it means reassess the entire strategy.

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Employer Sponsorship Issues

Salary below TSMIT The Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold applies to the guaranteed annual earnings, not base rate plus variable allowances. Employers offering split arrangements that only meet TSMIT on paper — but not in practice — expose both parties to compliance risk and visa refusal.

Labour market testing not conducted correctly LMT advertisements must meet specific platform, duration, and content requirements. We see sponsors who advertised on a single job board for less than the required period, or whose ads omitted mandatory information. A refusal on this ground is avoidable with preparation.

Sponsor de-registration or business closure When a sponsoring employer loses their approval status or closes during the visa process, the application collapses. Clients should ask their sponsor about their current approval status and business stability before resigning from existing employment.