Australia’s hospitality industry is booming, and skilled chefs are in high demand across the country. From busy city restaurants to regional cafes and hotels, employers are actively looking for qualified culinary professionals. If you’re a chef dreaming of building a career in Australia, this guide explains the main pathways, eligibility requirements, and steps involved.

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Why Australia Needs Chefs

Australia has been facing a long-term shortage of skilled chefs due to industry growth, tourism demand, and an aging workforce. As a result, Chef is listed on Australia’s Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), making it an eligible occupation for several skilled migration visas.

This means chefs have strong opportunities to migrate with long-term work rights and even permanent residency.

Who Is Eligible to Migrate as a Chef?

To migrate as a chef, you generally need to meet the following criteria:

  • Relevant qualification in commercial cookery or hospitality
  • Minimum 2–3 years of full-time work experience as a chef
  • Skills assessment from Trades Recognition Australia (TRA)
  • English language proficiency (IELTS, PTE, or equivalent)
  • Meet age, health, and character requirements

Skills Assessment for Chefs (TRA)

A positive skills assessment from Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) is mandatory for most chef visa pathways.

Common assessment pathways include:

  • Job Ready Program (JRP) – for Australian qualification holders
  • Offshore Skills Assessment Program (OSAP) – for overseas-trained chefs

The assessment checks your qualifications, work experience, and practical skills to ensure they meet Australian standards.

Best Visa Options for Chefs

  1. Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

  • No employer or state sponsorship required
  • Points-based system
  • Permanent residency
  • Highly competitive but ideal if you score well on points

  1. Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

  • Requires nomination from an Australian state or territory
  • Permanent residency
  • Slightly lower points requirement than 189

  1. Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491)

  • State or family-sponsored
  • Temporary visa leading to permanent residency
  • Great option if you’re open to working in regional Australia

  1. Employer Sponsored Visa (Subclass 482 / 186)

  • Requires a job offer from an Australian employer
  • 482 is temporary; 186 offers permanent residency
  • Popular pathway for chefs with strong work experience

Points System for Chef Migration

Your eligibility for skilled visas depends on points awarded for:

  • Age
  • English language level
  • Work experience (Australia or overseas)
  • Educational qualifications
  • State nomination or regional sponsorship

A minimum of 65 points is required, but higher scores improve your chances.

Step-by-Step Process to Migrate as a Chef

  1. Check if Chef is listed on the skilled occupation list
  2. Get a TRA skills assessment
  3. Take an English language test
  4. Calculate your migration points
  5. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
  6. Apply for state nomination or employer sponsorship (if required)
  7. Receive an invitation and lodge your visa application

Job Opportunities for Chefs in Australia

Chefs are in demand across:

  • Restaurants and fine-dining establishments
  • Hotels and resorts
  • Cafes and catering companies
  • Regional hospitality businesses

Regional areas often offer faster visa pathways and additional migration points.

Final Thoughts

Migrating to Australia as a chef is a realistic and rewarding option if you have the right skills, experience, and guidance. With multiple visa pathways and strong demand in the hospitality sector, chefs have a clear route to long-term settlement and career growth in Australia.

Getting professional advice can help you choose the right visa, prepare documentation correctly, and avoid delays.

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Thinking about migrating to Australia as a Chef?

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