[2025–2026 Guide] How to Migrate to Australia as a Chef: Pathways, Points & Process

TL;DR: You can migrate to Australia as a chef through skilled independent, state-nominated, regional, or employer-sponsored visas, all requiring a positive skills assessment from Trades Recognition Australia (TRA). The process involves confirming your occupation is on the skilled list, passing a skills assessment, meeting English requirements, scoring at least 65 points, and submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI).

Australia’s culinary scene is sizzling with opportunity, and skilled chefs are a key ingredient in its success. With the occupation listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), qualified chefs have a clear and viable path to Australian permanent residency. This guide breaks down the 2025–2026 pathways, from proving your skills to securing your visa.

Why Australia Actively Recruits Skilled Chefs

Australia needs chefs due to sustained industry growth, a thriving tourism sector, and an aging domestic workforce. This chronic shortage has cemented the Chef occupation (ANZSCO 351311) on the MLTSSL, making it eligible for the most sought-after skilled migration visas. This official designation signals strong government endorsement for overseas talent, translating into multiple pathways for long-term work and settlement. For chefs, this means your profession is not just in demand by employers but is formally recognised by immigration policy as critical to the nation’s economy.

• Official Demand: The MLTSSL listing is a direct response to identified long-term skill shortages.
• Industry Growth: Australia’s hospitality sector continues to expand, especially in regional areas and major cities.
• Career Stability: Migration as a skilled chef can lead directly to permanent residency, offering long-term security.

Core Eligibility: The Non-Negotiable Requirements for Chef Migration

To be eligible, you must meet a set of foundational criteria that prove your skills are equivalent to Australian standards. The cornerstone of your application is a formal skills assessment, without which most visa pathways are inaccessible.

You need a formal skills assessment, relevant qualifications, proven work experience, and competent English. The skills assessment from Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) is the most critical step, validating your overseas training and experience for the Australian market. Most visa subclasses also require you to be under 45 years of age, meet health standards, and have a clear character record.

• Skills Assessment: A mandatory positive assessment from Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) via pathways like the Job Ready Program (JRP) or Offshore Skills Assessment Program (OSAP).
• Qualifications: A relevant formal qualification in commercial cookery or hospitality (e.g., Certificate III or IV, diploma, or degree).
• Experience: Typically, a minimum of 2-3 years of full-time, post-qualification work experience as a chef.
• English Language: A minimum of Competent English (e.g., IELTS 6.0 in each band or equivalent in PTE, TOEFL, or Cambridge).
• Other Requirements: Meet age, health, and character requirements as stipulated by Home Affairs.

Navigating the 2025–2026 Visa Pathways for Chefs

Your choice of visa depends on your points score, willingness to live in specific regions, and ability to secure a job offer. The landscape includes both points-tested and employer-sponsored routes, each with distinct advantages.

The main visa options are the Skilled Independent (189), State Nominated (190), Regional (491), and Employer Sponsored visas. The points-tested visas (189, 190, 491) require you to submit an EOI and be invited to apply, while employer-sponsored visas are tied to a specific job. It’s crucial to use tools like the NovenAI Visa Success Predictor to model your chances across different pathways before committing to one.

• Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189): The “gold standard” offering direct permanent residency without needing state or employer sponsorship. It is highly competitive, requiring a high points score.
• Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190): A permanent residency visa requiring nomination by an Australian state or territory. States often have slightly lower points thresholds and specific in-demand lists for chefs.
• Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491): A temporary visa leading to permanent residency (via subclass 191). It requires sponsorship by a state or an eligible family member living in a designated regional area. It offers additional points and can be a faster route.
• Employer Sponsored Visas: This includes the temporary Skills in Demand visa (which replaced the 482) and the permanent Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa (subclass 186). These require a full-time job offer from an approved Australian employer. As highlighted in related analysis, the new Skills in Demand visa features updated salary thresholds (the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold or TSMIT) and streamlined pathways to permanency for chefs in certain sectors.

Mastering the Points Test: How to Score 65+ as a Chef

The points test determines your ranking for skilled independent and nominated visas. Maximising your score is essential to receiving an invitation.

You need a minimum of 65 points, but competitive scores for chefs are often significantly higher. Points are awarded for age, English proficiency, skilled employment experience, qualifications, and other factors like studying in Australia. A strategic approach involves improving your English score, gaining more years of experience, or securing a state nomination for extra points. You can accurately model your score using the NovenAI EOI Points Calculator, which is updated with the latest policy settings.

• Age: Maximum points (30) for applicants aged 25-32.
• English: Superior (20 points) or Proficient (10 points) English scores dramatically boost your total.
• Skilled Employment: Points for years of experience both overseas and in Australia (up to 15 points).
• Education: Qualifications from a diploma level upwards can add 10-20 points.
• Other Factors: Study in Australia, partner skills, and professional year qualifications can contribute.
• Nomination: State/territory nomination (190) adds 5 points, while regional sponsorship (491) adds 15.

The Step-by-Step Migration Process for Chefs

The journey from considering migration to holding a visa follows a logical sequence, with the skills assessment acting as the gateway.

The process starts with verifying your occupation’s eligibility and culminates in lodging a visa application after receiving an invitation. A common mistake is attempting to calculate points or submit an EOI before obtaining a positive skills assessment, which is a prerequisite. Professional guidance or an AI mentor like NovenAI can help you navigate each stage efficiently, avoiding costly delays.

1. Confirm Occupation & Lists: Ensure “Chef” (351311) is on the relevant skilled occupation list for your target visa.
2. Skills Assessment: Apply for and obtain a positive skills assessment from Trades Recognition Australia (TRA).
3. English Language Test: Sit for an approved test (IELTS, PTE, etc.) and achieve at least Competent English.
4. Calculate Points & Submit EOI: Use an official points calculator and submit your Expression of Interest via SkillSelect.
5. Secure Nomination/Sponsorship: If applying for a 190, 491, or employer-sponsored visa, obtain the required nomination or job offer.
6. Receive Invitation & Apply: Once invited by Home Affairs, lodge your complete visa application with all supporting documents.

Job Market and Regional Opportunities for Migrant Chefs

Chefs are needed nationwide, but targeting areas of specific demand can accelerate your visa pathway.

Opportunities exist in metropolitan restaurants, hotels, resorts, and catering companies, but regional Australia often presents the fastest track. Many states prioritise chefs for nomination in their regional areas to address acute shortages, which can mean lower points requirements and dedicated visa pathways. Researching which states are actively nominating chefs is a key strategic step.

• High-Demand Settings: Fine dining, hotels, clubs, aged care facilities, and mining camp catering.
• Regional Focus: States like South Australia, Tasmania, and regional Victoria and NSW frequently seek chefs. Working regionally on a 491 visa provides a clear path to permanent residency.
• Salary Considerations: For employer-sponsored routes, ensure the job offer meets the annual TSMIT and the relevant market salary rate.

Migrating to Australia as a chef is a structured and achievable goal built on proving your trade skills. By methodically completing your TRA assessment, maximising your points score, and choosing the right visa pathway for your circumstances, you can turn your ambition into a new life Down Under. The demand is real, the pathways are clear, and your culinary skills are the ticket.

Ready to see where you stand? Start your free migration assessment with NovenAI today and get a personalised roadmap to your Australian chef career.

Title Tag: Migrate to Australia as a Chef: 2025 Visa Pathways & Points Guide | NovenAI
Meta Description: A complete 2025-2026 guide for chefs migrating to Australia. Learn about TRA skills assessment, visa options (189, 190, 491, SID), the 65-point test, and step-by-step process. Start your free assessment.
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