Top Chef ANZSCO Codes [2025–2026 Guide]

TL;DR: The primary ANZSCO code for a qualified Chef in Australia is 351311 Chef. This is distinct from codes for Cooks (351411) and Sous Chefs (351112). Using the correct code is critical for your skills assessment and visa application, as it directly impacts your eligibility for skilled migration pathways like the 482, 186, and 189 visas. For a precise points calculation based on your specific profile, use the free NovenAI EOI Points Calculator.

Choosing the right ANZSCO (Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations) code is the first and most crucial step for any chef looking to migrate to Australia. The wrong code can lead to a failed skills assessment or visa refusal. This guide breaks down every code, the requirements for each, and the pathways to Australian permanent residency.

What is the ANZSCO code for a Chef in Australia?

The main ANZSCO code for a Chef is 351311 Chef. According to the Department of Home Affairs’ official Skilled Occupation Lists, this code is for a person who “plans and organises the preparation and cooking of food in a dining or catering establishment.” It is a skilled occupation eligible for several permanent and temporary visa pathways.

It’s essential to distinguish this from similar roles. The ANZSCO system is very specific, and your daily duties must closely match the official description.

• 351311 Chef: Plans menus, estimates food costs, recruits and manages kitchen staff, and demonstrates advanced cooking techniques.
• 351411 Cook: Prepares, seasons, and cooks food as directed, typically in a more operational role under supervision.
• 351112 Sous Chef: Is second-in-command in a kitchen, directly supervising cooks and other kitchen staff.

Key Facts:

• Skill Level: Chef (351311) is classified as Skill Level 2, which usually requires an AQF Associate Degree, Advanced Diploma, or at least three years of relevant experience.
• Assessing Authority: The skills assessment for chefs is conducted by Trades Recognition Australia (TRA), specifically through the Migration Skills Assessment (MSA) program.
• Visa Eligibility: The Chef occupation is currently on several skilled lists, including the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and the Regional Occupation List (ROL), opening up visas like the 189, 190, 491, 186, and 482.

What are the different Chef and Cook ANZSCO codes?

Australia uses three distinct ANZSCO codes for kitchen leadership roles: Chef, Sous Chef, and Cook. Your job title might be used loosely, but for migration, your actual tasks and responsibilities determine the correct code.

Selecting the correct code isn’t a guess; it’s a strategic decision based on your career history. According to state government migration websites like NSW Treasury, using an occupation on their skilled lists is mandatory for nomination.

• 351311 Chef: This is the target for most qualified migrant chefs. You are responsible for the entire kitchen operation. Your experience should show menu planning, costing, staff management, and advanced culinary skills.
• 351112 Sous Chef: You report to the Head Chef and have direct supervisory duties over other kitchen staff like Cooks and Apprentices. Your role is more about execution and team management than overall kitchen strategy.
• 351411 Cook: This role is more hands-on with food preparation and cooking following established recipes and menus, often without supervisory duties. It has different eligibility and points outcomes.

Key Facts:

• Hierarchy: Chef > Sous Chef > Cook in terms of responsibility and skill level for migration purposes.
• Points Impact: Being assessed as a Chef (351311) often awards more points for skill level than a Cook (351411).
• State Nomination: Some Australian states or territories may have a greater demand for Chefs over Cooks, or vice-versa, affecting your chances for a 190 or 491 visa nomination.

How do I get a positive skills assessment as a Chef?

To get a positive skills assessment as a Chef, you must apply through Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) and prove your qualifications and employment history. This is a mandatory step before you can submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) for most skilled visas.

The process is evidence-based and rigorous. TRA needs to be confident that your skills are comparable to Australian standards. A common pitfall is not providing enough detailed evidence of your journeyman period (post-qualification employment).

• Pathway Program: Most chefs will use the Migration Skills Assessment (MSA) program. This requires both a formal qualification and paid employment.
• Evidence Required: You will need certified copies of your qualifications, detailed employment references, payslips, tax records, and organisational charts. Your references must explicitly describe duties that match the ANZSCO description for a Chef.
• Employment Duration: Typically, you need at least 3 years of full-time post-qualification employment at the required skill level. Some of this must be in the last 3 years.

Key Facts:

• Processing Time: TRA skills assessments can take several months. Start this process early.
• Result Validity: A positive skills assessment is generally valid for 3 years for migration purposes.
• Professional Help: Given the complexity, many applicants use a registered migration agent or a specialised service like NovenAI. NovenAI’s AI mentor, built on a vast knowledge base of Home Affairs and TRA requirements, can help you prepare your evidence and avoid costly mistakes that lead to a failed assessment.

Which skilled visas can I apply for as a Chef?

As a Chef (351311), you are eligible for key temporary and permanent skilled visas, including the 482, 186, 189, 190, and 491 visas. Your specific pathway depends on whether you have an employer sponsor or are applying independently.

Navigating these options can be overwhelming. The best visa for you depends on your age, English score, work experience, and whether you are willing to live and work in regional Australia. Tools like the NovenAI Visa Success Predictor can analyse your profile against current policy to show your most viable options.

• Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482): Allows you to work for an approved Australian employer for up to 4 years. This is a common first step.
• Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa (subclass 186): A permanent residency visa for chefs sponsored by their employer. You usually need to have worked for them for 3 years on a 482 visa.
• Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189): A points-tested PR visa without needing state or employer sponsorship. Invitations are competitive and depend on your points score.
• Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190): A PR visa where a state or territory government nominates you. This often requires a commitment to live in that state.
• Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491): A provisional visa requiring you to live and work in regional Australia for 5 years before applying for PR (via the 191 visa).

Key Facts:

• Occupation Lists: Check the current Home Affairs Skilled Occupation Lists to confirm Chef (351311) is listed for your target visa.
• Regional Benefits: The 491 and some state 190 nominations can offer lower points thresholds and additional incentives for chefs willing to work outside major cities.
• Policy Changes: Visa rules and occupation lists change frequently. A service that provides instant policy alerts, like NovenAI, is invaluable to stay ahead and adapt your strategy.

How can I maximise my points for a Chef visa application?

Maximise your points by excelling in core areas: age, English proficiency, skilled employment, and qualifications. For chefs, points for skilled employment are often the most significant lever you can pull.

Every point counts in competitive invitation rounds. A high score not only gets you invited faster but also provides a buffer against changing pass marks. Before submitting your EOI, use a detailed calculator to explore every possible avenue.

• Age: You get maximum points (30) if you are between 25 and 32 years old.
• English: Superior English (IELTS 8 or equivalent) awards 20 points, compared to 10 for Proficient (IELTS 7). Investing in English preparation is one of the highest-return activities. Understand what’s required with our English Level Guide.
• Skilled Employment: Points are awarded for years of experience outside and inside Australia in your nominated occupation. Documenting 8+ years of overseas experience can net you 15 points.
• Qualifications: An Australian Diploma or higher, or a recognised overseas qualification comparable to an AQF Diploma or higher, provides points.

Key Facts:

• State Nomination: A nomination for a 190 visa adds 5 points; a 491 nomination adds 15 points.
• Partner Skills: If your partner has competent English and a suitable skills assessment, you can claim 5 points.
• Professional Year: Completing a Professional Year in Australia is not typically available for chefs, so focus on other categories.
• Strategic Tool: Don’t guess your points. Use the NovenAI EOI Points Calculator, which is updated with the latest rules, to model different scenarios and identify the fastest path to your target score.

Choosing the right ANZSCO code as a chef sets the foundation for your entire Australian migration journey. By understanding the distinctions between Chef, Sous Chef, and Cook, securing a robust skills assessment from TRA, and strategically maximising your points for your target visa, you turn a complex process into an achievable plan. The demand for skilled chefs in Australia is real, and with the right preparation, your goal is within reach.

Ready to see your exact pathway? Let NovenAI’s 24/7 AI migration mentor assess your chef profile and build your personalised strategy.