Chef Skills Assessment for Australia PR and Work Visa: Complete Guide for 2026
Are you working as a Chef and thinking about moving to Australia?
If you have experience in the hospitality industry, your occupation may provide several Australian visa options. However, having experience as a chef is not enough by itself. You need to make sure that your occupation, qualifications, work experience, skills assessment and visa pathway all meet the current Australian immigration requirements.
For Chef – ANZSCO 351311, the relevant skills assessing authority is Trades Recognition Australia (TRA).
In this guide, we explain in simple language how the Chef skills assessment works, which TRA pathway may apply to you, what documents you may need and which Australian visa pathways may be available.
Important: Australian immigration rules, occupation lists, processing priorities and assessment requirements can change. Your eligibility should always be checked against the rules applicable at the time you apply.
What Is Chef ANZSCO 351311?
Chef is listed under ANZSCO code 351311.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics describes a Chef as a person who plans and organises the preparation and cooking of food in a dining or catering establishment.
Typical chef duties can include:
- Planning menus
- Preparing and cooking food
- Checking food quality and presentation
- Ordering food and kitchen supplies
- Managing food costs
- Supervising kitchen staff
- Training cooks and other kitchen employees
- Following and enforcing food safety and hygiene requirements
- Developing recipes and cooking procedures
Your actual duties are important. Simply having a job title such as "Chef" does not automatically mean that you meet the requirements for the occupation.
The Australian Government's occupation information confirms Chef as ANZSCO 351311 and identifies Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) as the assessing authority.
Who Assesses Chefs for Australian Migration?
For Chef 351311, the relevant assessing authority is Trades Recognition Australia (TRA), not VETASSESS.
This is one of the most important things Chef applicants should understand before starting their migration process.
TRA assesses trade occupations for Australian skilled migration. Depending on your circumstances, different TRA programs may apply.
The correct pathway can depend on factors such as:
- Your passport country
- Where you obtained your qualification
- Your work experience
- Whether you are applying from Australia or overseas
- The visa you intend to apply for
Therefore, you should not automatically select a TRA pathway simply because another chef applicant used it.
Which TRA Skills Assessment Pathway Is Right for a Chef?
TRA has different programs for different applicants.
1. Offshore Skills Assessment Program (OSAP)
The Offshore Skills Assessment Program may apply to applicants from specified countries and occupations.
The process can involve assessment of your qualifications and employment history and, depending on the relevant pathway, further assessment of your practical trade skills.
For Chef applicants, TRA has approved Registered Training Organisations that conduct assessments under its programs. TRA's current RTO Finder specifically lists Chef 351311 and approved assessment providers.
Whether OSAP is the correct pathway for you depends on your individual circumstances and the current TRA requirements.
2. Migration Skills Assessment (MSA)
TRA also operates the Migration Skills Assessment program for eligible applicants.
This pathway is not available to everyone. There are specific eligibility requirements and exclusions, so applicants should check the current TRA rules before applying.
Do not assume that MSA is the correct pathway simply because you have a Chef qualification and work experience.
3. Job Ready Program (JRP)
The Job Ready Program is generally relevant to people who have completed an eligible Australian qualification and are working in Australia.
The program involves workplace-based assessment of your skills and employment.
For Chef 351311, TRA's Job Ready Program documentation describes the type of work expected from a Chef, including food preparation and cooking, supervision and training of kitchen staff, hygiene requirements, suppliers, menus and recipes.
4. TSS Skills Assessment Program
TRA also has a specific skills assessment program associated with the former Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) arrangements.
Although the TSS visa was replaced by the Skills in Demand (SID) subclass 482 visa on 7 December 2024, TRA's TSS assessment program information continues to be relevant for certain applicants where the applicable requirements call for that assessment pathway.
TRA currently lists Chef 351311 among the occupations covered by its TSS assessment arrangements and lists the countries for which that assessment requirement applies.
Because the rules can be technical, it is important to establish your exact pathway before paying assessment fees.
What Qualifications Do You Need as a Chef?
Your education and work experience are both important.
The ANZSCO classification places Chef at Skill Level 2. The ABS occupation information states that the occupation is generally associated with qualifications such as an Australian AQF Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree, while relevant experience may substitute for formal qualifications in some circumstances.
However, this does not mean that every Chef with several years of experience will automatically receive a positive TRA assessment.
TRA applies its own program-specific requirements when assessing an applicant.
Your qualification should therefore be checked against the requirements of the particular TRA pathway you are applying under.
How Important Is Your Work Experience?
Use the waiting period to make your information and evidence ready.
A practical preparation checklist includes:
- Reviewing your EOI for accuracy.
- Checking the validity of your skills assessment and English evidence.
- Organising employment records that support your claims.
- Monitoring requirements for your chosen nomination pathway.
- Considering other suitable pathways rather than relying on one possible invitation.
For example, it may need to show responsibilities involving:
- Food preparation
- Cooking
- Menu planning
- Food quality
- Kitchen supervision
- Staff training
- Food safety and hygiene
- Stock and supplier management
- Recipe development
A simple letter saying "Mr X worked as a Chef from 2022 to 2025" may not provide enough information to establish the nature and level of your employment.
Is Chef on Australia's Core Skills Occupation List?
Yes.
Chef – ANZSCO 351311 is included on Australia's Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL). The current Australian Government CSOL lists Chef under code 351311.
This is particularly relevant to employer-sponsored skilled migration pathways such as the Skills in Demand subclass 482 Core Skills stream and the Employer Nomination Scheme subclass 186 Direct Entry pathway, subject to all other requirements and any applicable caveats.
However, it is important to understand one point:
Being on the CSOL does not automatically give you a visa.
You still need to meet the requirements of the particular visa, including requirements relating to your skills, English, work experience, salary, employer nomination or invitation, health and character, depending on the visa.
Can a Chef Apply for Australian PR?
Potentially, yes.
Chef is an occupation that can be relevant to a number of Australian skilled and employer-sponsored migration pathways. However, the exact pathway depends on your circumstances.
Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme
The Employer Nomination Scheme subclass 186 is a permanent employer-sponsored visa.
For the Direct Entry pathway, applicants generally need the necessary skills, an eligible occupation, employer nomination and a suitable skills assessment where required.
Home Affairs states that applicants for the 186 Direct Entry stream must have a positive skills assessment before applying where a skills assessment is required.
For some applicants, the 186 pathway may therefore be an important option for permanent residence.
Subclass 482 – Skills in Demand Visa
The Skills in Demand subclass 482 is a temporary employer-sponsored visa.
An approved Australian employer must nominate you for a skilled position, and you must meet the relevant skills and English requirements.
Chef 351311 is included on the CSOL, making it relevant to the Core Skills stream, subject to the applicable requirements and any occupation caveats.
A 482 visa itself is temporary, but for some workers it can form part of a longer-term pathway towards permanent residence if they later meet the requirements for an applicable permanent visa.
Subclass 494 – Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa
The subclass 494 visa is designed for skilled workers sponsored by eligible employers in regional Australia.
It can provide another employer-sponsored option for eligible Chef applicants, subject to the applicable occupation, employer, regional and visa requirements.
Subclass 190 and 491
The subclass 190 and subclass 491 visas are points-tested skilled pathways involving state or territory nomination.
For these visas, occupation eligibility is determined under the relevant skilled occupation rules, and states and territories may apply their own nomination criteria.
Meeting the occupation requirement does not guarantee an invitation or nomination.
Home Affairs confirms that applicants for points-tested skilled visas need a suitable skills assessment, an eligible occupation and an invitation, in addition to meeting the relevant points requirements.
What About Subclass 189?
The Skilled Independent subclass 189 visa is a points-tested permanent visa.
However, applicants should not assume that being on the CSOL automatically makes an occupation eligible for subclass 189.
Different visa programs use different occupation lists and legislative instruments. Home Affairs specifically explains that different skilled visa programs have different occupation-list arrangements.
Therefore, Chef applicants considering subclass 189 should have their occupation eligibility checked against the current subclass 189 requirements before relying on this pathway.
What English Level Do Chefs Need?
English requirements depend on the visa and, in some cases, the assessment pathway.
For example, the Skills in Demand subclass 482 has English language requirements unless an exemption applies.
Other skilled visas can have different English requirements.
This means you should not rely on a single English score quoted on a general Chef blog. Your required IELTS, PTE or other accepted test score should be checked against the visa you are actually applying for.
2026 Changes: Chef Applicants Should Pay Attention to Processing Priorities
This is particularly important in 2026.
From 19 September 2026, the Australian Government introduced Ministerial Directions 121 and 122, replacing the previous skilled visa processing priorities.
For temporary skilled visas such as subclass 482, Direction 121 now gives priority to applications connected with:
- Construction
- Healthcare
- Teaching
- Agriculture
- Aquaculture
- Fishing
- Resources
- Australia's law enforcement and defence interests
Applications under the Specialist Skills stream are next in the priority order, followed by certain onshore and offshore applications.
Hospitality and Chef occupations are not specifically named in that first priority group.
This does not mean that Chef visa applications cannot be granted.
It means applicants and employers should understand that processing priority can affect how quickly an application moves compared with occupations included in higher-priority categories.
Home Affairs also warns that processing timeframes can change while the Department transitions to the new priorities.
Salary Requirements for Employer-Sponsored Chef Visas
Salary is another important issue for employer-sponsored applications.
Employers sponsoring workers under visas such as subclass 482, 494 and 186 must meet applicable salary requirements and market salary rules.
The Australian Government indexes skilled visa income thresholds each year. From 1 July 2026, the relevant skilled visa income thresholds increased by 3.8%.
Therefore, applicants should avoid relying on an old salary figure found in a previous blog or social-media post.
The applicable salary requirement should be checked at the time the nomination is lodged.
Common Mistakes Made by Chef Applicants
1. Applying to the wrong assessing authority
Chef is assessed through TRA, not through the standard VETASSESS professional occupation pathway.
2. Choosing the wrong TRA program
OSAP, MSA, JRP and the TSS assessment arrangements have different eligibility requirements.
Your passport country, qualification, work history and visa pathway can affect which program applies.
3. Providing weak employment evidence
A generic employment certificate may not adequately demonstrate your actual Chef duties.
4. Claiming experience that cannot be verified
Your employment history should be supported by genuine and consistent evidence.
5. Confusing Chef and Cook
Chef and Cook are separate ANZSCO occupations.
The ABS classification identifies Chef as 351311 and Cook as 351411.
Your actual duties should match the occupation you nominate.
6. Assuming the CSOL guarantees PR
Being listed on the CSOL can open an important employer-sponsored pathway, but it does not guarantee a visa or permanent residence.
You must satisfy all requirements of the particular visa.
7. Relying on old processing times
Visa processing priorities changed again in September 2026.
Always check the latest Home Affairs information before making plans based on a particular processing timeframe.
Chef Skills Assessment: A Simple Roadmap
For most applicants, the process can be understood in the following stages:
Step 1 – Check your occupation
Confirm that your work genuinely matches Chef ANZSCO 351311.
Step 2 – Review your qualification
Check whether your education and trade qualification meet the relevant TRA requirements.
Step 3 – Check your work experience
Review your employment history and make sure your experience is relevant and properly documented.
Step 4 – Identify the correct TRA pathway
Determine whether OSAP, MSA, JRP or another TRA assessment pathway applies.
Step 5 – Prepare your evidence
Collect qualification documents, employment references and supporting employment evidence.
Step 6 – Apply for the skills assessment
Submit the application through the appropriate TRA process.
Step 7 – Plan the visa pathway
Once your skills assessment position is clear, assess whether an employer-sponsored or points-tested pathway is appropriate for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chef assessed by VETASSESS?
No. Chef ANZSCO 351311 is associated with Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) as the assessing authority.
Is Chef on the Core Skills Occupation List?
Yes. Chef 351311 is included on the current Core Skills Occupation List.
Can a Chef get Australian PR?
A Chef may have a pathway to Australian permanent residence, depending on their circumstances. Employer-sponsored pathways such as subclass 186 can be relevant, while other skilled pathways depend on the applicable occupation list, nomination or invitation requirements.
Do I need a skills assessment?
A skills assessment is required for certain skilled visa pathways and circumstances. For example, Home Affairs requires a suitable skills assessment for the points-tested subclass 189 and 190 pathways, while the 186 Direct Entry pathway has its own skills assessment requirement.
Can I apply for a 482 visa as a Chef?
Potentially, yes. Chef 351311 is included on the CSOL and can be relevant to the Core Skills stream of the subclass 482 visa, subject to the applicable requirements.
Does Chef have to meet an English requirement?
English requirements depend on the visa and any applicable exemption. For example, subclass 482 has English requirements unless an exemption applies.
How long does a Chef skills assessment take?
There is no single timeframe that applies to every Chef applicant. Processing can depend on the TRA program, the assessment process and whether further information or assessment is required.
It is better to check the current TRA information rather than rely on a processing time published in an old article.
Final Takeaway
If you are a Chef with relevant qualifications and genuine work experience, Australia may offer several skilled and employer-sponsored migration possibilities.
The first step, however, should not be choosing a visa simply because you have seen it mentioned online.
You should first establish:
- Whether your occupation is genuinely Chef ANZSCO 351311
- Whether your qualification is suitable
- Whether your work experience meets the relevant requirements
- Which TRA skills assessment pathway applies to you
- Which visa pathway fits your circumstances
- Whether you meet the English, salary, health, character and other requirements
- Whether current state nomination or employer sponsorship requirements are satisfied
Australian migration rules change regularly, so a pathway that worked for another Chef may not necessarily be the right pathway for you.
Want to Know if Your Chef Profile Is Suitable for Australia?
If you are working as a Chef and planning to move to Australia for work or permanent residence, BCS Global can review your profile and help you understand the appropriate pathway based on your qualifications, experience and current Australian migration requirements.
Contact BCS Global for a professional assessment of your profile and discuss your available Australia migration options.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal or migration advice. Australian visa and skills-assessment requirements can change. Eligibility must be assessed against the law and policy applicable at the time of application.
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