Move to Australia as a Chef
(ANZSCO: 351311)
Australia has a critical shortage of Chefs. If you are a qualified Chef aged under 45 then you are eligible to migrate to Australia provided you can score 65 points and have a positive Skills Assessment.
If you’re a chef looking to migrate to Australia, you’re entering a country with a robust culinary industry and a growing demand for skilled professionals. With the ANZSCO Code 351311, chefs are recognized as a key trade within Australia’s Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). Here’s everything you need to know to turn your culinary dreams into reality.
Requirements to Migrate to Australia as a Chef
- Be aged under 45
- Score 65 Australian Immigration Points
- Have a Positive Skills Assessment from Vetasses
- Lodge an Expression of Interest
- Receive an Invitation to Apply
- Pay the Visa Fees
- Pass Health and Character Checks
Criteria for Chefs to Migrate to Australia
You need to meet the following criteria:
Score 65 Points
Chefs migrating to Australia need to score at least 65 Immigration points. Points are awarded for age, experience, qualifications, education, English language skills and time spent in Australia. Take this Free Visa Points Calculator for your score.
Skills Assessment
Chefs are required to complete a Skills Assessment through Trades Recognition Australia (TRA).
English Language
Good English skills are vital for work, so you may need to take a test like IELTS. UK and USA Passport holders are exempt.
Health and Character
You’ll need to pass health and character checks.
Chef Skills Assessment
Chefs migrating to Australia are required to complete a skills assessment through VETASSESS.
The Chef skills assessment is broken up into two stages.
Stage 1
Migration Consultant will work with you to prepare the necessary documentation for lodgement with VETASSESS, who will review your training and employment evidence to ensure that you have either:
- 5 years employment experience as a Chef with no formal training OR
- 3 years employment experience as a Chef with relevant formal training
You will need to provide your qualification certificates as proof of formal training, and your employment evidence must include at least 12 months in the last 3 years. Evidence may include documents such as wage slips, bank statements, employment references, etc. Migration Consultant will advise you about what exactly is required and prepare these in readiness for assessment.
VETASSESS FEE: AUD$1,280
Stage 2
This involves a technical interview with a VETASSESS Assessor via Skype. The technical interview takes approximately 2 hours, with the Assessor asking you a range of questions about the skills and knowledge necessary to work in your trade in Australia. These questions are based on the units listed on the trade Fact Sheet, which Migration Consultant provides you with.
The technical interview will take place in either Edinburgh, London or Manchester and following a successful assessment, VETASSESS will issue you with:
- Skills Assessment Outcome letter,
- AQF Level 3 Chef
VETASSESS FEE: AUD$2,000
What are the eligibility requirements for immigrating to Australia as a Chef?
Eligibility requirements include being aged under 45, scoring 65 points on the Australian Immigration Points Score, having the required skills, qualifications, and meeting health and character checks.
Which skilled migration visas are suitable for Chefs in Australia?
The Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) is a popular choice for Chefs who want to immigrate to Australia independently without the need for sponsorship by an Australian employer.
The Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190) is another attractive option for Chefs seeking to immigrate to Australia. Unlike the subclass 189 visa the subclass 190 requires Chefs to be nominated by an Australian state or territory government.
How do I get my Chef skills assessed for Australian immigration purposes
The Australian assessing authority for Chefs is Vetassess. They are responsible for evaluating your qualifications, experience and skills to ensure they meet Australian standards. For Chefs, the assessment includes a review of your practical experience and any relevant certifications you hold.
Can I apply for permanent residency as a Chef in Australia?
Yes, the 189 and 190 visa subclass grants Permanent Residency to holders right from the start. The PR rights and privileges awarded to you also apply to your spouse / partner and any dependents.
What are the processing times for skilled migration visas for Chefs?
Expect the whole process to take between 7 and 16 months from absolute start of the visa process to the absolute end.
Can I include my family members in my immigration application as a Chef?
Yes! Your immediate family members are included.
What are the best places to look for work as a Chef in Australia?
The best places to search for Chef jobs in Australia include major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth. These cities have a great construction and lots of opportunities.
Suburban and rural areas are also excellent options for Chefs migrating to Australia because they have a lower cost of living and a better work life balance. Smaller communities may have a demand for skilled Chefs in residential construction and artisan woodworking.