Chef Skills Assessment for Australian Visa
ANZSCO 351311
Chefs are in strong demand across Australia’s hospitality, tourism, aged care, and accommodation sectors, offering a reliable and rewarding pathway for skilled migration.
In-demand occupation in Australia
Annual Average Salary
$75,000 – $80,000
Pathways to Permanent Residency
Modern work environment & lifestyle
About the Occupation
Chefs are responsible for planning, preparing, and cooking menu items to meet quality, consistency, and safety standards. The role spans the full scope of kitchen operations, including food preparation, cooking techniques, menu planning, stock management, and maintaining hygiene and safety across the kitchen.
Chef Specialisations in Australia
- Chef de Partie
- Commis Chef
- Demi Chef
- Second Chef
- Sous Chef
Core Responsibilities:
Planning menus, estimating food and labour costs, and ordering food supplies
Monitoring quality of dishes at all stages of preparation and presentation
Discussing food preparation issues with Managers, Dietitians and kitchen and waiting staff
Demonstrating techniques and advising on cooking procedures
Preparing and cooking food
Explaining and enforcing hygiene regulations
May select and train staff
May freeze and preserve foods
Why Australia Welcomes
Chefs?
Australia’s thriving hospitality and tourism sectors drive strong and ongoing demand for qualified Chefs. This occupation is listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), providing access to multiple skilled migration visa pathways.
As Chef is included in the MLTSSL, you have access to multiple visa pathways such as the Work Visa (Subclass 482), Temporary/Permanent Skilled Visa (Subclass 491/190/189) and Employer Sponsored Visa (Subclass 186/494).
Next? Determine Your Pathway
Select the right assessment pathway based on your qualifications and work experience. Whether you hold formal trade certifications or have extensive hands-on experience, choosing the correct pathway ensures a smooth and successful skills assessment process for migration.
Pathway 1
Who is it for?
Applicants without an Australian VET qualification.
Outcome you can expect
Receive an Australian VET qualification upon successful assessment, along with an official outcome letter recognised for migration purposes.
Pathway 2
Who is it for?
Applicants with an Australian VET qualification OR current Australian licence.
Outcome you can expect
Assessment based on your existing qualifications. Receive an official outcome letter recognised for migration purposes.
Then, Choose Your Program
AQATO facilitates the Skills Assessment in partnership with Australian Trade Training College (TRA-approved RTO) for two programs, OSAP and TSS. These programs provide a pathway for skilled workers to obtain recognition for their existing skills or gain an Australian VET qualification.
To be eligible, applicants must work in a nominated occupation and hold a passport from a nominated country or Special Administrative Region (SAR).
OSAP (Offshore Skills Assessment Program)
Who can apply?
Migrants applying for skilled migration visas (excluding 485 & TSS)
Purpose
For permanent migration visas
TSS (Temporary Skills Shortage)
Check TSS Nominated Occupations, Countries and SARs →Who can apply?
Applicants applying for a Temporary Skill Shortage Visa
Purpose
For temporary skilled work
Step by Step Application Process
The Chef Skills Assessment process with Australian Qualifications & Training Overseas (AQATO) - Australian Trade Training College (ATTC) has 3 stages, ensuring your skills and experience are thoroughly evaluated against Australian industry standards.
Stage 01
Pre-Assessment
Stage 01
Pre-Assessment
The Pre-Assessment stage is designed to verify that applicants meet the eligibility and currency requirements for their nominated trade, program, and pathway prior to making any financial commitment at the Documentary Evidence stage.
TRA Fees
Australian Trade Training College (ATTC) offers this Free of Cost
Stage 02
Documentary Evidence
Stage 02
Documentary Evidence
Stage 03
Technical Interview
Stage 03
Technical Interview
Processing Times for Chef Skills Assessment
Application
Submitted
80%
in 6 weeks
95%
in 8 weeks
Current standard processing timeframe for a decision ready application is 6–8 weeks*.
*An application may take longer to process if additional information or documents are required.
Please note: Australian Qualifications & Training Overseas (AQATO) & Australian Trade Training College (ATTC) do not charge any assessment fees. All applicable fees are payable directly to Trades Recognition Australia (TRA). For detailed and updated information on current fees, please refer to the official TRA Website ↗
On successful completion of all four stages, Pathway 1 Plumber & Electrician applicants will obtain an Offshore Technical Skills Record (OTSR), which allows them to apply for a Provisional License, subject to meeting other non-skills requirements.
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