Chef and Cook are separate occupations with different duties, evidence and visa rules. A Chef typically plans menus, leads a kitchen and supervises other kitchen staff, beyond preparing and cooking food. If your role is closer to Cook, tell us, because the occupation decides your options.
If an approved employer will sponsor you, the 482 is the usual starting point. After two years with the same employer you may move to the 186. The 186 Direct Entry stream needs a positive skills assessment and at least three years of experience.
Regional employer (494)
A provisional visa with a path to PR, for employers outside Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
No sponsor (189, 190, 491)
You need at least 65 points, a positive skills assessment and competent English. State nomination adds 5 points. A regional visa adds 15. Check your score with our points calculator guide.
Your TRA skills assessment
TRA checks your qualifications and work history against Australian standards. It looks closely at what you actually did in the kitchen, including whether your role matches Chef or Cook.The right TRA program depends on your visa and your situation. We confirm it before you pay any fee. Read our skills assessment guide for the full process.
Chef has no personal trade licence or state registration. Some employers require a food safety certificate for kitchen staff, but this is set by the employer or venue, not a visa requirement.
Evidence to gather early
1. Your trade qualification or apprenticeship record 2. Employer references that describe your actual work, such as wall, floor or roof tiling tasks 3. Payslips, tax records and bank statements that match your claimed dates 4. Your passport and English test result
Chef visa questions
Everything you need to know about the our process.
Is Chef the same occupation as Cook?
It depends on your visa, your state and your timing. Licensing usually follows a TRA outcome, and it affects when you can start work. We map this out before you lodge.
Is Chef the same occupation as Cook?
It depends on your visa, your state and your timing. Licensing usually follows a TRA outcome, and it affects when you can start work. We map this out before you lodge.
Is Chef the same occupation as Cook?
It depends on your visa, your state and your timing. Licensing usually follows a TRA outcome, and it affects when you can start work. We map this out before you lodge.
Is Chef the same occupation as Cook?
It depends on your visa, your state and your timing. Licensing usually follows a TRA outcome, and it affects when you can start work. We map this out before you lodge.
Is Chef the same occupation as Cook?
It depends on your visa, your state and your timing. Licensing usually follows a TRA outcome, and it affects when you can start work. We map this out before you lodge.
Is Chef the same occupation as Cook?
It depends on your visa, your state and your timing. Licensing usually follows a TRA outcome, and it affects when you can start work. We map this out before you lodge.
Talk to a Registered Migration Agent
Book a $110 consultation. We will confirm your occupation, your best visa and your next step. Visit our Truganina office or Melbourne CBD office, or meet by phone or video. Need advice fast? An urgent consultation is $220.
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