Chef jobs in Australia with visa sponsorship are one of the best-known hospitality routes. Chef (ANZSCO 351311) is on the Core Skills Occupation List — check the current list before applying — so approved restaurants, hotels and caterers can sponsor qualified chefs on the 482.
Sponsored chefs must be paid at least the A$79,423 Core Skills Income Threshold (nominations from 1 July 2026) and the market rate. Regional employers can also use the 494, and some DAMAs include cooks.
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This guide covers roles, pay, skills assessment and PR. Related: Australia Skills Assessment Guide 2026 – TRA, VETASSESS, ACS, ANMAC and Engineers Australia Explained and Packing Jobs in Australia With Visa Sponsorship for Foreign Workers.
In this guide
Chef Jobs in Australia at a Glance
| Role | Country | Typical pay | Visa / permit route | Key requirement | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chef / chef de partie | Australia | A$79,423+ (sponsored) | 482 Core Skills | Cert IV or equivalent + experience | Qualified chefs |
| Sous / head chef | Australia | A$85k–A$110k | 482 / 494 | Leadership | Senior chefs |
| Cook | Australia | Award rates | DAMA / Working Holiday | Experience | Regional kitchens |
1. Types of Chef Jobs in Australia
These are the main chef roles employers advertise in Australia, from entry level to roles that may qualify for sponsorship.
Chef de partie
Running a section in restaurants and hotels.
Sous chef
Second-in-charge; ordering and rostering.
Head chef
Menu design, costing and kitchen management.
Pastry chef
Specialist pastry and bakery work.
Catering and mining-camp chef
Large-volume cooking, including FIFO camps.
2. Chef Salary in Australia for 2026
Chefs are covered by the Hospitality Award, but sponsored chefs must earn at least the CSIT and market rate.
| Level | Hourly | Annual | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sponsored chef minimum | — | A$79,423 | CSIT, nominations from 1 July 2026 |
| Sous chef | — | A$80,000–A$95,000 | Indicative |
| Head chef | — | A$90,000–A$120,000 | Indicative |
| Mining camp chef (FIFO) | — | A$90,000–A$120,000 | Roster based |
Sources: Home Affairs salary requirements and Hospitality Award pay guide; market ranges indicative.
3. Work Visas for Foreign Chefs in Australia – Visa Types
Visa routes for chefs:
| Visa / route | Who it’s for | Employer needed? | Official page |
|---|---|---|---|
| 482 Core Skills | Chefs (CSOL) | Yes | Official page |
| 494 regional | Regional restaurants and hotels | Yes | Official page |
| 186 TRT | After 2 years on 482 | Yes | Official page |
| Working Holiday 417/462 | Kitchen work without sponsorship | No | Official page |
4. Companies Offering Visa Sponsored Chef Jobs – Where to Check Vacancies
Hospitality employers (no claim of current vacancies or sponsorship):
| Employer | What they do | Official careers page |
|---|---|---|
| Accor | Hotels nationwide | careers.accor.com |
| Marriott | Hotels | careers.marriott.com |
| Hilton | Hotels | jobs.hilton.com |
| Compass Group Australia | Catering and remote sites | www.compass-group.com.au |
| Sodexo Australia | Catering | au.sodexo.com |
| Merivale | Sydney restaurants | www.merivale.com |
Australian employers must be approved sponsors before nominating you. Ask the employer to confirm its sponsorship status in writing and check the business on ABN Lookup.
5. Employment Agencies to Find Opportunities – International Recruitment
These recruitment agencies and official job boards are real and verifiable. Contact them only through the websites below; we list websites rather than phone numbers because official sites always carry the latest office contacts.
| Agency / service | Focus | Official website |
|---|---|---|
| Hays Australia | Hospitality recruitment | www.hays.com.au |
| Programmed | Hospitality staffing | www.programmed.com.au |
| Trades Recognition Australia | Chef skills assessment | www.tradesrecognitionaustralia.gov.au |
| Workforce Australia | Government job board | www.workforceaustralia.gov.au |
Legitimate agencies are paid by employers. In Australia, charging a worker for sponsorship or a job offer is unlawful, and labour-hire firms in several states must be licensed.
6. Requirements and Documents for Chef Visa Applications
- Valid passport.
- Nomination TRN from your approved sponsor (employer-sponsored visas).
- Employment references showing dates, hours, duties and pay, plus payslips.
- Skills assessment where required (e.g. TRA or VETASSESS).
- English test results meeting Home Affairs requirements.
- Health examinations and police certificates (character requirement).
- Health insurance for 482 and 494 visas (condition 8501).
- TRA skills assessment where required, plus references detailing cuisine, duties and hours.
Visa charges rose around 25% for employer-sponsored visas on 1 July 2026 — check the official pricing estimator.
7. Steps to Get Chef Visa Sponsorship and How to Apply
- Check the occupation on the Core Skills Occupation List or a labour agreement.
- Check the pay: from 1 July 2026 a 482 Core Skills nomination needs at least A$79,423 or the market rate, whichever is higher (salary requirements).
- Complete your skills assessment and English test early.
- Apply to real employers through official careers pages, Workforce Australia or named agencies.
- Employer is approved as a sponsor and lodges your nomination.
- Lodge your visa in ImmiAccount with the nomination TRN.
- Complete health checks and biometrics; do not resign or travel before the grant.
- Check your work rights in VEVO after the grant.
8. Permanent Residence Pathways for Chefs in Australia
The Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) is the main employer-sponsored PR visa. Chefs typically move from 482 to 186 after two years with their sponsor, or from 494 to 191 in regional areas.
| Pathway | Key requirement | Official page |
|---|---|---|
| 482 → 186 Temporary Residence Transition | 2 years with your sponsor in the last 3 years | Subclass 186 |
| 186 Direct Entry | Skills assessment + 3 years’ experience | Subclass 186 |
| 494 → 191 | 3 years living and working regionally | Subclass 191 |
| 189 / 190 / 491 skilled visas | Points-tested; 190/491 need state nomination | Subclass 190 |
| Labour agreement → 186 | Only if the agreement includes PR | Labour agreements |
9. Meeting the Eligibility Requirements
Use this checklist to confirm you can meet the rules for chef roles before you apply:
- Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery or equivalent, or experience-based assessment.
- At least one year of relevant full-time experience.
- Skills assessment where required.
- English test results.
- Food safety training.
10. Applying at the Embassy – Work Visa Verification and Embassy Contacts
Australian work visas are lodged online; there is no visa label. Your grant letter and VEVO record are your proof.
- Department of Home Affairs: 6 Chan Street, Belconnen ACT 2617; 131 881 in Australia, +61 2 6196 0196 from overseas (official page).
- Australian embassies: DFAT missions directory.
- Verify a visa in VEVO.
- Verify an employer on ABN Lookup (abr.business.gov.au) and via its official website.
- Verify a migration agent on the OMARA register.
- Report scams to Scamwatch and underpayment to the Fair Work Ombudsman.
11. Mistakes to Avoid During the Process – Immigration Errors
- Paying anyone for a job offer, sponsorship or nomination — this is unlawful.
- Choosing an occupation code that doesn’t match your real duties.
- Lodging before your skills assessment or English test is ready.
- Working outside your visa conditions or staying unsponsored for more than 180 days.
- Accepting “cook” nominations paid below the threshold.
12. Settlement Benefits and Relocation Planning
Sponsored workers earn at least the award or nominated salary plus 12% superannuation. The National Minimum Wage is A$26.44/hour from 1 July 2026. Partners can usually work, children can attend school, and Medicare is available on PR (or earlier under a reciprocal agreement).
| First-month cost | Typical amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application charge | Check Home Affairs | Employer pays nomination and levy |
| Overseas Visitor Health Cover | Compare on privatehealth.gov.au | Required on 482/494 |
| Rental bond | Often 4 weeks’ rent | Lodged with the state bond authority |
| TFN, bank, SIM | Free / low cost | TFN via ato.gov.au |
Official Websites to Apply for Sponsorship Visas
- Skills in Demand visa (482)
- Regional visa (494)
- Employer Nomination Scheme (186)
- ImmiAccount
- Workforce Australia
- PALM scheme
FAQs: Chef Jobs in Australia With Visa Sponsorship
Can chefs get visa sponsorship in Australia?
Yes. Chef is on the Core Skills Occupation List, so approved employers can sponsor chefs on the 482 if the salary meets the threshold.
What is the minimum salary for a sponsored chef?
At least A$79,423 for nominations from 1 July 2026, or the market rate if higher.
Do chefs need a skills assessment?
Often, depending on nationality and visa. TRA assesses chefs.
Can chefs get PR?
Yes, via 186 TRT after two years on a 482, or 191 after three years on a 494.
Are cooks sponsored?
Cooks are generally sponsored only through DAMAs or labour agreements.
Do hotels provide accommodation?
Remote resorts and mining camps often do; city restaurants rarely.
Can my partner work?
Yes, partners on 482 visas generally have work rights.
How do I verify a restaurant sponsor?
Check its ABN, ask for the nomination details and never pay for sponsorship.
Conclusion
Chef jobs in Australia with visa sponsorship are a proven route for qualified cooks. Confirm the CSOL listing, make sure the salary meets the threshold, prepare your skills assessment and target reputable hotels, caterers and restaurant groups.
Next, read Hotel and Hospitality Jobs in Australia With Visa Sponsorship – Pay, Roles and Application Steps, or browse all Hospitality & Cleaning guides and Jobs in Australia.
Disclaimer: ConvertKind Jobs publishes independent career guides. We are not an employer, recruiter, immigration adviser or law firm, and we never charge fees. Nothing here guarantees a job, sponsorship or visa. Rules, salary thresholds and fees change often, so always confirm on the official government website before you apply.