How to Become a Chef in Australia – Study, Skills Assessment & Visa Pathways (2025 Guide)

Thinking about becoming a chef in Australia? Whether you’re already working in hospitality or dreaming of starting fresh, becoming a chef is one of the most popular occupations for international students and skilled migrants. With strong demand across Australia, clear qualification pathways, and multiple visa options, it's an excellent career choice with a direct pathway to permanent residency (PR).

Here’s everything you need to know in 2025 to become a chef in Australia, including how to get qualified, the skills assessment process, and the visas available to you.

Step 1: Study Commercial Cookery in Australia

To become a chef in Australia, you’ll need to complete vocational training through:

• Certificate III in Commercial Cookery

• Certificate IV in Kitchen Management or Patisserie

If you’re an international student, make sure the course is CRICOS-approved so it’s eligible for a student visa (subclass 500).

These courses usually take 1.5 to 2 years to complete and involve both theoretical and hands-on training in a commercial kitchen environment.

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Step 2: Apply for a Skills Assessment (TRA)

After completing your studies and gaining relevant work experience, the next step is obtaining a skills assessment from Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) — a requirement for most skilled visas.

There are four key TRA pathways:

• Job Ready Program (JRP) – for international students who studied in Australia

• Offshore Skills Assessment Program (OSAP) – for overseas-trained chefs

• Migration Skills Assessment (MSA) – for general skilled migration

• TSS Skills Assessment – for employer-sponsored visas

A positive skills assessment confirms that your qualifications and experience meet Australian industry standards.

Step 3: Explore Visa Pathways for Chefs

Once you have a positive skills assessment, you’re eligible for a range of visas. Some of the most popular visa options for chefs in 2025 include:

Graduate Visa (subclass 485)

• Ideal for recent graduates of CRICOS-approved cookery programs

• Lets you stay temporarily and gain work experience

Employer Sponsored Visas

• 407 Training Visa

• 482 Skill In Demand Visa 

• 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS)

General Skilled Migration (GSM)

• 189 Skilled Independent Visa

• 190 State Nominated Visa

• 491 Skilled Work Regional Visa

In the latest rounds, 189 visa invitations were issued at 85 points, while state-nominated 190 and 491 visas had invitations starting from just 65 points — making this an achievable pathway for many.

Pro Tips for Aspiring Chefs

• Chefs are on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), meaning they’re eligible for PR pathways through both independent and sponsored migration.

• Each visa has its own eligibility and documentation requirements, so it's important to get professional advice before lodging.

This Article Is Part of Our “Occupation & Visa Pathways” Series

With clear qualification steps, high demand nationwide, and multiple visa options available, becoming a chef in Australia is more achievable than ever. Whether you're just starting out or already working in hospitality, now is the time to explore your next move.

Book a consultation with our expert team to understand your best visa options and start your journey toward permanent residency!

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