Australia is not only famous for its multicultural cuisine around the world, but it also offers great opportunities for aspiring chefs to create a career for life. If you have a passion for cooking and want to settle in Australia permanently, then the Chef Permanent Residency (PR) pathway is the perfect route for you. Chef occupation (ANZSCO 351311) is listed in Australia’s Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), which means that qualified chefs are eligible to apply for skilled migration to Australia.
Why Choose the Chef Pathway for PR?
The chef occupation (ANZSCO 351311) is currently in high demand in all Australian states and territories. The Australian government has prioritized this role under the MLTSSL due to the shortage of skilled hospitality professionals in Australia. The qualified chefs have access to various skilled migration visas, including the Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa), Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa), and Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional Visa).
Step-by-Step PR Pathway for Chefs
Step 1: Meet the Basic Requirements
- Qualifications: Certificate IV or equivalent in Commercial Cookery.
- Work Experience: Minimum 3 years of full-time experience demonstrating your expertise in commercial cooking in roles such as a chef, sous chef, or head chef.
- Language proficiency requirements: IELTS 5 overall with no band below 5 or equivalent tests like TOEFL/PTE.
Step 2: Gain Qualifications
key courses that can help you achieve PR in Australia:
- Certificate III in Commercial Cookery: Entry-level, focuses on cooking techniques and kitchen operations.
- Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery: Advanced skills and leadership, which prepare you for senior chef roles.
- Diploma of Hospitality Management: Business and leadership skills, suited for managerial roles
But all courses should be CRICOS-registered for international students.
Step 3: Obtain a Positive Skills Assessment
After completing the qualifications, the first step is to undergo a skills assessment by a recognised authority such as TRA or VETASSESS.
Required Documents:
- Certified proof of qualifications
- Evidence of work experience
- Language test results
- Identity documents
Step 4: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
Submit through SkillSelect portal and highlight your skills, experience, education, and migration aspirations.
Step 5: Receive Invitation to Apply (ITA)
Process:
- High-scoring EOIs are invited to apply
- Applicants have only 60 days to submit the visa application after receiving an invitation to apply
Step 6: Submit the Visa Application
Submit your visa application through the ImmiAccount website.
Required Documents:
- Health checks
- Police clearance
- Proof of funds and additional documents
Step 7: Visa Grant and Permanent Residency
If successful, you will be awarded a skilled migration visa, usually a Subclass 189 or 190.
You will be informed when your visa has been authorised.
Popular Institutions Offering Cookery PR Courses in Australia
Some of the top institutes in Australia that offer cooking courses are:
- TAFE International WA
- Victoria University
- Cairns College of English and Business
- TasTAFE
- TAFE Queensland
- University of South Australia
- The University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ)
- CQUniversity Australia
- Greenwich College
- Gordon Institute of TAFE
- SIBN College
Conclusion
A career as a Chef (ANZSCO 351311) in Australia offers various job opportunities, competitive salaries, and multiple migration pathways. A commercial cookery course provides opportunities for work experience, skill assessments, and skilled visas. With the growing hospitality industry and high demand for skilled chefs, this profession has become one of the most popular for immigrants.
