Over 89% of skilled migration applications for chefs and cooks have been approved this year – making this one of the most promising paths to permanent residency in Australia.
Australia’s hospitality sector is booming, and chefs and cooks are in high demand across the country. From vibrant cafés to fine dining restaurants, Australia is looking for skilled culinary professionals to fill positions nationwide.
If you’re a qualified chef or cook, now is the perfect time to take your skills to Australia – and potentially make Australia your permanent home.
Skilled Migration Pathways for Chefs & Cooks
Australia offers a range of skilled migration visa options for hospitality workers, especially in regional areas where there is a shortage of talent. Popular visa subclasses include:
✅ Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
✅ Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
✅ Employer-Sponsored Visa (Subclass 482)
✅ Regional Skilled Work Visa (Subclass 491)
Why Consider Moving to Australia as a Chef or Cook?
✅ Australia’s hospitality industry is thriving and diverse.
✅ Competitive wages and career growth opportunities.
✅ Access to world-class produce and modern kitchen facilities.
✅ Enjoy a high quality of life in one of the most liveable countries.
✅ Build a stable future with family-friendly policies and work-life balance.
Is a Chef still in demand in Australia?
Good news for chefs, cooks, and cookery students — chefs remain an in-demand occupation. Along with being on the main Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List, chefs are also a priority occupation across all Australian states. As worker shortages continue, the demand for chefs and cooks grows every day.
Can I move to Australia as a chef?
If you are a chef planning to move to Australia, you’ll need to complete the mandatory skills assessment. This is required if you wish to apply for a skilled points-based visa, an ENS 186 employer-sponsored visa, or a TSS 482 employer-sponsored visa — especially if you hold a passport from one of the eligible countries.
What is the salary of a cook in Australia?
The average base salary for a cook in Australia is $67,004 per year. This figure is based on data from approximately 2,400 salaries collected from recent job postings on Indeed, updated as of June 1, 2025.
Get Expert Migration Support
At Australian Visa Office, our registered migration agent, Dejan (MARN 0601356), is here to help you:
✅ Assess your eligibility for the best visa options
✅ Guide you step-by-step through the application process
✅ Help you compile all required documents
✅ Ensure a smooth, stress-free application from start to finish
Trust only OMARA-registered migration agents for your future.