482 Visa Requirements for Chef: Your Pathway to Permanent Residency in Australia

Understanding the 482 visa requirements for chef is essential for skilled hospitality professionals seeking to work and build a long-term future in Australia. The Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visa allows approved Australian employers to sponsor qualified chefs where local labour is unavailable. However, the process is highly regulated and requires careful attention to occupation classification, skills, experience, and employer compliance. This article by HTE Law Group will explain the core requirements, common pitfalls, and the strategic pathways available for chefs under the 482 Skills in Demand visa framework.

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Which chef positions are eligible for the Australian 482 visa?

When assessing the 482 visa requirements for chef, the Department of Home Affairs focuses on whether the nominated role genuinely falls within ANZSCO 351311 – Chef and reflects a skilled position rather than an entry-level kitchen role. In practice, employers may nominate chefs who specialise in a range of recognised kitchen positions, provided the duties align with the ANZSCO definition and the role is full-time and skilled in nature.

Eligible chef positions commonly include:

Chef de Partie, who is responsible for managing a specific kitchen section;
Commis Chef and Demi Chef, who work under senior chefs while progressively undertaking skilled cooking duties;
Second Chef, who supports senior kitchen

Understanding the 482 visa requirements for chef in the Skills in Demand stream

To meet the 482 visa requirements for chef, applicants must satisfy a number of criteria assessed by the Department of Home Affairs. These requirements focus on skills, experience, English ability, and personal suitability.

Skills and Qualifications – 482 visa requirements for chef

Chefs must demonstrate that they are suitably skilled for ANZSCO 351311 – Chef. In most cases, this requires:

A relevant qualification such as a Certificate III or IV in Commercial Cookery, or an overseas qualification assessed as comparable
Skills and duties consistent with a skilled chef role, rather than entry-level or assistant kitchen positions
Employment in a genuine, full-time chef position aligned with the nominated occupation

The Department assesses whether the applicant’s background clearly supports the skilled nature of the role.

Skills Assessment – 482 visa requirements for chef

A positive skills assessment is commonly required for chefs applying for a 482 visa, particularly where qualifications or work experience were obtained outside Australia.

VETASSESS is the assessing authority for chefs
The assessment evaluates qualifications, employment history, and skill level
A skills assessment may be mandatory depending on the applicant’s profile and the case officer’s assessment

An incorrect or missing skills assessment is a frequent reason for visa refusal.

English Language Requirements

Chefs must meet the applicable English language requirement, unless an exemption applies.

Commonly accepted tests include IELTS and PTE Academic
A typical benchmark is functional English (for example, IELTS overall 5.0), though exact requirements depend on the stream and circumstances
English test results must be valid at the time of application

English language proficiency is assessed independently of your work experience or employer sponsorship. For more comprehensive details on the English language requirements for the Australian 482 visa, you can find further information here.

Health and Character Requirements

All 482 visa applicants must meet Australia’s health and character standards, including:

Completing required health examinations with approved panel physicians
Providing police clearance certificates from each country lived in for 12 months or more over the past 10 years
Disclosing any criminal history or health conditions fully and accurately

Failure to meet these requirements can result in refusal, even where sponsorship and nomination are approved.

Sponsorship by an approved employer

A chef cannot apply for a 482 visa independently and must be sponsored by an approved Standard Business Sponsor.

The employer must hold Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS) approval
The employer must nominate a genuine full-time chef position.
The nominated role must meet market salary rate and income threshold requirements.
Labour market testing must be completed unless an exemption applies.

Without a valid sponsor and approved nomination, a 482 visa application cannot be granted.

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for an Australian 482 Visa for Chefs

Applying for the Skills in Demand (SID) visa (subclass 482) in the Core Skills stream as a chef is a structured process that typically takes three to six months and requires close coordination between the applicant and an approved sponsoring employer. Each stage must be completed correctly to avoid delays or refusal.

Receive a Job Offer and Sponsorship

The process begins when a chef secures a full-time job offer from an Australian employer that holds Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS) approval. The employer must demonstrate a genuine need for the role by conducting labour market testing (LMT), usually through advertising the position for at least 28 days on approved platforms such as Seek or Workforce Australia.

The nominated position must align with ANZSCO 351311 (Chef) on the Core Skills Occupation List, and the offered salary must meet the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) and market salary rate requirements.

Prepare Your Documentation

Once a job offer is secured, the following documents are typically required:

Chef – Applicant documents

Positive skills assessment from VETASSESS (where required)
Relevant qualifications, such as Certificate III or IV in Commercial Cookery (or equivalent)
Evidence of at least two years of full-time, post-qualification work experience
English language test results (e.g. IELTS overall 5.0 or equivalent)
Valid passport
Health examination results from an approved panel physician
Police clearances from all relevant countries
Detailed employment references confirming duties and periods of employment

Employer – Nomination documents

Signed employment contract
Detailed position description aligned with ANZSCO 351311 (Chef)
Labour Market Testing (LMT) evidence, including job advertisements

Preparing complete and accurate documentation at this stage helps minimise delays.

Employer Submits the Nomination

The sponsoring employer must then lodge a nomination application through ImmiAccount, identifying the chef as the nominee for the position. At this stage, the employer pays the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy, which generally ranges from AUD 1,200 to AUD 3,000 per year, depending on the size of the business. Nomination processing usually takes one to two months, and approval results in the issuance of a nomination reference number.

3.4 Submit the 482 Visa Application

After the nomination is lodged (or approved), the chef submits the subclass 482 visa application online through ImmiAccount. The application must be lodged within the required timeframe and include all supporting documents. The visa application charge is approximately AUD 3,035 for the primary applicant, with additional fees for family members if included. Applicants may apply onshore or offshore, depending on their circumstances.

Wait for the Visa Outcome

Following submission, the application is assessed by the Department of Home Affairs. Processing times typically range from one to three months, although priority processing may apply in some cases. If the applicant is onshore, a bridging visa may be granted while awaiting the outcome. Once approved, the 482 visa allows the chef to live and work in Australia for up to four years, with multiple travel rights and potential pathways to permanent residency through employer nomination.

Employer obligations: Sponsoring a chef under the 482 visa

As part of the 482 visa requirements for chefs, employer compliance plays a decisive role in the success of any application. Australian businesses sponsoring a Chef (ANZSCO 351311) under the Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visa must meet strict sponsorship obligations imposed by the Department of Home Affairs. Non-compliance may lead to significant penalties, cancellation of sponsorship approval, or future sponsorship restrictions.

Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS) approval

Before nominating a chef, an employer must hold Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS) approval. This requires the business to demonstrate that it is lawfully operating in Australia, genuinely engaged in business activities, and committed to employing and training Australian workers.

Sponsors must also maintain appropriate records and comply with non-discriminatory recruitment practices. SBS approval is generally granted for up to five years, subject to the sponsor’s compliance history.

Labour Market Testing (LMT)

In most cases, employers must undertake Labour Market Testing (LMT) to show that no suitably qualified Australian workers are available for the role. This involves advertising the chef position for at least 28 days on approved recruitment platforms within the prescribed timeframe before lodging the nomination. Employers must retain evidence of advertising and recruitment outcomes, as this information may be closely examined by the Department.

Market Salary Rate and TSMIT compliance

Sponsors are required to pay the sponsored chef at least the market salary rate for the role and location, and not less than the applicable income threshold under migration law. Salary arrangements must be genuine, clearly documented, and free from unlawful deductions. Ongoing compliance includes ensuring remuneration remains aligned with market rates throughout the period of sponsorship.

Pathway to Permanent Residency (PR) via the 482 visa

Where the employment relationship continues on a genuine and ongoing basis, a sponsored chef may become eligible for permanent residency after meeting the required period of full-time employment on a 482 visa. Employers play a critical role in this process by lodging a further nomination under the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) or relevant regional pathways, subject to eligibility and compliance requirements at the time of application.

Why do chefs choose to work in Australia?

Chefs continue to choose Australia as a preferred destination due to a combination of professional, financial, and migration-related advantages, particularly under the 482 visa requirements for chef. Key reasons include:

High demand for skilled chefs: Ongoing skills shortages, especially in regional areas, mean chefs remain in demand, supporting access to employer-sponsored visas such as the 482 visa.
Strong and diverse culinary industry: Australia’s food and hospitality sector is innovative and internationally recognised, offering chefs opportunities to work in restaurants, hotels, resorts, and catering businesses influenced by global cuisines.
Competitive salaries and working conditions: Chefs in Australia often earn salaries that meet or exceed migration income thresholds, supporting a stable and sustainable standard of living.
Pathway to permanent residency (PR): For many chefs, compliance with the 482 visa requirements for chef provides a practical pathway to permanent residency through employer sponsorship and skilled migration programs.
Clear career progression opportunities: The hospitality industry offers structured career growth, allowing chefs to progress into senior kitchen roles or hospitality management positions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for a 482 Visa for Chefs

When assessing the 482 visa requirements for chef, many refusals arise not from eligibility itself, but from avoidable errors in preparation and compliance. Applicants should be particularly mindful of the following issues:

Incorrect ANZSCO code, such as nominating Cook (351411) instead of Chef (351311), which can block PR pathways
Incomplete or inconsistent documentation, including missing skills assessments, work evidence, or health and character checks
Non-compliant employer sponsorship, such as inadequate labour market testing or lack of SBS approval
Salary offers below required thresholds or unclear employment contracts
Failure to meet English requirements or address prior visa history issues

Careful preparation and compliance at both the applicant and employer level are essential to meeting the 482 visa requirements for chef successfully.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About 482 Visa Requirements for Chef

Do I Need a Skills Assessment for the 482 Visa as a Chef?

In many cases, yes. A VETASSESS skills assessment is commonly required, particularly where qualifications were obtained overseas or are not clearly equivalent.

What Is the Minimum Work Experience Required?

Most chefs need at least two years of relevant full-time experience after completing their qualification.

What Is the Minimum Salary Threshold (TSMIT) for Chefs?

The salary must meet:

The Australian market rate, and
The applicable TSMIT or successor income threshold, as set by the Department of Home Affairs at the time of nomination.

In summary, successfully meeting the 482 visa requirements for chefs depends on meticulous preparation, accurate occupation classification, and strict compliance from both the applicant and the sponsoring employer. With the right guidance and strategic planning, the 482 visa can serve as a vital stepping stone toward permanent residency for skilled chefs seeking stability and career advancement within Australia’s hospitality industry.

Are you planning to apply for an Australian 482 visa as a chef but don’t know where to start? Contact HTE Law group for expert assistance!

Disclaimer: The information we share in this post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Every situation is unique, so please seek out a legal professional for the best assistance.