When Mario left his small-town kitchen in the Philippines, he carried with him more than just a passion for food — he carried a dream. A dream to cook in world-class restaurants, earn well, and build a life with dignity and global opportunity. Today, Mario leads a team of culinary staff in Sydney, thanks to Australia’s skilled migration program that supports talented chefs through full visa sponsorship. His story is no longer rare.
In 2025, Australia’s culinary and hospitality sectors are booming. With this growth comes a serious challenge: a national shortage of skilled chefs and hospitality workers. As a result, the Australian government is actively welcoming qualified chefs from across the globe. The country is not only offering employment opportunities but is also providing full visa sponsorship, relocation assistance, and competitive salaries that can reach up to $95,000 AUD per year.
Why Australia Is Hiring International Chefs
Australia’s vibrant food culture and tourism rebound have created massive demand for hospitality professionals. Restaurants, hotel kitchens, catering services, and resort dining operations are expanding faster than they can hire. Local training isn’t producing enough chefs fast enough to meet demand, especially for experienced professionals in international cuisine, pastry arts, and high-volume commercial kitchens.
As a result, the government has placed chefs on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), qualifying them for Skilled Migration Visas. This move is part of a larger workforce strategy to fill essential skill gaps and support businesses across the hospitality and tourism sectors.
Potential Earnings and Perks
Chefs sponsored to work in Australia enjoy not just job security, but also financial reward. Salaries vary depending on experience, location, and the type of establishment, but the average range is highly attractive:
- Entry-Level Chef: $60,000 – $70,000 AUD annually
- Sous Chef or Specialist Chef: $75,000 – $85,000 AUD annually
- Head Chef or Executive Chef: $85,000 – $95,000+ AUD annually
Additionally, many roles include:
- Overtime pay and weekend shift bonuses
- Free or subsidized meals during shifts
- Relocation support, including flight reimbursement
- Visa and immigration costs fully covered by the employer
- Opportunities to sponsor family members for dependent visas
These perks make the transition to life in Australia both financially viable and personally enriching.
Types of Chefs in Demand
While the term “chef” is broad, employers in Australia are seeking specific skill sets. International applicants are encouraged to highlight their strengths in the following areas:
- Commercial Cookery (hotline, grill, sauté)
- Pastry and Baking Specialists
- Asian, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern Cuisine Experts
- Fine Dining and Modern Australian Fusion Cuisine
- Large-Scale Catering and Event-Based Kitchen Operations
Experience with commercial kitchen operations, health and safety compliance, and staff supervision is also highly valued.
Visa Pathways for Sponsored Chefs
Qualified chefs have several visa options when relocating to Australia with employer sponsorship:
Subclass 482 – Temporary Skill Shortage Visa
This is the most common route for international chefs. It allows skilled workers to live and work in Australia for up to four years. Employers must be approved sponsors and demonstrate a genuine need for foreign talent.
Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme
This visa offers permanent residency and is ideal for chefs with several years of experience who have already worked in Australia under a temporary visa or who are nominated for permanent roles directly.
Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa
Although more common for independent applicants, chefs can apply under this permanent visa if nominated by a participating state or territory.
All of these visa types require a formal skills assessment, relevant qualifications in commercial cookery, and proof of English language ability.
Steps to Start Your Australian Culinary Journey
Relocating as a sponsored chef involves a few key stages. While the process is straightforward, attention to detail and preparation can set your application apart.
First, obtain your trade qualification. This could be a diploma or certificate in commercial cookery or an equivalent international credential.
Next, complete a skills assessment through a recognized authority such as Trade Recognition Australia (TRA). This validates your qualifications and ensures they align with Australian standards.
Once you have the assessment, begin applying for chef roles via platforms such as Seek, Indeed, or hospitality recruitment agencies like Frontline Hospitality or Pinnacle People. Focus your search on employers offering visa sponsorship.
When offered a position, your employer will help initiate the visa application process. Be ready to provide references, employment history, medical checks, and police clearances. Ensure your resume meets Australian CV standards — concise, professional, and tailored.
Living and Working in Australia as a Sponsored Chef
Australia is known for its excellent quality of life, and this extends into the workplace. Chefs working in Australia enjoy regulated working hours, penalty rates for weekends and holidays, and union protection in many establishments.
Cities like Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Sydney offer diverse dining scenes, blending local flavors with global cuisine. This allows international chefs to contribute to — and learn from — some of the world’s most innovative culinary trends.
Life outside the kitchen is equally rewarding. Australia offers:
- Public healthcare through Medicare (depending on visa type)
- Access to long-term residency and citizenship pathways
- Safe, clean urban environments
- World-class education for children and family integration programs
Whether you’re aiming to expand your professional horizons or seeking a better life for your family, Australia’s chef visa sponsorship initiative is a powerful gateway.
Now Is the Time to Apply
With a high demand for skilled chefs and streamlined migration options, 2025 is shaping up to be the best year to make your move. Employers are not only eager to hire but are prepared to invest in your relocation and development.
If you’ve built your skills and are ready for global opportunity, now is your chance. Work as a chef in Australia with full visa sponsorship in 2025 — and start earning what you truly deserve in a country that values your craft.