482 Visa for Chefs 2026: Requirements, Salary, Skills & Processing
Chef is a commonly sponsored occupation in Australia’s hospitality sector, but a successful Subclass 482 application depends on both the worker and the sponsoring employer meeting the current Skills in Demand requirements. A chef seeking a Core Skills 482 must satisfy the current occupation, experience and visa criteria, while the employer must satisfy sponsorship, nomination, salary and recruitment requirements.
Chef ANZSCO 351311 and the Core Skills Occupation List
Chef is ANZSCO 351311. It is included on the current Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), with Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) identified as the assessing authority. The nominated position must be a genuine Chef role and the day-to-day duties should correspond with the occupation rather than relying on the job title alone.
For the Subclass 482 Skills in Demand visa, Chef may be nominated through the Core Skills stream where the applicable occupation, salary, sponsorship and nomination criteria are met. Some applicants may also need a skills assessment depending on the applicable legislative settings and their circumstances.
Visa pathways for chefs in Australia
A 482 visa can be part of a longer employer-sponsored strategy. Depending on eligibility at the relevant time, a Chef may also consider the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme, including a Temporary Residence Transition pathway after qualifying sponsored employment, or the Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa for eligible regional positions. Separate points-tested or state-nominated pathways may include Subclasses 189, 190 and 491 where the occupation and applicant meet the applicable requirements.
These pathways have different age, English, skills-assessment, work-experience, nomination and residence requirements. Eligibility for one pathway should not be assumed from eligibility for another.
Core Skills occupation and experience
The Core Skills stream requires a CSOL occupation and at least one year of relevant work experience in the nominated occupation or a related field. The actual duties should align with the nominated chef occupation rather than merely the job title.
Salary requirements
The nomination must satisfy the Annual Market Salary Rate and the applicable Core Skills Income Threshold. For nominations lodged from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027, Home Affairs lists the CSIT as AUD79,423.
Skills assessment and English
Some applicants and occupations can be subject to mandatory skills assessment requirements. English requirements also apply unless an exemption is available. These should be checked before lodgement rather than after nomination approval.
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Tell us about the employer, occupation, proposed salary, current visa status and the 482 issue you need advice about.
The Emigrate Lawyers difference
Lawyer-led employer sponsorship strategy. We assess sponsorship, nomination and visa criteria together, including salary, LMT, occupation selection, evidence and compliance. We also act in complex refusals and ART matters. Our paperless practice assists employers and skilled workers across Australia and internationally.
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Also read our 482 visa hub, 482 salary guide and employer sponsor requirements guide.
Madhab Kharel — Principal Lawyer
Madhab Kharel is Principal Lawyer and Director of Emigrate Lawyers. His practice includes employer sponsorship, Subclass 482 and 186 visas, nomination refusals, ART review and complex migration matters.
Frequently asked questions
Does meeting one 482 requirement guarantee approval?
No. Sponsorship, nomination and visa criteria operate together and each relevant criterion must be satisfied.
Should employers prepare the nomination before the worker’s visa?
The applications are connected. Evidence should be planned as one consistent case even though the legal criteria are distinct.
Can requirements change?
Yes. Salary thresholds, occupation settings and policy can change. This article was legally reviewed on 26 September 2026.
General information only and not legal advice.
