Australian PR Points for Chef, ANZSCO 351311
Chefs (ANZSCO 351311) have long been an essential part of Australia's skilled migration programme, reflecting the ongoing and critical shortage of qualified professionals in the hospitality sector. Sitting securely on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), this trade grants access to the full spectrum of skilled visas, including the 189, 190, and 491 subclasses.
While the subclass 189 remains an option, the subclass 190 and 491 visas are overwhelmingly the most realistic and common pathways for culinary professionals. Because hospitality skills are urgently needed across almost every Australian state and territory, achieving a state nomination with a solid points score is an achievable goal for many.
Subclass 189: Skilled Independent
Chef, MLTSSL status
While eligible, the 189 pathway can be unpredictable as Home Affairs doesn't regularly publish Chef-specific cutoffs. You'll likely need a highly competitive score.
→ Subclass 189 guideSubclass 190: State Nominated
With +5 state nomination points
The sweet spot for Chefs. States actively recruit for this role, meaning applicants with solid base points have an excellent chance at state nomination.
→ Subclass 190 guideSubclass 491: Regional
With +15 regional bonus points
If you're willing to work outside major cities, the generous 15-point bump and high demand in regional hospitality venues make this a very accessible route.
→ Subclass 491 guideYour Chef Score Across All Three Visa Pathways
| Subclass 189 | Subclass 190 | Subclass 491 |
|---|
| Nomination bonus | +0 | +5 | +15 |
| Typical invitation target | 75-85 pts | 70-80 pts | 65-75 pts |
| Occupation list | MLTSSL | MLTSSL | MLTSSL |
| Typical invitation frequency | Low | High | High |
| Assessing body | TRA | TRA | TRA |
Invitation thresholds fluctuate constantly based on state priorities, onshore/offshore location, and government ceilings. Historical data isn't a guarantee of future outcomes.
→ See our monthly invitation round tracker for latest resultsSkills Assessment for Chef
A positive skills assessment is mandatory before you can submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect.
Chef (ANZSCO 351311) is assessed by Trades Recognition Australia (TRA)
| Assessing body | Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) |
| Official portal | tradesrecognitionaustralia.gov.au |
| Processing time | Approx. 120 days (standard) |
| Approximate fee | AUD $1,000 (MSA) to $3,280 (OSAP) |
| Assessment pathways | Migration Skills Assessment (MSA), Job Ready Program (JRP), or Offshore Skills Assessment Program (OSAP) |
| Typical requirement | Relevant qualification (e.g., Diploma of Commercial Cookery) + 3 years experience |
Crucial note on your job duties: To pass your skills assessment as a Chef, your work evidence must clearly demonstrate that your duties align with ANZSCO 351311. A Chef typically plans menus, manages the kitchen, and oversees staff. If your duties are limited to preparing and cooking food without the managerial and planning aspects, you may be assessed as a Cook (351411), which has a different migration profile.
⚠ Warning: Your skills assessment must remain valid at the time you RECEIVE your Invitation to Apply, not just when you submit your EOI. Trades assessments are typically valid for 3 years from the date of issue.
→ Read our full guide on Skills AssessmentsState Nomination for Chefs: Which States to Target
State nomination adds +5 points (190) or +15 points (491). For Chefs, this is frequently the most successful migration pathway.
| State | 190 Available? | 491 Available? | Notes |
|---|
| NSW | Yes | Yes | Strong hospitality sector demand; highly competitive in Sydney but excellent regional prospects. |
| VIC | Yes | Yes | Melbourne's massive hospitality scene keeps Chefs in high demand. ROI required. |
| QLD | Yes | Yes | Excellent pathway for those working in tourism hubs like Gold Coast and Cairns. |
| SA | Yes | Yes | Very accessible for international graduates who complete studies and work locally. |
| WA | Yes | Yes | Frequent invitations under the WA State Nomination program (WASMOL). |
| TAS | Yes | Yes | Accessible for local graduates and those with long-term employment on the island. |
| ACT | Yes | Yes | Canberra Matrix system applies; strong prospects if living in the territory. |
| NT | Yes | Yes | NT residents and graduates are heavily preferred. |
Note: State occupation lists are subject to change. Always verify the current criteria at each state's official migration portal before applying.
Because Chefs are needed universally across the country, your best state option is usually where you have already secured employment or completed your culinary studies. Working in regional Australia can dramatically improve your 491 chances.
How to Improve Your Score as a Chef
If your points are currently sitting around 65-70, here are the most effective ways to boost your profile.
1. English Proficiency
You do not need English for your TRA skills assessment, but getting Proficient (IELTS 7.0/PTE 65) or Superior (IELTS 8.0/PTE 79) English adds 10 to 20 points to your visa application.
→ English points guide2. State Nomination (190)
Targeting the 190 visa secures a quick +5 points. Since states urgently need Chefs for their hospitality sectors, it is a highly viable route compared to waiting for a 189 invite.
→ 190 visa guide3. Regional Work
Moving to a regional area (e.g., Gold Coast, Adelaide, Hobart) opens up the 491 visa, adding a massive +15 points to your total score.
→ Read more about the 491| Strategy | Points Gained | Time Required | Reform Risk |
|---|
| Proficient English (PTE 65+) | +10 | 1-3 months | Low |
| State nomination (190) | +5 | 2-12 weeks | Low |
| Regional sponsorship (491) | +15 | 2-12 weeks | Low |
| Australian work exp (1 to 3 years) | +5 | 1-3 years | Low |
| NAATI CCL (if bilingual) | +5 | 3-6 months | Medium |
| Partner Skills / Single status | +10 | Varies | Low |
How the 2026 Reform Affects Chefs
⚠ The 2026 points test reform is proposed, not yet legislated. The current Schedule 6D system remains fully in effect.
While the proposed Migration Strategy could introduce an income-based points system and restructure age/English points, traditional trade occupations like Chef remain in critical shortage. The underlying demand for culinary professionals in the hospitality sector means that Chefs are highly likely to retain robust migration pathways, even if the exact mechanics of the points test undergo reform. If the minimum points threshold is increased, securing strong English scores and rural/regional employment will become even more vital.
→ Learn more about the 2026 points test reform