Australian PR Points for Cooks, ANZSCO 351411
If you're looking to migrate to Australia as a Cook (ANZSCO 351411), you're eyeing a profession that frequently pops up in the country's General Skilled Migration programme-especially out in the regions. Because the Cook occupation currently sits on the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), your pathway is narrowed down to state nomination (the 190 visa) or regional sponsorship (the 491 visa). While that cuts out the independent 189 option, Australia's thriving regional hospitality scene means there's still a healthy demand for your skills. Let's break down how your points stack up across the available visas.
Subclass 189: Skilled Independent
Cook: Not eligible
Because ANZSCO 351411 is squarely on the STSOL, the subclass 189 simply isn't an option under current legislation. You'll need to focus your efforts entirely on the 190 and 491 pathways.
Not availableSubclass 190: State Nominated
With +5 state nomination points
Securing state nomination grants you an extra 5 points. While historical data suggests cooks with 60-65 base points have been considered in the past, competitiveness depends entirely on your state's current programme.
→ Subclass 190 guideSubclass 491: Regional
With +15 regional bonus points
Regional sponsorship is a massive boost, offering +15 points. With regional hospitality crying out for staff, the 491 often proves to be a highly strategic route for cooks looking to establish themselves.
→ Subclass 491 guideYour Cook Score Across the Visa Pathways
| Subclass 189 | Subclass 190 | Subclass 491 |
|---|
| Nomination bonus | N/A | +5 | +15 |
| Historical cutoffs | N/A | Unpublished | Unpublished |
| Occupation list | N/A | STSOL | STSOL |
| Primary assessing body | N/A | TRA | TRA |
Note: The Department of Home Affairs does not currently publish occupation-specific invitation cutoffs for state-nominated visas. You'll need to research your intended state's migration portal for insights into competitiveness.
→ Keep an eye on our invitation round tracker for general updatesGetting Your Skills Assessed
Before you can even think about lodging an Expression of Interest (EOI), you'll need a positive skills assessment in your back pocket.
Cook (ANZSCO 351411) is assessed by Trades Recognition Australia (TRA)
| Assessing body | Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) |
| Official portal | tradesrecognitionaustralia.gov.au |
| Processing time | Approximately 120 days for MSA |
| Approximate fee | AUD $795 (MSA) |
| Assessment type | Skills assessment (MSA or OSAP) |
| Qualification required | Typically an AQF Certificate III or IV in Commercial Cookery |
When applying for a skills assessment through TRA, it's crucial to ensure your application is "decision-ready". Depending on your situation, you'll likely go through either the Migration Skills Assessment (MSA) programme or the Offshore Skills Assessment Program (OSAP), the latter of which is conducted by TRA-approved Registered Training Organisations (RTOs). Keep in mind that general kitchen hand or basic food prep work often won't count-you need to demonstrate skilled, professional cookery experience.
⚠ Warning: Your skills assessment must remain valid at the exact time you receive your Invitation to Apply, not just when you submit your EOI. Assessments typically last for 3 years, so if yours is nearing expiry, get onto renewing it before your EOI lapses.
State Nomination for Cooks
Since the 189 isn't an option, state nomination is your bread and butter. Remember, it adds +5 points for the 190 and +15 points for the 491.
| State | 190 Available? | 491 Available? | Notes |
|---|
| NSW | Check current programme | Check current programme | Conditional on current list and strict residency criteria. |
| VIC | Check current programme | Check current programme | Highly conditional on ROI selection and current priorities. |
| QLD | Check current programme | Check current programme | Often requires ongoing employment in the state. |
| SA | Check current programme | Check current programme | Historically strong for regional hospitality, but verify first. |
| WA | Check current programme | Check current programme | Subject to the current WASMOL and invitation rounds. |
| TAS | Check current programme | Check current programme | Often looks favourably on long-term local employment. |
| ACT | Check current programme | Check current programme | The Canberra Matrix points system will apply. |
| NT | Check current programme | Check current programme | Strictly conditional on residency and work commitments. |
Note: State occupation lists and nomination requirements are updated periodically and without much fanfare. You must verify the current status directly at each state's official migration portal before applying.
Regional hospitality remains a major driver for the Australian economy. While states like Tasmania and South Australia have historically provided strong pathways, you shouldn't rule out the regional pockets of Queensland or New South Wales. If you're willing to head outside the major cities, the 491 visa is often the smartest strategic play.
How to Improve Your Score
Looking to boost your competitiveness? Here are a few solid strategies to bump up your points tally.
1. Superior English
Pushing your English score from Proficient to Superior gives you a hefty 10-point bump. It's often the fastest way to leapfrog other applicants in the queue.
→ English points guide2. Regional Sponsorship (491)
Embracing regional Australia not only opens up a ton of hospitality jobs, but it also lands you 15 extra points on your application.
→ 491 visa guide3. Australian Work Experience
Clocking up additional years working as a Cook in Australia can add 5 points and massively strengthen your case when approaching states for nomination.
→ Points improvement guide| Strategy | Points Gained | Time Required | Reform Risk |
|---|
| Superior English (if currently at Proficient) | +10 | 2-6 months | Low |
| State nomination (190) | +5 | 2-12 weeks | Low |
| Regional sponsorship (491) | +15 | 2-12 weeks | Low |
| Australian work exp (1 more year) | +5 | 1 year | Low |
| NAATI CCL (if bilingual) | +5 | 3-6 months | Medium |
How the 2026 Reforms Could Affect You
⚠ Keep in mind: The 2026 points test reform is currently just proposed-it hasn't been legislated yet. The current Schedule 6D system remains fully in effect.
We're expecting hospitality in regional areas to maintain strong demand even after any upcoming reforms. Because of this, the 491 pathway is likely to remain the most robust route for cooks. Ultimately, if you're a genuine trade professional with solid employment evidence working in regional Australia, your prospects should remain quite promising.
→ Learn more about the proposed 2026 points test reform