English language requirements

Most primary subclass 457 applications for chefs and cooks must demonstrate that they have English language proficiency. For applications where evidence can be provided that the visa holder will be earning above a specified salary level, the applicant will be exempt from the English language requirement. For ENS/RSMS all applicants must demonstrate they have adequate English language proficiency. For more information visit www.immi.gov.au/skilledworkers/sbs/eligibilty-nomination.htm

Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO)

VEVO is a free online resource that allows employers to check the visa entitlements of a visa holder and to confirm a visa holders entitlement to work in Australia. Employers should register for the work entitlements category. This will enable the registered organisation to check the work entitlements of a prospective employee. For more information visit www.immi.gov.au/managingaustralias-borders/compliance/info-employers/evo-orgs.htm

Working Holiday visa

Chefs or cooks in Australia on a Working Holiday visa may be employed for a maximum of six months with each employer provided the work remains incidental to the holiday. While in Australia, Working Holiday visa holders may be sponsored for a subclass 457 visa by an approved sponsor.

General skilled migration state/territory sponsorship

It is intended that state and territory governments will be able to sponsor migrants in occupations with proven shortages through a migration plan. Plans may include occupations that are not on the Skilled Occupation List for independent migration, such as cooks or chefs, where evidence of skill shortages is presented. Migration plans will enable state and territory governments to tailor the profile of skilled migrants in their areas in line with skill needs and development objectives. For more information visit www.immi.gov.au/ skilled/general-skilled-migration/whats-new.htm

JobSearch
JobSearch is Australias largest free online jobs website. It is funded and operated as a free service to assist job seekers to connect with employers. It is recommended that employers register vacancies on www.JobSearch.gov.au

Other information
For more information about programs for small tourism businesses visit www.ret.gov.au/tourism/suppforsb/ pages/supportforsmallbusiness.aspx

Employing overseas chefs and cooks

DIAC10/01210

Supplementing your Australian workforce

Employers unable to find chefs or cooks through the Australian labour market or through their own training efforts have many options to attract overseas workers.

Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme

The Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS ) is similar to the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) except it allows for employers in regional areas to provide full-time employment in Australia for two years. For more information on both the ENS and RSMS schemes visit www.immi.gov.au/skilled/skilled-workers/ visa-permanent.htm

Temporary Business (subclass 457) visa

The subclass 457 visa program provides a fast and flexible way to recruit skilled workers and is the preferred temporary residence visa for employers seeking chefs and cooks from overseas. The subclass 457 visa allows an initial visa grant of up to four years. To make the process fast and convenient, applications can be lodged online at: www.immi.gov.au/skilled/skilledworkers/sbs/how-to-apply.htm For more information visit, www.immi.gov.au/skilled/ skilled-workers/sbs/

Permanent entry
Generally, overseas chefs and cooks must be under 45 years of age, have English language skills, qualifications and work experience to be eligible for permanent migration.

Skilled Graduate (subclass 485) visa

Overseas students who do not meet the criteria for general skilled migration may apply for the subclass 485 visa to remain in Australia for 18 months to gain skilled work experience or improve their English language skills. As a holder of this visa, they may apply for permanent residence at any time if they are able to pass the general skilled migration points test. For more information visit www.immi.gov.au/skilled/general-skilled-migration/485/

Employer Nomination Scheme

The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) enables employers to sponsor highly skilled workers. Skilled workers can be recruited either from overseas, or from people in Australia who are on a qualifying visa. Employers must be lawfully operating in Australia and the position must provide full-time employment for at least three years.

Sponsoring a subclass 457 applicant

To sponsor subclass 457 visa holders, an employer needs to be an approved business sponsor. To become a sponsor, an employer must: be a lawfully operating Australian business have a demonstrated commitment to employing local labour and non-discriminatory employment practices have nothing adverse known about the business or a person associated with the business have demonstrated a commitment to training Australian workers. For more information on sponsorship requirements and obligations visit www.immi.gov.au/skilled/skilled-workers/ sbs/eligibility-employer.htm

Assessing skills
Chefs and cooks applying for a subclass 457 visa may be required to undertake a skills assessment through Trades Recognition Australia (TRA). The skills assessment will seek to determine if chefs and cooks are capable and can demonstrate they have adequate knowledge of the position. ENS applications require a satisfactory skills assessment from an Australian assessing authority and three years post qualification work experience in the nominated occupation. It is recommended that employers conduct their own assessments before sponsoring an overseas worker. For more information on skills assessments visit www.deewr.gov.au/Skills/Programs/SkillsAssess/ TRA/457Assessment/Applicants/Pages/home.aspx