Australia is sometimes referred to as the food capital of the world and boasts a sizzling culinary scene that is currently in high need of skilled chefs. If you have ever dreamt of bringing your culinary talent to Australia, this is your guide to navigating the migration process for a successful relocation.
1. The Skills Assessment
The first step is to get your qualifications recognized in Australia. This is done through a skills assessment by Trades Recognition Australia (TRA). They’ll evaluate your experience, training, and certifications to ensure they meet Australian standards. In most cases, a minimum of three years’ experience and qualifications equivalent to an Australian Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery are required [TRA Skills Assessment].
2. Gather Visa Point
Australia has a point-based system for granting visas, which is a crucial aspect of the immigration process. In this system, applicants are awarded points based on various factors such as their age, qualifications, English language proficiency, and work experience. This means that the more points an applicant has, the higher their chances of being granted a visa. Age is an important factor, with younger applicants being awarded more points. Similarly, having higher education qualifications and work experience in certain occupations can also earn you more points. Additionally, demonstrating English language proficiency is also a significant factor in the point system. Therefore, it is essential for applicants to score as high as possible in order to increase their chances of being granted a visa.
3. Pass Proficiency Test
Even if English is your first language, prepping for tests like IELTS is recommended. High scores significantly boost your points. Consider online courses or classes to hone your test-taking skills.
4. Choose Visa Type
There are a few visa options for chefs migrating to Australia. Here are two common ones:
Subclass 482 (TSS) Visa (Medium Term Stream)
This visa is for skilled occupations in demand, including chefs. It requires a skills assessment, sponsorship from an employer, and meeting specific salary and experience thresholds.
Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa
This permanent residency visa awards points for your skills and qualifications. It’s a more competitive pathway but offers a permanent path to living and working in Australia.
5. Research and Prepare
It’s crucial to conduct thorough research on the Australian job market for chefs. When searching for potential opportunities, it’s important to consider in-demand specializations and areas with chef shortages. Additionally, connecting with chefs who are already working in Australia can provide valuable insights into the industry. By networking, you can gain a better understanding of the current job landscape and increase your chances of finding the ideal chef position.
