If you’re an experienced Chef or Cook dreaming of living and working in Australia, one of the most crucial steps in your migration journey is a positive skills assessment. At ESI Global, we specialize in assisting hospitality professionals in securing their Chef or Cook skill assessment through guidance, documentation, and preparation tailored to Australian standards.
Whether you’ve gained your experience overseas or in Australia, we’ll help you present your qualifications and work experience in a format recognised by Trades Recognition Australia (TRA)—your gateway to visas, better job opportunities, and permanent residency.
What Is a Skills Assessment?
A skills assessment is an official process that determines whether your qualifications and work experience meet Australian industry standards. If you’re applying for a skilled visa—such as Subclass 189, Subclass 190, or Subclass 491—a positive skills assessment is mandatory.
For Chefs and Cooks, the skills assessment is conducted by Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) or its approved RTO partners through pathways such as:
- Job Ready Program (JRP) – For international graduates of Australian qualifications.
- Offshore Skills Assessment Program (OSAP) – For experienced professionals overseas.
- Migration Skills Assessment (MSA) – For general migration purposes.
Why Is a Skill Assessment Important?
- ✅ Visa Requirement: Essential for skilled migration visa applications.
- ✅ Employment: Employers prefer candidates with verified skills.
- ✅ Recognition: Converts your overseas experience into an Australian-standard qualification.
- ✅ Permanent Residency: Positive assessment contributes to visa points and eligibility.
Who Needs a Chef or Cook Skill Assessment?
You need a skills assessment if you:
- Are applying for a skilled visa in Australia.
- Hold relevant work experience but no formal Australian qualification.
- Studied in Australia and want to prove your job readiness.
- Want to transition from a temporary visa to permanent residency.
- Are a qualified Chef or Cook overseas and want to migrate.
Occupation Codes and ANZSCO Classification
The Australian government uses ANZSCO codes (Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations) to define job roles:
- Chef – ANZSCO 351311
Plans and organises the preparation and cooking of food in dining or catering establishments. - Cook – ANZSCO 351411
Prepares, seasons, and cooks food in restaurants, cafes, and other food outlets under the guidance of Chefs.
Both occupations are on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) and are eligible for migration visas depending on the state and demand.
Skill Assessment Pathways for Chefs & Cooks
1. Offshore Skills Assessment Program (OSAP)
For applicants outside Australia with relevant work experience and/or qualifications.
Requirements:
- Minimum of 3 years of full-time work experience in the last 5 years.
- At least 12 months of experience in the past 3 years in your trade.
- English language proficiency (functional English required for most visas).
Process:
- Document assessment (Stage 1)
- Technical interview and/or practical demonstration (Stage 2)
2. Migration Skills Assessment (MSA)
For applicants inside or outside Australia with work experience but not necessarily an Australian qualification.
Requirements:
- Relevant formal qualifications OR
- At least 3 years of full-time work experience, with evidence of performing core duties.
3. Job Ready Program (JRP)
For international students who have studied a relevant course in Australia.
Process:
- Provisional Skills Assessment (PSA)
- Job Ready Employment (JRE)
- Job Ready Workplace Assessment (JRWA)
- Job Ready Final Assessment (JRFA)
This pathway requires you to work in an Australian workplace as a paid employee for at least 12 months.
Documents Required for Skill Assessment
Here’s a checklist of documents you may need:
Personal Identification:
- Valid passport bio page
- Recent passport-sized photo
- English test results (IELTS/PTE if required)
Qualifications:
- Trade certificates or diplomas
- Transcripts or training record
- Any relevant course completion certificates
Work Experience:
- Resume / CV (detailed)
- Employment reference letters
- Payslips, tax records, bank statements
- Employment contracts
- Job descriptions
Evidence of Duties:
- Work samples (menus, recipes, food prep photos)
- Videos or images showing your cooking techniques
- Records of positions held and kitchen responsibilities
ESI Global helps you gather, format, and submit all required documents professionally.
What Does the Assessment Cover?
The assessment will test your competency in areas such as:
- Food preparation and cooking techniques
- Menu planning and costing
- Sanitation and food safety standards
- Use of commercial kitchen equipment
- Supervising kitchen staff (for Chef)
- Inventory and stock control
- Adhering to hygiene regulations
You may be asked to attend a technical interview or practical test (e.g., preparing and cooking a range of dishes in a test kitchen environment).
Key Differences Between Chef and Cook
| Category | Chef | Cook |
|---|---|---|
| ANZSCO Code | 351311 | 351411 |
| Visa Options | 189, 190, 491 | 189, 190, 491 (depends on state) |
| Role | Supervises and manages kitchen | Prepares and cooks food |
| Experience Level | Requires more leadership and planning | More hands-on with food preparation |
| PR Points | Chef roles often score higher | Cook roles may require state nomination |
We can help you determine the correct occupation to apply under based on your experience and future plans.
How ESI Global Helps with Your Skill Assessment
We’re more than just an education and migration consultancy—we are your partner in achieving a successful assessment outcome.
🔹 Free Eligibility Check
We assess your profile and determine if you qualify for Skill Assessment Chef & Cook.
🔹 Document Preparation
We help you gather and polish your portfolio, including employer references and proof of duties.
🔹 Training Support
If you lack some skills or documents, we can guide you to suitable gap training or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) programs.
🔹 Liaison with RTOs
We work with TRA-approved Registered Training Organisations to facilitate your assessment process.
🔹 Migration Guidance
We can refer you to registered migration agents for visa advice once you’ve completed your assessment.
Visa Options After Skills Assessment
With a positive Chef or Cook skills assessment, you may be eligible for:
- Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent Visa
Permanent residency, no sponsorship required. - Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa
Permanent residency with state or territory nomination. - Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa
Pathway to PR through regional areas.
Other options include employer-sponsored visas, such as:
- Subclass 482 – Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS)
- Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme
Real Success Stories at ESI Global
Carlos – Head Chef from the Philippines
Carlos had over 8 years of experience in high-end restaurants. We guided him through the OSAP pathway and helped him complete a technical interview. He’s now working in Melbourne with PR approved.
Alina – Cook from India
Alina worked as a line cook for 4 years. With our support, she passed the MSA process and received a positive skills assessment. She’s now applying for a 190 visa.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How long does the skill assessment take?
It can take between 8 to 16 weeks, depending on the pathway and how quickly you submit your documents.
Q: Can I apply without a formal qualification?
Yes. If you have sufficient work experience (typically 3+ years), you may be eligible through the RPL or work-based pathways.
Q: What English test score is required?
Usually, functional English is required for assessment. Higher scores may be needed for visa purposes.
Q: What if I don’t pass the first time?
We provide support to help you prepare for reassessment or undertake additional training if required.
Q: Can I apply while in Australia on a student or bridging visa?
Yes, provided you meet the work experience and document requirements.
