Australia’s hospitality industry is booming — but finding skilled chefs remains a major challenge for restaurants, cafés, and hotels. In 2025, many venues are turning to **international recruitment and visa sponsorship** as a long-term staffing solution.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know about sponsoring a chef in Australia — including visa types, eligibility, costs, and where to find qualified candidates.
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Many Australian venues are experiencing:
Sponsoring a chef from overseas gives you access to committed, long-term professionals who bring global culinary skills and are eager to grow with your team.
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| Visa Type | Description | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Subclass 482 – Temporary Skill Shortage | Most common for restaurants/hotels. Requires sponsorship and genuine position. | Up to 4 years |
| Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme | Permanent residency pathway. Ideal for long-term chefs in senior roles. | Permanent |
| Subclass 494 – Regional Sponsored Visa | For venues in regional areas. Lower fees and faster approval. | Up to 5 years → PR pathway |
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✅ Need help or want to sponsor a chef? Post your requirement on Venture Uplift
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Costs vary based on visa type and service provider. Here’s a rough breakdown:
| Cost Item | Estimated Amount |
|---|---|
| Sponsorship + Nomination Fees | $420 – $540 |
| Visa Application Charge (VAC) | $2,770 – $4,240 |
| Skilling Australians Fund (SAF Levy) | $1,200 – $5,000 (based on revenue) |
| Migration Agent / Legal Fees | $1,500 – $3,500 |
| Recruitment & Onboarding | $1,000 – $3,000 |
💡 You may also offer relocation assistance or short-term accommodation to attract better candidates.
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According to ANZSCO and current immigration policy, you can sponsor for roles such as: - 👨🍳 Chef (351311) - 👩🍳 Pastrycook (351112) - 👨🍳 Cook (351411) *(sometimes eligible in regional areas)*
Front-of-house roles like waitstaff or baristas generally cannot be sponsored.
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Q: How do I sponsor a chef to work in my restaurant?
A: Apply as a Standard Business Sponsor, advertise the role, nominate the candidate, and support their visa application under subclass 482 or 186.
Q: Can I sponsor a chef if I run a café?
A: Yes, if you meet sponsorship eligibility and offer a full-time chef role with the correct salary and responsibilities.
Q: How long does it take to sponsor a chef?
A: Usually 2–4 months depending on documentation, visa type, and Department of Home Affairs processing times.
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At Venture Uplift, we connect hospitality venues with chefs ready for sponsorship AND expert consultants to guide your legal and hiring process.
📩 Post your requirement today and get responses from qualified chefs and licensed migration advisors.
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