Struggling to fill a chef role in your restaurant, café, or hotel? Sponsoring an overseas chef can be a powerful long-term solution — but many venue owners find the process confusing or overwhelming.
This 2025 step-by-step guide will help you understand exactly what’s involved in sponsoring a chef to work in Australia. Venture Uplift is a platform that connects you with sponsorship-ready chefs and expert support — we do not offer migration advice.
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To sponsor a chef under the subclass 482 or 494 visa, your business must be registered as a Standard Business Sponsor with the Australian Government.
You’ll need to:
This step usually takes 1–3 weeks.
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You must show you attempted to hire locally before sponsoring overseas talent.
Requirements:
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Your offer must meet visa and Fair Work standards:
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Now you submit a nomination to the Department of Home Affairs.
This includes:
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The nominated chef now submits their application (subclass 482, 186, or 494) with your support.
They must include:
Visa processing time: Usually 2–4 months.
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Once approved, you’ll receive a formal visa grant notice. From there:
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Q: How long does the process take to sponsor a chef?
A: 8–16 weeks on average, including advertising, sponsorship registration, nomination, and visa processing.
Q: Can I sponsor a chef without an agent?
A: Yes, but it’s highly recommended to work with a migration professional to avoid delays or errors.
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Venture Uplift is a platform that helps hospitality venues connect with chefs seeking sponsorship and experts who understand the hiring journey.
📩 Post Your Chef Requirement Now and receive applications directly from qualified candidates.
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