This is a worked case study for a Chef migrating to Australia under ANZSCO 351311. Multiple pathways: Subclass 189, Subclass 190, Subclass 491 → 191, Subclass 186 Direct Entry, Subclass 494 → 191, and Subclass 482.
For visa-by-visa context, see the 351311 pathway guide and the TRA skills assessment guide.
The case profile
Anonymised composite. 32-year-old Senior Sous Chef, French CAP Cuisinier + Brevet Professionnel Cuisinier + 10 years experience: 2 years commis chef at Lyon brasserie, 4 years chef de partie at Paris bistro (Bistrot Paul Bert / Septime — modern bistronomie), 4 years sous chef at London modern European restaurant (St John / Quo Vadis / Lyle's — Michelin Bib Gourmand to one-star). Proficient English (PTE 65+). Family: spouse, one child.
Strategic note: candidate is targeting Sydney / Melbourne for 482 sponsorship with Crown Resorts (Crown Sydney), Star Entertainment, or a fine-dining group (Trippas White Group, Aria Restaurants Group, Lucas Restaurants Melbourne) — Australian luxury hotel and fine-dining segments value French-trained sous chefs continuously.
Pathway A — Subclass 189 (Independent PR)
Fees (primary + spouse + 1 child)
| Item | AUD |
|---|---|
| TRA OSA | 1,000 - 1,500 |
| 189 visa fees (family of 3) | 9,225 |
| Health, police, English | 1,200 |
| Total applicant-side | ~11,425 - 11,925 |
Total wall-clock time: 12 to 24 months.
Pathway B — Subclass 190 / 491
| Item | AUD |
|---|---|
| TRA OSA | 1,000 - 1,500 |
| 190 / 491 visa fees (family of 3) | 9,225 |
| State / regional nomination fee | 200-800 |
| Health, police, English | 1,200 |
| Total applicant-side | ~11,625 - 12,725 |
Regional state programs heavily target chefs — tourism regions and remote / FIFO catering particularly favoured.
Pathway C — Subclass 186 Direct Entry / 482 (recommended for 351311)
| Item | AUD |
|---|---|
| TRA OSA | 1,000 - 1,500 |
| 186 visa fees (family of 3) | 9,250 |
| Health, police, English | 1,200 |
| Total applicant-side | ~11,450 - 11,950 |
Employer SAF levy: AUD 5,000 + AUD 540 nomination fee for 186; SAF varies for 482.
Side-by-side
| Path | Applicant cost | Employer cost | Wall-clock to PR | TRA required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 189 (Independent) | AUD ~11,700 | AUD 0 | 12-24 months | Yes |
| 190 (state-nominated) | AUD ~12,200 | AUD 0 | 12-18 months | Yes |
| 491 (regional) → 191 | AUD ~12,700 | AUD 0 | ~60 months | Yes |
| 186 Direct Entry | AUD ~11,700 | AUD 5,540 | 6-12 months | Yes |
| 494 → 191 | AUD ~13,000 | AUD 6,000-25,540 | ~60 months | Yes |
| 482 → 186 TRT | AUD ~17,500 | AUD 9,000-25,000+ | 30-36 months | Yes |
Things that frequently surprise people
Crown / Star are the largest hotel sponsors. Crown Sydney / Melbourne / Perth and Star Entertainment Sydney / Gold Coast / Brisbane sponsor chefs at all tiers continuously — Executive Chef, Sous Chef, Chef de Partie, Demi Chef — across multiple outlets per property.
Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt, Accor sponsor extensively. Multi-tier brigade across each property. Pay AUD 65-110k base sous chef; head chef AUD 95-150k+.
Fine-dining segment is competitive. Quay, Bennelong, ARIA, Sepia, Tetsuya's (Sydney), Attica, Vue de Monde, Brae (Vic), Restaurant Botanic (Adelaide) hire experienced chef de partie / sous chefs continuously. Premium pay but demanding hours.
Regional 491 / 190 favoured for chefs. Tasmania (entire island regional), Margaret River, Yarra Valley, Daylesford, Byron Bay / Tweed, Whitsundays / Hamilton Island, Adelaide Hills, Mornington Peninsula — regional tourism destinations heavily favour chef visas.
Remote FIFO mining camps pay extreme premium. Sodexo Australia, ESS Compass (Bechtel / KBR / Civeo camps), Civeo, Spotless Mining Services — Pilbara / Goldfields / Bowen Basin camp catering pays AUD 95-140k base + 28-on-28-off / 14-on-14-off rotations + free accommodation + flights.
Aged care is growing segment. BUPA, Estia, Regis, Aveo — aged-care chef roles growing as sector expands. Pay AUD 80-110k + day-shift mostly (no late dinner service).
Cruise / airline catering is volume work. P&O Cruises Australia, Carnival, dnata Catering, Gate Gourmet, Qantas Catering — high-volume kitchen experience valued by Australian sponsors.
Health examinations expire after 12 months. If your visa takes longer than 12 months to grant, expect to redo them.
Tax residency starts on arrival. The Australian tax year runs 1 July to 30 June. See ATO residency rules before signing.
MARA registration is mandatory for paid migration assistance. Verify any agent at the MARA register.
Tools
Where to verify the numbers
- Home Affairs visa pricing page
- TRA
- Restaurant & Catering Australia
- Australian Culinary Federation (ACF)
- Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ)
- Office of MARA
- ATO
Next step
Want to model 189 vs 190 vs 491 vs 186 vs 494 vs 482 against your chef profile? Book a 30-minute free strategy call.