Chef — Subclass 491 Pathway
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa · 5 years provisional → PR pathway via Subclass 191
At a glance
- Visa
- Subclass 491 — Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa
- Points test
- Yes — points-tested via SkillSelect
- Sponsor
- State nomination or eligible family sponsor
- Eligibility list
- MLTSSLSTSOLROLCSOL
- Base fee
- from $4,640 (check immi.gov.au for current fee)
- Processing time
- ~8-15 months (median)
Skills assessment for this occupation
Assessing Chef for migration purposes is handled by: TRA.
Each occupation has a single designated assessing authority — refer to the occupation page for the body that assesses it.
Chef × Subclass 491 — pathway overview
Chef (ANZSCO 351311) qualifies for the Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa as the occupation appears on the Regional Occupation List (ROL), designating it as suitable for regional Australian sponsorship. This visa is points-tested and requires nomination from a state or territory government or sponsorship by an eligible relative residing in a designated regional area. Applicants must submit an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect and receive an invitation from a nominating authority. A positive skills assessment from TRA (Trades Recognition Australia) confirming qualifications and work experience in professional food preparation, menu development, and kitchen management is required. The points test rewards age, English proficiency, work experience, and qualifications, with the regional nomination contributing an additional fifteen points. A minimum of 65 points is needed, and competent English (IELTS 6 or equivalent) must be demonstrated. Subclass 491 holders must live and work in a designated regional area for at least three years before becoming eligible to apply for the Subclass 191 permanent residence visa. Application fees are approximately $4,640 and processing takes six to eighteen months. For advice tailored to your individual circumstances, always consult a registered MARA migration agent.
Content last generated: 2026-06-26
Key requirements
High-level criteria for Subclass 491. Verify every requirement on immi.gov.au before applying.
- Under 45 years of age at invitation
- Competent English (IELTS 6 or equivalent)
- Positive skills assessment in a nominated occupation
- State/territory nomination OR eligible regional family sponsor
- Live, work, and study only in a designated regional area
- Health and character requirements
Other visa pathways for Chef
- 186Details →Employer Nomination Scheme visa
Permanent employer-sponsored visa for workers nominated by an approved sponsor.
- 189Details →Skilled Independent visa
Permanent points-tested visa for workers not sponsored by an employer, family member, or state.
- 190Details →Skilled Nominated visa
Permanent visa for workers nominated by a state or territory government.
- 482Details →Skills in Demand visa
Employer-sponsored temporary visa (formerly TSS) for occupations on the relevant list.
- 485Details →Temporary Graduate visa
Post-study work visa for recent graduates of Australian qualifications.
- 494Details →Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa
Five-year employer-sponsored provisional visa in regional Australia, with a path to PR.
State nominations for Chef
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.