How to Sponsor a Chef or Cook on a 482 (SID) or 186 Visa — Key Tips

Thinking about sponsoring a chef (ANZSCO 351311) or cook for a 482 (Skilled in Demand) or 186 (Employer Nomination) visa? We’ve got you covered! In this video, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to present a strong sponsorship case, covering: Occupation eligibility – The Chef role is on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), making it eligible for the 482 SID visa. Be careful: cooks (ANZSCO 351411) fall under the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) and do not offer a direct pathway to permanent residency under the 186 visa. Employer obligations – Understand Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS), labour market testing, and required salary — which must meet market benchmarks and the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT), currently around AUD 70,000. Candidate requirements – Your chef should have the relevant qualifications (e.g., Certificate III/IV in Commercial Cookery or equivalent), at least two years of full-time experience, and a positive skills assessment. English proficiency, health, and character checks are also necessary. Pathway to PR – Chefs on a 482 SID visa may be eligible for the Employer Nomination Scheme (186 visa) — a permanent residency pathway — after 2–3 years of compliant employment. Plus, avoid common pitfalls like applying under the wrong ANZSCO code (e.g., Cook instead of Chef), advertising incorrectly, or underpaying the sponsored worker. Watch the video for a complete breakdown and practical tips to streamline your sponsorship application.