Trades · ANZSCO 351311
Chef immigration to Australia & Canada
Chefs plan menus and prepare food in professional kitchens. Hospitality demand supports skilled and regional pathways; TRA assessment applies.
Australia pathway
Skilled migration (189 / 190 / 491)
Trades Recognition Australia assesses Chef (ANZSCO 351311). The distinction between Chef and Cook (ANZSCO 351411) is central, and the two sit on different lists. A positive skills assessment is required before an Expression of Interest. Points cover age, English, education, and experience; state nomination (190) or regional (491) can add points.
Canada pathway
Express Entry & 2026 category draws
2026 category: General draws
Hospitality occupations are not reliably covered by the 2026 categories. Confirm current category lists with IRCC rather than assuming trade-category eligibility. You will need an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) and qualifying language scores. We help optimise your CRS and prepare a document-ready profile.
Why Chef applications most often stall
Cook experience submitted against the Chef code is the standard failure. Chef requires menu planning, costing, ordering and kitchen supervision — evidence of running a section, not only of cooking in one.
Based on files ImmiPace has reviewed. Last reviewed 2026-08-29.
Chef migration — common questions
Is Chef eligible for Australian skilled migration?
Chef is assessed by Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) for Australian skilled visas (subclass 189 Skilled Independent, 190 State Nominated, and 491 Regional). Trades Recognition Australia assesses Chef (ANZSCO 351311). The distinction between Chef and Cook (ANZSCO 351411) is central, and the two sit on different lists. Occupation lists and state nomination criteria change, so always confirm current eligibility with the Department of Home Affairs and the relevant assessing authority.
Which Canada Express Entry category does a Chef fall under in 2026?
Chef generally falls under General draws. Hospitality occupations are not reliably covered by the 2026 categories. Confirm current category lists with IRCC rather than assuming trade-category eligibility. For renewed categories IRCC requires at least one year of experience in an eligible occupation. Category eligibility can matter more than raising your CRS score, because category rounds frequently invite below the general cut-off.
Why do Chef skilled migration applications get refused or delayed?
Cook experience submitted against the Chef code is the standard failure. Chef requires menu planning, costing, ordering and kitchen supervision — evidence of running a section, not only of cooking in one.
What documents does a Chef need for a skills assessment?
Typically: degree certificates and transcripts, detailed employment reference letters matching the duties of the nominated occupation, CV, English test results, and identity documents. ImmiPace reviews your documents and prepares a submission-ready file.