Skilled Migration Pathway
Cook Skills Assessment Australia | ANZSCO 351411 TRA Guide (June 2026)
Cooks form the backbone of Australia's vast hospitality industry, preparing food across restaurants, cafes, hotels, aged care facilities, and catering businesses nationwide. With consistent demand from a growing tourism and hospitality sector, Cooks from overseas have solid and achievable pathways to Australian permanent residency.
This guide covers the Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) skills assessment, visa pathways, salary, and permanent residency (PR) options for Cooks as they stand in June 2026.
Occupation Snapshot – Quick Reference Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Occupation | Cook |
| ANZSCO Code | 351411 |
| Skill Level | Skill Level 3 |
| Skills Assessing Body | TRA (Trades Recognition Australia) — Migration Skills Assessment (MSA) |
| Eligible Visa Subclasses | 190, 491, 482, 186 |
| Occupation Lists | STSOL (confirmed June 2026) |
| Minimum Points Required | 65 points |
| English Requirement | Competent English (IELTS 6.0 each band) |
Cook (ANZSCO 351411) is confirmed on the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) as of mid-2026, NOT the MLTSSL. This means the Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent) visa is NOT AVAILABLE for this occupation.
Eligible pathways are restricted to the Subclasses 190, 491, 482, and 186 visas. Always verify current list status with the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent before lodging your EOI, as occupation list placements can change between invitation rounds.
ANZSCO 351411
Who is a Cook (ANZSCO 351411)?
A Cook prepares, seasons, and cooks food in dining and catering establishments, typically operating in a more hands-on, operational capacity than a Chef. Under ANZSCO 351411, core duties include:
- Preparing and cooking food according to standard recipes and instructions
- Portioning and plating food for service
- Preparing ingredients including washing, peeling, cutting, and marinating
- Operating kitchen equipment including ovens, grills, fryers, and food processors
- Maintaining cleanliness and hygiene standards in food preparation areas
- Storing food items at correct temperatures to prevent spoilage
- Assisting with stocktaking and ordering of kitchen supplies
- Following food safety procedures and workplace health and safety guidelines
- Working as part of a kitchen brigade under the direction of a Chef or Head Chef
- Preparing food for à la carte, buffet, and catering service
Cooks in Australia typically work in restaurants, cafes, hotels, clubs, aged care facilities, hospitals, and catering companies, often specialising in a particular cuisine or food preparation style.
Skills Assessment
Skills Assessment: TRA (Trades Recognition Australia)
The designated skills assessing authority for Cooks (ANZSCO 351411) is Trades Recognition Australia (TRA), via the Migration Skills Assessment (MSA) program. TRA assesses whether your qualifications and experience are comparable to the Australian Skill Level 3 standard for this occupation (AQF Certificate III with at least two years of on-the-job training, or AQF Certificate IV).
TRA Assessment Pathways
Pathway 1 – Qualifications + Experience
Hold a qualification assessed as comparable to an Australian Certificate III (with two years on-the-job training) or Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery AND have the required period of relevant employment as a Cook.
Pathway 2 – Experience-Based Assessment
At least three years of full-time relevant employment as a Cook can substitute for the formal qualification, provided duties align with the Cook occupation tasks.
Key Documents Required
- Academic qualifications: Certified copies of academic qualifications and transcripts (commercial cookery certificate/diploma).
- Employment reference letters: Detailed letters on official letterhead specifying food preparation duties, cuisine types, kitchen environment, dates, and hours per week.
- Professional CV/Resume: Fully updated summary of employment history.
- Identity Documents: Passport copy and translation of non-English documents.
- Forms & Fees: Completed TRA application form and fee payment (approx. AUD $750–$1,100).
Processing Time: Approximately 3–6 months depending on complexity.
Reference letters should clearly describe hands-on food preparation and cooking duties. If your role also included menu planning, costing, and supervising other kitchen staff, you may wish to discuss with a migration agent whether ANZSCO 351311 (Chef) — which sits on the MLTSSL and offers access to the 189 visa — is a more accurate and advantageous classification for your experience.
Eligible Visas
Visa Subclasses for Cooks
Cooks (ANZSCO 351411) are eligible for both points-tested state nominations and employer-sponsored visas under the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL).
| Visa Subclass | Visa Name | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| 190 | Skilled Nominated | PR; state nominates; +5 points bonus |
| 491 | Skilled Work Regional (Prov.) | Provisional; regional; pathway to PR via 191 |
| 482 | Temporary Skill Shortage | Employer sponsored temporary visa |
| 186 | Employer Nomination Scheme | Employer sponsored permanent residency |
Visa 190 – Skilled Nominated
The Subclass 190 is the primary points-based PR pathway for Cooks without employer sponsorship. State nomination adds 5 bonus points. Cook is one of the most commonly nominated occupations across Australian states given the scale of hospitality industry demand.
Visa 491 – Skilled Work Regional
The 491 visa is particularly strong for Cooks, as regional Australia experiences severe and ongoing hospitality staffing shortages — from coastal tourist towns to inland regional centres. The 491 adds 15 bonus points and leads to permanent residency via the Subclass 191 visa after 3 years in a regional area.
Visa 482 – Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS)
Restaurants, cafes, hotels, aged care facilities, and catering companies across Australia frequently sponsor overseas Cooks under the TSS 482 visa. This is one of the most accessible and widely used employer-sponsored pathways for hospitality migrants, given persistent industry-wide shortages.
Visa 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS)
Provides permanent residency through employer nomination — via the Temporary Residence Transition stream (after 3 years on a 482 visa) or the Direct Entry stream for offshore applicants with an eligible Australian employer.
Points Test
Points Test for Cooks (190/491 Visas)
Points-tested visas require meeting a minimum score of 65 points. Below is a breakdown of how points are allocated:
| Factor | Details | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 25–32 years | 30 points |
| English – Proficient | IELTS 7.0 each band or equivalent | 10 points |
| English – Superior | IELTS 8.0 each band or equivalent | 20 points |
| Overseas experience | 8–10 years post-qualification | 15 points |
| Australian experience | 8–10 years | 20 points |
| Qualifications | Certificate III/IV qualification | 10 points |
| Qualifications | Diploma or higher comparability | 10–15 points |
| Australian Study | Minimum 2 academic years study | 5 points |
| Partner skills / single | Competent partner / Single applicant | Up to 10 points |
| State nomination | Subclass 190 visa nomination | 5 points |
| Regional nomination | Subclass 491 visa nomination | 15 points |
Language Level
English Language Requirements
- IELTS: 6.0 per band (Competent - base visa requirements); 8.0 per band (Superior - 20 pts)
- PTE Academic: 50 per skill (Competent); 79 (Superior)
- TOEFL iBT / OET / CAE: Equivalent band scores accepted (TOEFL iBT: 12/13/18/18; OET: Grade B; CAE: 169 per skill)
Salary Insights
Cook Salary Expectations in Australia (2026)
Junior Cook / Commis Cook (0–2 years)
AUD $50,000 – $60,000 per year
Qualified Cook (2–5 years)
AUD $60,000 – $75,000 per year
Senior Cook / Demi Chef de Partie (5–8 years)
AUD $70,000 – $90,000 per year
Specialist Cook (specific cuisine, high-volume)
AUD $80,000 – $100,000 per year
Cooks with experience in specific high-demand cuisines (Asian, Italian, modern Australian) or in specialised settings (aged care, hospital catering, large hotel kitchens) can command above-average wages, particularly in regional areas facing acute staff shortages.
Nomination Opportunities
State Nomination Opportunities for Cooks
- New South Wales: High demand across Sydney's vast hospitality sector and regional NSW.
- Victoria: Melbourne's globally recognised food and cafe culture ensures strong demand.
- Queensland: Strong tourism-driven demand in Brisbane, Gold Coast, and regional QLD.
- Western Australia: Growing hospitality sector in Perth and mining-region towns.
- South Australia: Adelaide and regional food and wine tourism areas.
- Tasmania: Strong regional demand with reduced competition.
- Northern Territory: Severe shortages in remote and tourism-focused regions, frequently included on regional/state lists.
Kitchen Sectors
Aged Care and Institutional Cooking Opportunities
Beyond restaurants and cafes, Cooks in Australia have significant opportunities in stable institutional sectors:
- Aged Care Facilities: Consistent year-round demand, often in regional areas.
- Hospitals and Healthcare Catering: Stable employment with structured, predictable rosters.
- School and Corporate Catering: Regular hours, often Monday–Friday.
- Mining Camp Catering (WA, QLD): High pay, particularly for FIFO (Fly-In Fly-Out) catering roles.
These sectors often provide more stable, predictable working hours compared to traditional restaurant settings, which can be highly appealing for migrants settling with family.
Occupation Differences
Cook (351411) vs Chef (351311)
| Feature | Cook (351411) | Chef (351311) |
|---|---|---|
| Skill Level | Skill Level 3 | Skill Level 2 (higher) |
| Primary Focus | Food preparation under direction | Menu planning, costing, staff supervision |
| Occupation List | STSOL | MLTSSL |
| 189 Visa Eligible | No | Yes |
| Assessing Body | TRA (MSA) | TRA (MSA) |
If your experience includes significant menu planning, costing, and kitchen staff supervision, discuss with a migration agent whether applying under ANZSCO 351311 (Chef) would better reflect your role and open up additional visa pathways including the 189.
Migration Services
Why Migrate & How Migration Republic Can Help Cooks
Cook remains one of the most achievable hospitality migration pathways to Australia, particularly via state nomination and employer sponsorship. Migration Republic's experienced team has helped numerous hospitality professionals successfully migrate and build careers across Australia's restaurants, hotels, and catering sector.
Our services for Cooks include:
- ✔ TRA/MSA application preparation and document review
- ✔ ANZSCO code guidance (Cook vs Chef) to maximise your visa options
- ✔ State nomination strategy for 190 and 491 visas
- ✔ Employer sponsorship guidance for 482 and 186 visas
- ✔ Points score calculation and optimisation
- ✔ Full visa lodgement and ongoing case management
👉 Bring your culinary skills to Australia's kitchens. Let's plan it right.
Interactive Tools
Calculate Points & Check Your Visa Eligibility
Use our interactive self-service migration tools to calculate your points score, test your eligibility, and discover your potential Australian visa options instantly.
PR Points Calculator
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Calculate Points ↗Visa Selection Quiz
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Start Visa Quiz ↗Eligibility Checker
Verify if you meet the core requirements for Australian skilled, regional state nomination, or employer-sponsored visas.
Check Eligibility ↗FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
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Book Consultation TodayDisclaimer: Immigration laws, occupation lists, and assessing body requirements change regularly. This content is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or migration advice. Please consult a registered migration agent or legal practitioner for advice specific to your circumstances.
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