How to Immigrate to Australia as a Cook

A Cook - the backbone of every kitchen who turns every simple ingredient into delightful meals with skill and creativity. Their expertise is beyond cooking, tasting food and maintaining hygiene in the kitchen as they are also the driving force behind the success of restaurants and the hospitality sector worldwide.

 Australia’s rich diverse culture and dynamic hospitality industry are key drivers behind the rising demand for immigration to the country. So, if you are a qualified cook, and desire to immigrate to Australia, then explore our guide on how to Immigrate to Australia as a cook and become permanent residents of Australia.  

Define a Cook

A Cook (ANZSCO Code- 351411) is a qualified professional who prepares, season and cook food in dining and catering establishments. They are also known as the heart of the kitchen, as they work in terms of blending flavors, creating beyond imagination dishes, and inherit skill to serve dishes that leave lasting impressions.

Over the last few years, Australia has accepted numerous applications, and the large number of applications submitted were of qualified cooks. Australia’s booming hospitality sector is in dire need of qualified cooks who understand Australia’s diverse culture and industry needs, highlighting the importance of skilled professionals. With the increasing demand, cooks have already been nominated as one of the highest paying job profiles in Australia. 

Benefits of a Cook in a Kitchen

The cooks are also considered as the soul of the kitchen, second in the line of work, and help the chef in the course of work. Their contribution is unmatched, hence it delivers some of the benefits such as:

 1.  A cook ensures consistency in quality by making sure every dish meets the same taste, presentation, and hygiene standards.

2.  A cook saves time by managing meal preparation smoothly and on schedule.

3.  A cook is responsible for menu variety as he introduces creativity with new dishes and innovative cooking styles.

4.  A cook is held responsible for better kitchen management as he maintains cleanliness, organizes supplies, and reduces food wastage. 

Shortage Occupation List 

 Roles and Responsibilities of a Cook

Second in the line of duty, a cook is responsible for various duties in the kitchen after the Chef. A cook is entitled to help the chef in the daily chores of the kitchen, securing a significant place. A cook is designated to various tasks and duties such as:

 ❖  A Cook is responsible for examining foodstuffs to ensure quality

❖  He also regulates the temperatures of ovens, grills and other cooking equipment

❖  A cook also prepares, cooks and checks the seasoning of food

❖  He also regulates proper portioning of food, placing it on plates, and adding gravies, sauces and garnishes

❖  A cook makes sure to store food in temperature-controlled facilities

❖  He is also equipped with the talent of preparing food to meet special dietary requirements

❖  A cook may plan menus and estimate food requirements

❖  After chef he may train other kitchen staff and apprentices

 A cook is the next in command individual after the chef, who holds a lot of responsibilities in running the kitchen efficiently. 

Read: How to Immigrate to Australia as a Chef. 

Visa Options to Immigrate to Australia as a Cook

Qualified cooks who desire to immigrate to Australia must understand the available visa pathways. The most commonly popular visa pathways are: 

1.  Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

Subclass 189, allows skilled professionals to immigrate to Australia when they are being nominated by the Australian states or territories, such as Queensland, Western Australia, and New South Wales. Without nomination, applicants cannot immigrate with this subclass. 

2.  Skilled Work Regional (Provision) Visa (Subclass 491)

Subclass 491, allows skilled professionals to immigrate to Australia only when they are being priorly nominated by the regional areas of Australia, such as Perth, Adelaide, and New Castle. Applicants immigrating with this subclass must have a prior nomination. 

Average Salaries Drawn by a Cook in Australia

Cook, the subordinate in the kitchen after the chef, plays a vital role in the kitchen duties. However, they earn a significant amount of money during the course of their career. A cook earns an average income which is bestowed below. 

 How to Immigrate to Australia as a Cook

Australia, the land of opportunities, never disappoints any professional who desires to immigrate. So, if you are a qualified cook and want to immigrate to Australia as a cook, then follow some steps and make your dream come true.

 1.  Check Eligibility

Qualified cooks who desire to immigrate to Australia need to check their eligibility requirements for the process. The eligibility factors are:

❖  65 points:

●    Age

●    Work experience

●    Educational qualifications

●    English language proficiency test score (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL)

❖   Selected occupation to be listed on the Australia Skilled Occupation List with a valid ANZSCO Code

 2.  Skill Assessment from Skillset

Any professional who wants to immigrate to Australia as a cook needs to submit all the educational credentials to TRA (Trades Recognition Australia) Skill Assessment Authority. The skill assessment authority evaluates candidates qualifications according to the Australian standards. Along with educational credentials, applicants need to submit some of the essential documents, such as:

●    Valid passport

●    Employer reference letter

●    Work experience letter

●    Bank statement (3-6 months)

 3.  Apply ROI

Once skill assessment is done, applicants are required to submit ROIs. Applicants applying under subclass 190 and 491 are required to submit ROIs (Registration of Interest). ROIs are official declarations, stating candidates' interest in Australian states or territories for immigration. Without submission of ROIs applicants cannot proceed with the procedure of immigration.

 4.  Register EOI

Once ROIs are submitted, candidates now require to lodge an EOI (Expression of interest). EOIs are official statements submitted by the applicant highlighting the purpose behind immigration and the duration of stay in Australia. 

 5.  Receive ITA

The last step in this journey is receiving an ITA (Invitation to Apply) from the Department of Home Affairs. Receiving an ITA ensures completion of the procedure and allowance of submission of the official documents of the applicant.

For skilled cooks, Australia is more than just a destination – it’s an opportunity to turn passion for food into a long-term career. With its booming hospitality sector and love for global cuisines, the country welcomes talented professionals who can bring creativity and consistency to the table.