🌍 Chef Jobs with Visa Sponsorship – The Honest Reality

Chef and cook roles are among the most commonly sponsored occupations worldwide — but the rules have tightened significantly in recent years, and there are important distinctions between different chef roles and different countries.

The key changes you need to know:

• UK: Since 22 July 2025, new sponsorship of chefs has ended because the role is below degree level and is not on the Immigration Salary List. Only workers who already held a Skilled Worker visa as a chef before that date can extend or change employers. The transitional going rate is £33,400 per year.
• Australia: Chef (ANZSCO 351311) and Cook (ANZSCO 351411) are both on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) and can be nominated under the 482 Core Skills stream. Salary must meet the CSIT of A$79,423 (from 1 July 2026) or the market rate.
• Canada: Cooks (NOC 63200, TEER 3) are actively sponsored through the LMIA process. There are 150,000+ verified LMIA employer records for cook roles across Ontario, BC, Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
• New Zealand: Chef roles were reclassified on 9 March 2026 under the National Occupation List (NOL). Head Chef is Skill Level 1, Sous Chef is Skill Level 2, and Other Chef is Skill Level 3. Chef is NOT on the Green List — there is no straight-to-residence fast track. The route is AEWV → Skilled Migrant Category.
• EU: Chefs qualify for the §18a Skilled Worker visa in Germany with a recognised vocational qualification. The EU Blue Card is also available for high-earning specialist chefs.
• Gulf: The most accessible region for all levels of chef roles. Employers routinely sponsor overseas chefs with free accommodation, food, transport and medical insurance.

📋 Chef & Kitchen Occupations – Visa Eligibility by Country

Here is the realistic breakdown of chef and kitchen occupations and their sponsorship availability across the major countries.

👉 Key takeaway: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the EU and the Gulf remain open and active for chef sponsorship. UK chef sponsorship is closed for new applicants — only existing visa holders can extend or change employers. Australia has the strongest pathway to permanent residency — Chef (ANZSCO 351311) is on the CSOL, with a clear route from 482 to 186 after two years. Canada has 150,000+ verified LMIA employer records for cook roles. New Zealand reclassified chef roles in March 2026 — Head Chef is Skill Level 1, Sous Chef is Skill Level 2, Other Chef is Skill Level 3. EU chefs qualify for the §18a Skilled Worker visa in Germany with a recognised vocational qualification. Gulf is the most accessible for all levels with free accommodation and benefits included.

🌎 Region-by-Region Chef Sponsorship Guide

🇬🇧 United Kingdom – Chef Sponsorship Closed for New Applicants

The UK closed chef sponsorship for new applicants on 22 July 2025. Chef (SOC 5434) is below degree level and is not on the Immigration Salary List. Only workers who already held a Skilled Worker visa as a chef before that date can extend or change employers.

• Who this affects: New overseas chefs cannot be sponsored. If you are already in the UK on a chef Skilled Worker visa, you can change employers and extend your visa.
• Transitional going rate: £33,400 per year (£17.13 per hour) for code 5434. For someone whose first Certificate of Sponsorship was issued before 4 April 2024, the going rate is £25,000.
• Salary threshold: The salary threshold for Chef roles (SOC 5434) is £29,000 under Appendix FM-SE of the UK Immigration Rules.
• Employer requirement: Must hold a valid Skilled Worker sponsor licence and assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
• Realistic outlook: Closed for new applicants. Do not pay agents claiming to offer new UK chef sponsorship — it does not exist.

🇦🇺 Australia – 482, 186 and 494 Visas (ANZSCO 351311 / 351411)

Australia has the strongest pathway to permanent residency for chefs worldwide. Chef (ANZSCO 351311) and Cook (ANZSCO 351411) are both on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) and can be nominated under the 482 Core Skills stream.

• Eligible occupations: Chef (ANZSCO 351311) — Skill Level 2, requires Diploma or higher qualification, or Certificate III/IV plus 3 years relevant experience. Cook (ANZSCO 351411) — Skill Level 3, requires Certificate III in Commercial Cookery or equivalent, or 3 years relevant experience. Pastrycook (ANZSCO 351112) also eligible.
• Salary threshold: A$79,423 (CSIT from 1 July 2026) or the market rate, whichever is higher. The salary must also meet the relevant Fair Work modern award.
• Skills assessment: TRA (Trades Recognition Australia) is the assessing authority for cook and chef positions. TRA conducts the Job Ready Program (JRP): Provisional Skills Assessment (PSA), Job Ready Employment (JRE) — at least 12 months of paid employment, Job Ready Workplace Assessment (JRWA), and Job Ready Final Assessment (JRFA).
• Work experience: At least 1–2 years of relevant full-time experience in the last 5 years. For 482 nominations, a TRA skills assessment may not be required if the nominee holds a relevant Australian qualification.
• Employer costs: Standard Business Sponsorship ~$420 (valid ~5 years). Nomination ~$330 per position. Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy: $1,200/year for businesses under $10M turnover, or $1,800/year otherwise.
• Labour Market Testing: Usually required — the role must be advertised in Australia for at least 4 weeks before lodging the nomination.
• Pathway to PR: After 2 years on the 482, you can transition to the 186 permanent visa. There is also a Restaurant (Premium Dining) Industry Labour Agreement for high-end establishments (minimum $2M annual revenue).
• Salary: Chef A$70,000–A$95,000. Head Chef A$85,000–A$120,000. Sous Chef A$70,000–A$90,000. Pastry Chef A$65,000–A$85,000.
• Realistic outlook: Excellent. Australia has genuine demand for chefs across all states and territories, with a clear pathway to permanent residency.

🇨🇦 Canada – LMIA for Cooks and Chefs (NOC 63200 / 62200)

Canada is one of the most accessible countries for chef and cook sponsorship. Cooks (NOC 63200, TEER 3) and Chefs (NOC 62200) are actively sponsored through the LMIA process.

• Eligible occupations: Cook (NOC 63200, TEER 3) — low-wage and high-wage streams available. Chef (NOC 62200) — including head chefs, sous chefs and specialist chefs.
• LMIA: The employer must apply for and obtain a positive LMIA. Canada has 150,000+ verified LMIA employer records for cook roles across Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
• Salary: Ontario: CAD $17.20–$22.00/hr. British Columbia: CAD $17.40–$23.00/hr. Alberta: CAD $16.00–$21.00/hr. Median wage in some regions: CAD $18.00/hr. Chef roles: CAD $17.85–$36.37/hr depending on experience and cuisine.
• Work experience: Relevant experience in a commercial kitchen environment. Part-time work during study in Canada can count if substantial.
• English requirement: CLB 4–5 for most work permits; higher for PR pathways.
• Pathway to PR: An LMIA-backed job offer adds CRS points under Express Entry. Several Provincial Nominee Programs also nominate cooks and chefs.
• Realistic outlook: Excellent. Canada actively uses LMIA to fill cook and chef shortages, with thousands of approved positions across all provinces.

🇳🇿 New Zealand – AEWV with Reclassified Chef Roles (March 2026)

New Zealand reclassified chef roles on 9 March 2026 under the National Occupation List (NOL). Chefs are now separated into more clearly defined occupations based on skill level and seniority.

• New chef classifications: Head Chef / Executive Chef — Skill Level 1 (NOL Level 1). Sous Chef — Skill Level 2 (NOL Level 2). Other Chef — Skill Level 3 (NOL Level 3).
• Green List status: Chef is NOT on the Green List. There is no straight-to-residence fast track. The route is AEWV → Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) for residence.
• AEWV requirements: Job offer from an accredited employer. Minimum 30 hours per week. Employers must advertise the role for a minimum of 14 days and demonstrate genuine efforts to recruit a suitably qualified local before offering the position to a foreign national.
• Salary: Must meet the AEWV median wage (NZD $35.00/hour from 9 March 2026). Head Chef NZD $70,000–$110,000. Sous Chef NZD $60,000–$80,000. Chef de Partie NZD $55,000–$70,000. Commis Chef NZD $48,000–$58,000.
• English requirement: No formal test for most roles, but an English language requirement may apply for residence pathways.
• Realistic outlook: Good for experienced chefs, particularly Head Chef and Sous Chef roles. The reclassification has clarified the skill levels, which should help employers and applicants match roles more accurately.

🇪🇺 EU – §18a Skilled Worker and EU Blue Card

Chefs qualify for the §18a Skilled Worker visa in Germany with a recognised vocational qualification. The EU Blue Card is also available for high-earning specialist chefs.

• Germany §18a: For chefs with a recognised vocational qualification (Ausbildung-equivalent, 2+ years). Requires a job offer and qualification recognition. The recognition body is IHK FOSA for commercial and technical fields, or the relevant Handwerkskammer for crafts. Processing time: 3–6 months.
• Germany §18b / EU Blue Card: For chefs with a university degree (e.g. culinary arts, hospitality management). The Blue Card sits inside §18b as a faster sub-track for high earners. Standard Blue Card salary threshold: €50,700 (2026).
• Specialist chefs (§ 11 Employment Regulation): Language teachers and specialty chefs may be issued a residence permit without the approval of the Federal Employment Agency in some cases.
• Ireland (distinct system within the EU): Chefs are eligible for the General Employment Permit. Minimum annual remuneration is €34,000. Labour Market Needs Test required. Pathway to long-term residency after 5 years.
• Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Sweden: Chefs may be eligible for work permits where the occupation is on the national shortage list or meets the salary threshold.
• Language requirement: Most EU countries require basic to intermediate proficiency in the local language for chef roles (e.g. German B1 for Germany).
• Salary: Germany €30,000–€45,000. Ireland €34,000–€50,000. Netherlands €32,000–€48,000.
• Pathway to PR: §18a leads to permanent residency after 3–4 years in Germany. Ireland offers long-term residency after 5 years on the GEP.
• Realistic outlook: Good for qualified chefs with vocational training. Germany and Ireland are the most structured pathways for non-EU chefs.

🇦🇪 UAE and Gulf – Employment Visa

The Gulf is the most accessible region for all levels of chef sponsorship. Employers in the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait routinely sponsor overseas chefs with free accommodation, food, transport and medical insurance.

• Eligible roles: Executive Chef, Head Chef, Sous Chef, Chef de Partie, Commis Chef, Pastry Chef, Specialist Cuisine Chef, Cook.
• UAE Employment Visa: Employer-sponsored. Standard for all full-time chef roles. Benefits typically include free accommodation, food, transport, medical insurance and visa sponsorship.
• Qatar Employment Visa: Requires attested culinary diplomas and proof of at least 3–5 years of professional work experience. Employer must provide proof of staff accommodation and a staffing plan.
• Saudi Arabia Skilled Employment Visa: Employer-sponsored. Occupational qualification testing may be required for some roles. Premium Residency is available for talented chefs.
• Salary: UAE Executive Chef AED 15,000–30,000/month. Head Chef AED 10,000–20,000/month. Sous Chef AED 7,000–12,000/month. Commis Chef AED 3,000–5,000/month. All tax-free with accommodation and food included.
• English requirement: No formal test. Basic English is an advantage.
• Realistic outlook: Excellent. The Gulf is the best region for general chef sponsorship worldwide, with comprehensive benefit packages included.

🇸🇬 Singapore – S Pass and Employment Pass

Singapore offers two main pathways for chef sponsorship: the S Pass for mid-skilled chefs and the Employment Pass for Head Chefs and Culinary Directors.

• Employment Pass (Head Chefs / Culinary Directors): Minimum qualifying salary SGD 5,600/month (rising with age to SGD 10,700 for candidates aged 45+). Requires recognised qualifications and at least 40 points on COMPASS.
• S Pass (Sous Chefs / Chef de Partie / Cooks): Minimum qualifying salary SGD 3,300/month (from Sep 2025). Subject to a stricter employer quota (10% for the services sector).
• COMPASS: Expanded professional qualifications in hospitality and culinary arts are now recognised under COMPASS. Culinary diplomas and professional licences are accepted.
• Salary: Executive Chef SGD 8,000–15,000/month. Head Chef SGD 6,000–10,000/month. Sous Chef SGD 4,000–6,000/month. Chef de Partie SGD 3,000–4,500/month.
• Pathway to PR: EP and S Pass holders can apply for Permanent Residence after sufficient time in Singapore.
• Realistic outlook: Good for Head Chefs and Culinary Directors on the EP. S Pass is viable for mid-level chefs but subject to quota restrictions.

💰 Chef & Kitchen Salary Guide – Global Comparison

🔹 Figures are annual base salary before benefits and taxes. Gulf salaries are tax-free and packages typically include free accommodation, food, transport and medical insurance. UK chef sponsorship is closed for new applicants — only existing visa holders can extend. Australia salary floor for the 482 visa is A$79,423. Canada cook wages: Ontario CAD $17.20–$22.00/hr, BC $17.40–$23.00/hr. New Zealand AEWV median wage: NZD $35.00/hour. Singapore EP minimum: SGD 5,600/month; S Pass minimum: SGD 3,300/month. All figures are indicative and vary by employer, cuisine, experience and location.

📌 Step-by-Step: How to Get a Sponsored Chef Job

1. Identify your target country — Australia (strongest PR pathway), Canada (150,000+ LMIA records), New Zealand (AEWV, reclassified March 2026), EU (§18a Germany, Ireland GEP), Gulf (most accessible, tax-free) and Singapore (S Pass / EP). UK chef sponsorship is closed for new applicants.
2. Confirm your occupation and ANZSCO/NOC code — Chef (ANZSCO 351311) vs Cook (ANZSCO 351411) in Australia; Cook (NOC 63200) vs Chef (NOC 62200) in Canada; Head Chef / Sous Chef / Other Chef in New Zealand.
3. Check the salary threshold — Australia: A$79,423 CSIT; Canada: CAD $17.20–$23.00/hr depending on province; New Zealand: NZD $35.00/hour; EU: Germany §18a no fixed threshold, Blue Card €50,700; Ireland GEP €34,000; Singapore: SGD 5,600/month (EP) or SGD 3,300/month (S Pass).
4. Book your skills assessment (Australia) — TRA (Trades Recognition Australia) for cook and chef positions. Job Ready Program: PSA, JRE (12 months paid employment), JRWA, JRFA.
5. Get your qualification recognised (EU) — IHK FOSA or Handwerkskammer for Germany §18a. Anerkennung process for vocational qualification recognition.
6. Prepare your English test — Australia: IELTS 5.0 for 482; Canada: CLB 4–5; New Zealand: no test for AEWV; EU: local language (German B1 for Germany); Singapore: no formal test; Gulf: no test.
7. Rewrite your CV to the local format — 2–3 pages, no photo for Australia/Canada/NZ/EU; photo and personal details common in the Gulf. Highlight cuisines, kitchen sections managed, covers served, team size, and specialty skills.
8. Apply to verified sponsors only — use the IFMOSA kitchen filter to see employer-sponsored listings worldwide.
9. Interview — most chef interviews include a cooking trial, menu planning discussion, food safety knowledge, and kitchen management scenarios.
10. Employer lodges sponsorship application — Australia nomination, Canada LMIA, NZ Job Check, EU national work permit, UAE Employment Visa, Singapore S Pass/EP.
11. Lodge your visa application — attach qualifications, TRA assessment, English test, health and character documents as required.
12. Grant and relocation — processing times vary from 2–4 weeks (Gulf) to 3–6 months (Australia/NZ/Canada).

✅ On IFMOSA chef jobs: we indicate the sponsorship route for each listing and link to the official government page for that country.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions – Chef Visa Sponsorship

⚠️ Common Chef Job Scams – How to Spot Fake Sponsorship

• "UK chef sponsorship" ads: If a recruiter promises a new UK chef sponsorship, it is a scam. Chef sponsorship closed for new applicants on 22 July 2025.
• "Guaranteed visa" promises: only government authorities can grant visas. No agent can guarantee approval.
• Upfront payment requests: no legitimate employer asks for visa processing fees before hiring.
• WhatsApp recruiters asking for passport scans before a formal offer: verify the employer on the official sponsor register first.
• Job offers without a sponsorship reference number: genuine sponsors provide a CoS, LMIA, nomination or Job Check reference.
• Salaries far below market rate: a "head chef" role advertised at $500/month is a red flag.
• Trial shifts without pay: legitimate employers pay for trial shifts or treat them as part of the interview process.
• Fake job boards: stick to verified platforms like IFMOSA and official government job banks.

🛡️ How IFMOSA Verifies Chef Jobs

• ✔️ Cross-reference employer registration with government registries worldwide.
• ✔️ Direct links to official immigration websites on every chef job post.
• ✔️ No "pay to apply" — we reject any listing asking for upfront fees.
• ✔️ Manual review for unrealistic claims (e.g. "guaranteed new UK chef visa").
• ✔️ Clear labelling of the sponsorship route for each listing (Australia 482, Canada LMIA, NZ AEWV, Germany §18a, UAE Visa, Singapore S Pass/EP).

IFMOSA is not a recruiter — we are a safety-focused job board. Apply directly, keep your money safe, and follow the official immigration process for your target country.