TL;DR
- The 485 visa allows cooks to work and live in Australia temporarily after completing their studies.
- To be eligible, you need a Certificate III or IV in Commercial Cookery and a positive skills assessment.
- You can stay in Australia for 18 months to 5 years, depending on the visa stream.
- The visa provides work rights, healthcare access, and a pathway to permanent residency
- Application fee starts at AUD 2,300, with additional costs for medical checks and police certificates
Are you a cook dreaming of starting a new chapter in Australia? You’re not alone – many skilled chefs and cooks from all over the world are looking to make Australia their home. The hospitality industry in Australia is booming, and there’s a growing demand for skilled cooks to help support its vibrant food culture. But with so many options and visa pathways available, the process of securing a 485 visa and working towards permanent residency (PR) might feel a bit overwhelming.
So, how does the 485 visa work for cooks, and what steps do you need to follow to secure it? Let’s find out.
Please Note: This article serves as a general guide to help you understand the topic, with information accurate as of the publication date. We recommend consulting a registered migration agent or The Department of Home Affairs for precise, up-to-date guidance tailored to your specific circumstances.
What is the 485 Visa?
The Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) is a great option for international students who have completed their studies in Australia to stay temporarily, work, and gain valuable work experience. If you’ve completed qualifications like Certificate III or IV in Commercial Cookery or a Diploma of Hospitality Management, this visa can be the key to getting started in the Australian hospitality sector.
The subclass 485 visa has three main streams:
1. Post-Vocational Education Work Stream
This stream is designed for graduates with vocational qualifications in occupations that are in demand in Australia, such as cooking. By applying under this stream, you can live, work, and study in Australia temporarily, gaining valuable hands-on experience in commercial kitchens.
2. Post-Higher Education Work Stream
If you’ve completed a degree from an Australian institution, this stream allows you to stay in Australia and work in a job related to your qualification.
3. Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream
This stream is available for graduates who have already held a Post-Higher Education Work or Post-Study Work visa. It’s designed for those who have studied at a regional Australian institution, allowing you to extend your stay and gain further experience in regional areas of Australia.
For cooks, the subclass 485 visa is especially valuable as it provides the perfect chance to gain practical work experience in the vibrant Australian hospitality sector, and potentially work towards permanent residency down the line.
Now that we understand what the 485 visa is, it’s time to explore the eligibility requirements.
Eligibility Requirements for Cooks
Before you can apply for the 485 visa, there are several eligibility criteria you must meet. Here’s what you need:
1. Qualification Requirements:
For the Post-Vocational Education Work Stream, you need a qualification in commercial cookery (typically a Certificate III or IV in Commercial Cookery). Make sure that your course is CRICOS-registered.
2. Skills Assessment:
You’ll need to undergo a skills assessment through TRA (Trades Recognition Australia). This is to confirm that your skills meet Australian standards.
3. Age Requirement:
Applicants must be aged under 50 years to apply for the 485 visa.
4. English Language Proficiency:
You need to show proof of your English skills. A common test is the IELTS with a score of at least 6.5 overall.
5. Health and Character Checks:
You must meet the health requirements, which usually means a medical check-up. Additionally, you’ll need police clearance to show you have no criminal record.
By ensuring you meet these requirements, you’re one step closer to applying for the 485 visa. Let’s look at the steps you need to take to apply.
Step-by-Step Process to Apply for the 485 Visa
The 485 visa application process can feel complex, but it becomes manageable when broken down into simple steps.
Here’s how you can apply:
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Make sure you meet all the eligibility criteria outlined earlier, such as having the right qualifications, passing your skills assessment, and meeting age and language requirements.
Step 2: Gather Your Documents
Gather all the necessary documents to support your application. These include:
- Skills assessment results (TRA or VETASSESS)
- English language proficiency test results (e.g., IELTS)
- Proof of identity (passport)
- Police clearance and health checks
Make sure all documents are up-to-date and certified where necessary.
Step 3: Apply for the 485 Visa
Next, submit your visa application. The application can be done online through the Department of Home Affairs website. Ensure all your documents are attached and correctly completed.
Step 4: Wait for Your Visa Outcome
After submitting your visa application, the Department of Home Affairs will assess your documents and send you a decision. If your application is approved, you’ll be granted the 485 visa.
Following these steps carefully will ensure that your application is processed smoothly. Now, let’s look at the benefits of securing a 485 visa as a cook.
Benefits of the 485 Visa for Cooks
The 485 visa offers a range of benefits that will help you settle into your new life in Australia:
1. Work Rights:
The 485 visa allows you to work full-time in Australia, gaining valuable industry experience.
2. Pathway to PR:
The 485 visa is a great pathway to permanent residency. If you meet the requirements, you can transition to other skilled migration visas such as the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) or Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190).
3. Family Rights:
You can bring your family members (spouse, children) with you to Australia while holding the 485 visa.
4. Travel Rights:
The visa allows you to travel in and out of Australia for the duration of the visa’s validity.
These benefits make the 485 visa a great option for cooks looking to build their career in Australia. Now, let’s discuss the costs associated with applying for the 485 visa.
Costs Involved in the 485 Visa Application
When applying for the 485 visa, it’s important to budget for the various costs involved. Here’s a breakdown:
1. Visa Application Fee:
The 485 visa application fee starts at AUD 2,300 (depending on the stream you choose). This fee is paid in two instalments – the first when you apply, and the second when requested by the Department of Home Affairs.
2. Additional Costs:
You’ll need to factor in the cost of medical exams, police certificates, and biometrics. These can vary but typically add to the overall cost of the visa application.
3. Translations:
If your documents are not in English, you’ll need to pay for translations by an accredited translator.
Planning for these costs in advance will help you avoid any surprises in the future.
With the costs in mind, let’s look at how long it will take to process your 485 visa application.
How Long Is the Wait for a 485 Visa?
The processing time for the 485 visa may vary, but usually, it takes about 2 to 3 months for the Post‑Vocational Education Work stream. The timeline may differ depending on your application’s complexity and whether all required documents have been submitted.
Factors that can influence processing times include:
- The completeness of your application
- The length of time it takes to verify supporting documents
- The number of visa applications being processed at the time
While the processing time can vary, it’s important to be patient and keep track of your application’s status. Make sure all your documents are in order to avoid delays.
Final Thoughts
Applying for the 485 visa as a cook in Australia is a promising opportunity for anyone wanting to work and settle in the country. With strong demand for skilled cooks in Australia’s vibrant hospitality sector, the 485 visa offers a great pathway to gaining work experience and potentially applying for permanent residency later.
And if at any point you feel uncertain, we’re here to help. Whether you need assistance with your skills assessment, visa application, or understanding the specific requirements, Knowbal Migration and Education is ready to guide you through the entire process. Reach out to us today, and let’s turn your dream of living and working in Australia into a reality!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What qualifications do I need to apply for the 485 visa as a cook?
You need a Certificate III or IV in Commercial Cookery from a CRICOS-registered institution.
2. How long can I stay in Australia on the 485 visa as a cook?
The 485 visa allows you to stay for 18 months to 4 years on Post‑Vocational Education Work stream. Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders may stay for 5 years.
3. Can I apply for PR after the 485 visa as a cook?
Yes, the 485 visa can lead to permanent residency through other skilled migration pathways.
4. How much does the 485 visa cost for a cook?
The application fee for the 485 visa is around AUD 2,300, with additional costs for medical checks and police certificates.
5. Do I need work experience to apply for the 485 visa as a cook?
No, work experience is not required to apply for the 485 visa.
Have more questions? Contact Knowbal!
