Last Updated on July 9, 2025 by Ozlinks Education
OSCA 161631 Senior Chef
A senior chef with OSCA code 161631 is a promising career in Australia. This is due to the growing demand for experienced chefs in Australia. Many overseas people are interested in working and pursuing the opportunity to settle permanently in Australia because of the country’s low population, low pollution, clean air, beautiful natural landscapes, breathtaking views, and high living standards.
Note: The new OSCA 161631 Senior Chef occupation corresponds to the ANZSCO 351311, Chef.
Senior Chefs
A senior chefs manage and oversee the operation of kitchens in dining and other food service establishments.
Note: Occupation OSCA 321131 Chef is excluded from this unit group.
Main tasks
- Develops and monitors kitchen budgets, considering labour, ingredient and equipment costs
- Designs and plans menus based on seasonal trends, customer preferences and costs
- Oversees the recruitment, development and training of Chefs and other kitchen staff
- Assigns tasks and responsibilities to Chefs and Cooks
- Oversees the preparation and presentation of dishes
- Uses and teaches advanced culinary skills and techniques required to prepare menu pieces
- Inspects ingredients and dishes to ensure quality standards are met
- Enforces strict adherence to health and safety regulations in the kitchen
Specialisations
- Executive Chef
- Head Chef
- Sous Chef
OSCA Skill Level 2
The OSCA Skill Level 2 requires you to have at least one of the following qualifications in a relevant field. Your qualification must align with the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).
- Diploma, or
- Advanced Diploma, or
- Associate degree, or
- at least three years of relevant experience.
Skills Assessment Requirements
Assessing Authority: TRA
A skills assessment determines if you have the necessary skills and experience to work in Australia at the right level for your job under the OSCA 161631 Senior Chef. Your evidence must corroborate your work experience in your field. This evidence may include references from your employers, detailed job descriptions, and any relevant qualifications. Successfully demonstrating your capabilities is essential for obtaining a positive skills assessment outcome.
Note: *Upon completion of the skills assessment, you will be awarded the Certificate IV in Kitchen Management.
Skills Assessment Pathway
There are two skills assessment pathways either Pathway 1 or Pathway 2 depends on whether you have or don’t have an accepted Australian qualification.
Pathway 1: You don't have an Australian qualification
As part of the skill assessment criteria, you must have:
- 5 years of work experience without formal training, or
- 3 years of full-time work experience (or the part-time equivalent) at the required skill level, with relevant formal training, and
- At least 12 months of full-time relevant work experience within the last 3 years.
Pathway 2 - You do have an Australian qualification
As part of the skill assessment criteria, you must have:
- An Australian qualification including a Statement of Results, and
- 3 years of full-time work experience (or the part-time equivalent) at the required skill level, and
- At least 12 months of full-time relevant work experience within the last 3 years.
Skills Assessment Process
The skills assessment process for the occupation consists of 2 steps:
1-Documentary Evidence
The first step in the skills assessment process is to submit your application along with all required supporting documents. This submission relates to either pathway 1 or pathway 2, which must include evidence of your employment and qualifications for approval.
2-Technical Interview
A technical interview is usually held either in person or via a video call with an assessor. During this interview, the assessor will ask a range of questions related to the skills and knowledge pertinent to your occupation. Typically, this interview lasts approximately 2 to 3 hours.
Skill Assessment Outcome
If you successfully completed skill assessment with positive outcome you will receive the following:
- an Australian Certificate III or IV qualification and Statement of Results*.
- a successful skills assessment result letter for your visa application.
If your trade skills assessment is unsuccessful, you will receive:
- an unsuccessful skills assessment result letter
- a Statement of Results and Statement of Attainment.
Skill Assessment Application Fees
The following table shows the fees that the assessment authority charges for the skill assessment based on the assessment pathway you select.
|
Pathway 1 Application Fees (AUD) |
|
|
Stage 1 - Documentary Evidence Assessment |
$1,120 |
|
Stage 2 - Technical Interview |
$2,000 |
|
Pathway 2 Application Fees (AUD) |
|
|
Stage 1 - Documentary Evidence Assessment |
$1,120 |
|
Stage 2 - Technical Interview |
$900 |
Potential Visa Pathways for Chef
The Occupation Standard Classification for Australia, OSCA code 161631 Senior Chefs, listed on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL), is a highly desired occupation, with the possibility to secure a permanent resident pathway through the following visas:
OSCA 161631 Senior Chef: Visa Options
General Skilled Migration Program
The General Skilled Migration program is a points-based visa that enables eligible overseas skilled workers to migrate to Australia without the need for an employer to sponsor their visa. In order to qualify for general skilled migration visas, you must possess a skill in a profession that is in high demand in Australia.
This visa system is points-based and assesses applicants on a variety of criteria, such as their academic background, work experience, English language proficiency, and age. The program ensures that migrants can effectively integrate into the Australian workforce and society by prioritising those with skills in demand in addition to addressing labour shortages.
Successful applicants can stay and work in Australia indefinitely on a permanent visa. The General Skilled Migration program is divided into three visa subclasses, which include:
- Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa
- Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa
- Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional Visa
Skill Assessment Support
We provide skill assessment support, and our document-checking expertise ensures that your applications meet the requirements. This strategy will assist us in preparing your application for the best possible outcome.
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Professional Advice
We simplify the Australian immigration application process and provide precise, specialised assistance based on your specific needs. We determine the optimal immigration road for you, and if the law or your circumstances change unexpectedly, we provide other paths to assist you in achieving your migration goals.
Our dedicated team is committed to staying updated on the latest immigration policies, ensuring that you have the most accurate information at your fingertips. With our support, you can navigate the complexities of the system with confidence and clarity.
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