Working Visas for Hospitality Professionals
Australia’s thriving hospitality industry offers abundant opportunities for skilled professionals from around the world. With a dynamic restaurant scene, ranging from lively city cafés to luxury beachfront resorts, there’s high demand for chefs, baristas, culinary experts, and service staff.
"During the COVID-19 closures, hospitality staff around the world were faced with the precarious prospect of staying home. Many hospitality workers reevaluated their career paths…for jobs that offer more flexibility or higher pay, such as retail, e-commerce, or warehousing."
McKinsey and Co
From Overseas to On the Menu: Harnessing Migration for Hospitality Talent
Australia's hospitality industry, known for its vibrant food culture and culinary excellence, is facing a critical skills shortage—particularly among chefs and bakers. The impact of COVID-19 saw many hospitality workers worldwide shift to more flexible or higher-paying industries like retail, e-commerce, and warehousing, leaving the hospitality sector struggling to recover.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), nearly 50% of accommodation and food services businesses had unfilled positions in November 2022, a dramatic rise from just 14.5% in February 2020. This shortage threatens the industry’s ability to maintain high-quality service and meet growing customer demands.
Andrew Barker, senior economist at the Committee for Economic Development of Australia (CEDA), highlighted that job vacancies in accommodation and food services have surged by over 200%, while retail trade vacancies increased by more than 140%.
Strategic migration services present a powerful solution by helping Australian hospitality businesses attract skilled talent from around the world. Through targeted visa programs, restaurant owners can recruit experienced chefs, bakers, and hospitality professionals, ensuring the industry continues to thrive and deliver exceptional dining experiences.
Strategic Migration: Unlock the Recipe for Success
Strategic migration services offer an effective solution for Australian restaurant owners facing critical skill shortages in the hospitality industry. By accessing global talent, restaurateurs can elevate their culinary standards and improve customer satisfaction. The Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa is a key pathway, designed to meet both short-term and medium-term staffing needs.
Skilled chefs, essential for crafting diverse and innovative menus, can be sponsored under the TSS Visa’s Short-Term stream for up to two years, ensuring consistent culinary excellence. For long-term staffing, bakers can be recruited through the Medium-Term stream, allowing them to work in Australia for up to four years, providing a steady flow of high-quality baked goods.
Enhance Culinary Excellence with Global Talent
Strategic migration goes beyond filling staffing gaps—it enriches Australia’s food scene with authentic flavors and diverse culinary techniques. Chefs and bakers from around the world bring unique perspectives, introducing new tastes and cooking styles that resonate with a wider customer base.
Cultural authenticity is a key ingredient in the hospitality industry. By employing international talent, restaurants can offer authentic global cuisines, attract a diverse clientele, and contribute to Australia’s growing reputation as a top destination for food tourism.
Dishing Out Success with K1 Migration’s Tailored Strategies
Australia’s hospitality industry continues to struggle with skill shortages, affecting its ability to deliver exceptional dining experiences. K1 Migration partners with a wide range of hospitality businesses—from award-winning restaurants to popular fast-food and bakery franchises—to provide tailored immigration solutions. Our innovative strategies help businesses source the ideal hospitality talent, supporting their success and enriching Australia’s vibrant culinary landscape.
Visa Options For Hospitality Workers In Australia
For those seeking employment in Australia’s hospitality industry, meeting the required skills assessments is essential for visa approval. These assessments ensure applicants have the qualifications and experience needed for their roles. The main types of work visas available for hospitality workers include:
Temporary work (short stay activity) Visa (subclass 400)
Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)
How the k1 team can help
Discover the lifestyle you desire and advance your hospitality career while making a difference for everyday Australians.
Step 1
Once you reach out to K1 Migration, we set up a discovery call to understand what your needs are and what Visa best suits you.
Step 2
From there, we will send you a Strategy proposal outlining the steps we will take to assist you in getting a Visa for you to sign off on.
Step 3
Now our team leaps into action, following immigration pathways, taking care of the paperwork and helping you through the entire application process.
Ready to Take the First Step?
Let’s make it happen together. Contact K1 Migration today, and let us help you or your business take the next big step. We’re here to make your move smooth, stress-free, and successful!
Not sure what visa you could be eligible for?
Australian visas can be confusing, especially if you might have more than one option. Use our Visa Finder to view your visa options.Â
Want to speak to someone about your case?
Not sure where to go from here? Speak to a registered migration agent about your immigration needs today.
Know what you need and want some pricing?
Know what visa you want to apply for but need some pricing? Get in touch with us and we will get back to you with a fixed price quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Australia’s hospitality and tourism sector faces significant labour shortages, especially in:
- Regional areas and popular tourist destinations.
- Hotels, cafés, restaurants, and resorts.
- Event management and hospitality leadership roles.
This demand is expected to grow, creating opportunities for both skilled and entry-level workers.
Yes. The Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) allows regional employers to sponsor hospitality workers with relaxed visa conditions, including:
- Age limit exemptions for experienced workers.
- Lower English language requirements.
- Reduced work experience requirements.
- Direct pathways to permanent residency.
Popular DAMA regions include parts of Northern Territory, Far North Queensland, and South Australia.
Yes. Most working visas allow you to include family members in your application:
- Spouse/partner and dependent children can accompany you.
- Family members can live, work, and study in Australia.
- They may also become eligible for permanent residency alongside the main applicant.
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Visa Resources
Stay informed with the latest updates, expert insights, and essential resources on Australia’s evolving visa programs. From skilled migration pathways to new visa regulations, K1 Migration provides clear, accurate, and actionable information to help individuals and businesses successfully navigate the complex immigration landscape.
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