Published Apr 24, 2026 · 16 min read

Australia PR for Chefs: Real Case Study Through the 190 Visa

Many international students study Commercial Cookery in Australia with the hope of building a long-term future. But getting PR is not always easy and straightforward. For Wayne, the challenge was clear. One was his occupation that was not getting strong invitation opportunities in Victoria and two, the 189 visa pathway was highly competitive. With the right strategy and guidance from Pathway to Aus, he changed direction and then successfully secured permanent residency through the Skilled Nominated Visa Subclass 190 in Western Australia. Read through to find out how Wayne Went From Student Visa to Permanent Residency in Australia.

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Quick Case Study Snapshot

  • Client: Wayne
  • Occupation: Chef
  • ANZSCO Code: 351311
  • Original State: Victoria
  • Strategic Move: Western Australia
  • Visa Pathway: Subclass 190 State Nominated Visa
  • Total Points Claimed: 80 points
  • Outcome: Permanent Residency granted

The Challenge: Limited PR Options in Victoria

Wayne first came to Australia to study a Commercial Cookery package in Victoria.

After completing his studies, he moved onto a graduate work visa and started the Job Ready Program.

However, his PR pathway became challenging because:

  • Victoria was not actively inviting chefs at the time
  • The Subclass 189 visa was very competitive
  • His occupation needed a stronger state nomination strategy
  • He needed to complete the JRP and obtain a positive skills assessment

This is a common issue for cookery graduates. Even if you study the right course, your location and timing can affect your migration options.

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Feeling stuck with your current visa options?

A different state or visa strategy may open new opportunities.

The Strategy: Moving to Western Australia

After speaking with Pathway to Aus, Wayne made a strategic decision to relocate to Western Australia.

At the time, WA offered better opportunities for chefs seeking state nomination.

This move helped Wayne align his occupation, work experience, and visa strategy with a more suitable pathway.

Why Western Australia Made Sense

Western Australia was a stronger option because:

  • WA was inviting chefs for state nomination
  • Wayne could build relevant local work experience
  • His occupation aligned with WA’s skilled migration needs
  • State nomination added 5 extra points toward his visa application

Sometimes, the right PR strategy is not just about your course or occupation. It is also about where you are living and working in Australia.

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Planning to study Commercial Cookery in Australia?

Before choosing your course or state, make sure you understand how it may connect to your long-term visa goals.

The Turning Point: Skills Assessment and State Nomination

Wayne continued working toward his migration goals in WA.

And then successfully completed the Job Ready Program receiving a positive skills assessment result from Trades Recognition Australia for the occupation of Chef (351311).

This was a major step in strengthening his application.

After several months of living and working in WA, Wayne then received his Western Australian state nomination for the Skilled Nominated Visa Subclass 190.

Wayne’s Points Breakdown

  • Age: 30 points
  • Superior English: 20 points
  • Diploma qualification: 10 points
  • Australian employment: 5 points
  • Australian study: 5 points
  • Partner competent English: 5 points
  • State nomination: 5 points

Total: 80 points

The Result: Permanent Residency in Australia

Wayne’s move to Western Australia paid off.

He was invited for the Subclass 190 visa and then finally granted permanent residency in Australia.

His journey shows how having a professional guidance, timing, and location can make a major difference when planning a PR pathway.

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Migration Team's Strategy for Wayne

“After discussing with Wayne, we made the decision to relocate to WA. Wayne finished the JRP, obtained a full skills assessment, and he was successfully invited for the permanent State Nominated 190 visa.”

What This Means for Other Chefs

Wayne’s case shows that chefs may still have strong PR opportunities in Australia, but the pathway depends on several factors:

  • Your nominated occupation
  • Your skills assessment
  • Your state nomination options
  • Your points score
  • Your work experience
  • Your English level
  • Your timing

A pathway that does not work well in one state may be stronger in another.

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Want to know which state may suit your PR pathway?

Pathway to Aus can help you understand your study, skills assessment, and visa options.

FAQs About PR Pathways for Chefs in Australia

Can chefs get PR in Australia?

Yes, chefs may be eligible for skilled migration pathways, including state nominated visas, depending on their skills assessment, points, work experience, and state nomination availability.

Is Commercial Cookery a PR pathway in Australia?

Commercial Cookery can support a skilled migration pathway. However, it is take note that studying the course alone does not guarantee PR. All applicants usually need to meet skills assessment, visa, and state nomination requirements.

What visa did Wayne apply for?

Wayne applied for the Skilled Nominated Visa Subclass 190 after receiving Western Australian state nomination.

Why did Wayne move to Western Australia?

Wayne moved to WA because it offered stronger state nomination opportunities for chefs compared with Victoria at the time.

How many points did Wayne claim?

Wayne claimed 80 points, including points for age, English, education, Australian study, Australian employment, partner English, and state nomination.

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Start Planning Your PR Pathway

Your course, occupation, state, and timing can all affect your future visa options.

If you are studying cookery, hospitality, or another trade course in Australia, it is important to understand your pathway early.

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Disclaimer

This case study is based on one client’s individual circumstances. Migration outcomes vary depending on visa requirements, government policy, state nomination criteria, points, skills assessment, and personal circumstances. This information is general in nature and does not guarantee any visa outcome.

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