Premium Dining Labour Agreement (Restaurant Industry)

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Sponsor Skilled Chefs, Managers, and Trade Waiters for Your Restaurant

The Restaurant (Premium Dining) Industry Labour Agreement allows Australian premium dining restaurants to sponsor skilled overseas chefs, cooks, café or restaurant managers, and trade waiters for up to 4 years and/or permanent residence. Terms are set and non-negotiable, with some conditions varying by occupation and visa.

Eligible Occupations

You can nominate skilled overseas workers for these roles:

Chef (ANZSCO 351311) – including specialised chef roles (Wok Chef, Sushi Chef, etc.)
Cook (ANZSCO 351411)
Café or Restaurant Manager (ANZSCO 141111)
Trade Waiter (not in ANZSCO; use code 070499; includes Sommelier, Maître D’, Wine Steward, etc.)

Visa Options

Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482)
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa (subclass 494)
Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa (subclass 186)
- Chefs/Cooks: PR eligible after 2 years on 482/494
- Trade Waiters/Managers: PR eligible after 3 years on 482/494

Premium Dining Restaurant Requirements

Your business must be a premium quality dining restaurant. This means:

Revenue of at least $2 million per annum
Non-franchised
Employs highly experienced staff
Offers a wine list
Requires specialised front-of-house staff (Trade Waiters, Sommeliers, Maître D’s)
Requires specialised back-of-house staff (specialty chefs)

Occupation Tasks

Chefs, Cooks, Managers:
Must perform duties as per ANZSCO (and include specialised tasks as needed for premium dining).

Trade Waiters (code 070499):

Setting/arranging tables, greeting customers, presenting menus/wine lists
Taking reservations/orders, recommending dishes and wines
Serving food/drinks, clearing tables, operating POS systems
Specialised duties such as Sommelier, Silver Service Waiter, Wine Steward, Maître D’

English Language Requirements

482 visa:

IELTS overall 5.0 (or equivalent)
Listening/Speaking: at least 4.5
Reading/Writing: at least 4.0

ENS (186) visa:

Standard program requirements

Skills, Qualifications & Experience

Chefs, Cooks, Managers:

Must meet 482 (Skills in Demand) requirements for the occupation (generally AQF Cert III or higher plus relevant experience)

Trade Waiters:

AQF Certificate III in Hospitality (Restaurant Front of House) + 12 months relevant post-qualification work experience
OR 18 months relevant Australian work experience on a temporary visa
OR at least 2 years’ relevant work experience
494 visa: minimum 2 years’ relevant experience
186 visa: minimum 3 years’ full-time relevant Australian experience

Salary Requirements

Must meet or exceed the salary requirements for 482, 494, and 186 visas
All positions must be full-time

How to Apply

Check if your business qualifies as a premium dining restaurant
Confirm the occupation and visa eligibility
Prepare evidence: experience, qualifications, LMT, contracts, revenue, and staff profiles
Apply via ImmiAccount using the Restaurant (Premium Dining) Labour Agreement stream
Sponsor skilled workers for relevant visas and transition to PR as eligible

Need Help with the Premium Dining Labour Agreement?

We help premium dining venues assess eligibility, prepare applications, and sponsor world-class hospitality talent—securing your competitive edge.

📞 Call us: 0485 907 989
📧 Email: jade@jadeimmigrationlawyers.com.au
📝 Submit an online enquiry or
📅 Book a consultation We assist clients across Australia and internationally.

Related Pages & Further Reading

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FAQ

Find answers to common questions about our Labour Agreement services and processes. If you need further assistance, please contact us.

Who can use the Premium Dining Labour Agreement?

Only premium (non-franchised) restaurants with $2 million+ annual revenue, offering a high-quality dining experience.

Chefs, cooks, café/restaurant managers, and trade waiters (including specialisations).

What is the PR pathway?

Chefs/Cooks: PR after 2 years; Managers/Trade Waiters: PR after 3 years on 482/494.

Is part-time/casual allowed?

No—must be full-time employment.

Are franchise restaurants eligible?

No—only non-franchised, premium establishments.