Visa Options for Café and Restaurant Managers in Australia: What You Need to Know

Navigating the ever-changing landscape of Australian immigration can be challenging, especially for café and restaurant managers. One of the most significant recent changes in immigration policy was the removal of Café and Restaurant Manager from the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), affecting pathways for new employer-sponsored visas like the 482 Temporary Skill Shortage Visa and 186 Employer Nomination Scheme Visa. This policy shift has left many professionals searching for alternative migration options.

However, there are still potential pathways available for café and restaurant managers to secure visas and permanent residency in Australia. Here’s a breakdown of the available options:

190 and 491 Skilled Visas

For those seeking state-nominated pathways, the 190 Skilled Nominated Visa and 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa remain viable options. To apply, candidates must:

• Obtain a positive skills assessment as a Restaurant Manager
• Achieve competent English proficiency
• Secure at least 65 points under the points-based migration system

Despite these options, it is important to note that many states are prioritizing occupations in healthcare, teaching, construction, and trades due to ongoing workforce shortages. This makes receiving an invitation for a 190 or 491 visa as a restaurant manager highly competitive and uncertain.

494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa

For those willing to work in regional areas, the 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa presents another alternative. Key eligibility criteria include:

• At least three years of full-time work experience
• A positive skills assessment
• Competent English proficiency

The 494 visa offers a pathway to permanent residency after three years. However, securing an employer willing to sponsor can be a challenge, especially given the required experience level.

Labour Agreements for Café and Restaurant Managers

Another option is obtaining an employer-sponsored visa through a Labour Agreement. Labour Agreements allow businesses to negotiate specific terms with the government, often providing concessions for age, work experience, English proficiency, and permanent residency pathways.

Some key Labour Agreements include:

1. Restaurant (Premium Dining) Industry AgreementBusiness must have a minimum $2 million annual revenueMust employ specialized staff such as sommeliers and chefsMust provide table service
2. Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMA)Available in certain regional areas such as Western Australia, Northern Territory, and South AustraliaOffers concessions on age and English requirementsNot available in Brisbane, Sydney, or Melbourne
3. Company-Specific Labour AgreementsDesigned for individual businesses when DAMAs or industry agreements are not an option

Permanent Residency for 482 Visa Holders

For café and restaurant managers already on a 482 visa, there is still a pathway to permanent residency via the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream of the 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa. Eligible applicants must:

• Have worked for their current employer for at least two years
• Have their employer nominate them for PR

However, those looking to change employers may face difficulties as new 482 visa nominations are no longer possible for café and restaurant managers under the current Skilled Occupation List.

How We Can Help

With the frequent shifts in immigration policies, navigating visa options can be overwhelming. If you’re a café or restaurant manager seeking expert guidance on skill assessments and visa applications, we’re here to help!

? Skills Assessment Support ? Visa Guidance

?? Get in touch today! Let’s discuss your options and secure the best possible pathway for your future in Australia.