TRA Skills Assessment for Trades and Hospitality: 2026 Guide

TRA Pathway Types

TRA offers three main migration skills assessment pathways: (1) Offshore Skills Assessment (OSA) — for applicants offshore. Typically requires: relevant Certificate III or higher qualification; minimum 3 years post-qualification employment in the nominated occupation; documentary evidence of qualifications and employment; (2) Job Ready Program (JRP) — onshore practical assessment program. Has 4 stages: Provisional Skills Assessment (PSA), Job Ready Employment (period of supervised work in Australia, typically 6-12 months), Job Ready Workplace Assessment, Job Ready Final Assessment. Most international chefs and cooks use the JRP pathway. JRP is typically completed on a student visa or 485 graduate visa; (3) Migration Skills Assessment via Trades Recognition Australia for specific limited circumstances. The pathway you can use depends on whether you are onshore or offshore and the specific occupation. Most offshore applicants for hospitality occupations must use the JRP if they don't have substantial existing trade qualifications recognized as equivalent.

Eligible Occupations

TRA assesses around 60+ trade and hospitality occupations on Australia's skilled migration lists. The most common: (1) Chef (351311) — major pathway, high demand, strong state nomination support; (2) Cook (351411) — different from Chef (less senior); (3) Baker (351111) and Pastrycook (351112); (4) Motor Mechanic (321211) and other vehicle trades; (5) Hairdresser (391111); (6) Carpenter and Joiner (331212); (7) Cabinetmaker (394111); (8) Bricklayer (331111); (9) Painting Trades Worker (332211); (10) Plumber (limited pathway) (334111). Note that some trades like Electrician have additional state-level licensing requirements that go beyond TRA assessment. The Chef occupation is by far the most common TRA pathway for migration — high demand across all states, particularly regional, with strong 491 nomination prospects. Cook is a separate occupation with different requirements — typically used for fast-food or institutional cooking roles, less senior than Chef.

Job Ready Program: How It Works

The JRP is the standard pathway for offshore-qualified chefs and cooks coming to Australia. The four stages: (1) PSA — Provisional Skills Assessment. Submit evidence of qualification (Australian Certificate III in Commercial Cookery or equivalent) and employment. Pay PSA fee. Receive provisional assessment if eligible; (2) Job Ready Employment — work in Australia in the nominated occupation under a supervisor. Minimum requirements: 1,725 paid hours in your nominated occupation (typically 12+ months full-time), with appropriate supervision and record-keeping. The supervisor must be appropriately qualified; (3) Job Ready Workplace Assessment — onsite workplace assessment by a TRA-approved assessor. Practical evaluation of your skills in the workplace. Lasts a half-day to full-day; (4) Job Ready Final Assessment — final review of the documentary evidence, employment record, workplace assessment outcome. If all four stages succeed, the assessment is finalised. Total JRP timeline: typically 12-18 months from PSA to Final Assessment. Cost: significant — PSA fee + JRE registration fee + workplace assessment fee + final assessment fee. Total around AUD 7,000-10,000 in TRA fees alone, plus the cost of living during the year of work.

Qualifications Recognized for TRA

TRA's qualification requirements vary by occupation. For chef, common acceptable qualifications: (1) Australian Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (the gold standard); (2) Overseas qualification at AQF Certificate III level or higher in cookery, hospitality, or related field. Often requires syllabus comparison; (3) Many international hospitality qualifications are accepted but require detailed documentation. Many applicants complete an Australian Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (typically 18 months) before or as part of the migration pathway — providing both the qualification and the cooking experience. For trades, qualifications must include trade-specific theoretical and practical components. Pure academic degrees are typically insufficient for trade occupations — TRA wants evidence of trade-specific skills. Employment evidence required: detailed reference letters, payslips, tax records, and demonstration of working in the specific occupation tasks.

Strategy for International Chefs and Cooks

The typical successful pathway for an international chef wanting to migrate to Australia: (1) Complete Australian Certificate III in Commercial Cookery on a student visa (18 months). Cost around AUD 18,000-30,000 in tuition; (2) Apply for 485 Graduate Visa (Post-Study Work Stream) after completing the qualification. Provides 2-4 years of work rights; (3) Begin JRP — PSA application, then JRE working in a restaurant under qualified supervision; (4) Complete JRE 1,725 hours; (5) Workplace assessment and final assessment; (6) Apply for skilled visa (189, 190, or 491) using TRA assessment outcome; (7) For most chefs, 491 regional nomination is the most accessible pathway given chef is in high demand in regional areas. Total timeline from starting Australian study to permanent residence: typically 6-9 years. Costs accumulate but the pathway is well-established and supported. Migratio is Australia's marketplace for finding and comparing MARA-registered migration agents. Migratio matches applicants with MARA-registered agents who specialise in chef and hospitality migration, including end-to-end TRA + visa pathway planning. Submit your brief describing your current qualifications, country of origin, and timeline.

Can I do the JRP outside major cities?

Yes — JRE employment can be anywhere in Australia in eligible establishments. Many chefs use JRE in regional areas where demand is higher and 491 state nomination is more accessible.

Do I need an Australian qualification, or can my overseas qualification be enough?

TRA may accept overseas qualifications at the right level with appropriate syllabus comparison. However, many international chefs find an Australian Certificate III in Commercial Cookery the cleanest path — guaranteed recognition and the in-country experience.

How long does the workplace assessment take?

Typically a half-day to full-day onsite assessment. The assessor observes you preparing dishes, evaluating your technique, knowledge, and standards. Pre-assessment preparation with your supervisor improves outcomes.

Is the JRP fee tax-deductible in Australia?

Some training and assessment costs related to your current Australian employment may be tax-deductible. Get specific tax advice — TRA fees during a JRP that's tied to your Australian employment may be deductible against Australian income.

What if my JRE employment ends before 1,725 hours?

JRE hours can be accumulated across multiple eligible employers. Document hours carefully — TRA requires evidence of each employer, supervision, and hours worked.