Australia has long been a land of opportunity for skilled and unskilled workers alike. With its multicultural population, booming hospitality sector, and a strong demand for service workers, the country continues to attract thousands of foreign nationals every year who dream of building a life and career in one of the most livable nations on earth. Among the many in-demand roles, kitchen assistant jobs in Australia with visa sponsorship stand out as a practical pathway for those eager to enter the hospitality industry, gain international work experience, and eventually secure permanent residency.
If you’re someone who wants to work in Australia but doesn’t have advanced qualifications or years of professional training, this article will guide you through everything you need to know about becoming a kitchen assistant with visa sponsorship. From job responsibilities and qualifications to visa pathways, salary expectations, and tips on securing sponsorship, this comprehensive guide will equip you with all the insights you need.
Australia’s hospitality industry is massive and constantly growing. With international tourism bouncing back strongly after the pandemic, alongside a rising local dining culture, restaurants, hotels, cafes, and catering businesses are continuously seeking staff. This demand isn’t limited to chefs or cooks — kitchen assistants play a crucial role in the day-to-day functioning of commercial kitchens.
Here’s why demand for kitchen assistants is strong:
Shortage of workers in hospitality: Many Australian citizens are not keen on hospitality roles, creating a reliance on migrant workers.
Rising number of restaurants and cafes: Particularly in cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth.
Tourism recovery: With Australia welcoming millions of visitors annually, the food service industry is busier than ever.
Support roles are essential: Chefs cannot function efficiently without the help of kitchen assistants.
Because of these factors, many employers are open to sponsoring foreign workers, making this one of the most accessible entry-level job opportunities for migrants.
A kitchen assistant is an entry-level hospitality worker who provides support in commercial kitchens. While their duties are often seen as basic, they are vital for ensuring the smooth functioning of food preparation and service.
Washing, peeling, and chopping vegetables
Cleaning utensils, pots, and pans
Assisting chefs and cooks with basic food preparation
Keeping the kitchen clean and hygienic
Stocking fridges, shelves, and storage areas
Assisting with deliveries and inventory
Ensuring compliance with food safety regulations
In short, kitchen assistants are the backbone of a commercial kitchen, ensuring everything runs efficiently behind the scenes.
One of the reasons this job is popular among international workers is that it doesn’t require advanced academic qualifications. However, there are key skills and attributes that make candidates stand out:
Basic English communication skills (to follow instructions and work in a team)
Physical stamina (since the role involves standing for long hours and performing physical tasks)
Time management skills
Hygiene awareness
Teamwork and cooperation
Adaptability under pressure
Willingness to learn
No formal culinary background is required, although prior experience in hospitality can be a bonus.
Salaries in Australia vary depending on the city, employer, and level of experience. According to industry data:
Average hourly rate: AUD $22 – $28 per hour
Weekly earnings: AUD $800 – $1,000 (based on 38–40 hours)
Annual salary: AUD $40,000 – $55,000
Overtime and penalty rates apply for weekends and public holidays, which can significantly increase earnings. For many foreign workers, these wages are attractive compared to what they might earn in their home countries.
Visa sponsorship is one of the most appealing aspects of working in Australia as a kitchen assistant. While not all employers offer sponsorship, many medium-to-large hospitality businesses and regional employers are willing to sponsor foreign workers due to ongoing labor shortages.
Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482)
Allows employers to sponsor skilled workers when they can’t find Australians.
While kitchen assistant roles are generally considered “unskilled,” some employers still manage to sponsor them if they can prove genuine labor shortages.
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494)
For regional areas struggling with staff shortages.
Kitchen assistants often find sponsorship here because regional Australia has fewer workers.
Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417 or 462)
Great entry pathway for young people (18–35) from eligible countries.
Workers can later transition to sponsorship if an employer is satisfied with their performance.
Student Visa (Subclass 500)
Many international students start as kitchen assistants while studying.
Employers may offer sponsorship later.
Permanent Residency Pathway
If you work for a sponsor for a set period, you may become eligible for permanent residency (Subclass 186).
Finding a job with visa sponsorship requires strategy and persistence. Here are some reliable approaches:
Websites like:
Seek.com.au
Indeed.com.au
Jora
LinkedIn Jobs
often advertise kitchen assistant positions. Search with keywords like “kitchen assistant with sponsorship” or “visa sponsorship hospitality jobs.”
Agencies specializing in hospitality recruitment often have partnerships with restaurants, cafes, and hotels that sponsor workers.
Regional areas have greater labor shortages and are more likely to sponsor. Focus on states like Northern Territory, Tasmania, South Australia, and regional Queensland.
Word of mouth is powerful in hospitality. Attend job fairs, connect with migrant communities, and directly approach restaurants.
Don’t hesitate to email or walk into restaurants and hotels with your CV. Many employers prefer hiring enthusiastic candidates who approach them directly.
Job Stability – High demand ensures a steady stream of opportunities.
Decent Pay – Even at entry-level, wages are higher compared to many countries.
Pathway to Growth – Many kitchen assistants are later trained as cooks or chefs.
Visa Sponsorship – Provides a legal pathway to stay and work in Australia.
Cultural Experience – Work in a multicultural environment while improving English.
Permanent Residency Opportunity – A long-term benefit if sponsorship leads to PR.
While rewarding, these jobs do have challenges:
Physically demanding work with long hours
Shifts may include nights, weekends, and holidays
Repetitive tasks that may feel monotonous
Intense and sometimes stressful kitchen environments
Competition for sponsorship (not all employers offer it)
However, for those committed to building a career and future in Australia, the rewards often outweigh the challenges.
When applying for kitchen assistant jobs with sponsorship, consider these tips:
Highlight hospitality experience – Even if informal (e.g., working at a family restaurant).
Emphasize soft skills – Teamwork, punctuality, adaptability, and customer service.
Tailor your CV – Match your application to the employer’s needs.
Obtain certifications – Short courses like Food Handling Certificate or RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol) can help.
Express willingness to relocate – Especially to regional areas where demand is higher.
Many people start as kitchen assistants and grow into better-paying roles:
Line Cook / Commis Chef
Chef de Partie
Sous Chef
Head Chef
Restaurant Manager
With the right training, experience, and persistence, a simple kitchen assistant job can become a long-term career pathway.
Sydney & Melbourne – High demand due to large hospitality scenes but more competition.
Brisbane & Gold Coast – Growing tourism creates opportunities.
Perth – Strong hospitality industry and fewer applicants.
Regional Australia (Darwin, Cairns, Tasmania, Adelaide Hills, etc.) – Best chance for sponsorship due to labor shortages.
Many successful hospitality professionals in Australia began their journey as kitchen assistants. For example:
Maria from the Philippines: Came on a student visa, worked as a kitchen hand, later sponsored as a cook, and is now applying for permanent residency.
David from India: Started as a kitchen assistant in a regional town, got 482 sponsorship, and now works as a sous chef.
Alejandro from Chile: Came on a Working Holiday Visa, worked in kitchens across Sydney, and transitioned into full-time employment with sponsorship.
These stories highlight that while entry-level, the role can be a stepping stone toward a stable and rewarding future.
Kitchen assistant jobs in Australia with visa sponsorship are one of the most accessible opportunities for foreigners seeking to migrate. While the work may be physically demanding and sometimes repetitive, it provides good wages, valuable experience, and — most importantly — a legal pathway to live and work in Australia.
If you’re serious about building a career in hospitality or simply want a chance to start afresh in Australia, pursuing a kitchen assistant job with sponsorship could be your gateway. With persistence, the right approach, and openness to regional opportunities, your dream of working and living in Australia could become reality.
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