Hospitality work and migration
Chef & Cook Migration to New Zealand
For a chef or cook considering New Zealand, the starting point is a genuine role that matches your background. The restaurant, duties, hours and employment terms need to be understood before choosing a visa category.
Enquire About Hospitality Visa Pathways
Start with the actual kitchen role
An Accredited Employer Work Visa may be relevant where the employer, job and worker satisfy the applicable requirements. Chef and cook roles should not be treated as identical merely because both involve food preparation.
Describe the work accurately: menu planning, preparation, cooking, stock control, staff responsibilities and the type of establishment. Do not change historical job titles or duties simply to fit an occupation description.
Document training and employment
Prepare qualification and training records, employment dates and references that can be independently checked. Keep supporting records of paid work where available. A CV is a useful summary, but the evidence should establish the actual experience claimed.
Where an overseas qualification assessment is required, check the appropriate NZQA process and the evidence it needs. Recognition for an immigration purpose is not the same as a promise of employment.
Check the employer's role
For an AEWV, employer accreditation and the relevant Job Check are separate from the worker's visa application. Obtain clear employment terms and understand the actual work location and guaranteed hours.
Do not pay for a job offer or rely on an assurance of guaranteed residence. Keep copies of offers and communications, and resolve inconsistencies before making travel or relocation commitments.
Assess residence separately
A hospitality job does not automatically create a residence pathway. Check the current Skilled Migrant Category and any applicable occupation restrictions or other category requirements. Do not assume that every chef or cook is on a residence occupation list.
Plan for current work conditions, future visa dates and family members' separate requirements. Changes in employer or duties may need a fresh immigration assessment.
Is there one visa that every chef qualifies for?
No. Eligibility depends on the visa category, actual employment and applicant's circumstances. Experience in a kitchen alone is not an approval.
What is useful for an initial enquiry?
State your training, recent roles, years of experience, current country and whether you have a New Zealand offer. Avoid sending sensitive documents before a suitable channel is arranged.
General information checked 18 September 2026. Sources: INZ: AEWV, SMC residence and NZQA qualification assessment.