Café and Restaurant Managers organize and control the operations of dining establishments. They provide dining and catering services to customers in café, restaurant, or related settings.

For skilled migrants targeting this occupation (ANZSCO 141111), a positive VETASSESS skills assessment is mandatory. You need it before applying for skilled migration visas like Subclass 190, 491, or 494.

This guide provides a complete overview of the Café or Restaurant Manager skills assessment process. It covers core responsibilities, qualification and employment requirements, VETASSESS pathways, fees, processing times, and visa options for 2025-26.

You’ll also find common reasons for refusal and how professional support can strengthen your application.

What Does a Café or Restaurant Manager Do? (ANZSCO 141111)

A Café or Restaurant Manager organizes and controls the operations of a café, restaurant or related establishment to provide dining and catering services.

The position must be responsible for every aspect of the café or restaurant’s performance. This includes management of all employees and their occupational development, oversight of establishment operations, management of sales and profit targets, and participation in business planning.

Key Responsibilities

Menu Planning: Planning menus in consultation with Chef and Kitchen Staff.

Event Coordination: Planning and organizing special functions or promotional activities.

Financial Management: Maintaining budgets and financial records, and controlling stock.

Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring dining facilities comply with health regulations and are clean, functional and of suitable appearance.

Customer Service: Conferring with customers to assess their satisfaction with meals and service.

Staff Management: Selecting, training and supervising waiting and kitchen staff.

Guest Relations: May take reservations, greet guests and assist in taking orders.

Performance Management: Managing staff performance including targets for sales and expenditure.

Rostering: Managing rostering and scheduling of restaurant/café staff.

Acceptable Café or Restaurant Settings

An acceptable café or restaurant setting would be one that provides food and beverage services prepared and consumed on the premises.

Key Characteristics:

• Food is typically prepared on the premises under the supervision of a Chef
• Table service is provided
• A diversity of dishes across a menu is generally provided
• Customers can expect on-premises preparation and consumption

Categories of Acceptable Restaurants:

• Family style restaurants serving moderately priced food with fixed or à la carte menus
• Fine dining establishments
• Bistros and casual dining restaurants
• Cafés with table service and diverse menu offerings
• Catering establishments

Occupations Considered Suitable Under ANZSCO 141111

VETASSESS accepts the following occupations under this code:

Restaurateur: Owns and operates restaurant establishments.

Food and Beverage Manager: Manages food and beverage operations in dining settings.

Bistro Manager: Oversees bistro operations and service.

Canteen Manager: Manages canteen or cafeteria services.

Caterer: Organizes and controls catering operations.

Internet Café Manager: Manages café establishments with internet services.

Mess Supervisor: Supervises mess hall operations.

Steward (Navy): Naval food service management roles.

Occupations NOT Considered Under ANZSCO 141111

VETASSESS strictly excludes these occupations from this code:

Fast Food Manager (Australia) / Quick Service Restaurant Manager (New Zealand): These fall under ANZSCO 142111 Retail Manager (General). Fast food or quick service restaurants are not an acceptable context.

Hotel or Motel Manager (ANZSCO 141311): Separate classification for hotel accommodation management.

Retail Manager (General) (ANZSCO 142111): General retail management classified separately.

Food and Beverage Attendants or Supervisors: Not at the required managerial skill level.

Floor Supervisor: Supervisory role, not managerial level.

Event Manager: Different classification for event management.

Venue Manager: Venue operations classified separately.

These occupations are classified elsewhere in ANZSCO or are not at the required skill level.

Critical Exclusions

Fast Food and Quick Service Restaurants: Not acceptable. The food preparation work in fast food outlets generally requires the skills of a Fast Food Cook, rather than a Chef. Applicants working in a managerial capacity in fast food establishments may be better suited to Retail Manager (General).

Takeaway Food Service Outlets: Mainly engaged in providing food services ready to be taken away for immediate consumption. Customers order or select items and pay before eating. These do not qualify.

Your establishment must provide on-premises dining with Chef-prepared food and table service.

Required Skills and Knowledge for Café or Restaurant Manager

To receive a positive assessment, you must demonstrate comprehensive management skills in restaurant and café operations.

Core Knowledge Areas

Restaurant Management: Understanding of dining operations, food service, and hospitality standards.

Operational Control: Knowledge of managing kitchen, front-of-house, and service operations.

Financial Management: Skills in budgeting, cost control, sales management, and profit targets.

Regulatory Compliance: Understanding of health and safety regulations, food safety standards, and licensing requirements.

Management and Leadership Skills

Staff Management: Competence in recruiting, training, supervising, and developing kitchen and waiting staff.

Customer Relations: Ability to ensure exceptional dining service and handle customer complaints.

Performance Management: Skills in setting and monitoring sales targets and staff performance.

Strategic Planning: Capability to develop business strategies and promotional activities.

Operational and Technical Skills

Menu Development: Experience planning menus in collaboration with Chef and kitchen team.

Event Planning: Ability to organize special functions and promotional events.

Quality Control: Maintaining high food quality and service standards.

Inventory Management: Stock control and supplier relationship management.

VETASSESS Evidence Requirements

VETASSESS expects applicants to demonstrate overall control and management of café or restaurant operations. Roles limited to supervisory positions, floor management, or attendant duties do not meet requirements.

Your employment evidence must show comprehensive managerial responsibility for every aspect of the establishment’s performance. This distinguishes you from supervisors or front-line service staff.

For a successful outcome, provide detailed reference letters showing your management scope across all operational areas.

Qualification Requirements for Café or Restaurant Manager (141111)

Café or Restaurant Manager is classified under VETASSESS Group C. Applicants must hold a qualification comparable to an Australian Diploma or higher.

Accepted Qualification Levels

AQF Diploma: Minimum requirement for this occupation.

AQF Advanced Diploma: Accepted at the required level.

AQF Associate Degree: Accepted at the required level.

AQF Bachelor Degree or higher: Also accepted and assessed favorably.

Highly Relevant Fields of Study

Based on VETASSESS guidelines, highly relevant fields include:

Hospitality Management: Degrees or diplomas focusing on hospitality operations and restaurant management.

Food and Beverage Management: Qualifications in F&B operations and management.

Hotel and Restaurant Management: Programs with strong restaurant management components.

Important Exclusions:

Qualifications in general Management studies (such as an MBA): Cannot be considered for this occupation.

Tourism without Hospitality Management subjects: Cannot be considered.

Your qualification must demonstrate specific knowledge of hospitality and restaurant operations, not just general business or tourism management.

VETASSESS Group C Assessment Criteria

VETASSESS assesses both your qualification level and field relevance.

Ensure your academic documents clearly show subjects related to hospitality management, restaurant operations, or food and beverage management.

Employment Experience Requirements for Café or Restaurant Manager (141111)

Your work experience must meet specific VETASSESS standards. They evaluate if your experience shows managerial control over café or restaurant operations.

Key Employment Conditions

All claimed employment must meet these requirements:

Post-Qualification: Completed after you finished your Diploma or higher qualification (except in specific pathway circumstances).

Highly Relevant: Directly related to managing café or restaurant establishments.

Appropriate Skill Level: Performed at a managerial level with comprehensive operational control.

Recent Experience: At least some qualifying work undertaken within the last five years.

Full-Time Hours: Working at least 20 hours per week.

Critical Requirement: You must demonstrate overall establishment management. Roles focused only on supervision, floor management, or attendant duties do not qualify.

VETASSESS Employment Pathways

There are three main pathways to meet the criteria:

Pathway A: Have a highly relevant Diploma or higher (in Hospitality Management or Food and Beverage Management) plus at least 1 year of relevant post-qualification work in the last five years.

Pathway B: Have a Diploma or higher in a non-relevant field but hold an additional qualification at least AQF Certificate IV in Hospitality Management. You need at least 1 year of relevant post-qualification work in the last five years.

Pathway C: Have a Diploma or higher in a non-relevant field without an additional hospitality qualification. You need at least 2 years of relevant post-qualification work in the last five years.

Pre-Qualification Option: If employment is prior to the completion of the qualification at the required level, an applicant must have at least 1 year of highly relevant employment at an appropriate skill level within the last five years. The remaining 3 years of pre-qualifying period may be within the last ten years.

Important Distinction: Overall Management vs Supervisory Roles

VETASSESS requires evidence of overall establishment control. If your role focuses on:

Not Accepted for This Occupation:

• Floor supervision or front-of-house coordination only
• Food and beverage attendant or waiter/waitress duties
• Kitchen supervision without broader management responsibility
• Assistant manager roles without full operational control
• Fast food or quick service restaurant management

Accepted:

• Overall control of café or restaurant operations
• Management of all employees including kitchen and waiting staff
• Financial oversight including sales targets and profit management
• Business planning and strategic decision-making
• Full responsibility for establishment performance

Your position must be responsible for every aspect of the café or restaurant’s performance, not just one department or shift.

Summary of VETASSESS Requirements for Café or Restaurant Manager (141111)

A positive outcome requires both your qualification and employment to be approved. Meeting just the education requirement is not enough.

Documents Required for Café or Restaurant Manager Skills Assessment

VETASSESS conducts integrity checks, so all documents must accurately reflect your managerial role and establishment type.

Qualification Documents

Qualification Certificate: For your Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Associate Degree, or Bachelor degree.

Full Academic Transcripts: Showing all subjects studied with focus on hospitality management.

Evidence of Qualification Level: Confirming the qualification is comparable to AQF Diploma or higher.

Certified Translations: NAATI-certified if documents are not in English.

Important: Transcripts must clearly show hospitality management subjects. General management or tourism-only qualifications will not be accepted.

Employment Evidence

Detailed Reference Letters: On official company letterhead from each employer.

Job Title and Dates: Clearly stated employment dates, position title, and establishment type.

Duties Description: Detailed description aligned with overall establishment management tasks.

Working Hours: Statement of hours worked per week (minimum 20 hours).

Payslips and Contracts: Supporting paid employment at the managerial level.

Tax Records: Documentation showing continuous employment.

What to Include in Reference Letters

Your reference letters are critical. They must clearly describe:

• Type of establishment managed (café, restaurant, bistro, catering business)
• On-premises dining with Chef-prepared food and table service
• Comprehensive management responsibilities across all operational areas
• Staff supervision of both kitchen and waiting staff
• Financial management including sales targets and profit oversight
• Menu planning in consultation with Chef
• Business planning participation
• Customer service oversight and quality control
• Regulatory compliance management

Letters emphasising only supervisory duties, floor management, or attendant work will not meet requirements.

Additional Supporting Evidence

Business Registration: For restaurant or café owners.

Establishment Photos: Images showing the dining facility (optional but helpful).

Menu Samples: Evidence of diverse menu offerings prepared on premises.

Performance Reports: Sales reports or business performance documentation.

Licensing Documentation: Relevant food service licenses or health certifications.

Submitting complete and well-structured documentation is essential. Weak or unclear evidence is a common reason for negative outcomes.

Skills Assessment Processing Time for Café or Restaurant Manager

The processing time for this occupation follows VETASSESS Professional Occupation guidelines.

Current Estimated Processing Times (2025-26)

Note: These times are indicative and may vary based on application volume and individual circumstances.

Why Applications Take Longer

Several factors can extend processing time:

Verification Needed: VETASSESS must verify qualification level and hospitality management content.

Employment Checks: Conducting integrity checks on your managerial claims.

Document Issues: Missing documents, unclear scans, or inconsistent information.

Establishment Type Verification: Confirming you managed acceptable café/restaurant settings, not fast food or takeaway.

Fast Food Exclusion Review: Verifying establishment doesn’t fall under quick service restaurant category.

Additional Information Requests: Clarification needed on on-premises dining, Chef supervision, or table service.

Priority Processing Option

Priority processing aims to complete assessments within 10 business days after eligibility confirmation.

Additional Fee: AUD $825 (excluding GST for offshore applicants)

Eligibility: First-time applicants or renewal of previous positive assessment. Not available for reassessments after negative outcomes.

VETASSESS takes approximately 2 business days to confirm eligibility. If not eligible, the priority fee is refunded less an administration fee of AUD $171.

Always check current processing times on the official VETASSESS website before submitting.

Skills Assessment Fees for Café or Restaurant Manager (2025-26)

VETASSESS sets the skills assessment fees for this occupation. Your total cost depends on your location for tax purposes.

VETASSESS Fee Structure (Effective from 22 October 2025)

Note: Priority Processing is an additional charge on top of the standard fee.

Additional Costs to Consider

Document Certification: Costs for certifying original documents.

NAATI Translations: Professional translation fees for non-English documents.

Reference Letters: Potential employer charges for detailed letters.

Professional Support: Optional migration agent assistance.

Always confirm current fees on the official VETASSESS website before applying.

Migration Pathways for Café or Restaurant Manager (ANZSCO 141111)

After a positive VETASSESS assessment, you can apply for several skilled migration and employer-sponsored visas.

Café or Restaurant Manager (141111) is listed on the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL). This provides access to various visa pathways.

Common Migration Pathways

Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190): This permanent residence visa requires state or territory nomination. It adds 5 points to your total score. You must meet both federal and state-specific requirements.

Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491): This 5-year provisional visa is for those nominated by a state or territory government for regional areas. It adds 15 points to your score and provides a pathway to permanent residence through Subclass 191.

Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa (Subclass 494): This 5-year provisional visa is for regional employer sponsorship. It provides a pathway to permanent residence through Subclass 191 after meeting residence and income requirements.

Training Visa (Subclass 407): This temporary visa allows participation in workplace-based training for up to 2 years. It does not lead directly to permanent residence.

State and Territory Nomination

Several states include Café or Restaurant Manager on their occupation lists. However, requirements vary significantly:

Availability: State nomination availability changes regularly based on hospitality sector needs.

Additional Requirements: Many states require you to already live or work in the state, have a job offer from a restaurant or café, or meet specific criteria.

Priority Allocation: Some states prioritize this occupation for regional areas with tourism growth.

Always check current state and territory government websites for the latest occupation lists and nomination criteria before applying.

Key Migration Requirements

Regardless of pathway, you must:

Age: Be under 45 years of age at time of invitation (some exceptions apply for employer sponsorship).

Skills Assessment: Hold a valid and positive skills assessment from VETASSESS.

Health and Character: Meet health and character requirements for all applicants and dependents.

Important Notes

A positive skills assessment is essential but does not guarantee a visa. Success depends on your points score (for 190/491), state nomination availability, occupation demand, employer sponsorship opportunities, and individual circumstances.

This occupation is on STSOL, which means it’s not eligible for:

• Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent)
• Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme) Direct Entry for most cases
• Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand) Specialist Skills stream

Consulting a MARA registered migration agent at Think Higher Consultants can help you navigate the complex visa process and identify the best pathway for your restaurant management background.

Common Reasons Café or Restaurant Manager Skills Assessment Gets Refused

Many Café or Restaurant Manager (ANZSCO 141111) skills assessments receive negative outcomes. Understanding common pitfalls helps you avoid mistakes.

Fast Food or Quick Service Restaurant Management

The top reason for refusal is employment in fast food or quick service restaurants. If your reference letters show:

Fast Food Chains: McDonald’s, KFC, Subway, Burger King, or similar quick service chains.

Quick Service Operations: Counter ordering, payment before eating, limited menu.

Fast Food Cook Supervision: Food preparation requiring Fast Food Cook skills, not Chef skills.

No Table Service: Self-service or counter service only.

VETASSESS will classify you under Retail Manager (General) (ANZSCO 142111), not Café or Restaurant Manager. Fast food and quick service restaurants are explicitly excluded from this occupation.

Takeaway or Delivery-Focused Establishments

Another common issue is employment in takeaway food service outlets. Refusals happen when:

Takeaway Focus: Primarily providing food for takeaway or delivery.

No On-Premises Dining: Customers don’t consume food on the premises.

Order and Pay Before Eating: Quick transaction model without table service.

Limited Seating: Minimal or no seating for on-premises consumption.

Your establishment must provide food and beverage services prepared and consumed on the premises with table service.

Supervisory or Floor Management Only

Another common issue is evidence showing supervisory roles rather than overall management. Refusals happen when:

Floor Supervisor Only: Managing front-of-house during shifts without full establishment control.

Assistant Manager: Supporting senior management without independent authority.

Department Supervision: Overseeing only kitchen or only waiting staff, not both.

No Financial Oversight: Letters don’t show budgeting, sales targets, or profit management.

Limited Business Planning: No involvement in strategic decisions or business development.

Your position must be responsible for every aspect of the establishment’s performance, not just operational supervision.

Qualification Not in Hospitality Management

VETASSESS requires a qualification in Hospitality Management or related fields. Applications fail when:

General MBA or Management: Business degrees without hospitality specialization are not accepted.

Tourism Only: Qualifications in Tourism without Hospitality Management subjects are not accepted.

Unrelated Field: Degrees or diplomas in other fields without hospitality focus.

Below Diploma Level: Certificate III or lower qualifications are insufficient.

Poor Course Content: Transcripts don’t show hospitality operations, restaurant management, or food and beverage management subjects.

Your qualification must specifically include Hospitality Management components, not just general business or tourism studies.

Insufficient Employment Evidence

VETASSESS focuses heavily on employment proof. Refusals are common when:

Vague Reference Letters: Generic management descriptions without specific café or restaurant details.

Missing Key Duties: No mention of menu planning with Chef, staff management of kitchen and waiting staff, or financial management.

No Establishment Details: Can’t determine if establishment provided on-premises dining with Chef-prepared food.

Unclear Service Model: No mention of table service or diverse menu offerings.

Attendant Duties Emphasized: Letters focus on serving tables, taking orders, or kitchen assistance rather than management.

Reference letters must explicitly describe overall management of café or restaurant operations, not supervisory or attendant duties.

Employment Not Within Last Five Years

VETASSESS requires qualifying employment within the last five years. Common mistakes:

All Experience Too Old: Your most recent restaurant management work was more than 5 years ago.

Recent Work Not Relevant: Current role doesn’t involve café or restaurant management.

Career Breaks: Extended gaps mean recent experience doesn’t meet requirements.

At least the qualifying portion of your experience must be within the five-year period before application (or for pre-qualification pathway, 1 year within last 5 years).

Wrong Establishment Type

Refusals occur when employment is in unsuitable establishment types:

Hotels or Motels: Should apply under Hotel or Motel Manager (141311).

Event Venues: Separate classification for Event Manager.

Catering Halls Only: Without restaurant operations may not qualify.

Cafeterias in Retail Settings: May fall under different classifications.

Your establishment must be a café, restaurant, bistro, or similar dining establishment providing on-premises prepared food with table service.

Pre-Qualification Pathway Misunderstood

Common errors with pre-qualification experience include:

Incorrect Calculation: Not understanding the 1 year recent + 3 years within last 10 years requirement.

Recent Year Not Post-Qualification: The 1 year within last 5 years must be after completing your Diploma.

Quality of Pre-Qualification Work: Assuming any restaurant work counts toward the 3-year component.

This pathway has strict conditions. Ensure you fully understand requirements before relying on it.

Documents in Wrong Format

Technical issues also cause problems:

• Poor quality scans
• Missing certifications
• Documents not translated by accredited translators
• Incomplete transcripts not showing hospitality management subjects
• Reference letters not on official letterhead

Always follow VETASSESS document guidelines exactly.

Why Choose Think Higher Consultants for Your Skills Assessment

Applying as a Café or Restaurant Manager (141111) requires demonstrating overall establishment control and ensuring your workplace meets VETASSESS requirements. VETASSESS closely examines your establishment type (excluding fast food and takeaway), qualification relevance, and managerial scope.

Think Higher Consultants provides professional support to help you prepare a decision-ready application.

Our Specialized Approach

Qualification Review: We verify your Diploma or higher qualification includes required Hospitality Management subjects and isn’t just general management or tourism.

Establishment Type Verification: We assess whether your workplace meets acceptable café or restaurant criteria (on-premises dining, Chef-prepared food, table service).

Role Analysis: We ensure your employment evidence clearly demonstrates overall management responsibility, not just supervisory or attendant duties.

Reference Letter Guidance: Our team helps you draft comprehensive letters proving managerial authority across all operational areas including kitchen and front-of-house.

Fast Food Exclusion Check: We help you avoid classification issues if your establishment might be considered quick service.

Document Quality Check: We review all supporting documents for completeness and consistency.

End-to-End Strategy: We guide you from skills assessment through to state nomination or employer sponsorship.

The Benefit of MARA Expertise

As a MARA-registered migration consultancy, we focus on accuracy and compliance. We understand VETASSESS standards for hospitality management occupations and the critical distinctions between acceptable and excluded establishments.

Our MARA-registered migration agent has experience with Group C occupation assessments and can help you navigate visa pathway options in the hospitality sector.

Services We Provide

Initial Consultation: Assessment of your profile, pathway options, and establishment suitability.

Document Review: Comprehensive check of qualifications and employment evidence.

Reference Letter Templates: Customized templates aligned with VETASSESS expectations for overall establishment management.

Submission Support: Assistance with online application completion.

Visa Strategy: Planning your next steps including state nomination options.

Don’t risk a refusal due to fast food classification or insufficient evidence of overall managerial control. Visit Think Higher Consultants or contact our MARA-registered migration agent for personalized guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions: Café or Restaurant Manager (141111) Skills Assessment

Is Café or Restaurant Manager (ANZSCO 141111) eligible for Australia PR?

Yes. Café or Restaurant Manager (141111) is eligible for Australia’s skilled migration program.

The occupation is listed on STSOL (Short-term Skilled Occupation List). This provides access to various visa pathways including Subclass 190 (state-nominated PR), 491 (regional provisional), and 494 (regional employer-sponsored).

Applicants must first obtain a positive VETASSESS skills assessment, then meet visa-specific requirements.

Which authority assesses Café or Restaurant Manager skills assessment?

The Café or Restaurant Manager occupation is assessed by VETASSESS under Professional Occupations (Group C).

VETASSESS assesses both qualification level (minimum Diploma) and relevance to Hospitality Management, as well as employment experience in overall establishment management.

Can a fast food manager apply under Café or Restaurant Manager?

No. Fast food managers and quick service restaurant managers are explicitly excluded from this occupation.

VETASSESS states that fast food or quick service restaurants are not an acceptable context. These roles fall under ANZSCO 142111 Retail Manager (General).

Your establishment must provide on-premises dining with Chef-prepared food and table service, not counter service or takeaway focus.

What qualification is required for Café or Restaurant Manager skills assessment?

Applicants must hold a qualification assessed as comparable to at least an AQF Diploma or higher.

Highly relevant fields include:

• Hospitality Management
• Food and Beverage Management
• Restaurant Management

Critical Exclusions:

• General Management studies (such as MBA) are NOT accepted
• Tourism qualifications without Hospitality Management subjects are NOT accepted

Your transcripts must show specific hospitality management subjects, not just general business or tourism studies.

How much work experience is required?

The required work experience depends on your assessment pathway:

Pathway A: 1 year with highly relevant Diploma or higher in Hospitality Management Pathway B: 1 year with non-relevant Diploma plus Certificate IV in Hospitality Management Pathway C: 2 years with non-relevant Diploma or higher

For pre-qualification employment, you need 1 year highly relevant within last 5 years plus 3 additional years within last 10 years.

All employment must be post-qualification, highly relevant to overall café/restaurant management, at managerial level, and at least 20 hours per week.

Can I apply if I manage a takeaway restaurant?

Generally no. Takeaway food service outlets that primarily provide food for immediate consumption off-premises do not meet requirements.

Your establishment must provide food and beverage services prepared and consumed on the premises. Customers should expect:

• Food prepared on premises under Chef supervision
• Table service provided
• Diverse menu offerings
• On-premises dining as primary service model

Limited takeaway as a supplementary service may be acceptable if the primary focus is on-premises dining.

What is the difference between Café or Restaurant Manager and Retail Manager (General)?

Café or Restaurant Manager (141111):

• Manages café or restaurant with on-premises dining
• Chef-prepared food and table service
• Diverse menu offerings
• Full-service dining establishments

Retail Manager (General) (142111):

• Manages fast food or quick service restaurants
• Counter service and payment before eating
• Fast Food Cook preparation, not Chef
• Quick service model

Fast food establishments like McDonald’s, KFC, Subway fall under Retail Manager, not Café or Restaurant Manager.

Can I apply with an MBA qualification?

No. Qualifications in general Management studies (such as an MBA) cannot be considered for this occupation.

VETASSESS specifically excludes MBAs and general business degrees. You need a qualification in Hospitality Management, Food and Beverage Management, or related hospitality fields.

If your MBA includes hospitality management specialization and your transcripts show relevant subjects, it may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Can assistant managers apply under this occupation?

It depends on the level of responsibility. Assistant managers can qualify if they have overall responsibility for the establishment’s performance in the absence of senior management.

However, if your role is limited to:

• Supporting senior management without independent authority
• Managing shifts without overall establishment control
• Supervising one area without financial or business planning responsibility

You may not meet the requirements. Your position must be responsible for every aspect of the café or restaurant’s performance.

What types of restaurants are acceptable?

Acceptable restaurant types include:

Accepted:

• Family style restaurants with table service
• Fine dining establishments
• Bistros and casual dining restaurants
• Cafés with diverse menus and table service
• Catering businesses with on-premises preparation

Not Accepted:

• Fast food chains (McDonald’s, KFC, Subway, etc.)
• Quick service restaurants
• Takeaway-only outlets
• Food courts with counter service
• Cafeterias in retail or corporate settings (may have different classification)

The key is on-premises preparation under Chef supervision, table service, and diverse menu offerings.

How long is a VETASSESS skills assessment valid?

A VETASSESS skills assessment is typically valid for 3 years from the date of issue.

For state nomination and visa applications, check specific validity requirements with the state government and the Department of Home Affairs. Some pathways may require more recent assessments.

What happens if I receive a negative outcome?

If you receive a Not Suitable outcome, you can:

Request a Review: If you believe there was an error. An additional fee applies.

Submit Reassessment: Provide additional evidence addressing issues identified (such as clarifying establishment type, managerial scope, or qualification relevance). Additional fee applies.

Apply Under Different Occupation: If your experience better fits another ANZSCO code (such as Retail Manager (General) for fast food, or Hotel Service Manager for hotel departments).

Our MARA-registered migration agent can help you understand the refusal reasons and determine the best path forward.