Premium Dining Labour Agreement: Sponsoring Restaurant Managers and Trade Waiters on a 482 Visa.

A premium dining restaurant approached us with a challenge—they wanted to sponsor one of their Restaurant Managers and experienced Waiters, but quickly discovered that neither occupation is on the Core Skilled Occupation List of eligible occupations available for sponsorship.

On the surface, it seemed there was no pathway available. However, after carefully reviewing the nature of the business and the role, we found a solution that many are unaware of which we successfully implemented.

The restaurant is a premium dining venue, which meant it qualifies for the Restaurant (Premium Dining) Industry Labour Agreement. This industry specific labour agreement allows eligible high-end restaurants to sponsor overseas workers in certain roles—including restaurant managers, trade waiters (including sommeliers), cooks and chefs —for up to four years, and provides a pathway to permanent residency.

We prepared the application for the labour agreement and subsequent nomination and visa for both a restaurant manager and a trade waiter using the Premium Dining Labour Agreement. The agreement has set, non-negotiable terms, but for businesses that qualify, it creates a rare pathway to bring in front-of-house talent that’s otherwise unavailable.

Thanks to the premium dining labour agreement, the restaurant was able to retain two valued team members, and both the restaurant manager and the trade waiter were able to continue building long-term careers in Australia.

As the official partners of the Restaurant and Catering Industry Association (as cited on their website) for many years, we provide migration advice and services to its members on a wide range of visa-related matters.

If you are in the hospitality industry and need advice on any aspect of sponsorship, visas, work rights and anything else related to visas, speak to our highly experienced and friendly MARA consultants and let us help you find a solution and the best options for your circumstances.