New 457 changes will affect Cooks, Chefs and Hospitality Managers

As of the 19 April 2017 a caveat is in place for these occupation which excludes positions involved in mass production in a factory setting and positions in a limited service restaurant. A limited service restaurant includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• fast food or takeaway food services;
• fast casual restaurants;
• drinking establishments that offer only a limited food service;
• limited service cafes;
• limited service pizza restaurants.

Baker/Pastrycooks
A caveat is in place for this occupation which excludes any of the following positions:

• related to mass or standardised production, including positions based in a franchise or factory, as opposed to specialist production;
• that involve full or partial production of food product for distribution to another location;
• that predominantly involve the use of pre-prepared food product from another location.

Transitional (457’s):

• Pending applications with removed occupation should (Withdraw & Refund)
• 457 applications currently pending & lodgements on or after 19 April 2017 will obtain four (4) year visa if occupation is on (MLTSSL), or obtain a two (2) year visa for occupations on the (STSOL).
• Transitional may apply from 457 to PR, government will make further announcements on this.

Three Main Groups of Caveated Occupations

A caveat is a proviso of specific stipulations, conditions, or limitations.

• Group A: caveats relating to work experience only
• Group B: caveats related to regional location
• Group C: occupation specific caveats

Sources:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com.au/2017/04/18/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-457-working-visa-changes_a_22043897/
http://www.border.gov.au/Trav/Work/457-abolition-replacement
https://www.border.gov.au/Trav/Work/Work/Skills-assessment-and-assessing-authorities/skilled-occupations-lists