H-1B Visa Head Chef Jobs
Head Chef roles can qualify for H-1B visa sponsorship when the position requires a bachelor's degree or equivalent in culinary arts, hospitality management, or a related field. Large hotel groups, restaurant corporations, and casino operators are among the most active sponsors. Specialty cuisine expertise and executive-level responsibilities strengthen the specialty occupation case.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Takeda Omakase Sushi Restaurant is hiring kitchen staff in preparation for our upcoming opening. We are seeking motivated and detail-oriented individuals who can support all aspects of kitchen operations, from preparation through service. This position goes beyond basic assistance — it is a valuable opportunity to develop the skills and mindset required to work in a high-level professional kitchen.
LOCATION
Takeda Omakase Sushi Restaurant
6 Murray St, New York, NY 10007
POSITIONS AVAILABLE
- Head Chef Assistant / Kitchen Helper (No experience required)
- Kitchen Chef (Experienced)
SCHEDULE & WORK CONDITIONS
- 2:30 PM – 12:00 AM
- 5–6 days per week (Closed on Tuesdays)
BENEFITS
- After 2 years: 2 weeks paid summer vacation (65% of base pay)
- After 3 years: Up to 4 weeks total paid vacation (summer and winter combined)
REQUIREMENTS
- Basic understanding of Japanese
- Strong work ethic and willingness to learn
- Interest in Japanese cuisine is a plus
HEAD CHEF ASSISTANT / KITCHEN HELPER (NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED) RESPONSIBILITIES
Preparation
- Ingredient preparation (vegetable cutting, fish processing)
- Preparing stocks, sauces, and foundational components
- Executing daily and next-day prep plans
- Managing ingredient freshness, storage, and labeling
Head Chef Support
- Assisting with plating at the counter
- Basic cooking support and kitchen organization
- Supporting the team during peak service hours
Sanitation
- Dishwashing
- Maintaining cleanliness and organization of the kitchen
COMPENSATION
- Full-time
- Training period: 3 weeks
- After training: $20/hour + tips ($3+/hour, based on performance)
- Wage increases available based on skill and contribution
KITCHEN CHEF (EXPERIENCED) RESPONSIBILITIES
- Full kitchen operations including prep and cooking
- Grill, fry, and dessert preparation
- Ingredient and quality control
- Maintaining a clean and organized kitchen
- Cleaning and managing kitchen tools and equipment
- Pre-service and post-service setup and breakdown
COMPENSATION
- Full-time (negotiable based on experience)
In an omakase-style kitchen, precision in preparation, organization, and maintaining a clean environment are essential to delivering high-quality cuisine. We are looking for individuals who take pride in these standards.
This is an excellent opportunity for those who are serious about growing in the culinary field and want to be part of building a restaurant from the ground up.
Pay: From $20.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
INTRODUCTION
Takeda Omakase Sushi Restaurant is hiring kitchen staff in preparation for our upcoming opening. We are seeking motivated and detail-oriented individuals who can support all aspects of kitchen operations, from preparation through service. This position goes beyond basic assistance — it is a valuable opportunity to develop the skills and mindset required to work in a high-level professional kitchen.
LOCATION
Takeda Omakase Sushi Restaurant
6 Murray St, New York, NY 10007
POSITIONS AVAILABLE
- Head Chef Assistant / Kitchen Helper (No experience required)
- Kitchen Chef (Experienced)
SCHEDULE & WORK CONDITIONS
- 2:30 PM – 12:00 AM
- 5–6 days per week (Closed on Tuesdays)
BENEFITS
- After 2 years: 2 weeks paid summer vacation (65% of base pay)
- After 3 years: Up to 4 weeks total paid vacation (summer and winter combined)
REQUIREMENTS
- Basic understanding of Japanese
- Strong work ethic and willingness to learn
- Interest in Japanese cuisine is a plus
HEAD CHEF ASSISTANT / KITCHEN HELPER (NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED) RESPONSIBILITIES
Preparation
- Ingredient preparation (vegetable cutting, fish processing)
- Preparing stocks, sauces, and foundational components
- Executing daily and next-day prep plans
- Managing ingredient freshness, storage, and labeling
Head Chef Support
- Assisting with plating at the counter
- Basic cooking support and kitchen organization
- Supporting the team during peak service hours
Sanitation
- Dishwashing
- Maintaining cleanliness and organization of the kitchen
COMPENSATION
- Full-time
- Training period: 3 weeks
- After training: $20/hour + tips ($3+/hour, based on performance)
- Wage increases available based on skill and contribution
KITCHEN CHEF (EXPERIENCED) RESPONSIBILITIES
- Full kitchen operations including prep and cooking
- Grill, fry, and dessert preparation
- Ingredient and quality control
- Maintaining a clean and organized kitchen
- Cleaning and managing kitchen tools and equipment
- Pre-service and post-service setup and breakdown
COMPENSATION
- Full-time (negotiable based on experience)
In an omakase-style kitchen, precision in preparation, organization, and maintaining a clean environment are essential to delivering high-quality cuisine. We are looking for individuals who take pride in these standards.
This is an excellent opportunity for those who are serious about growing in the culinary field and want to be part of building a restaurant from the ground up.
Pay: From $20.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship as a Head Chef
Document your culinary credentials precisely
Gather official transcripts, degree equivalency evaluations, and employer letters that tie your culinary education directly to the Head Chef role. USCIS scrutinizes whether the position genuinely requires a specific degree, so vague credentials create RFE risk.
Target hotel groups and casino operators first
Multi-property hospitality brands and casino resorts file H-1B petitions far more consistently than independent restaurants. Their HR teams understand the specialty occupation standard and have legal infrastructure to support the filing.
Check the prevailing wage before salary negotiations
Use the OFLC Wage Search to look up the DOL wage level for your specific occupation code and metro area. Your offered salary must meet the certified LCA wage, and negotiating below it invalidates the petition.
Search verified sponsoring employers on Migrate Mate
Filter Head Chef roles on Migrate Mate by employers with confirmed H-1B LCA filing history. This cuts out restaurants that express interest but have never navigated the specialty occupation filing process before.
Build an O*NET-aligned job description with your employer
Ask the hiring team to align your offer letter's duties with the O*NET occupation profile for Head Chefs. Adjudicators compare submitted job duties against this profile when evaluating specialty occupation status.
File before the April 1 registration deadline
The H-1B cap registration window typically opens in March for an October 1 start date. If your employer misses the annual lottery registration period, you'll wait a full year for the next cycle.
H-1B Visa Head Chef: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Head Chef role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
It can, but it's not automatic. USCIS requires that the position normally demands at least a bachelor's degree in a specific field such as culinary arts or hospitality management. Roles at high-end hotel groups, large restaurant corporations, or institutional food service operations are more defensible than independent restaurant positions, where the degree requirement is harder to establish.
Which types of employers sponsor H-1B visas for Head Chefs?
Multi-property hotel brands, casino resorts, cruise lines, corporate dining contractors, and university dining programs are the most consistent H-1B sponsors for culinary leadership roles. These organizations have dedicated immigration counsel and established USCIS filing histories. You can filter for employers with confirmed LCA filing records on Migrate Mate to identify active sponsors before applying.
What documents strengthen an H-1B petition for a Head Chef?
A degree equivalency evaluation from a NACES-accredited credential evaluator matters most if your culinary education is from outside the U.S. You'll also need an offer letter with detailed job duties, DOL-certified LCA, and evidence linking your specific degree field to the role requirements. Employer letters from prior supervisors that describe your specialized expertise add further support.
Can a Head Chef change employers after receiving H-1B sponsorship?
Yes, through H-1B portability. Once USCIS receives a new employer's transfer petition, you can begin working for the new employer immediately without waiting for approval. The new employer must file a new I-129 and obtain a fresh LCA from DOL. You don't enter the lottery again, but the specialty occupation standard still applies to the new role.
How does the DOL prevailing wage requirement affect Head Chef hiring?
Before filing your H-1B petition, your employer must get an LCA certified by DOL, which locks in the wage level for your occupation code and work location. USCIS checks that your offered salary meets this certified wage. If a restaurant offers below the prevailing wage to stay competitive with local market rates, the petition will be denied regardless of other qualifications.