H-1B Visa Sous Chef Jobs
Sous 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. Fine dining groups, hotel chains, and multi-unit restaurant operators are the most active sponsors. No lottery exemption applies, so timing your job search around the April cap season matters.
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The University of Notre Dame is more than a workplace; it is a vibrant, mission-driven community where every employee is valued and supported. Rooted in a tradition of excellence and inspired by our Catholic character, Notre Dame is committed to fostering an environment of care that nurtures the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. Here, you will find a deep sense of belonging, a culture that prioritizes well-being, and the opportunity to grow your career while being a force for good in the world. Whether contributing to world-class research, shaping the student experience, or supporting the University’s mission in other ways, you will be part of a dedicated team working to make a meaningful impact on campus and beyond. At Notre Dame, your work matters, and so do you!
Job Description
The University of Notre Dame Operations, Events, and Safety (UOES) division is currently hiring for a full-time Demi Sous Chef in South Dining Hall in our Campus and Auxiliary Dining Halls in our Campus Dining department. The UOES division oversees the University's event management, hospitality, and customer service functions, while also supporting student life, academic initiatives, research activities, and annual milestone celebrations.
Demi Sous Chef
Reporting to the Sous Chef, the Demi-Sous Chef is an advanced culinary position within ND Dining that serves as a developmental progression from Cook 3 and a defined pathway toward the Sous Chef role. This position supports the daily execution of back-of-house operations through hands-on leadership in food production, station oversight, team support, and service coordination.
The Demi-Sous Chef plays an important role in maintaining culinary quality, consistency, service readiness, sanitation, and operational discipline across assigned production areas. As a working leader, this position remains actively engaged in food preparation and service while helping guide kitchen workflow, reinforce standards, and support the success of the culinary team.
This role is intended for a highly skilled culinarian who has demonstrated advanced technical ability, dependability, leadership potential, and readiness to take on increased kitchen responsibility in preparation for future advancement to Sous Chef.
Key Responsibilities:
- Execute advanced food preparation and cooking across multiple stations in accordance with standardized recipes, production schedules, and ND Dining expectations
- Support daily meal production by ensuring food is prepared, finished, and presented with consistency, timeliness, and attention to quality
- Maintain high standards for taste, appearance, portioning, and overall food presentation
- Monitor station readiness, food levels, replenishment, and timing throughout meal service
- Assist in organizing prep priorities and production sequencing to support smooth and efficient kitchen operations
- Contribute to recipe ingredient selection, batch preparation, and consistent product execution
- Help ensure seamless transitions between production, service, and replenishment throughout the day
- Provide day-to-day culinary guidance and working leadership to Cook 1, Cook 2, and Cook 3 team members
- Support the Sous Chef in reinforcing expectations for food quality, consistency, urgency, professionalism, and teamwork
- Assist in training team members on recipes, techniques, equipment use, kitchen procedures, and production standards
- Model accountability, professionalism, and a strong commitment to culinary excellence
- Support a positive and productive kitchen culture through active communication, collaboration, and daily coaching
- Help identify opportunities for employee growth and skill development within the culinary team
- Support the Sous Chef in monitoring daily production needs, workflow, and station readiness
- Assist in maintaining an organized and efficient kitchen operation across prep, service, and closing functions
- Help ensure proper labeling, storage, rotation, and handling of all food products
- Support inventory awareness by communicating shortages, product concerns, and replenishment needs
- Contribute to waste reduction through proper handling, batch production, and product utilization
- Maintain a clean, organized, safe, and inspection-ready work environment
- Assist in identifying and communicating operational challenges, service concerns, and workflow inefficiencies
- Maintain strict adherence to food safety, sanitation, and HACCP standards
- Ensure compliance with department expectations related to safe food handling, labeling, storage, and cleanliness
- Reinforce sanitation practices among team members throughout preparation, service, and closing procedures
- Support readiness for internal reviews, routine inspections, and operational standards assessments
- Promote a culture of cleanliness, safety, and accountability in all back-of-house functions
- Develop supervisory judgment, operational awareness, and leadership skills in preparation for future advancement
- Gain experience in coordinating production teams and supporting day-to-day kitchen oversight under the direction of the Sous Chef
- Serve as a bridge between advanced culinary execution and entry-level kitchen leadership
- Continue building the skills, confidence, and leadership presence necessary for progression to the Sous Chef role
Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED required
- Associate degree in culinary arts or related field preferred
- Minimum of 3–5 years of progressive culinary experience in high-volume food service, hospitality, restaurant, or institutional dining operations
- Demonstrated success in an advanced cook-level role such as Cook 3 or equivalent
- Strong culinary fundamentals, including food preparation, batch cooking, station management, recipe execution, and quality control
- Demonstrated ability to work independently while supporting broader kitchen operations
- Working knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and HACCP standards
- ServSafe certification required or ability to obtain within designated timeframe
- ACF Certified Culinarian (CC) certification required or must be obtained within one year of hire
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Strong culinary technique and food production knowledge
- Ability to support multiple stations and production priorities simultaneously
- Ability to lead workflow while remaining actively engaged in hands-on production
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality and consistency
- Ability to train, guide, and support team members in a fast-paced kitchen environment
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills
- Sound judgment, dependability, and strong organizational ability
- Ability to adapt and respond effectively during high-volume service periods
- Commitment to cleanliness, operational discipline, and continuous improvement
- Readiness to grow into broader culinary leadership responsibilities
Working Conditions
- Requires standing for extended periods of time
- Frequent walking, bending, lifting, reaching, pushing, and pulling
- Ability to lift and move products and supplies in accordance with departmental expectations
- Work is performed in a fast-paced kitchen environment with exposure to heat, steam, sharp equipment, wet floors, and refrigeration areas
- Schedule may include evenings, weekends, holidays, and peak operational periods based on business needs
Additional Information
Pay Rate: $19.75-23.00/hr - commensurate with experience
The University of Notre Dame seeks to attract, develop, and retain the highest quality faculty, staff and administration. The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or age in employment. Moreover, Notre Dame prohibits discrimination against veterans or disabled qualified individuals, and complies with 41 CFR 60-741.5(a) and 41 CFR 60-300.5(a). We strongly encourage applications from candidates attracted to a university with a Catholic identity.
Company Description
The University of Notre Dame is more than a workplace; it is a vibrant, mission-driven community where every employee is valued and supported. Rooted in a tradition of excellence and inspired by our Catholic character, Notre Dame is committed to fostering an environment of care that nurtures the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. Here, you will find a deep sense of belonging, a culture that prioritizes well-being, and the opportunity to grow your career while being a force for good in the world. Whether contributing to world-class research, shaping the student experience, or supporting the University’s mission in other ways, you will be part of a dedicated team working to make a meaningful impact on campus and beyond. At Notre Dame, your work matters, and so do you!
Job Description
The University of Notre Dame Operations, Events, and Safety (UOES) division is currently hiring for a full-time Demi Sous Chef in South Dining Hall in our Campus and Auxiliary Dining Halls in our Campus Dining department. The UOES division oversees the University's event management, hospitality, and customer service functions, while also supporting student life, academic initiatives, research activities, and annual milestone celebrations.
Demi Sous Chef
Reporting to the Sous Chef, the Demi-Sous Chef is an advanced culinary position within ND Dining that serves as a developmental progression from Cook 3 and a defined pathway toward the Sous Chef role. This position supports the daily execution of back-of-house operations through hands-on leadership in food production, station oversight, team support, and service coordination.
The Demi-Sous Chef plays an important role in maintaining culinary quality, consistency, service readiness, sanitation, and operational discipline across assigned production areas. As a working leader, this position remains actively engaged in food preparation and service while helping guide kitchen workflow, reinforce standards, and support the success of the culinary team.
This role is intended for a highly skilled culinarian who has demonstrated advanced technical ability, dependability, leadership potential, and readiness to take on increased kitchen responsibility in preparation for future advancement to Sous Chef.
Key Responsibilities:
- Execute advanced food preparation and cooking across multiple stations in accordance with standardized recipes, production schedules, and ND Dining expectations
- Support daily meal production by ensuring food is prepared, finished, and presented with consistency, timeliness, and attention to quality
- Maintain high standards for taste, appearance, portioning, and overall food presentation
- Monitor station readiness, food levels, replenishment, and timing throughout meal service
- Assist in organizing prep priorities and production sequencing to support smooth and efficient kitchen operations
- Contribute to recipe ingredient selection, batch preparation, and consistent product execution
- Help ensure seamless transitions between production, service, and replenishment throughout the day
- Provide day-to-day culinary guidance and working leadership to Cook 1, Cook 2, and Cook 3 team members
- Support the Sous Chef in reinforcing expectations for food quality, consistency, urgency, professionalism, and teamwork
- Assist in training team members on recipes, techniques, equipment use, kitchen procedures, and production standards
- Model accountability, professionalism, and a strong commitment to culinary excellence
- Support a positive and productive kitchen culture through active communication, collaboration, and daily coaching
- Help identify opportunities for employee growth and skill development within the culinary team
- Support the Sous Chef in monitoring daily production needs, workflow, and station readiness
- Assist in maintaining an organized and efficient kitchen operation across prep, service, and closing functions
- Help ensure proper labeling, storage, rotation, and handling of all food products
- Support inventory awareness by communicating shortages, product concerns, and replenishment needs
- Contribute to waste reduction through proper handling, batch production, and product utilization
- Maintain a clean, organized, safe, and inspection-ready work environment
- Assist in identifying and communicating operational challenges, service concerns, and workflow inefficiencies
- Maintain strict adherence to food safety, sanitation, and HACCP standards
- Ensure compliance with department expectations related to safe food handling, labeling, storage, and cleanliness
- Reinforce sanitation practices among team members throughout preparation, service, and closing procedures
- Support readiness for internal reviews, routine inspections, and operational standards assessments
- Promote a culture of cleanliness, safety, and accountability in all back-of-house functions
- Develop supervisory judgment, operational awareness, and leadership skills in preparation for future advancement
- Gain experience in coordinating production teams and supporting day-to-day kitchen oversight under the direction of the Sous Chef
- Serve as a bridge between advanced culinary execution and entry-level kitchen leadership
- Continue building the skills, confidence, and leadership presence necessary for progression to the Sous Chef role
Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED required
- Associate degree in culinary arts or related field preferred
- Minimum of 3–5 years of progressive culinary experience in high-volume food service, hospitality, restaurant, or institutional dining operations
- Demonstrated success in an advanced cook-level role such as Cook 3 or equivalent
- Strong culinary fundamentals, including food preparation, batch cooking, station management, recipe execution, and quality control
- Demonstrated ability to work independently while supporting broader kitchen operations
- Working knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and HACCP standards
- ServSafe certification required or ability to obtain within designated timeframe
- ACF Certified Culinarian (CC) certification required or must be obtained within one year of hire
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Strong culinary technique and food production knowledge
- Ability to support multiple stations and production priorities simultaneously
- Ability to lead workflow while remaining actively engaged in hands-on production
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality and consistency
- Ability to train, guide, and support team members in a fast-paced kitchen environment
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills
- Sound judgment, dependability, and strong organizational ability
- Ability to adapt and respond effectively during high-volume service periods
- Commitment to cleanliness, operational discipline, and continuous improvement
- Readiness to grow into broader culinary leadership responsibilities
Working Conditions
- Requires standing for extended periods of time
- Frequent walking, bending, lifting, reaching, pushing, and pulling
- Ability to lift and move products and supplies in accordance with departmental expectations
- Work is performed in a fast-paced kitchen environment with exposure to heat, steam, sharp equipment, wet floors, and refrigeration areas
- Schedule may include evenings, weekends, holidays, and peak operational periods based on business needs
Additional Information
Pay Rate: $19.75-23.00/hr - commensurate with experience
The University of Notre Dame seeks to attract, develop, and retain the highest quality faculty, staff and administration. The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or age in employment. Moreover, Notre Dame prohibits discrimination against veterans or disabled qualified individuals, and complies with 41 CFR 60-741.5(a) and 41 CFR 60-300.5(a). We strongly encourage applications from candidates attracted to a university with a Catholic identity.
See all 213+ H-1B Visa Sous Chef Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new H-1B Visa Sous Chef Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship as a Sous Chef
Verify your degree meets specialty occupation
USCIS requires H-1B roles to demand at least a bachelor's degree in a specific field. Culinary Institute of America degrees and accredited hospitality management programs satisfy this, but a general associate's degree alone won't. Check your credential against O*NET before applying.
Target multi-unit operators over independent restaurants
Independent restaurants rarely have the HR infrastructure to file H-1B petitions. Focus on hotel groups, casino dining divisions, and restaurant management companies with dedicated immigration counsel, as they've navigated the LCA and I-129 process before.
Search verified H-1B sponsors on Migrate Mate
Use Migrate Mate to filter Sous Chef openings by employers with confirmed H-1B LCA filing history. This removes the guesswork of cold-applying to restaurants that have never sponsored a work visa.
Negotiate offer timing around the April filing window
H-1B cap-subject petitions must be filed in April for an October 1 start date. If you receive an offer in June, your earliest cap-subject start is the following October. Discuss this timeline explicitly with hiring managers before accepting.
Confirm the employer's prevailing wage before the LCA
Your employer files a Labor Condition Application with DOL certifying your offered wage meets the prevailing wage for Sous Chef roles in that metro area. Run the OFLC Wage Search yourself first so you know whether the offer clears the DOL threshold.
Organize foreign culinary credentials for the petition
If your training was outside the U.S., get a credential evaluation from a NACES-member agency before your employer files the I-129. USCIS adjudicators scrutinize culinary degrees from foreign institutions, and a detailed equivalency report reduces the risk of a Request for Evidence.
H-1B Visa Sous Chef: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Sous Chef role actually qualify as an H-1B specialty occupation?
It depends on how the position is defined. A general line-level Sous Chef role without a degree requirement typically won't qualify. Positions at fine dining establishments, luxury hotels, or corporate food service operations that explicitly require a bachelor's degree in culinary arts or hospitality management are far more likely to clear USCIS's specialty occupation standard. The job description language your employer uses in the LCA matters significantly.
Which types of employers are most likely to sponsor H-1B visas for Sous Chefs?
Hotel groups, casino resort dining programs, corporate food and beverage divisions, and upscale multi-unit restaurant companies are the most active H-1B sponsors for culinary roles. These employers typically have in-house HR or retained immigration counsel experienced with LCA filings. You can find employers with verified H-1B filing history for culinary roles on Migrate Mate, which filters listings by actual DOL Labor Condition Application data.
Can I switch from an F-1 OPT to H-1B status while working as a Sous Chef?
Yes, if your employer files your H-1B cap petition in April before your OPT expires, a cap-gap provision extends your work authorization through September 30 while the petition is pending. If your OPT expires before April, you'd need to stop working until an H-1B is approved. Timing your job search to secure an offer before your OPT end date is critical.
What happens to my H-1B if the restaurant closes or I'm let go?
You have a 60-day grace period after your employment ends to find a new H-1B sponsor, change to another visa status, or depart the U.S. During that window, you're not authorized to work. If a new employer files an H-1B transfer petition before the grace period ends, you can begin working for the new employer once the petition is received by USCIS, even before approval.
Does the H-1B annual cap apply to culinary roles at nonprofit or government employers?
Cap-exempt status applies to certain nonprofit research organizations, government research entities, and institutions of higher education, not to standard restaurant or hotel employers. A Sous Chef position at a university dining program run directly by the institution could qualify as cap-exempt, meaning no lottery and year-round filing. Private restaurant groups, even prestigious ones, are cap-subject and subject to the April registration window.