J-1 Visa Guest Services Agent Jobs
Guest Services Agent roles in hotels, resorts, and hospitality venues are available to international exchange visitors through J-1 visa sponsorship under the Intern or Trainee program category. These structured placements connect you with U.S. host employers while a State Department-designated sponsor organization issues your DS-2019 and oversees program compliance.
Find J-1 Visa Guest Services Agent JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 31+ Guest Services Agent jobs










See all 31+ Guest Services Agent Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Guest Services Agent roles.
Get Access To All Jobs
Compensation Type: Hourly
Kessler Hospitality’s portfolio of artistically inspired boutique hotels boasts unique design, luxurious accommodations, enriching ambiance, and intuitive service. With properties in Alabama, Colorado, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina or South Carolina, each hotel’s exquisite art, music, and cultural influences are deliberately approachable. Designed to inspire and to encourage unforgettable experiences, Kessler guests are immersed in redefined Bohemian luxury, from a cutting-edge downtown icon to a premier luxury lodge, Savannah’s entertainment destination, and an elite ski lodge. Kessler Hospitality was the founding member of the Marriott Autograph Collection, introduced with seven Autograph Collection branded hotels. Each property is a bold, original hotel carefully created with style and the individualist traveler in mind.
Location:
The AAA Four Diamond JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District is located in the heart of historic Savannah on the Savannah riverfront, with countless activities a short walk away. Explore the downtown Savannah shopping district, eat at one of the hotel's many restaurants, reconnect with friends at our riverside Savannah bars, or embark on one of the city's various walking tours.
Once a power plant, Plant Riverside District represents the beauty of progress. Our three unique buildings are enriched in history, from chic architecture in the Power Plant to romantic styling in the Three Muses and contemporary maritime details in the Atlantic. Complete your experience with a relaxing visit to the hotel spa before you enjoy the vibrant nightlife in the entertainment district.
Overview:
The Guest Service Agent is responsible for providing attentive, courteous and efficient service to all guests during check-in, throughout their stay, and at checkout, while maximizing room revenue and occupancy.
Responsibilities:
- Greet and welcome all guests approaching the Front Desk in accordance with Highgate Hotel standards.
- Maintain proper operation of the PBX console and ensure that all hotel standards are met (if applicable).
- Answer guest inquiries about hotel services, facilities and hours of operation in a timely manner.
- Ensure logging and delivery of packages, mail and messages to guests and meeting rooms.
- Review Front Office log and Trace File daily.
- Answer inquiries from guests regarding restaurants, transportation, entertainment, etc.
- Follow all cash handling and credit policies.
- Be aware of all rates, packages and special promotions as listed in the Red Book.
- Be familiar with all in-house groups.
- Be aware of closed out and restricted dates.
- Obtain all necessary information when taking room reservations and follow the rate-quoting scenario.
- Be familiar with hospitality terminology.
- Have knowledge of emergency procedures and assist as needed.
- Handle check-ins and checkouts in a friendly, efficient and courteous manner.
- Use proper two-way radio etiquette at all times when communicating with other employees.
- Fully comprehend and be able to operate all relevant aspects of the Front Desk computer system.
- Be able to perform and complete all tasks and duties on the shift checklist in a timely and efficient manner.
- Be able to complete a bucket check, room rate verification report, and housekeeping report.
- Balance and prepare individual paperwork for closing of shift according to hotel standards.
- Maintain and market promotions and guest programs.
- Maintain a clean work area.
- Assist guests with safe deposit boxes.
Qualifications
- College course work in related field helpful.
- Experience in a hotel or a related field preferred.
- High School diploma or equivalent required.
- Computer experience required.
- Customer Services experience preferred.
- Flexible and long hours sometimes required.
- Light work - Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.
- Ability to stand during entire shift.
- Maintain a warm and friendly demeanor at all times.
- Must be able to effectively communicate both verbally and written, with all level of employees and guests in an attentive, friendly, courteous and service oriented manner.
- Must be effective at listening to, understanding, and clarifying concerns raised by employees and guests.
- Must be able to multitask and prioritize departmental functions to meet deadlines.
- Approach all encounters with guests and employees in an attentive, friendly, courteous and service-oriented manner.
- Attend all hotel required meetings and trainings.
- Maintain regular attendance in compliance with Highgate Hotel Standards, as required by scheduling, which will vary according to the needs of the hotel.
- Maintain high standards of personal appearance and grooming, which includes wearing the proper uniform and nametag.
- Comply with Highgate Hotel Standards and regulations to encourage safe and efficient hotel operations.
- Maximize efforts towards productivity, identify problem areas and assist in implementing solutions.
- Must be effective in handling problems, including anticipating, preventing, identifying and solving problems as necessary.
- Must be able to understand and apply complex information, data, etc. from various sources to meet appropriate objectives.
- Must be able to cross-train in other hotel related areas.
- Must be able to maintain confidentiality of information.
- Must be able to show initiative, including anticipating guest or operational needs.
- Perform other duties as requested by management.
See all 31+ J-1 Visa Guest Services Agent Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new J-1 Visa Guest Services Agent Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding J-1 Visa Sponsorship in Guest Services Agent
Document your hospitality training plan early
Your J-1 visa Trainee or Intern category requires a formal Training or Internship Placement Plan. Outline specific competencies you'll develop, such as front desk operations, reservation systems, and guest conflict resolution, before approaching host employers.
Target hotels with dedicated HR compliance teams
Larger hotel groups and resort chains have HR departments experienced in coordinating with State Department-designated sponsors and executing DS-2019 paperwork. Independent boutiques often lack this infrastructure, which slows or prevents placement.
Search verified J-1 host employers on Migrate Mate
Use Migrate Mate to identify U.S. hospitality employers actively hosting J-1 exchange visitors in Guest Services roles, filtering by location and program category to match your Intern or Trainee eligibility before applying.
Confirm the two-year home residency requirement applies
Guest Services Trainee placements funded by a government or international organization, or tied to a skills shortage in your home country, may carry a two-year home residency requirement. Check your DS-2019 remarks and your J-1 visa stamp carefully before planning next visa steps.
Align your degree field with the guest services role
Designated sponsors require your academic background in hospitality management, tourism, or a related discipline to match the placement. A mismatch between your field of study and the host employer's training objectives is a common reason sponsors reject DS-2019 applications.
Time your offer acceptance around DS-2019 issuance
Once a host employer extends an offer, your designated sponsor must issue the DS-2019 before you can schedule a consular interview. Budget at least four to six weeks between signed training plan and visa stamp, and don't give notice at a current job prematurely.
Guest Services Agent J-1 Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which J-1 program category fits a Guest Services Agent role?
Current hospitality students completing a placement as part of their degree typically qualify under the Intern category. Early-career professionals with a hospitality degree and at least one year of relevant work experience outside the U.S. generally qualify under the Trainee category. The distinction matters because each category has different maximum program durations and eligibility requirements set by the State Department.
Who actually sponsors my J-1 visa for a Guest Services role?
Your employer is the host organization, not the visa sponsor. The J-1 sponsor is a State Department-designated organization, such as Cultural Vistas or AIPT, that issues your DS-2019, approves your training plan, and monitors compliance throughout your program. The hotel or resort you work for agrees to act as a host but has no authority to issue J-1 documentation independently.
How can I find U.S. employers open to hosting J-1 Guest Services Agents?
Migrate Mate lets you search for U.S. hospitality employers and roles aligned with J-1 exchange visitor programs, so you can identify host opportunities before reaching out to a designated sponsor to arrange the DS-2019. Starting your employer search this way gives you a concrete placement to present when a sponsor evaluates your training plan application.
Does a Guest Services Agent placement trigger the two-year home residency requirement?
It depends on your country and funding source. If your home government or an international organization finances your exchange, or if your home country has a skills shortage designation that covers hospitality roles, the two-year home residency requirement applies. Check the J-1 visa remarks field on your DS-2019 and confirm with your designated sponsor before making post-program plans, including any intent to change status.
Can I extend my J-1 placement if the host employer wants to keep me on longer?
Extensions are possible within the maximum duration for your category. Intern placements cap at 12 months, while Trainee placements cap at 18 months. Your host employer must submit a request through your designated sponsor before your current DS-2019 expires, with a revised training plan showing the additional objectives. Extensions beyond the category cap require you to depart and potentially requalify under a different visa category.