Banquet Cook Jobs for OPT Students
Banquet Cook jobs offer F-1 OPT students hands-on experience in high-volume food production, catering operations, and institutional kitchen environments. Many hotels, convention centers, and event venues hire cooks on a rolling basis, making this a strong option for students with culinary degrees seeking practical training authorization.
See All Banquet Cook JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 78+ Banquet Cook jobs
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
See all 78+ Banquet Cook jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Banquet Cook roles.
Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Nestled in the heart of The Steel District and overlooking the scenic Big Sioux River, Canopy by Hilton Sioux Falls Downtown offers a vibrant, boutique experience for both leisure and business travelers. Recognized as an AAA Four Diamond property, our hotel combines contemporary design with upscale service, creating a welcoming and sophisticated environment.
Guests can enjoy:
- 200+ stylish guest rooms thoughtfully designed for comfort and convenience.
- Nearly 20,000 sq. ft. of versatile meeting and event space, perfect for conferences, weddings, and social gatherings.
- Cascata Italian Cuisine, our signature restaurant, featuring authentic Italian flavors, a modern dining ambiance, and a scenic patio.
Located adjacent to historic Falls Park, our property provides panoramic river views and easy access to Sioux Falls’ cultural and entertainment attractions. Whether you’re here for business or pleasure, Canopy by Hilton Sioux Falls Downtown delivers exceptional amenities and personalized service to make your stay unforgettable.
Our culture is people-first, and we’re passionate about fostering growth, collaboration, and creativity. From culinary excellence at Cascata Italian Cuisine to artisanal breakfast and evening tastings, we deliver unforgettable experiences—and we need enthusiastic team members to make it happen.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
As a Cook, you would be responsible for preparing food items in accordance with recipes and established standards in the hotel's continuing effort to deliver outstanding service and financial profitability. Specifically, you would be responsible for performing the following tasks to the highest standards:
- Prepare food items according to designated recipes and quality standards
- Maintain cleanliness and comply with food sanitation standards at all times
- Manage guest orders in a friendly, timely and efficient manner
- Ensure knowledge of menu and all food products
- Stock and maintain designated food station(s)
- Visually inspect all food sent from the kitchen
- Practice correct food handling and food storage procedures according to federal, state, local and company regulations
- Prepare requisitions for supplies and food items, as needed
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Since being founded in 1919, Hilton has been a leader in the hospitality industry. Today, Hilton remains a beacon of innovation, quality, and success. This continued leadership is the result of our Team Members staying true to our Vision, Mission, and Values. Specifically, we look for demonstration of these Values:
- Hospitality - We're passionate about delivering exceptional guest experiences.
- Integrity - We do the right thing, all the time.
- Leadership - We're leaders in our industry and in our communities.
- Teamwork - We're team players in everything we do.
- Ownership - We're the owners of our actions and decisions.
- Now - We operate with a sense of urgency and discipline
In addition, we look for the demonstration of the following key attributes:
- Quality
- Productivity
- Dependability
- Customer Focus
- Adaptability
WHAT WILL IT BE LIKE TO WORK FOR HILTON?
Hilton is the leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxurious full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and mid-priced hotels. For nearly a century, Hilton has offered business and leisure travelers the finest in accommodations, service, amenities and value. Hilton is dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences across its global brands. Our vision “to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality” unites us as a team to create remarkable hospitality experiences around the world every day. And, our amazing Team Members are at the heart of it all!
INTRODUCTION
Nestled in the heart of The Steel District and overlooking the scenic Big Sioux River, Canopy by Hilton Sioux Falls Downtown offers a vibrant, boutique experience for both leisure and business travelers. Recognized as an AAA Four Diamond property, our hotel combines contemporary design with upscale service, creating a welcoming and sophisticated environment.
Guests can enjoy:
- 200+ stylish guest rooms thoughtfully designed for comfort and convenience.
- Nearly 20,000 sq. ft. of versatile meeting and event space, perfect for conferences, weddings, and social gatherings.
- Cascata Italian Cuisine, our signature restaurant, featuring authentic Italian flavors, a modern dining ambiance, and a scenic patio.
Located adjacent to historic Falls Park, our property provides panoramic river views and easy access to Sioux Falls’ cultural and entertainment attractions. Whether you’re here for business or pleasure, Canopy by Hilton Sioux Falls Downtown delivers exceptional amenities and personalized service to make your stay unforgettable.
Our culture is people-first, and we’re passionate about fostering growth, collaboration, and creativity. From culinary excellence at Cascata Italian Cuisine to artisanal breakfast and evening tastings, we deliver unforgettable experiences—and we need enthusiastic team members to make it happen.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
As a Cook, you would be responsible for preparing food items in accordance with recipes and established standards in the hotel's continuing effort to deliver outstanding service and financial profitability. Specifically, you would be responsible for performing the following tasks to the highest standards:
- Prepare food items according to designated recipes and quality standards
- Maintain cleanliness and comply with food sanitation standards at all times
- Manage guest orders in a friendly, timely and efficient manner
- Ensure knowledge of menu and all food products
- Stock and maintain designated food station(s)
- Visually inspect all food sent from the kitchen
- Practice correct food handling and food storage procedures according to federal, state, local and company regulations
- Prepare requisitions for supplies and food items, as needed
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Since being founded in 1919, Hilton has been a leader in the hospitality industry. Today, Hilton remains a beacon of innovation, quality, and success. This continued leadership is the result of our Team Members staying true to our Vision, Mission, and Values. Specifically, we look for demonstration of these Values:
- Hospitality - We're passionate about delivering exceptional guest experiences.
- Integrity - We do the right thing, all the time.
- Leadership - We're leaders in our industry and in our communities.
- Teamwork - We're team players in everything we do.
- Ownership - We're the owners of our actions and decisions.
- Now - We operate with a sense of urgency and discipline
In addition, we look for the demonstration of the following key attributes:
- Quality
- Productivity
- Dependability
- Customer Focus
- Adaptability
WHAT WILL IT BE LIKE TO WORK FOR HILTON?
Hilton is the leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxurious full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and mid-priced hotels. For nearly a century, Hilton has offered business and leisure travelers the finest in accommodations, service, amenities and value. Hilton is dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences across its global brands. Our vision “to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality” unites us as a team to create remarkable hospitality experiences around the world every day. And, our amazing Team Members are at the heart of it all!
How to Get Visa Sponsorship as a Banquet Cook
Highlight culinary credentials upfront
List your culinary degree or certificate on every application and connect it explicitly to the Banquet Cook role. Employers are more likely to consider OPT candidates when the training connection between your program and the position is immediately clear.
Target large hospitality employers first
Hotels, convention centers, and university dining operations hire banquet cooks regularly and have HR teams familiar with OPT work authorization. Smaller catering companies may be less experienced with the paperwork, so prioritize employers with established international hiring processes.
Apply early relative to your OPT start date
Start applying at least six to eight weeks before your OPT authorization begins. Banquet operations run on event schedules, and employers need lead time to confirm your work authorization before onboarding you for upcoming events.
Emphasize volume and event experience
Banquet kitchens prioritize speed and consistency at scale. If your training included catering labs, large-format cooking practicums, or internships in event kitchens, lead with those details. This directly addresses what banquet employers evaluate when reviewing candidates.
Understand STEM OPT eligibility for your program
Most culinary and hospitality degrees are not STEM-designated, meaning standard OPT gives you 12 months. Confirm your program's CIP code with your DSO before applying, so you can accurately tell employers how long your authorization runs.
Prepare your EAD card and I-20 for onboarding
Employers completing Form I-9 will need to verify your Employment Authorization Document and unexpired passport. Having your EAD card ready before your start date prevents onboarding delays, which matter especially when employers are staffing up around specific booked events.
Banquet Cook jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Banquet Cook JobsSee all 78+ Banquet Cook jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Banquet Cook roles.
Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Banquet Cook on OPT?
Yes, if your culinary, hospitality, or food service degree directly relates to the Banquet Cook role. USCIS requires that OPT employment be in a position related to your field of study. A culinary arts or hospitality management graduate working in banquet food production satisfies that requirement, but you should confirm the connection with your DSO before accepting an offer.
Do Banquet Cook employers typically sponsor OPT students?
Many do, particularly large hotel groups, convention centers, and university food service operations that routinely hire culinary graduates. They understand OPT work authorization and are experienced with I-9 verification for EAD holders. Smaller independent catering companies may be less familiar with the process. Browsing employer listings on Migrate Mate helps you identify which hospitality employers are actively open to OPT candidates.
Does part-time banquet cook work count toward OPT requirements?
Yes, part-time employment of at least 20 hours per week qualifies as valid OPT employment. Banquet kitchens often schedule staff around events, which can mean irregular hours week to week. As long as your average meets the 20-hour minimum and the role is related to your degree, it counts. Track your hours carefully because USCIS uses employment records when evaluating future immigration applications.
What happens to my OPT if the banquet employer lays me off between events?
OPT includes a 90-day aggregate unemployment allowance for standard OPT students. Gaps between banquet events or seasonal layoffs count toward that limit. If your total unemployment exceeds 90 days, your OPT is considered violated. Plan proactively by maintaining documentation of your employment and, if you anticipate a longer gap, contact your DSO immediately to discuss your options.
Is a Banquet Cook role considered practical training for a culinary degree?
Yes. Banquet cook positions involve food production, menu execution, kitchen operations, and catering logistics, all of which align directly with coursework in culinary arts, food science, or hospitality management programs. USCIS evaluates whether the job uses skills taught in your degree program, and banquet cooking is a recognized professional application of culinary training. Document the connection clearly in any future H-1B or status change filings.
See which Banquet Cook employers are hiring and sponsoring visas right now.
Search Banquet Cook Jobs