Dishwasher Jobs for OPT Students
Dishwasher jobs are among the most consistently available entry-level positions in the U.S. food service industry, and many employers hire without requiring prior experience. For F-1 OPT students, these roles qualify as practical training only if they relate to your field of study.
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Get Access To All JobsBecome part of our team! We are seeking a Seasonal full-time dishwasher for a private residential community and sporting club unlike any other. Schedule includes weekends and holidays. We offer an end of season bonus!
SUMMARY/OBJECTIVE
The Dishwasher is responsible for maintaining cleanliness and proper storage of all china, glass, and silver, and ensuring the highest standards of sanitation. Responsible for assisting the kitchen staff in maintaining the cleanliness of the kitchen and all storage areas. A positive can-do attitude is a must.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS – Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Washes all wares in dishwashing machine or by hand according to the highest sanitation standards
- Polishes all silverware, platters, and chafing dishes
- Collects trash from kitchen areas, empties garbage cans, washes and re-lines with new bags. Breaks down boxes, crates, and moves debris
- Washes and polishes all stainless steel in the kitchen, including shelves, dish cabinets, ice machines, coffee area, refrigerators, walk-ins, etc.
- Washes and cleans receiving, trash, and other kitchen-related areas
- Sweeps and mops kitchen floors and assures they remain clean, dry, and clear of debris
- Stores all dishes and other wares in proper areas
- Cleans dish machine and dish area after each meal period
- Assists in food preparation, storing foods after delivery, and cleaning coolers, freezers, and storerooms
- Maintain inventories of soap, chemicals, and paper towels
- Knowledge of proper safe handling techniques for all chemicals used
- Transfer supplies and equipment between storage and work areas
- Handles all china and glassware carefully to minimize breakage
- Cleans and safely stores all brooms, mops, and other cleaning equipment properly
- Operate the dishwashing equipment to ensure that all china, glass, and silver are cleaned thoroughly and sanitation of such is maintained
- Practice safe work habits always to avoid possible injury to self or other employees
- Report any maintenance needed on equipment
- Regular attendance and timeliness are required
COMPETENCIES
- Must be able to effectively communicate with all levels of employees in a friendly, courteous manner.
PHYSICAL & ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions for this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. This position is very active and requires standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, and crouching and repetitive motions. Frequently exposed to noise, heat, and cold. Must have the ability to move heavy objects. Must frequently lift and/or move items over 50 pounds. Must be physically present.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Must have food service/hospitality experience.
E-Verify Participation
EOE/DFWP
Become part of our team! We are seeking a Seasonal full-time dishwasher for a private residential community and sporting club unlike any other. Schedule includes weekends and holidays. We offer an end of season bonus!
SUMMARY/OBJECTIVE
The Dishwasher is responsible for maintaining cleanliness and proper storage of all china, glass, and silver, and ensuring the highest standards of sanitation. Responsible for assisting the kitchen staff in maintaining the cleanliness of the kitchen and all storage areas. A positive can-do attitude is a must.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS – Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Washes all wares in dishwashing machine or by hand according to the highest sanitation standards
- Polishes all silverware, platters, and chafing dishes
- Collects trash from kitchen areas, empties garbage cans, washes and re-lines with new bags. Breaks down boxes, crates, and moves debris
- Washes and polishes all stainless steel in the kitchen, including shelves, dish cabinets, ice machines, coffee area, refrigerators, walk-ins, etc.
- Washes and cleans receiving, trash, and other kitchen-related areas
- Sweeps and mops kitchen floors and assures they remain clean, dry, and clear of debris
- Stores all dishes and other wares in proper areas
- Cleans dish machine and dish area after each meal period
- Assists in food preparation, storing foods after delivery, and cleaning coolers, freezers, and storerooms
- Maintain inventories of soap, chemicals, and paper towels
- Knowledge of proper safe handling techniques for all chemicals used
- Transfer supplies and equipment between storage and work areas
- Handles all china and glassware carefully to minimize breakage
- Cleans and safely stores all brooms, mops, and other cleaning equipment properly
- Operate the dishwashing equipment to ensure that all china, glass, and silver are cleaned thoroughly and sanitation of such is maintained
- Practice safe work habits always to avoid possible injury to self or other employees
- Report any maintenance needed on equipment
- Regular attendance and timeliness are required
COMPETENCIES
- Must be able to effectively communicate with all levels of employees in a friendly, courteous manner.
PHYSICAL & ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions for this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. This position is very active and requires standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, and crouching and repetitive motions. Frequently exposed to noise, heat, and cold. Must have the ability to move heavy objects. Must frequently lift and/or move items over 50 pounds. Must be physically present.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Must have food service/hospitality experience.
E-Verify Participation
EOE/DFWP
How to Get Visa Sponsorship in Dishwasher
Confirm your job relates to your degree
Dishwasher roles qualify for OPT only if they connect to your field of study, such as culinary arts or hospitality management. Before accepting an offer, verify the role aligns with your DSO's guidance on approved practical training.
Track your employment start date carefully
OPT requires you to begin working within 90 days of your program end date. Confirm your start date in writing from the employer before your grace period runs out to avoid jeopardizing your status.
Report employment to your DSO immediately
You must report any new job to your Designated School Official within 10 days of starting. Failing to report on time is a compliance violation that can affect your OPT authorization and future visa applications.
Get your employment offer in writing
Always request a written offer letter that includes your job title, employer name, address, and start date. Your DSO needs these details to update SEVIS, and documentation protects you if any dispute arises later.
Know your unemployment day limit
Post-completion OPT allows only 90 days of unemployment. Gaps between dishwasher jobs count toward this limit, so keep records of your employment dates and act quickly if a position ends unexpectedly.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Can F-1 OPT students legally work as dishwashers in the United States?
Yes, but only if the role connects to your field of study. Dishwasher positions qualify for OPT under programs like culinary arts, hospitality management, or food service administration. If your degree is unrelated to food service, this role likely does not meet USCIS practical training requirements. Always confirm eligibility with your DSO before accepting an offer.
Do dishwasher employers need to sponsor an OPT student's visa?
No visa sponsorship is required during your OPT period. Your work authorization comes from your OPT EAD card, which you present to the employer alongside your passport and I-20. The employer simply completes standard I-9 verification. Visa sponsorship only becomes relevant if you want to stay after OPT ends and transition to an H-1B or another status.
Where can I find dishwasher jobs that are open to OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and lists roles from employers familiar with OPT work authorization. Searching there gives you a shortlist of positions where employers already understand your situation, which reduces the friction of explaining your status during the application process.
What documents do I need to show a dishwasher employer when I start?
You need your OPT EAD card, a valid passport, and your Form I-20 endorsed for OPT. For I-9 verification, the EAD card alone counts as a List A document. Some employers ask to see the I-20 for their own records, but it is not technically required for I-9 purposes. Keep copies of everything.
What happens to my OPT if my dishwasher job ends unexpectedly?
Your OPT authorization remains valid, but the unemployment clock starts immediately. Post-completion OPT students are allowed a maximum of 90 aggregate unemployment days. Report the job loss to your DSO right away, and begin your job search promptly. Finding qualifying employment quickly is important to avoid exceeding the limit and falling out of status.
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