Chef Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Chef and culinary positions are regularly sponsored through H-1B visa for specialty cuisine roles, H-2B visa for seasonal hospitality demand, and EB-3 for permanent placements. Sponsorship is strongest for chefs with specialty cuisine expertise or executive kitchen experience at high-end restaurants and hotel groups. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
When you are looking for a new job, you know in your heart you want to work where you belong. The Atterbury Hotel, managed by Sage Hospitality, may just be your ideal location. We are the architects of experience creating a friendly, supportive culture that is intriguing and refreshing to those who are seasoned in hospitality as well as those putting their toes in the water for the first time. Let us be your guide.
Craft your skills by joining forces with this top-notch culinary team. Enjoy working with fresh, local ingredients and inspired menus to provide a journey to our guest’s palette. We have not one, but two kitchens to service our full Catering, The Drafting Room Restaurant and Bar, In-Room Dining, and Concierge Lounge. There are many moving pieces to the operation. With a passion for food, knife skills, and teamwork you could be the perfect fit. Could this be where you belong?
At Sage we create a culture of belonging. Our team members serve with creativity, and passion. Sage associates execute unforgettable experiences and take pride in our communities. We set new standards in hospitality.
JOB OVERVIEW
Support the Executive Chef in leading daily kitchen operations while ensuring consistent food quality, safety, sanitation, and associate development. The Sous Chef is a hands-on leader responsible for executing service, maintaining standards, and fostering a respectful, collaborative kitchen environment.
They are an ambassador of happiness and hospitality for all guests and associates.
Responsibilities
- Showcase an inherent desire to take care of others.
- Act as a visible leader on the line, supporting prep and service execution with precision and care.
- Assist in training, coaching, and developing culinary associates through hands-on leadership and real-time feedback.
- Support daily kitchen operations including prep lists, scheduling, ordering, inventory management, and quality control.
- Ensure consistent execution of recipes, portioning, and presentation standards.
- Enforce food safety, sanitation, and cleanliness standards at all times.
- Taste food throughout service to ensure quality and consistency before dishes leave the kitchen.
- Monitor product levels, communicate inventory needs, and support waste reduction efforts.
- Assist with recruiting, onboarding, and performance development for back-of-house associates.
- Collaborate with front-of-house leadership to support seamless service execution.
- Help open and close kitchen operations and serve as kitchen leader on assigned shifts.
- Address associate concerns professionally and promptly.
- Maintain organization, cleanliness, and safety across all kitchen areas.
- Maintains a friendly, cheerful, and courteous demeanor at all times.
- Exhibits a kind, welcoming, detail-oriented approach with a strong sense of urgency.
OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES
All other duties as assigned, requested or deemed necessary by management.
SUPERVISORY DUTIES
5 – 25 associates (varies by property, outlet, and season)
QUALIFICATIONS
Education/Formal Training
High school diploma or equivalent required; culinary degree preferred.
ServSafe (or other food safety) Manager certification required.
Qualifications
Minimum 2 years of progressive kitchen leadership experience (e.g., Lead Line Cook, Sous Chef).
Must meet state and federal requirements for food handling.
Knowledge/Skills
Proficiency in a wide range of cooking techniques (sauté, grill, roasting, butchery, sauces, etc.).
Understanding of food costing, prep yields, and recipe development.
Familiarity with ordering systems, inventory practices, and team scheduling.
Ability to communicate effectively with staff and leadership.
Strong organizational and leadership skills with the ability to train and mentor others.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Ability to lift, push, pull, and carry up to 50 lbs. regularly.
- Frequent bending, reaching, and handling throughout the shift.
- Mobility — ability to travel up to 300 feet during the shift.
- Continuous standing and walking throughout prep and service.
- Ability to hear and respond to staff, equipment, and operational needs in a noisy environment.
- Ability to taste and evaluate food to maintain quality standards.
- Ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously and maintain organization under pressure.
ENVIRONMENT
Physically demanding role requiring prolonged standing, walking, lifting, and carrying in an indoor kitchen environment, with exposure to high heat and cold storage areas.
BENEFITS
The Perks: Fully Loaded
- Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance, plus other supplemental options like Accident Coverage, Hospital Indemnity Coverage and more...even Pet Insurance!
- 401(k) with 100% Employer Match up to 3%, and 50% match on the 4th and 5th percent of your contribution
- Paid Vacation and Sick Time
- Short Term Disability
- Complimentary Employee Meals
- Hotel Discounts (Both Marriott and Sage Portfolios)
- Eligible for Referral Bonuses
- Incentive Programs
- Cell Phone Discounts
INTRODUCTION
When you are looking for a new job, you know in your heart you want to work where you belong. The Atterbury Hotel, managed by Sage Hospitality, may just be your ideal location. We are the architects of experience creating a friendly, supportive culture that is intriguing and refreshing to those who are seasoned in hospitality as well as those putting their toes in the water for the first time. Let us be your guide.
Craft your skills by joining forces with this top-notch culinary team. Enjoy working with fresh, local ingredients and inspired menus to provide a journey to our guest’s palette. We have not one, but two kitchens to service our full Catering, The Drafting Room Restaurant and Bar, In-Room Dining, and Concierge Lounge. There are many moving pieces to the operation. With a passion for food, knife skills, and teamwork you could be the perfect fit. Could this be where you belong?
At Sage we create a culture of belonging. Our team members serve with creativity, and passion. Sage associates execute unforgettable experiences and take pride in our communities. We set new standards in hospitality.
JOB OVERVIEW
Support the Executive Chef in leading daily kitchen operations while ensuring consistent food quality, safety, sanitation, and associate development. The Sous Chef is a hands-on leader responsible for executing service, maintaining standards, and fostering a respectful, collaborative kitchen environment.
They are an ambassador of happiness and hospitality for all guests and associates.
Responsibilities
- Showcase an inherent desire to take care of others.
- Act as a visible leader on the line, supporting prep and service execution with precision and care.
- Assist in training, coaching, and developing culinary associates through hands-on leadership and real-time feedback.
- Support daily kitchen operations including prep lists, scheduling, ordering, inventory management, and quality control.
- Ensure consistent execution of recipes, portioning, and presentation standards.
- Enforce food safety, sanitation, and cleanliness standards at all times.
- Taste food throughout service to ensure quality and consistency before dishes leave the kitchen.
- Monitor product levels, communicate inventory needs, and support waste reduction efforts.
- Assist with recruiting, onboarding, and performance development for back-of-house associates.
- Collaborate with front-of-house leadership to support seamless service execution.
- Help open and close kitchen operations and serve as kitchen leader on assigned shifts.
- Address associate concerns professionally and promptly.
- Maintain organization, cleanliness, and safety across all kitchen areas.
- Maintains a friendly, cheerful, and courteous demeanor at all times.
- Exhibits a kind, welcoming, detail-oriented approach with a strong sense of urgency.
OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES
All other duties as assigned, requested or deemed necessary by management.
SUPERVISORY DUTIES
5 – 25 associates (varies by property, outlet, and season)
QUALIFICATIONS
Education/Formal Training
High school diploma or equivalent required; culinary degree preferred.
ServSafe (or other food safety) Manager certification required.
Qualifications
Minimum 2 years of progressive kitchen leadership experience (e.g., Lead Line Cook, Sous Chef).
Must meet state and federal requirements for food handling.
Knowledge/Skills
Proficiency in a wide range of cooking techniques (sauté, grill, roasting, butchery, sauces, etc.).
Understanding of food costing, prep yields, and recipe development.
Familiarity with ordering systems, inventory practices, and team scheduling.
Ability to communicate effectively with staff and leadership.
Strong organizational and leadership skills with the ability to train and mentor others.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Ability to lift, push, pull, and carry up to 50 lbs. regularly.
- Frequent bending, reaching, and handling throughout the shift.
- Mobility — ability to travel up to 300 feet during the shift.
- Continuous standing and walking throughout prep and service.
- Ability to hear and respond to staff, equipment, and operational needs in a noisy environment.
- Ability to taste and evaluate food to maintain quality standards.
- Ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously and maintain organization under pressure.
ENVIRONMENT
Physically demanding role requiring prolonged standing, walking, lifting, and carrying in an indoor kitchen environment, with exposure to high heat and cold storage areas.
BENEFITS
The Perks: Fully Loaded
- Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance, plus other supplemental options like Accident Coverage, Hospital Indemnity Coverage and more...even Pet Insurance!
- 401(k) with 100% Employer Match up to 3%, and 50% match on the 4th and 5th percent of your contribution
- Paid Vacation and Sick Time
- Short Term Disability
- Complimentary Employee Meals
- Hotel Discounts (Both Marriott and Sage Portfolios)
- Eligible for Referral Bonuses
- Incentive Programs
- Cell Phone Discounts
See all 2,304+ Chef Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as a Chef
Build a specialty cuisine case for H-1B eligibility
USCIS has approved H-1B petitions for chefs who demonstrate that their role requires specialized knowledge beyond basic culinary skills. Executive chefs and specialty cuisine experts - particularly in regional cuisines requiring extensive training - have the strongest cases.
Pursue the O-1 visa if you have extraordinary achievements
Michelin stars, James Beard Award nominations, published cookbooks, or prominent media features can support an O-1 visa petition for extraordinary ability. Document every award, press mention, and industry recognition as evidence for your case.
Earn a culinary degree from a recognized institution
Degrees from institutions like the Culinary Institute of America (CIA), Le Cordon Bleu, or Johnson & Wales help establish that your role requires specialized education. A formal culinary degree strengthens the specialty occupation argument that sets H-1B-eligible chefs apart.
Use the J-1 trainee category to gain U.S. kitchen experience
The J-1 Trainee visa is available to chefs with a degree plus at least one year of related experience, or five years of experience in the field. It provides up to 12 months of U.S. training in the hospitality field and is a practical way to build connections with American restaurants.
Target high-end restaurants and hotel dining programs
Fine dining restaurants, Michelin-rated establishments, and luxury hotel culinary programs are far more likely to sponsor visas than casual dining or chain restaurants. These employers can more credibly argue that the position requires specialized expertise.
Document your culinary portfolio for immigration purposes
Compile media coverage, competition results, letters from industry peers, and evidence of specialized training in specific cuisines or techniques. A well-organized portfolio supports both H-1B specialty occupation and O-1 visa extraordinary ability arguments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What visa options are available for chefs seeking U.S. sponsorship?
Chefs can be sponsored through H-1B visa (for specialty cuisine roles that require specialized training), H-2B visa (for seasonal hospitality positions), J-1 visa (for culinary training programs), or EB-3 (for permanent positions leading to a green card). The visa type depends on the cuisine specialization, the employer, and whether the role is temporary or permanent.
Can chefs qualify for H-1B visa sponsorship?
Yes, but the role needs to demonstrate that it requires specialized knowledge tied to a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience. Executive chefs, specialty cuisine chefs (e.g., sushi masters, pastry chefs with advanced training), and roles requiring extensive formal culinary education have the strongest H-1B cases. A general line cook position would not typically qualify.
What experience do I need for a chef position with visa sponsorship?
It varies by visa type. H-1B specialty cuisine roles typically require extensive formal training and years of experience in a specific cuisine. EB-3 positions may accept less experience. H-2B seasonal roles may require basic kitchen skills with on-the-job training provided. Having documented experience in a recognized cuisine specialty significantly strengthens your application.
Which employers are most likely to sponsor chefs?
High-end restaurants, hotel groups, resort properties, and private clubs are the most active sponsors for culinary positions. Employers who need chefs with specific cuisine expertise that's difficult to recruit domestically (Japanese, French, Indian, Thai) are more likely to pursue sponsorship than establishments looking for general kitchen staff.
Can a culinary J-1 training program lead to permanent employment?
Not directly - J-1 is temporary and some participants face a two-year home residency requirement. However, completing a culinary J-1 program builds U.S. employer relationships and experience that can position you for H-1B or EB-3 sponsorship later. If you're not subject to the two-year requirement, transitioning to another visa status is more straightforward.
How to find Chef jobs with visa sponsorship?
To find Chef jobs with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate, which specializes in connecting international culinary professionals with employers offering visa support. Focus on restaurants, hotels, resorts, and hospitality chains that commonly sponsor skilled worker visas like H-1B or employer-sponsored permanent residence visas. These employers actively seek experienced chefs to fill specialized culinary positions.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Chef jobs?
When a U.S. employer sponsors a foreign worker for a work visa, they are legally required to pay at least the "prevailing wage", the average wage paid to workers in the same occupation, in the same geographic area, with similar experience. This is set by the Department of Labor to prevent employers from hiring foreign workers at below-market rates. The prevailing wage varies significantly by role, location, and experience level. For example, a chef in California will have a different prevailing wage than the same role in a smaller state. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search Page.