Chef Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship

Chef and culinary positions are regularly sponsored through H-1B for specialty cuisine roles, H-2B 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.

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Overview

Open Jobs1,586+
Top Visa TypeF-1 OPT
Work Type100% On-site
Salary Range$49K – $60K
Top LocationLas Vegas, NV
Most JobsAramark

Showing 5 of 1,586+ chef jobs

Bozeman Health
Chef
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Bozeman Health
Added 1d ago
Chef
Bozeman Health
Bozeman, Montana
Food Service
Customer Service & Support
Chefs & Cooks
On-Site
2+ yrs exp.
High School
501-1,000

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THE PALMS AT SEBRING
Chef
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THE PALMS AT SEBRING
Added 3d ago
Chef
THE PALMS AT SEBRING
Sebring, Florida
Food Service
Hospitality & Guest Services
Hospitality Management
On-Site
3+ yrs exp.
Other

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Sodexo
Chef
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Sodexo
Added 1w ago
Chef
Sodexo
Kirkland, Washington
Food Service
$28/hr - $36/hr
On-Site
High School
10,000+

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Joby Aviation
Chef
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Joby Aviation
Added 1w ago
Chef
Joby Aviation
Marina, California
Food Service
$71,300/yr - $98,000/yr
On-Site
2+ yrs exp.
Associate's
1,001-5,000

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Amtrak
Chef
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Amtrak
Added 1w ago
Chef
Amtrak
Chicago, Illinois
Food Service
$21.00/hr - $21.00/hr
On-Site
High School
10,000+

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How to Get 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 extraordinary ability arguments.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What visa options are available for chefs seeking U.S. sponsorship?

Chefs can be sponsored through H-1B (for specialty cuisine roles that require specialized training), H-2B (for seasonal hospitality positions), J-1 (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.

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