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
As a chef on our Restaurant team, you’ll play a dual role — part kitchen genius, part artist. In this role, you’ll…
A day in the life…
- Complete a comprehensive Manager in Training program that covers all the ins and outs of running a successful kitchen
- Lead the kitchen crew in scratch cooking our tried and true recipes, while also preparing weekly specials
- Train, motivate and develop the kitchen staff while also focusing on the business goals of process improvements, growth, efficiency, profitability and compliance with company procedures
- Make sure the kitchen sparkles and is always ready to pass the white glove test
You own this if you have…
- Been there and done that for 2+ years in full service, upscale restaurant management
- Passion and knowledge about; quality food; and exceptional customer service
- Solid written and verbal communications skills, as well as basic accounting skills
- Thrived in a fast-paced environment and embraced working a flexible schedule
- A food handler’s card where required by local and state regulations
We’ve got you covered…
Our employees are our most important asset and that’s reflected in our benefits. Nordstrom is proud to offer a variety of benefits to support employees and their families, including:
- Medical/Vision, Dental, Retirement and Paid Time Away
- Life Insurance and Disability
- Merchandise Discount and EAP Resources
A few more important points...
The job posting highlights the most critical responsibilities and requirements of the job. It’s not all-inclusive. There may be additional duties, responsibilities and qualifications for this job.
For Los Angeles or San Francisco applicants: Nordstrom is required to inform you that we conduct background checks after conditional offer and consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with legal requirements per Los Angeles, Cal. Muni. Code 189.04 and the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance. For additional state and location specific notices, please refer to the Legal Notices document within the FAQ section of the Nordstrom Careers site.
Applicants with disabilities who require assistance or accommodation should contact the nearest Nordstrom location, which can be identified at www.nordstrom.com.
Please be mindful that there may be legal notices and requirements related to this job posting that are specific to your state. Review the Career Site FAQ’s for relevant information and guidelines.
© 2022 Nordstrom, Inc
Current Nordstrom employees: To apply, log into Workday, click the Careers button and then click Find Jobs.
Nordstrom keeps job postings open for at least one day after the posting date.
Pay Range Details
The pay range(s) below has been provided in compliance with state specific laws. Pay ranges may be different for other locations.
Pay offers are dependent on the location, as well as job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
$60,000.00 - $96,500.00 Annual
This position may be eligible for performance-based incentives/bonuses. Benefits include 401k, medical/vision/dental/life/disability insurance options, PTO accruals, Holidays, and more. Eligibility requirements may apply based on location, job level, classification, and length of employment. Learn more in the Nordstrom Benefits Overview by copying and pasting the following URL into your browser: https://careers.nordstrom.com/pdfs/Ben_Overview_07-14_Full_Time_ES-US.pdf
Youtube Link: https://www.youtube.com/embed/5Osz5DIy6Lk?si=1rAjXrpMi5y8bDBE
INTRODUCTION
As a chef on our Restaurant team, you’ll play a dual role — part kitchen genius, part artist. In this role, you’ll…
A day in the life…
- Complete a comprehensive Manager in Training program that covers all the ins and outs of running a successful kitchen
- Lead the kitchen crew in scratch cooking our tried and true recipes, while also preparing weekly specials
- Train, motivate and develop the kitchen staff while also focusing on the business goals of process improvements, growth, efficiency, profitability and compliance with company procedures
- Make sure the kitchen sparkles and is always ready to pass the white glove test
You own this if you have…
- Been there and done that for 2+ years in full service, upscale restaurant management
- Passion and knowledge about; quality food; and exceptional customer service
- Solid written and verbal communications skills, as well as basic accounting skills
- Thrived in a fast-paced environment and embraced working a flexible schedule
- A food handler’s card where required by local and state regulations
We’ve got you covered…
Our employees are our most important asset and that’s reflected in our benefits. Nordstrom is proud to offer a variety of benefits to support employees and their families, including:
- Medical/Vision, Dental, Retirement and Paid Time Away
- Life Insurance and Disability
- Merchandise Discount and EAP Resources
A few more important points...
The job posting highlights the most critical responsibilities and requirements of the job. It’s not all-inclusive. There may be additional duties, responsibilities and qualifications for this job.
For Los Angeles or San Francisco applicants: Nordstrom is required to inform you that we conduct background checks after conditional offer and consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with legal requirements per Los Angeles, Cal. Muni. Code 189.04 and the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance. For additional state and location specific notices, please refer to the Legal Notices document within the FAQ section of the Nordstrom Careers site.
Applicants with disabilities who require assistance or accommodation should contact the nearest Nordstrom location, which can be identified at www.nordstrom.com.
Please be mindful that there may be legal notices and requirements related to this job posting that are specific to your state. Review the Career Site FAQ’s for relevant information and guidelines.
© 2022 Nordstrom, Inc
Current Nordstrom employees: To apply, log into Workday, click the Careers button and then click Find Jobs.
Nordstrom keeps job postings open for at least one day after the posting date.
Pay Range Details
The pay range(s) below has been provided in compliance with state specific laws. Pay ranges may be different for other locations.
Pay offers are dependent on the location, as well as job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
$60,000.00 - $96,500.00 Annual
This position may be eligible for performance-based incentives/bonuses. Benefits include 401k, medical/vision/dental/life/disability insurance options, PTO accruals, Holidays, and more. Eligibility requirements may apply based on location, job level, classification, and length of employment. Learn more in the Nordstrom Benefits Overview by copying and pasting the following URL into your browser: https://careers.nordstrom.com/pdfs/Ben_Overview_07-14_Full_Time_ES-US.pdf
Youtube Link: https://www.youtube.com/embed/5Osz5DIy6Lk?si=1rAjXrpMi5y8bDBE
See all 1,108+ Chef Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Chef roles.
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.