Hospitality Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Visa sponsorship in the hospitality industry is mostly limited to seasonal H-2B visas and J-1 visa exchange programs for entry-level positions. Management roles at large hotel chains and resort companies can qualify for H-1B visa sponsorship if they require a degree in hospitality management or a related field. L-1 visa transfers are common for managers moving within international hotel brands like Marriott, Hilton, or Hyatt. The H-2B visa cap fills up fast, so timing your application is critical. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
The Muma College of Business is one of fewer than 200 institutions worldwide with separate AACSB accreditation in both business and accounting. The College enrolls more than 9,000 students across seven schools: the Kate Tiedemann School of Business and Finance; the Lynn Pippenger School of Accountancy; the School of Hospitality and Sport Management; the School of Information Systems; the School of Management; the School of Marketing and Innovation; and the Baldwin Group School of Risk Management and Insurance.
In spring 2025, the college released a ten-year strategic plan centered on four priorities: student success, impactful research, community engagement, and expanded reach. Muma also has a long history of working with Tampa Bay businesses and organizations to create talent pipelines, support workforce development, and connect students with applied learning.
The School of Hospitality and Sport Management (SHSM) prepares students for leadership in hospitality, tourism, sport, and entertainment management. Launched in fall 2025, the School brought together the former School of Hospitality and Tourism Management and the Vinik Sport & Entertainment Management program. SHSM serves students on the Tampa and St. Petersburg campuses and is led by Interim Director Michelle Harrolle, who has directed the Vinik program since 2013.
The University of South Florida seeks an entrepreneurial academic leader to serve as Director of the School of Hospitality and Sport Management at the Muma College of Business. Reporting to the Dean, the Director will lead the School’s research, teaching, and outreach across USF’s Tampa and St. Petersburg campuses and serve as a visible ambassador for the School in Tampa Bay and beyond.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
-
Lead externally. Serve as a highly visible ambassador who builds consequential relationships with hotel companies, professional sports franchises, venue operators, tourism organizations, developers, restaurateurs, entrepreneurs, alumni, donors, and civic leaders.
-
Raise the resources. Make fundraising and resource development a central responsibility: articulate the School’s vision, cultivate transformational gifts, secure corporate investment, and work closely with the Dean and advancement team on major fundraising initiatives.
-
Make Tampa Bay the classroom. Expand experiential learning through internships, residencies, executive-led courses, applied research, consulting projects, major-event experiences, and partnerships connected to the stadium, Uptown Landing, and the broader region.
-
Develop talent and the workforce. Make the School a preferred talent partner for the region’s hospitality, tourism, sports, and entertainment industries while preparing students for national and global leadership roles.
-
Lead innovation. Keep the curriculum and research responsive to artificial intelligence, data analytics, customer experience, sports technology, revenue optimization, food innovation, and new models of fan and guest engagement, and foster entrepreneurship.
-
Champion teaching, research, and student success. Foster a collaborative environment within the School and across the College that supports faculty research, teaching excellence, strong advising, career outcomes, and alumni engagement.
-
Lead the academic enterprise. Direct strategic planning aligned with the College’s ten-year plan; recruit, evaluate, develop, and expand the faculty and staff; manage the budget and course scheduling; unite the School’s programs into a coherent portfolio; and sustain accreditation standards, including AACSB.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- A terminal degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) in hospitality management, sport management, or a related field, preferably from an AACSB-accredited institution or international equivalent.
Outstanding accomplishments in teaching, research, and engagement that meet USF standards for appointment with tenure at the associate or full professor level.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
-
Bold, entrepreneurial leadership with an appreciation for the nuances of guiding an academic enterprise; demonstrated vision, execution, and strategic planning, and the drive to build something new.
-
Ability to develop and lead strategic and tactical plans in collaboration with stakeholders.
-
A keen understanding of, and contacts within, the hospitality, tourism, sport, and entertainment industries.
-
A compelling fundraiser with a demonstrated ability to cultivate major gifts and corporate investment, and a record of building external partnerships.
-
Strong people-management skills, including the ability to recruit, retain, and develop outstanding faculty and staff, and evidence of sound financial and operational management.
An inclusive, collaborative, and persuasive communicator who can unite previously separate programs.
WORKING AT USF
With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF‘s rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state’s 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.
ABOUT USF
The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference.
COMPLIANCE AND FEDERAL NOTICES
This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.
Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws:
The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.
INTRODUCTION
The Muma College of Business is one of fewer than 200 institutions worldwide with separate AACSB accreditation in both business and accounting. The College enrolls more than 9,000 students across seven schools: the Kate Tiedemann School of Business and Finance; the Lynn Pippenger School of Accountancy; the School of Hospitality and Sport Management; the School of Information Systems; the School of Management; the School of Marketing and Innovation; and the Baldwin Group School of Risk Management and Insurance.
In spring 2025, the college released a ten-year strategic plan centered on four priorities: student success, impactful research, community engagement, and expanded reach. Muma also has a long history of working with Tampa Bay businesses and organizations to create talent pipelines, support workforce development, and connect students with applied learning.
The School of Hospitality and Sport Management (SHSM) prepares students for leadership in hospitality, tourism, sport, and entertainment management. Launched in fall 2025, the School brought together the former School of Hospitality and Tourism Management and the Vinik Sport & Entertainment Management program. SHSM serves students on the Tampa and St. Petersburg campuses and is led by Interim Director Michelle Harrolle, who has directed the Vinik program since 2013.
The University of South Florida seeks an entrepreneurial academic leader to serve as Director of the School of Hospitality and Sport Management at the Muma College of Business. Reporting to the Dean, the Director will lead the School’s research, teaching, and outreach across USF’s Tampa and St. Petersburg campuses and serve as a visible ambassador for the School in Tampa Bay and beyond.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
-
Lead externally. Serve as a highly visible ambassador who builds consequential relationships with hotel companies, professional sports franchises, venue operators, tourism organizations, developers, restaurateurs, entrepreneurs, alumni, donors, and civic leaders.
-
Raise the resources. Make fundraising and resource development a central responsibility: articulate the School’s vision, cultivate transformational gifts, secure corporate investment, and work closely with the Dean and advancement team on major fundraising initiatives.
-
Make Tampa Bay the classroom. Expand experiential learning through internships, residencies, executive-led courses, applied research, consulting projects, major-event experiences, and partnerships connected to the stadium, Uptown Landing, and the broader region.
-
Develop talent and the workforce. Make the School a preferred talent partner for the region’s hospitality, tourism, sports, and entertainment industries while preparing students for national and global leadership roles.
-
Lead innovation. Keep the curriculum and research responsive to artificial intelligence, data analytics, customer experience, sports technology, revenue optimization, food innovation, and new models of fan and guest engagement, and foster entrepreneurship.
-
Champion teaching, research, and student success. Foster a collaborative environment within the School and across the College that supports faculty research, teaching excellence, strong advising, career outcomes, and alumni engagement.
-
Lead the academic enterprise. Direct strategic planning aligned with the College’s ten-year plan; recruit, evaluate, develop, and expand the faculty and staff; manage the budget and course scheduling; unite the School’s programs into a coherent portfolio; and sustain accreditation standards, including AACSB.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- A terminal degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) in hospitality management, sport management, or a related field, preferably from an AACSB-accredited institution or international equivalent.
Outstanding accomplishments in teaching, research, and engagement that meet USF standards for appointment with tenure at the associate or full professor level.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
-
Bold, entrepreneurial leadership with an appreciation for the nuances of guiding an academic enterprise; demonstrated vision, execution, and strategic planning, and the drive to build something new.
-
Ability to develop and lead strategic and tactical plans in collaboration with stakeholders.
-
A keen understanding of, and contacts within, the hospitality, tourism, sport, and entertainment industries.
-
A compelling fundraiser with a demonstrated ability to cultivate major gifts and corporate investment, and a record of building external partnerships.
-
Strong people-management skills, including the ability to recruit, retain, and develop outstanding faculty and staff, and evidence of sound financial and operational management.
An inclusive, collaborative, and persuasive communicator who can unite previously separate programs.
WORKING AT USF
With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF‘s rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state’s 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.
ABOUT USF
The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference.
COMPLIANCE AND FEDERAL NOTICES
This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.
Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws:
The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.
See all 528+ Hospitality Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Hospitality roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Hospitality Jobs
Use a J-1 hospitality program as your entry point
J-1 intern and trainee programs with designated sponsors like CIEE, InterExchange, and Cultural Vistas place hospitality professionals at U.S. hotels and resorts. Completing a J-1 program lets you build U.S. work experience and professional relationships that can lead to longer-term sponsorship. Some host employers offer H-1B sponsorship to J-1 trainees who demonstrate exceptional performance.
Target management-track positions at major hotel brands
Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, IHG, and Accor operate management training programs that can lead to H-1B-eligible positions like hotel general manager, revenue manager, or regional operations director. These corporate-level roles require a bachelor's degree in hospitality management and involve strategic decision-making, which supports the specialty occupation classification. Major brands have the scale and legal resources to navigate the sponsorship process.
Earn a CHA or CHIA credential to strengthen your profile
The Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA) and Certified Hospitality Industry Analyst (CHIA) from the American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) are recognized industry credentials. These certifications demonstrate professional-level knowledge of hotel operations, finance, and management. They help establish hospitality management as a specialized discipline in visa petitions.
Apply to hospitality employers in seasonal tourism markets
Hotels, resorts, and event venues in areas like Orlando, Las Vegas, Hawaii, ski resorts, and coastal vacation destinations have predictable seasonal labor needs. Employers in these markets are experienced with H-2B visa processing for seasonal positions and often rehire returning workers. Building a relationship with a seasonal employer can lead to multi-year H-2B placements or eventual sponsorship for a permanent management role.
Frequently Asked Questions
What visa options are available for hospitality workers in the U.S.?
The H-2B visa is the primary pathway for temporary or seasonal hospitality positions like hotel housekeeping, resort operations, and event staffing. The annual H-2B cap is 66,000 visas, split between the first and second halves of the fiscal year. For management-level positions that require a bachelor's degree in hospitality management or a related field, the H-1B visa is an option. J-1 visa exchange visitor programs also bring international hospitality professionals to the U.S. for internship and trainee programs.
How does the H-2B visa process work for hospitality jobs?
The H-2B process is employer-driven - you cannot apply on your own. The employer must demonstrate that the need is temporary (seasonal, peak-load, one-time, or intermittent) and that there are not enough qualified U.S. workers available. The employer files with the Department of Labor and then submits the petition to USCIS. Due to the 66,000 annual cap, petitions are often filed months in advance, and the cap frequently fills quickly.
Can hospitality managers qualify for H-1B visas?
Yes. Hotel general managers, revenue management analysts, food and beverage directors, and event planning managers may qualify for H-1B sponsorship when the role requires a bachelor's degree in hospitality management, business administration, or a related field. Major hotel brands like Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt have corporate and property-level management positions that meet this threshold. A degree from a recognized hospitality program strengthens the specialty occupation argument.
What is the J-1 hospitality trainee program?
The J-1 visa trainee category allows international hospitality professionals with a degree and at least one year of experience (or five years of experience without a degree) to train in the U.S. for up to 18 months. The intern category is available to current students or recent graduates for up to 12 months. These programs are administered through designated J-1 sponsor organizations and provide hands-on experience at U.S. hotels, resorts, and restaurants.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Hospitality 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 hospitality in Florida 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.
How to find Hospitality jobs with visa sponsorship?
To find hospitality jobs with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate to search for positions in hotels, resorts, restaurants, and tourism companies. These employers frequently sponsor visas like H-1B, TN visa, or work permits for roles such as hotel managers, chefs, event coordinators, and guest services specialists. Focus on international hotel chains and luxury resorts that regularly hire foreign talent.