Sushi Chef Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Sushi chef positions qualify for H-1B visa and other work visa sponsorship when combined with formal culinary training or equivalent experience. Most successful petitions emphasize specialized techniques, cultural authenticity, and management responsibilities to meet USCIS specialty occupation requirements. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Get Access To All JobsAt Hy-Vee our people are our strength. We promise “a helpful smile in every aisle” and those smiles can only come from a workforce that is fully engaged and committed to supporting our customers and each other.
Job Description:
Job Title: Sushi Chef
Department: Hy-Chi
FLSA: Hourly
Revision Date: 07/2026
About Hy-Vee
At Hy-Vee, we believe the shortest distance between two people is a smile. We're seeking people with a passion for customer service, a willingness to learn, and a commitment to being part of a team that strives to make our customers' lives easier, healthier and happier.
The Role and Why It's Important
As a Sushi Chef at Hy-Vee, you'll bring fresh, expertly crafted sushi to our customers every day; both packaged and made-to-order. You'll lead the sushi program, help train and guide the Sushi Clerk, and make sure every product that reaches our customers meets the highest standards for quality, freshness, and presentation.
If you have a passion for sushi, love sharing your craft with customers, and thrive in a fast-paced food environment, this could be a great fit for you.
No two shifts are exactly the same, but here's what you can expect:
- Prepare fresh sushi for customers both packaged and made-to-order, ensuring quality, accuracy, and freshness at all times
- Deliver outstanding customer service by greeting customers warmly, learning their names, and going the extra mile to make every visit a positive one
- Take customer orders at the counter and over the phone; communicate with customers in person, by phone, and by email regarding food and food preparation
- Oversee food ordering and planning, and assist with scheduling for the sushi program
- Assist with merchandising techniques and food layout for sushi products
- Train and support the Sushi Clerk to ensure consistent quality and a positive work environment
- Follow and maintain proper sanitation procedures and keep the work area clean and organized at all times
- Label, date, and put product away accurately; check in and receive orders
- Plan and perform fresh sushi demonstrations
- Stay current on meal trends and menu planning
- Attend companywide and industry meetings as assigned
- Maintain compliance with Hy-Vee's dress code, hygiene standards, and all company policies
- Assist in other store areas and take on special projects as needed
- You'll receive direction and support from: Store Director, Store Manager, Assistant Managers of Store Operations, Perishables, and Health Wellness Home, Food Service Director, Asian Department Manager, Assistant Asian Department Manager, and Service Managers
Your Skills
To be successful in this role, you'll need to be able to:
- Prepare sushi with skill, consistency, and attention to detail
- Deliver outstanding customer service and communicate clearly with customers about food and preparation
- Use logical thinking to solve problems with multiple variables
- Use basic math skills, including fractions, decimals, and percentages
- Guide and support teammates with clear direction and follow-through
Education and Experience
- High school diploma or equivalent required
- Hy-Vee food safety training and Food Safety Certification required
- One to three years of similar or related experience preferred
- Prior experience in meal preparation preferred
Physical Requirements
- Frequently stand and walk throughout a shift in sales, food service, or delivery areas
- Where applicable to the role: ability to safely use sharp knives and blades for food preparation
- Where applicable to the role: exposure to heat- and burn-related hazards associated with cooking, baking, or grilling equipment
- Where applicable to the role: ability to operate a delivery vehicle in accordance with applicable DOT standards
- Perform repetitive standing, walking, reaching, and bending associated with order fulfillment, POS transactions, and cleaning/sanitation duties
Working Environment
This is a fast-paced role with significant activity throughout your shift. You may encounter continuous exposure to raw fish, flour, dust, noise, and temperature extremes, with occasional exposure to cleaning chemicals or solvents. Safety is always a priority, and training is provided to help ensure a safe and supportive work environment.
Are you ready to smile, apply today.
Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre employment drug screen.
At Hy-Vee our people are our strength. We promise “a helpful smile in every aisle” and those smiles can only come from a workforce that is fully engaged and committed to supporting our customers and each other.
Job Description:
Job Title: Sushi Chef
Department: Hy-Chi
FLSA: Hourly
Revision Date: 07/2026
About Hy-Vee
At Hy-Vee, we believe the shortest distance between two people is a smile. We're seeking people with a passion for customer service, a willingness to learn, and a commitment to being part of a team that strives to make our customers' lives easier, healthier and happier.
The Role and Why It's Important
As a Sushi Chef at Hy-Vee, you'll bring fresh, expertly crafted sushi to our customers every day; both packaged and made-to-order. You'll lead the sushi program, help train and guide the Sushi Clerk, and make sure every product that reaches our customers meets the highest standards for quality, freshness, and presentation.
If you have a passion for sushi, love sharing your craft with customers, and thrive in a fast-paced food environment, this could be a great fit for you.
No two shifts are exactly the same, but here's what you can expect:
- Prepare fresh sushi for customers both packaged and made-to-order, ensuring quality, accuracy, and freshness at all times
- Deliver outstanding customer service by greeting customers warmly, learning their names, and going the extra mile to make every visit a positive one
- Take customer orders at the counter and over the phone; communicate with customers in person, by phone, and by email regarding food and food preparation
- Oversee food ordering and planning, and assist with scheduling for the sushi program
- Assist with merchandising techniques and food layout for sushi products
- Train and support the Sushi Clerk to ensure consistent quality and a positive work environment
- Follow and maintain proper sanitation procedures and keep the work area clean and organized at all times
- Label, date, and put product away accurately; check in and receive orders
- Plan and perform fresh sushi demonstrations
- Stay current on meal trends and menu planning
- Attend companywide and industry meetings as assigned
- Maintain compliance with Hy-Vee's dress code, hygiene standards, and all company policies
- Assist in other store areas and take on special projects as needed
- You'll receive direction and support from: Store Director, Store Manager, Assistant Managers of Store Operations, Perishables, and Health Wellness Home, Food Service Director, Asian Department Manager, Assistant Asian Department Manager, and Service Managers
Your Skills
To be successful in this role, you'll need to be able to:
- Prepare sushi with skill, consistency, and attention to detail
- Deliver outstanding customer service and communicate clearly with customers about food and preparation
- Use logical thinking to solve problems with multiple variables
- Use basic math skills, including fractions, decimals, and percentages
- Guide and support teammates with clear direction and follow-through
Education and Experience
- High school diploma or equivalent required
- Hy-Vee food safety training and Food Safety Certification required
- One to three years of similar or related experience preferred
- Prior experience in meal preparation preferred
Physical Requirements
- Frequently stand and walk throughout a shift in sales, food service, or delivery areas
- Where applicable to the role: ability to safely use sharp knives and blades for food preparation
- Where applicable to the role: exposure to heat- and burn-related hazards associated with cooking, baking, or grilling equipment
- Where applicable to the role: ability to operate a delivery vehicle in accordance with applicable DOT standards
- Perform repetitive standing, walking, reaching, and bending associated with order fulfillment, POS transactions, and cleaning/sanitation duties
Working Environment
This is a fast-paced role with significant activity throughout your shift. You may encounter continuous exposure to raw fish, flour, dust, noise, and temperature extremes, with occasional exposure to cleaning chemicals or solvents. Safety is always a priority, and training is provided to help ensure a safe and supportive work environment.
Are you ready to smile, apply today.
Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre employment drug screen.
See all 1,683+ Sushi Chef Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Sushi Chef roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as a Sushi Chef
Highlight specialized culinary training
Document formal sushi preparation training, culinary school certificates, or apprenticeships in Japan. USCIS values specialized knowledge of traditional techniques, knife skills, and fish preparation methods that distinguish authentic sushi craftsmanship.
Emphasize management and teaching duties
Frame roles that include staff training, menu development, or kitchen supervision. Head sushi chef positions with operational responsibilities strengthen specialty occupation arguments beyond basic food preparation.
Consider O-1 for internationally recognized chefs
Master sushi chefs with media recognition, awards, or training under renowned chefs may qualify for O-1 extraordinary ability visas, which avoid lottery systems and caps.
Target authentic Japanese restaurants
Establishments emphasizing traditional Japanese cuisine and cultural authenticity can better justify specialized knowledge requirements. Chain restaurants face more scrutiny for basic food service roles.
Document cultural knowledge and language skills
Japanese language ability, knowledge of regional sushi styles, and understanding of traditional hospitality practices add depth to specialty occupation petitions beyond technical cooking skills.
Explore TN visa if you're Canadian or Mexican
The TN professional category may apply to sushi chefs with relevant culinary degrees or certificates, offering faster processing than H-1B without lottery requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do sushi chefs need a degree for H-1B sponsorship?
Not necessarily. USCIS accepts equivalent experience using the 3-for-1 rule: three years of specialized sushi training or professional experience can substitute for one year of education. Formal culinary training, apprenticeships, or certificates from recognized institutions strengthen applications without requiring a traditional bachelor's degree.
What makes a sushi chef position qualify as a specialty occupation?
Successful petitions emphasize specialized knowledge of traditional techniques, knife skills, fish preparation, and Japanese culinary culture. Positions involving menu development, staff training, or authentic preparation methods for high-end establishments demonstrate complexity beyond basic food service work that USCIS typically approves.
Which restaurants are most likely to sponsor sushi chefs?
Upscale Japanese restaurants, omakase establishments, and authentic sushi bars have higher sponsorship success rates. These venues can better justify specialized knowledge requirements and cultural authenticity needs. Chain restaurants or casual establishments face more scrutiny from USCIS for basic food preparation roles.
Can sushi chefs get green cards through employment?
Yes, experienced sushi chefs can pursue EB-2 or EB-3 green cards. The PERM labor certification process requires proving no qualified U.S. workers are available for the specific position. Head sushi chef roles with management duties and specialized requirements have stronger approval chances.
How to find Sushi Chef jobs with visa sponsorship?
To find Sushi Chef jobs with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate, which specializes in connecting international candidates with sponsoring employers. Focus on searching Japanese restaurants, high-end dining establishments, hotel chains, and resort properties that frequently sponsor H-1B visa, EB-3, or other work visas for skilled culinary professionals. These employers often value authentic Japanese cuisine expertise and are willing to sponsor qualified sushi chefs.
What visa alternatives exist for international sushi chefs?
Beyond H-1B, options include O-1 visa for internationally recognized master chefs, TN visa for Canadian/Mexican nationals with culinary credentials, and L-1 visa for chefs transferred from international restaurant chains. Each has different requirements and processing timelines depending on qualifications and employer structure.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Sushi Chef jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.