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.
Find Sushi Chef JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 56+ Sushi Chef jobs










See all 56+ 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 Jobs
Job ID: REQ10393370
Location: Lana'i city, Hawaii, United States of America
widget: Full time
About Four Seasons:
Four Seasons is powered by our people. We are a collective of individuals who crave to become better, to push ourselves to new heights and to treat each other as we wish to be treated in return. Our team members around the world create amazing experiences for our guests, residents, and partners through a commitment to luxury with genuine heart. We know that the best way to enable our people to deliver these exceptional guest experiences is through a world-class employee experience and company culture.
At Four Seasons, we believe in recognizing a familiar face, welcoming a new one and treating everyone we meet the way we would want to be treated ourselves. Whether you work with us, stay with us, live with us or discover with us, we believe our purpose is to create impressions that will stay with you for a lifetime. It comes from our belief that life is richer when we truly connect to the people and the world around us.
About the location:
Located on the southeastern coast of the pristine island of Lāna’i, lies the secluded retreat of Four Seasons Resort Lāna’i, an oceanfront destination offering travelers a curated, personalized island escape. The five-star, five-diamond Resort offers outdoor restaurants, including Nobu Lāna’i, a kid’s club, Tennis Garden, cultural programming, beach and pool with spacious seating areas nestled among tropical gardens, Hawanawana spa and luxury retail boutiques. Built on lava outcroppings, the award-winning Jack Nicklaus-signature golf course features ocean views on every hole. Island activities, many managed by Four Seasons include sunset sails and whale watch tours, horseback riding, sporting clays and archery, biking, hiking, and aerial adventures at Lanai Adventure Park or learn about Hawaiian wayfinding at the on-site observatory.
NOBU SUSHI PREP COOK IV
The Four Seasons Resort Lāna’i is looking for a Sushi Prep Cook IV who shares a passion for excellence and who infuses enthusiasm into everything they do. Our teams have the opportunity to shape our guest experience by providing exceptional knowledge of the Resort and exemplifying the Golden Rule in each interaction. Work authorization required.
NOBU LĀNA‘I
Set cliff side overlooking a protected marine preserve, NOBU LĀNA‘I offers sweeping panoramic views and innovative Japanese cuisine. Drawing upon Chef Matsuhisa's classical training as a sushi chef in Tokyo, his life abroad in South America and his travels around the world, his culinary style blends classical techniques with exotic global flavors. NOBU LĀNA‘I showcases signature new-style Japanese cuisine, as well as new creations infusing local ingredients. Sip a signature cocktail in the lounge, take a seat at the sushi bar or enjoy dinner at one of the outdoor tables. Inspired by the simplistic lines found in Japanese architecture and a palette rich with teak timbers and meticulous wood detailing, the decor easily blurs the lines between interior and exterior space as diners gaze upon the sand and waters of Hulopo‘e Bay, often referred to as one of Hawaii’s most beautiful beaches.
WHAT YOU’LL DO
The Sushi Prep Cook IV prepares and executes high-quality sushi and Japanese cuisine while adhering to established recipes, presentation standards, and food safety requirements. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Prepare menu items in accordance with Nobu & Sushi recipes, production methods, portion standards, and presentation guidelines while maintaining consistent quality and guest satisfaction
- Complete mise en place and independently manage an assigned kitchen station, ensuring readiness, organization, and efficient execution during service
- Support sushi station operations by assisting with vegetable preparation, sauce production, station setup, sushi rice preparation, and introductory fish butchery techniques under the guidance of senior culinary team members
- Prepare food items in advance as needed while monitoring production levels to minimize waste and support efficient kitchen operations
- Operate, maintain, and properly clean kitchen equipment while adhering to food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety standards
- Manage inventory and product freshness by following proper labeling, dating, stock rotation, storage, and temperature-control procedures
- Monitor par levels, identify shortages, assist with ordering needs, and support food cost management through waste reduction and responsible product usage
- Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary work environment while collaborating with team members to ensure smooth service execution and adherence to Nobu culinary standards
- And More!
WHAT TO BRING
- Successful candidate must possess legal work authorization in United States
- The hospitality business functions seven (7) days a week, twenty-four (24) hours a day and scheduled days and times may vary based on need. Holidays and weekends availability is required.
- Required by the Hawaii State Department of Health to obtain a Tuberculous (TB) clearance card
- Hawaii Food Handler’s Card and ServSafe is required for this role
- Ability to stand for extended periods, lift up to 70 lbs, and push/pull as needed during shifts
- Ability to operate, maintain and properly clean all equipment and utensils. Proficient knife skills and ability to multi-task.
- Prior Sushi experience and knowledge is required
JOIN OUR ‘OHANA & ENJOY OUR AMAZING BENEFITS:
- Hourly Rate: $25.03
- 100% Employer contributed Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits
- Competitive wages and other benefits (Retirement Plan, Wellness Credit, etc) as well as Paid Time Off & Holiday Pay
- Inclusive and diverse employee engagement & recognition events all year-round
- Complimentary stays and exclusive discounts at Four Seasons Worldwide
- Complimentary Employee Meals & Dry Cleaning for Employee Uniforms
- Owner subsidized on-island housing, inter-island airfare to Oahu and other resources
- Comprehensive learning and development programs to help you master your craft
- Energizing Employee Culture where you are encouraged to be your true self!
- And so much more!
We look forward to receiving your application!
Please note that due to the large number of responses we receive, only candidates being considered for the above position will be contacted for an interview.
Four Seasons is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer. Minorities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. To access the 'EEOC is The Law' Information poster please visit this website - https://www.eeoc.gov/know-your-rights-workplace-discrimination-illegal
See all 56+ 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.