Hotel and restaurant jobs in the USA for foreigners are a great way to work legally abroad with visa sponsorship — even without a college degree. Due to shortages in hospitality staff, many hotels, resorts, and restaurant businesses sponsor foreign workers, especially under temporary work visas like the H-2B.
This article explains job types, visa options, requirements, salary, and how international workers can apply.
Types of Hotel & Restaurant Jobs
Foreign workers can apply for a range of hospitality roles, such as:
Hotel Jobs
- Housekeeping / Room Attendant
- Front Desk Agent / Receptionist
- Concierge / Guest Services
- Bellhop / Porter
- Maintenance Support
Restaurant Jobs
- Waiter / Server
- Kitchen Assistant / Dishwasher
- Line Cook / Prep Cook
- Bartender
- Cashier / Host
Hotels and large resorts often need many roles during peak tourist seasons like summer and winter, so visa sponsorship is common. KetoTD Edu
Visa Options for Hospitality Jobs
H-2B Temporary Work Visa
This is the main visa used for hospitality jobs such as hotel staff, restaurant servers, cooks, and cleaners.
- Employer-sponsored
- For seasonal or temporary work
- No degree required for most roles
- Limited yearly quota
Most foreign hospitality jobs are filled with H-2B visas because restaurants and hotels often need workers only during busy months. LinkedIn
J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa
Used mainly for cultural exchange and internships, ideal for students or trainees in hospitality and food service.
- Temporary placement (often 6–12 months)
- Includes training components
EB-3 Work Visa (Permanent Worker)
For longer-term roles, especially supervisory or skilled hospitality positions, this visa can lead to a green card, but the process is longer. Jobs Abroad 24
Eligibility Requirements
To work in hotels or restaurants in the USA, foreigners typically need:
✅ Good physical health and stamina
✅ Basic English communication (important for guest interaction)
✅ Clean background record
✅ Prior hospitality or customer service experience (preferred)
✅ Visa eligibility and job offer from a sponsor
Many entry-level jobs don’t require high education; hotel front desk or management roles may prefer some experience or skills. praisezion.com
Salary and Benefits
Salary in hospitality jobs varies by role, location, and tips:
Typical Pay Ranges (2025 Estimates)
- Housekeeping / Room Attendant: $13–$18/hour
- Front Desk Agent: $14–$20/hour
- Restaurant Server: $10–$15/hour + tips
- Kitchen / Dishwasher: $12–$18/hour
- Bartender: Base pay + tips (higher overall earnings) praisezion.com+1
💡 Tips:
In many U.S. states, waitstaff and bartenders earn significant additional income from tips, sometimes adding $5–$20/hour or more. LinkedIn
Other Benefits
- Some employers provide free or subsidised accommodation
- Meals or meal allowances during shifts
- Transportation help in remote resort areas
- Overtime pay or seasonal bonuses KetoTD Edu
How to Apply for Hotel & Restaurant Jobs with Visa Sponsorship
Step-by-Step Process
- Find employers offering visa sponsorship
- Visit hotel & restaurant career pages (Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, Four Seasons, Disney parks) KetoTD Edu
- Use H-2B job boards and hospitality job sites
- Connect with licensed overseas recruiters
- Prepare your resume
- Highlight any hospitality, service, or customer experience
- Include English level and availability
- Apply and interview
- Many interviews are online
- Be ready to discuss availability and past work experience
- Employer files visa petition
- Sponsorship is official once the employer files with U.S. immigration services
- Attend medical and background checks
- Standard visa evaluation process
- Go to the U.S. visa interview
- Attend the consular interview after petition approval
- Travel and start work
- After visa approval, travel to the U.S. and begin the job
⚠️ Important: Avoid fake recruiters promising “guaranteed visas.” Always verify employers and job offers. LinkedIn
Final Thoughts
Hotel and restaurant jobs in the USA for foreigners provide a practical way to work abroad with legal visa sponsorship — especially through the H-2B program. Whether you’re just starting in hospitality or have experience, these roles offer an opportunity to earn, learn new skills, and gain international work exposure.
If you want, I can also help with:
✔ Sample resume templates for hospitality jobs
✔ List of companies currently hiring foreign workers
✔ Visa document checklist for H-2B applications
Just ask! 👍
Disclaimer
This job information is shared for educational and informational purposes only.
Any discussion of visa categories is based on general immigration laws and publicly available information.