If you are a cook from another country and you want to work in the United States, there are two main visas you can use. These two visas are different. It is very important to know the difference before you start.
The H-2B Visa: Your Temporary Ticket to the Kitchen
The H-2B visa is the most common visa for cooks. It is not permanent. It is only for a short time. This visa is for jobs that are seasonal, part-time, or for a one-time need. Many hotels and restaurants in tourist places use this visa.
Who it’s for:
The H-2B visa is good for cooks who want to work for a season in places like resorts, hotels, or tourist attractions.
The Process:
The employer must start the H-2B process. The employer must tell the Department of Labor (DOL) that they really need foreign workers. They must also show that no American workers are ready to take the job. They must advertise the duty first. If no one applies, then the bosses can ask USCIS to bring you to the United States.
Duration & Renewals:
The H-2B visa is usually for one year. It can be extended up to three years. After three years, you must leave the U.S. for at least three months before you can apply again.
The EB-3 Visa: A Path to a Permanent Career
The EB-3 visa is different. This visa can give you a Green Card. A Green Card means you can move and duty in the United States long-term.
Who it’s for:
The EB-3 visa is for public with at least 2 years of duty experience or a bachelor’s degree or other important diploma. This visa is good for cooks with more work experience, like sous chefs or executive chefs.
The Process:
The EB-3 process is longer and harder. The employer must first get a PERM labor certification from the Department of Labor. This means they must check the U.S. job market and see if any American workers want the job. If not, then the employer can file Form I-140 with USCIS.
Timeline:
The EB-3 visa takes a long time. It can take many years, depending on your country. Some countries have long waiting lists.
Master the Cook Job Application Process USA
After you know about visas, you must start looking for jobs. The U.S. has many jobs in hotels and restaurants, but the competition is strong. Your job application must look good.
1. Build a Standout Culinary Portfolio
Your resume and portfolio are very important. They show what you can do.
- Show your experience: Do not just write “line cook.” Write something like: “line cook with visa sponsorship who prepared 200 meals per night and reduced food waste by 15%.”
- List your skills: Employers want to see knife skills, fast kitchen experience, and food safety training like ServSafe. If you know many cuisines, write that too.
- Add photos: Put professional photos of your dishes in a digital portfolio. This will make you stand out.
2. The Search for a Sponsoring Employer
It can be hard to find an employer who will sponsor you. But many cooks find success if they search in the right places.
- Best places to look: New York, California, Florida, and Hawaii are good places. They have many restaurants and hotels that hire foreign cooks.
- Networking: Talk to chefs and restaurant owners. Use job websites and culinary job boards. Many jobs come from connections.
- Be ready: Always keep your resume, portfolio, and certificates ready. When you find a job, apply fast.
The Application & Visa Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here are the steps to go from job offer to arriving in the U.S.:
- Job Offer: First, get a job offer from a U.S. employer. The offer must say the employer will sponsor your visa.
- Labor Certification: The employer must ask the Department of Labor for labor certification. They must try to hire U.S. workers first.
- Petition Filing: If approved, the employer files your petition. For H-2B, they file Form I-129. For EB-3, they file Form I-140.
- Visa Interview: If USCIS approves, you go to a U.S. Embassy for an interview. Bring your documents, certificates, and job offer.
Your Culinary Career by Location
Your job and lifestyle depend on where you work in the U.S.
- California: Many jobs are in Los Angeles and Napa Valley. Farm-to-table and ethnic cuisines are popular here.
- New York: New York City is very competitive but has many good jobs. If you want to grow fast in your career, this is the place.
- Florida: Florida has many tourist towns. Resorts often hire pastry chefs and other specialists.
- Hawaii: Hawaii always needs cooks for hotels and resorts. Many jobs are seasonal. Hawaiian and Pacific Rim food is very popular.
Essential Skills and Qualifications for Foreign Cooks
To get a job, you must have the right skills.
- Kitchen Experience: You must know how to work in a busy commercial kitchen.
- Food Safety: You must know U.S. food safety rules and get certificates like ServSafe.
- Teamwork: You must work well with other people in the kitchen.
- Education or Experience: Some top restaurants want a culinary degree. Others accept many years of work experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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How to get a cook job in the U.S. with sponsorship?
Make a good resume and portfolio. Look for employers who sponsor visas. Use websites like Indeed, LinkedIn, and ZipRecruiter.
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How long does the H-2B visa process take?
It takes a few months. The Department of Labor and USCIS must both approve.
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Can I bring my family with me?
Yes. With both H-2B and EB-3, you can bring your spouse and children under 21.
Conclusion: Your Culinary Journey Awaits
Getting a cook job in the U.S. with visa sponsorship is not easy, but it is possible. Learn about the visas, make a strong resume, and look for the right employers.
The U.S. has many jobs in the food industry. If you work hard and stay prepared, you can build your career and future in the U.S. in 2025 and after.