Dishwasher Jobs With Visa Sponsorship in the USA

While the US immigration system is complex, the hospitality industry is facing a chronic labor shortage. Hotels, luxury resorts, and large restaurant chains are actively seeking foreign workers to fill “back-of-house” roles like dishwashing, stewarding, and kitchen prep.This is your definitive guide to finding dishwasher jobs with visa sponsorship in the USA. We will break down the exact visa types you need, the companies that are hiring right now, and the strategies to get your application noticed.

1. The Two Primary Visa Pathways for Dishwashers

Most applicants assume they need a “Green Card” immediately, but for dishwasher roles, there are two distinct paths. Understanding the difference is critical for your search.

Option A: The H-2B Visa (Temporary/Seasonal)

This is the most common route for dishwashers. It is designed for employers who have a “peak load” or “seasonal” need (e.g., a ski resort in winter or a beach hotel in summer).

  • Duration: Typically 6–10 months (can be extended up to 3 years in some cases).

  • Who it’s for: People who want to work in the US for a season, earn money, and potentially return the next year.

  • Pros: Easier to find; many employers pay for your flight and housing.

  • Cons: It is not a direct path to permanent residency (Green Card).

Option B: The EB-3 “Unskilled Workers” Visa (Permanent)

This is the “Gold Standard.” It is an immigrant visa for jobs that require less than 2 years of training.

  • Duration: Permanent (Lead to Green Card).

  • Who it’s for: People seeking permanent migration.

  • Pros: You and your immediate family (spouse/children) get Green Cards.

  • Cons: Extremely competitive; the processing time is long (often 1–3 years) due to backlogs.

Pro Tip: Most dishwashers start with an H-2B visa to gain US experience and build relationships with employers who might later sponsor an EB-3 petition.

2. Top Companies & Agencies Sponsoring Dishwashers (2025 List)

Based on recent labor certification data and active recruitment patterns, these are the specific employers and agencies known to utilize foreign labor for hospitality roles.

Direct Employers (Hotels & Resorts)

These companies frequently file for H-2B visas for “Stewards” (the industry term for dishwashers).

  • Marriott International: Often hires for large properties in Florida, Texas, and Arizona.

  • Omni Hotels & Resorts: frequent sponsors for seasonal properties.

  • Vail Resorts: (Includes Breckenridge, Keystone, Park City) Huge recruiter for winter season staff.

  • The Broadmoor (Colorado): A historic resort with a massive seasonal workforce.

  • Mackinac Island Resorts (Michigan): Almost entirely staffed by H-2B workers during the summer (Grand Hotel, Mission Point Resort).

  • Bay Harbor Yacht Club (Michigan): Specifically noted for H-2B dishwasher petitions.

Recruitment Agencies specializing in US Hospitality

Instead of applying to one hotel, apply to these agencies that recruit for dozens of US employers at once.

  1. Yummy Jobs International: Specializes in hospitality placements (Disney Cultural Exchange, H-2B).

  2. JTP Agency: Connects foreign workers with US employers for H-2B & H-2A visas.

  3. Global Bridge Immigration: Known for assisting with the EB-3 Unskilled process.

  4. BDV Solutions: A major player in the EB-3 Unskilled market (often for janitorial/food service).

  5. International Connections: Connects workers with H-2B sponsors.

3. How to Find These Jobs: The Keyword Strategy

Stop searching for “jobs in USA.” You need to speak the language of the recruiters. Use these specific keywords on job boards like Indeed, ZipRecruiter, and LinkedIn:

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Primary Keywords Long-Tail Keywords (Low Competition)
“H-2B Dishwasher” “Seasonal kitchen steward visa sponsorship”
“Visa Sponsorship Hospitality” “Unskilled worker visa jobs USA 2025”
“Seasonal Hotel Jobs” “In-country extension H-2B dishwasher”
“Steward” (Industry term) “Back of house jobs with housing provided”

The “Seasonal” Hack

Go to SeasonalJobs.dol.gov.

This is the official US government portal where employers must post jobs before they can hire foreign H-2B workers.

  1. Search for “Dishwasher” or “Kitchen Helper.”

  2. Look for listings that mention “H-2B” or “Foreign Labor Certification.”

  3. Even if the application date has passed, write down the company name. They likely hire every year at the same time. Contact them 3-4 months before their season starts.

4. Step-by-Step Application Roadmap

Phase 1: The Preparation

  • Revamp your Resume: US employers want speed and reliability. Highlight “high volume” experience.

    • Bad: “I washed dishes.”

    • Good: “Managed dish pit for a 200-seat restaurant; operated industrial sanitizing machines and handled chemical safety protocols.”

  • Get a “Clean” Background: You will need a police certificate. Any criminal record can disqualify you from the visa interview.

Phase 2: The Application

  • Timing is Everything:

    • Summer Jobs (start April/May): Apply in December/January.

    • Winter Jobs (start Oct/Nov): Apply in June/July.

  • Apply Directly: Use the “Careers” footer on hotel websites. Look for a filter called “Visa Sponsorship” or “International Applicants.”

Phase 3: The Visa Interview

If you get an offer, the employer files a petition (I-129). Once approved, you go to the US Embassy.

  • The Golden Rule: You must prove you have “non-immigrant intent” (for H-2B). You must convince the officer you will return home after the season ends.

5. Reality Check: The Pros and Cons

Working in a US dish pit is physically demanding. Here is the honest truth from current workers.

The Good The Challenging
Pay Rates: $14–$20+ per hour (much higher than global averages). High Pressure: US kitchens are fast-paced; you may stand for 8-10 hours.
Housing: Many seasonal employers provide subsidized housing. Isolation: Resorts are often in remote areas (mountains, islands).
Overtime: In peak season, you can earn 1.5x pay for overtime hours. Visa Delays: Government processing can be slow; start dates often get pushed back.

6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I bring my family?

  • H-2B: Yes, on an H-4 visa, but they cannot work.

  • EB-3: Yes, they get Green Cards and can work/go to school.

Q: Do I need to speak fluent English?

  • For dishwasher roles, “Conversational” or “Basic” English is usually accepted. You need to understand safety instructions and basic kitchen commands.

Q: How much does it cost?

  • Warning: legitimate US employers pay for the visa fees and legal costs. You should NEVER pay a “recruitment fee” to get a job. If an agent asks for $5,000 to “guarantee” a job, it is a scam. (Note: You may have to pay for your own passport and embassy interview fee, roughly $190, which is standard).

7. The “US-Style” Dishwasher Resume: How to Beat the Bots

Most international applicants fail because they submit a generic CV. US recruiters for high-volume hospitality roles are looking for three things: Speed, Safety, and Stamina.

Your resume must be one page. It must use American terminology (e.g., use “Dishwasher” or “Steward,” not “Kitchen Porter” or “Cleaner”).

The Winning Resume Template (Copy & Paste)

[Your Name] [Your City, Country] | [WhatsApp Number] | [Email Address] Objective: Hard-working Kitchen Steward with 3+ years of experience in high-volume hotel environments. Seeking H-2B seasonal opportunity for Summer 2026. Ready to handle heavy workloads and flexible shifts.

CORE SKILLS

  • Industrial Machinery: Proficient with conveyor belt dishwashers (Hobart/Ecolab) and three-compartment sink methods.

  • Chemical Safety: Trained in OSHA standards for handling sanitizers, degreasers, and cleaning agents.

  • Speed & Stamina: Capable of standing for 10+ hours and lifting 50lbs (25kg) repeatedly.

  • Teamwork: Experience supporting line cooks and chefs during peak service hours (500+ covers/night).

WORK EXPERIENCE

Lead Dishwasher / Steward | [Hotel/Restaurant Name] | [City, Country] Dates of Employment

  • Processed cutlery, glassware, and plates for a 300-seat banquet hall, maintaining 99% cleanliness rating.

  • Operated industrial dishwashing machines, ensuring correct chemical concentrations and temperature levels.

  • Assisted kitchen team with vegetable prep (peeling, chopping) during downtime.

  • Managed waste disposal and deep-cleaned kitchen floors, hoods, and traps nightly.

Kitchen Helper | [Restaurant Name] | [City, Country] Dates of Employment

  • Supported back-of-house operations in a fast-paced seafood restaurant.

  • Organized inventory and rotated stock (FIFO method) to reduce food waste.

  • Maintained strict hygiene standards in compliance with local health codes.

EDUCATION

  • High School Diploma | [School Name]

  • Food Safety Certificate (Optional but highly recommended)

8. Critical Timeline: When to Apply (The “Seasonality” Rule)

Timing is the single most important factor for H-2B visas. If you apply at the wrong time, your email will be ignored.

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Since the H-2B cap for the first half of Fiscal Year 2026 (starts Oct 1, 2025) was reached in September 2025, you must now target the Summer 2026 Season.

The Summer 2026 Application Calendar

  • Target Start Date: April 1, 2026

  • November 2025 – January 2026: (ACTIVE WINDOW)

    • This is when recruiters post jobs. Apply now.

    • Agencies are currently building their “candidate pools.

  • January 1 – 3, 2026:

    • Employers file petitions with the US Department of Labor. If you aren’t in their system by now, you are too late.

  • February – March 2026:

    • Visa processing and Consular Interviews.

  • April 2026:

    • Arrival in the USA.

9. How to Contact Agencies (The “Magic” Script)

Do not send an email that says “I want job.” It looks like spam. Use this professional script when contacting agencies like JTP, Alliance Abroad, or Yummy Jobs.

Subject: Experienced Steward for Summer 2026 Season (H-2B Inquiry)

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my interest in seasonal Dishwasher/Steward positions for the upcoming Summer 2026 season.

Based on my background in [Your Country], I have [Number] years of experience in high-volume hotel kitchens. I am familiar with industrial dishwashing machinery and chemical safety protocols. I am physically fit, available to work overtime, and eager to support a US employer during their peak season.

I understand the H-2B process and am committed to returning to my home country upon the completion of the contract.

Please find my resume attached. I am available for a video interview at your earliest convenience.

Best regards,

[Your Name] [Your Phone Number]

10. Acing the Visa Interview: The “Intent” Trap

Securing the job is only half the battle. You must pass the interview at the US Embassy. For the H-2B visa, the officer’s main concern is that you might stay in the US illegally.

You must prove “Strong Ties” to your home country.

The “Red Flag” Questions & How to Answer

Q: “Why do you want to go to the US?”

  • Bad Answer: “I want a better life” or “I want to live there.” (This leads to denial).

  • Good Answer: “I want to gain international hospitality experience to improve my career when I return home. The seasonal pay will also help me finish building my house here in [Your Country].

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Q: “What will you do when your visa expires?”

  • Bad Answer: “I will look for another job.

  • Good Answer: “I will return to [Your Country]. My family is here, and I have a job offer waiting for me/I need to finish my university degree.

Q: “Do you have family in the US?”

  • Honesty Rule: Always tell the truth. If you have relatives, say yes. But clarify: “Yes, my aunt lives in Texas, but I am going to work in Michigan and will be focused on my job.

11. Avoiding Scams: The “Never Pay” Rule

The desperation for US visas creates a massive market for scammers. Here is how to spot them instantly.

The “Red Flags” Checklist

  1. They ask for a “Registration Fee”: Legitimate US employers pay the recruitment fees. You should never pay a fee to an agency just to submit a resume.

  2. They use a free email address: Real companies use @marriott.com or @jtp.com. Scammers use @gmail.com or @yahoo.com.

  3. They guarantee a visa: No one can guarantee a visa except the US Consular Officer. Any agency promising a “100% Guaranteed Visa” is lying.

  4. They ask for payment via WhatsApp/Crypto: Real agencies issue official invoices and use bank transfers.

What YOU pay for:

  • US Embassy Interview Fee (~$190 USD).

  • Passport issuance fees in your country.

  • Sometimes your flight (though many H-2B employers reimburse this).

What THE EMPLOYER pays for:

  • The Visa Petition fees (to USCIS).

  • The Legal fees.

  • The Recruitment Agency fees.

12. Financial Reality: What Can You Actually Save?

Let’s look at the math. Is it worth it?

Typical Dishwasher Salary: $15.00 – $18.00 per hour.Typical Hours: 40 hours + 10 hours overtime (1.5x pay).

Monthly Estimate:

  • Gross Income: ~$3,200 USD

  • Taxes (approx 15%): -$480

  • Housing (often subsidized): -$400 to -$600

  • Food/Personal: -$400

  • Net Savings Potential: ~$1,700 USD per month.

For a 9-month season, you could potentially bring home $15,000 USD (approx. 24 Million Naira / 1.2 Million Rupees / etc., depending on your currency). This “nest egg” is why the program is so popular.

13. Alternative Pathways: The J-1 Intern Visa

If you cannot find an H-2B job, but you are currently a student or recent graduate (within 12 months) of a culinary or hospitality school, you qualify for the J-1 Visa.

  • Pros: Easier to get than H-2B; open year-round.

  • Cons: You usually have to pay an agency fee (Cultural Exchange fee), which can be $3,000+.

  • Role: You would apply as a “Culinary Intern” rather than a dishwasher, but the work often overlaps.

Final Verdict: What is Your Next Step?

The “American Dream” is accessible through hard work in the hospitality sector. Your best bet for 2025 is to target H-2B seasonal agencies. They handle the paperwork and have the strongest relationships with employers.

Action Plan:

  1. Go to SeasonalJobs.dol.gov.

  2. Filter for “Dishwasher” and “H-2B”.

  3. Create a list of 10 companies and find their “Careers” page today.

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