Securing a line cook job in the USA with visa sponsorship is easier than you might think. Many restaurants and hotels are actively hiring skilled cooks, and with the right approach, you can secure a job that pays well and supports your visa. In this guide, I’ll show you exactly where to find these opportunities, which visas you qualify for, and how to apply successfully. Whether you’re new to the kitchen or have years of experience, this will help you take the next step toward a cooking career in the USA.
Understanding Line Cook Jobs in the USA
A line cook is one of the most important roles in a restaurant kitchen. They are responsible for preparing, cooking, and plating food according to the restaurant’s menu. Line cooks work under the supervision of a head chef or sous chef and must handle multiple food orders at once while maintaining quality and speed.
What a Line Cook Does
- Prepares ingredients by chopping vegetables, marinating meats, and making sauces.
- Cooks dishes according to standardized recipes, ensuring taste and presentation.
- Operates kitchen equipment like grills, ovens, and fryers safely.
- Coordinates with other cooks to ensure smooth kitchen operations.
- Cleans workstations and follows food safety regulations to maintain hygiene.
Skills Required
- Food Preparation & Cooking Techniques: Knife skills, grilling, sautéing, frying, and baking.
- Speed & Efficiency: Handling multiple orders in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
- Teamwork: Working with chefs, servers, and kitchen assistants.
- Attention to Detail: Ensuring proper food presentation, portioning, and quality control.
- Time Management: Preparing dishes quickly without compromising quality.
Why U.S. Restaurants Hire Foreign Line Cooks
There is a high demand for line cooks in the U.S. due to labour shortages in the restaurant industry. Many restaurants, hotels, and catering companies actively seek international talent, especially for cuisines requiring specific expertise. Hiring foreign workers helps restaurants:
- Fill vacant positions in high-turnover kitchen jobs.
- Bring in diverse culinary skills for international menus.
- Maintain smooth kitchen operations, especially in cities with high tourist traffic.
Read: Why Thousands of Green Card Applications Get Rejected—And How to Avoid It
How to Find Line Cook Jobs with Visa Sponsorship
Getting a line cook job with visa sponsorship requires knowing where to look and how to apply strategically. Here’s how you can find the right opportunities:
Best Job Portals
Several online platforms list restaurant and hospitality jobs in the U.S., many of which offer visa sponsorship. The best websites to search include:
- General Job Boards: Indeed, Glassdoor, LinkedIn, ZipRecruiter.
- Culinary-Specific Job Boards: Poached Jobs, Culinary Agents, HCareers.
Apply Through Company Career Pages
Many large restaurant groups, hotel chains, and cruise lines have dedicated career pages where they list job openings. Some well-known companies that hire international line cooks include:
- Marriott Hotels & Resorts
- Hilton Hotels
- Four Seasons Hotels
- Disney Theme Parks & Resorts
- Celebrity Cruises & Royal Caribbean Cruises
Work With Recruitment Agencies
Certain recruitment agencies specialize in placing foreign workers in U.S. hospitality jobs. These agencies help match international candidates with employers offering visa sponsorship. Some reputable agencies include:
- Horizon Hospitality (U.S. hotels and resorts)
- EBS Recruiters (Hospitality and culinary jobs)
- Culinary Agents (Also a job board for chefs and kitchen staff)
Leverage Networking
Building connections with industry professionals can open doors to job opportunities. Here’s how:
- Join Facebook groups and LinkedIn communities for chefs and restaurant workers.
- Attend culinary job fairs and industry networking events.
- Connect with restaurant owners, chefs, and HR managers and ask about job openings.
Read: The Ultimate Guide to Immigrating to Canada from the USA
Visa Options for Line Cooks in the USA
To work legally as a line cook in the USA, you need an employer to sponsor your work visa. Here are the most common visa options:
H-2B Visa (Most Common for Line Cooks)
- Designed for temporary or seasonal workers in industries like hospitality.
- Used by hotels, resorts, and theme parks that need extra kitchen staff during peak seasons. Employers must prove they can’t find enough U.S. workers for the role.
H-1B Visa
- For highly skilled cooks with formal culinary training or a degree.
- Requires specialized experience, such as expertise in fine dining or international cuisines.
O-1 Visa
- For chefs with exceptional culinary skills or significant industry awards.
- Requires proof of expertise, such as Michelin-star restaurant experience.
EB-3 Visa (Green Card Pathway)
- Allows skilled workers to move to the U.S. permanently.
- Requires an employer willing to sponsor your Green Card.
How to Apply and Get Hired
To successfully land a line cook job in the USA, you need to present yourself as a strong candidate. Here’s what you should do:
Build a Strong Resume
- Highlight your kitchen experience, including restaurants you’ve worked at.
- Mention any certifications like ServSafe or culinary school training.
Create a Portfolio
- Include high-quality photos of your dishes to showcase your skills.
- List any awards, achievements, or specialty cuisines you excel in.
Write a Strong Cover Letter
- Express your passion for cooking and mention your experience.
- Clearly state your willingness to relocate and work under visa sponsorship.
Apply to Multiple Jobs
- Don’t rely on one application—apply to at least 10-20 jobs for better chances.
- Follow up one week after applying to show continued interest.
Prepare for Interviews
- Be ready to discuss cooking techniques, menu planning, and food safety knowledge.
- Show confidence in handling high-pressure kitchen environments.
Visa Sponsorship Process
Once you receive a job offer, your employer will begin the visa sponsorship process. Here’s how it works:
- Get a Job Offer: Your employer must provide a formal job contract stating the job title, salary, and work duration.
- Employer Files a Petition: The company submits a visa petition to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
- Apply for Your Visa: Once approved, you must:
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- Complete a visa application at the U.S. embassy in your country.
- Attend an interview and provide supporting documents.
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- Travel & Start Work: After visa approval, you can travel to the U.S. and begin working as a line cook.
Salary Expectations for Line Cooks in the USA
Salaries for line cooks vary based on experience, location, and type of restaurant.
- Average Annual Salaries:
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- Entry-Level: $30,000 – $40,000
- Experienced: $40,000 – $55,000
- High-End Restaurants: $60,000+ (NYC, LA, Miami, Las Vegas)
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- Additional Benefits:
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- Many employers provide free meals, uniforms, and staff discounts.
- Some offer housing or relocation assistance for international hires.
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Read: The Hidden Visa Path That’s Helping Thousands of Immigrants Work in the USA
Tips for Success as a Line Cook in the USA
Succeeding as a line cook in the USA requires speed, adaptability, and strong work ethic. Here are key tips to help you grow in your career:
- Work Fast and Stay Efficient: U.S. kitchens are fast-paced. Improve your speed, multitasking, and ability to handle pressure.
- Get ServSafe Certification: Many restaurants require this food safety certification, which boosts your job prospects.
- Be Open to Learning: Expanding your skills in different cuisines increases your chances of landing better-paying jobs.
- Network with Industry Professionals: Connect with chefs and restaurant owners through culinary groups and LinkedIn to find better opportunities.
- Maintain a Strong Work Ethic: Show up on time, work hard, and stay professional, employers value reliable and dedicated cooks.
Getting a line cook job in the USA with visa sponsorship is possible with the right job search strategy. By using reliable job portals, networking, and applying to multiple positions, you can increase your chances of securing a sponsored job. Stay persistent, showcase your culinary skills, and take the necessary steps to start your cooking career in the U.S.
