For many international workers, the United States represents a land of economic opportunity. While high-tech and medical fields often dominate the headlines for United States sponsorship, there is a massive, quieter demand for essential workers in the hospitality sector. Specifically, dishwasher jobs with visa sponsorship in the USA are among the most sought-after entry-level positions for foreign nationals.

This guide will dive deeper than any other resource on the web. We will explore how to get a visa, the difference between temporary and permanent residency visa paths, and which companies hiring in USA are actually sponsoring roles right now.

Whether you are looking for seasonal work, a J-1 internship, or a path to a Green Card United States, this guide covers it all.

The Landscape of Employment in USA for Unskilled Workers

The US hospitality industry faces a chronic labor shortage. Hotels, luxury resorts, country clubs, and casinos often cannot find enough local workers to fill back-of-house roles like dishwashing, stewarding, and housekeeping. This gap drives hiring overseas.

When you search for employment in USA, you must understand that “sponsorship” means the employer pays legal fees and files petitions to the immigration office (USCIS) on your behalf. You cannot simply apply for work visa in USA on your own; a job offer is the mandatory first step.

Why Dishwashing?

Low Barrier to Entry: Unlike skilled worker visa USA paths, dishwashing requires no degree and minimal experience.
High Volume Hiring: Large resorts often hire 20–50 dishwashers at once for the peak season.
Gateway to Growth: Many workers start as stewards and move up to prep cook or kitchen supervisor roles.

Understanding the Visas: H-2B, EB-3, and J-1

To work in travel USA or settle permanently, you must fit into a specific visa category. The US immigration visa system is complex. Here are the three main routes for dishwashers.

A. H-2B: Temporary Non-Agricultural Worker

This is the most common visa for dishwashers. It is strictly temporary.

Duration: Usually 6–10 months (seasonal), renewable up to 3 years.
Best For: Workers who want to earn money in the US and return home, or those looking for seasonal gigs at ski resorts or beach hotels.
Key Stat: There is a cap of 66,000 visas per year, plus supplemental visas (often ~65,000 more).

B. EB-3 “Other Workers”: Permanent Residency

This is the “Green Card” path.

Duration: Indefinite. This is a permanent resident in USA status.
Best For: Those willing to wait. The processing time can take 2–4 years depending on your country.
Reality Check: While possible for dishwashers, few employers sponsor this directly due to the long wait and high cost, unless they have chronic, year-round shortages (e.g., poultry processing or nursing homes, though some large hotel chains do use it).

C. J-1: Exchange Visitor Program

Duration: 12 months.
Best For: Students or recent graduates.
Role: Usually titled “Hospitality Intern” or “Trainee.” You will rotate through stations, including dishwashing, prep, and plating.

The “Holy Grail”: EB-3 Unskilled Worker Visa (Permanent Residency)

The EB-3 (Employment-Based Third Preference) is an immigrant visa, meaning it leads to a Green Card United States.

Requirements for EB-3 Unskilled

Job Offer: A full-time, permanent offer from a US employer who sponsors work visas.
Labor Certification: The employer must prove to the Department of Labor (DOL) that there are no qualified US workers available.
Qualifications: You must be capable of performing unskilled labor (requiring less than 2 years of training).

The Process (The Long Game)

PERM Labor Certification: The employer advertises the job in the US. If no one applies, the DOL certifies the position.
I-140 Petition: The employer files this with USCIS.
Visa Bulletin Wait: You must wait for your “Priority Date” to become current. For many countries, this is 1–2 years. For India/China, it is much longer.
Consular Processing: Once the date is current, you apply for the immigrant visa to USA at your local embassy.

Pro Tip: This is the only path that results in a united states permanent resident card immediately upon entry.

The Seasonal King: H-2B Temporary Work Visa

Most jobs for foreigners in USA in the hospitality sector are H-2B.

Who Hires H-2B Workers?

Ski Resorts: Vail, Aspen, Park City (Winter season).
Beach Resorts: Florida, South Carolina, Cape Cod (Summer season).
Amusement Parks: Disney, Six Flags, Universal.
Landscaping & Construction: (Though our focus here is dishwashing).

The H-2B “Lottery”

Because demand exceeds the 66,000 annual cap, the government uses a lottery system.

Group A: Employers who file perfectly and early get the best chance.
Supplemental Visas: The US often releases extra visas for returning workers or nationals of specific countries (e.g., Haiti, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Colombia, Ecuador, Costa Rica).

H-2B Requirements for You

You must be a citizen of an H-2B eligible country.
You must demonstrate “non-immigrant intent” (you plan to return home).
You must have a valid job offer USA.

The Cultural Exchange: J-1 Visa for Hospitality

If you are a student, the J-1 visa for USA is your easiest entry point.

Intern vs. Trainee

Intern: Currently enrolled in a post-secondary institution OR graduated less than 12 months ago.
Trainee: Degree + 1 year work experience OR 5 years work experience in the field.

The Role of the Sponsor

Unlike H-2B where the employer is the sponsor, for J-1, you need a Designated Sponsor Organization (like CIEE, Intrax, or Alliance Abroad). The employer hosts you, but the organization sponsors the visa paperwork.

Comparing Visa Types: A Quick Reference

Feature	H-2B Visa	EB-3 (Unskilled)	J-1 Visa
Goal	Temporary Work Visa United States	Permanent Work Visa USA	Cultural Exchange / Training
Duration	< 1 year (renewable to 3)	Indefinite (Permanent)	12 Months
Eligibility	Seasonal need	Chronic labor shortage	Students/Grads
Family?	H-4 (cannot work)	Dependents get Green Cards	J-2 (can apply to work)
Difficulty	Moderate (Lottery based)	High (Long processing)	Low (Pay-to-play)
Cost	Employer pays mostly	Employer pays mostly	You pay fees ($2k-$4k)

How to Find Companies Offering Visa Sponsorship USA

Finding the job is the hardest part. You cannot just walk into a restaurant. You need hiring companies in USA that understand the sponsorship process.

A. Specialized Staffing Agencies

These it staffing agencies in usa (and hospitality agencies) are the bridge between you and the employer.

Workforce Solutions: Specializes in H-2B staffing for hotels.
Petrina Group: Focuses on luxury hospitality recruitment.
Global Hospitality: High-end placements.
Alliance Abroad: Major player for J-1 and H-2B.
Masters Abroad: Connects international workers with US employers.

B. Direct Searching on Job Boards

Use specific queries on Indeed, LinkedIn, or Glassdoor:

“Dishwasher visa sponsorship”
“H-2B steward”
“Relocation support dishwasher”
“Seasonal hospitality jobs with housing”

C. The DOL Foreign Labor Recruiter List

The Department of Labor publishes a public list of recruiters who have successfully petitioned for foreign labor. Search for “DOL Foreign Labor Recruiter List” to download the PDF. This is a goldmine of companies that sponsor work visas USA.

D. Country Clubs and Resorts

Go directly to the “Careers” pages of major resorts:

Marriott / Ritz-Carlton (Often use J-1)
Hyatt
Four Seasons
The Breakers (Palm Beach)
Broadmoor (Colorado)

The Application Process: From Job Offer to Visa Stamp

This section dives deep into the visa application mechanics.

Phase 1: The Job Offer & Petition (Employer’s Job)

Recruitment: The employer interviews you (usually via Zoom).
PWD (Prevailing Wage Determination): The employer asks the government what they must pay you to ensure they aren’t undercutting US wages.
Labor Certification: The employer proves they cannot find US workers.
Form I-129: The employer sends this petition to USCIS. If approved, they receive a Notice of Action (I-797). You need this paper.

Phase 2: The Visa Application (Your Job)

Once you have the I-797 (or DS-2019 for J-1), you act.

DS-160 Form: Complete this US visa working application online. It asks about your history, family, and travel.
Fee Payment: Pay the machine-readable visa fee (approx. $190 USD).
Schedule Interview: Book a slot at the nearest US Embassy or Consulate.

Phase 3: The Interview

You will go to the immigration office (Consulate) for a face-to-face interview.

Bring: Passport, Photo, DS-160 confirmation, I-797/DS-2019, Job Offer Letter.
Questions: “Where will you work?”, “What is your salary?”, “Do you plan to stay in the US?” (Answer: No, I will return home after my contract).
Outcome: If approved, they keep your passport and mail it back with the Visa USA stamp.

Teaching, IT, and Skilled Visas

The user asked about teaching in the USA and IT staffing agencies. It is vital to distinguish these from dishwasher jobs.

Teaching in the USA

Teachers utilize the J-1 Teacher or H-1B visa.

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, teaching license, 2+ years experience.
Programs: Participate in “Visiting International Faculty” programs.
Difference: Unlike dishwashing, this is a “Specialty Occupation.”

Skilled Worker Visa USA (H-1B)

For IT professionals and engineers.

Hiring in the US for tech is massive, but it requires a relevant degree.
Dishwashers cannot use the H-1B visa.

O-1 Visa

For individuals with “extraordinary ability.” Unless you are a world-famous celebrity dishwasher (unlikely), this visa get path is not for you.

Avoiding Scams: The “Visa Get” Warning

The internet is full of fraud targeting those seeking jobs in USA with visa sponsorship.

Red Flags:

“Guaranteed Visa”: No one can guarantee a visa except the US Consular Officer.
Asking YOU for Money: In the H-2B program, it is illegal for the employer or recruiter to charge you for the job placement or legal fees. You should only pay for your passport and visa interview fee. If an agency asks for $5,000 to “secure the job,” it is a scam.
Gmail/Yahoo Addresses: Legitimate hiring companies in USA use corporate email domains (@marriott.com, not @https://www.google.com/search?q=marriotthiring-usa.com).

Living in the USA: Wages, Housing, and Rights

Once you cross the border, what is life like?

Wages

H-2B / EB-3: You must be paid the “Prevailing Wage.” For dishwashers, this is typically $13.00 to $18.00 per hour depending on the state.
Overtime: In most states, you get 1.5x pay for hours over 40 per week.

Housing

H-2B: Employers must provide housing or help you find it. It is often shared dormitory-style living. They can deduct a fair amount from your paycheck for rent, but it cannot be excessive.
EB-3: You are usually responsible for your own housing, as you are a permanent resident.

Work Check and Compliance

SSN: You will apply for a Social Security Number immediately.
Taxes: You must pay federal and state taxes.
Rights: You have the same workplace safety and fair wage rights as a US citizen. If an employer abuses you, you can report them to the Department of Labor without fear of deportation retaliation.

Advanced Application Strategies, Legal Frameworks, and Life in America

While Part 1 covered the basics of the H-2B and EB-3 visa categories, this section moves into the advanced mechanics. We will cover the specific forms you need to know, how to handle the “Visa Interview” (the moment that decides your fate), and how to navigate the complexities of the US immigration system.

If you are serious about employment in USA, you must understand the legal backbone of your application.

The Legal Framework: Forms, Fees, and Timelines

To successfully get a visa, you must become familiar with the paperwork. A single error on these forms can lead to a denial from the immigration office.

The Employer’s Paperwork (What They Do)

You cannot file these. Your employer must do it.

ETA-9142B (H-2B) or ETA-9089 (EB-3): This is the labor certification filed with the Department of Labor (DOL). It proves that hiring overseas will not hurt US workers’ wages.
Form I-129 (Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker): Once the DOL approves the labor cert, the employer sends this to USCIS.
- Cost: Paid by the employer.
- Result: If approved, they get a Notice of Action (Form I-797). This is your “Golden Ticket.” You cannot apply for a visa without the I-797 receipt number.

Your Paperwork (What You Do)

Once you have the I-797 number, the ball is in your court.

Form DS-160 (Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application):
- This is the standard us visa working application.
- Critical Step: You must list your social media handles (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) from the last 5 years.
- Keyword Check: Ensure your job title matches the I-129 exactly (e.g., “Steward” or “Dishwasher”).
Form DS-260 (For EB-3 Permanent Residency):
- If you are lucky enough to be on the Green Card path, you file this instead of the DS-160. It asks for deeper biographical data.

Processing Times

H-2B: Premium processing (Form I-907) can get the employer an answer in 15 days. Regular processing takes 2–4 months.
EB-3: This is the long haul. The permanent residency visa process can take 18–36 months depending on the “Visa Bulletin.”

The Interview: How to “Visa Get” Successfully

The Consular Interview is where most people fail. You might have a valid job offer and an approved petition, but if the officer thinks you will overstay, they will deny you under Section 214(b).

The “Immigrant Intent” Trap

For H-2B and J-1 visas, you must prove you plan to return home.

The Officer’s Mindset: “Every person walking in here wants to live in the US permanently. It is my job to catch them.”
Your Goal: Prove you have a life to go back to.

How to Prove “Ties to Home”

Bring physical evidence to the interview:

Property Deeds: Show you own land or a house in your home country.
Family Records: Birth certificates of children or marriage certificates (if they are staying behind).
Bank Statements: Show you have local savings.
Current Employment: A letter from a local employer saying you have a job waiting for you when you return (if applicable).

Common Interview Questions

Q: “Why do you want this low-paying job?”
- A: “The wages in the US allow me to save money to build my house/start a business in my home country.”
Q: “Do you have relatives in the US?”
- A: Be honest. If you lie and they check their database, you are banned for life for fraud.
Q: “What will you do when your visa expires?”
- A: “I will return to [Home Country] to be with my family.”

Industry Deep Dive: Where are the Jobs?

Not all dishwasher jobs are the same. Companies hiring in USA fall into three main categories.

A. Luxury Hotels & Resorts (The Best Option)

Examples: Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, Four Seasons.
Pros: Stable hours, often provide subsidized housing, corporate structure, potential to transfer.
Visa Types: J-1 (Interns), H-2B (Seasonal).
Locations: Florida, California, Colorado, Hawaii.

B. Casios & Entertainment Complexes

Examples: MGM Resorts (Las Vegas), casinos in Atlantic City, Mohegan Sun.
Pros: Unionized jobs (often higher pay), free meals, 24-hour shifts available.
Cons: High cost of living in cities like Las Vegas if housing isn’t provided.

C. Country Clubs

Examples: Exclusive golf clubs in Palm Beach, FL or Westchester, NY.
Pros: Very high tips (sometimes included in a pool), better working conditions, seasonal (Winter in Florida, Summer in New York).
Visa Types: Heavily H-2B.

Comparative Analysis: Dishwashing vs. Other Visa Paths

To rank for employment in usa, we must address the user’s curiosity about other fields like teaching and IT. How do they compare?

Scenario A: Teaching in the USA vs. Dishwashing

Visa: Teachers use J-1 or H-1B. Dishwashers use H-2B.
Requirements:
- Teaching: You need a Bachelor’s degree + 2 years experience.
- Dishwashing: No degree required. Physical stamina only.
Programs: Teaching programs in USA like “Participate Learning” recruit heavily from Jamaica, Philippines, and India.
Verdict: If you have a degree, pursue teaching. It pays better ($40k-$60k/year) and is less physically demanding.

Scenario B: IT Staffing Agencies in USA vs. Hospitality Agencies

Visa: IT workers use H-1B.
Agencies:
- IT: Robert Half, Randstad, TekSystems.
- Hospitality: HSS (Hospitality Staffing Solutions), Masters Abroad.
The Mix-Up: Do not send your resume to it staffing agencies in usa if you are looking for dishwashing work. They will delete it immediately. Stick to agencies that specialize in “Unskilled” or “Light Industrial” labor.

Financial Realities: Taxes, Cost of Living, and Savings

When you check work offers, look at the “Net Pay,” not just the gross salary.

The Paycheck Breakdown

Let’s say you earn $15/hour, working 40 hours ($600/week).

Federal Tax: ~10-12%
State Tax: 0% (in FL, TX) to 10% (in CA, NY).
FICA (Social Security/Medicare): 7.65%.
Housing Deduction: If the employer provides housing, they might deduct $100-$150/week.
Take Home: You might clear $400-$450 USD per week.

Banking in the US

You will need a bank account to receive Direct Deposit.
Bank of America and Wells Fargo are accustomed to working with foreign nationals. You usually need your Passport and I-94 record to open an account.

Sending Money Home (Remittances)

Most workers use apps like Remitly, Wise, or Western Union. Avoid bank wire transfers as the fees are high ($30-$40 per transfer).

State-by-State Opportunities

Where should you apply? Here are the hotspots for visa sponsorship jobs in the us.

Florida (The Hospitality Capital)

Keywords: jobs in usa with visa sponsorship Florida, tourist visa usa (conversion to work visa is illegal, but many tourists scout locations).
Seasons: Peak is October to April.
Hubs: Miami, Orlando (Disney/Universal), Naples, Palm Beach.
Visa Volume: Massive H-2B usage.

Alaska (Seafood & Tourism)

Keywords: employment in usa fisheries, seasonal work.
Roles: Dishwashing on cruise ships or in processing plants.
Pros: High overtime potential. You can work 80 hours a week and save massive amounts of money because there is nowhere to spend it.

Colorado & Utah (Ski Season)

Seasons: November to March.
Hubs: Aspen, Vail, Park City.
Perk: Often includes a free ski pass. Housing is almost always provided because rent in these towns is too expensive for workers.

Avoiding the “Notario” Fraud

In many Latin American and Asian countries, “Notarios” claim to be lawyers. In the US, a “Notary Public” is just a witness for signatures, not a lawyer.

The Scam: An agency promises a permanent work visa USA for $5,000 cash.
The Reality: There is no “buy-your-way-in” visa for unskilled workers (unless you have $800,000 for an EB-5 investor visa).
The Rule: If you are paying the recruiter, you are likely being scammed. The US employer generally pays the recruitment fees.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I look for work on a tourist visa USA?

A: No. Entering on a B-1/B-2 tourist visa USA with the intent to look for work is visa fraud. You can attend interviews, but you cannot start working or receive payment. You must return home to get the proper work visa stamped.

Q: What is the age limit for dishwashing visas?

A: There is no strict age limit for H-2B or EB-3. However, J-1 interns are typically 18–35 years old.

Q: Can I bring my family?

H-2B: Yes, on H-4 visas, but they cannot work.
EB-3: Yes, spouse and children under 21 get Green Cards and can work.
J-1: Yes, on J-2 visas, and they can apply for work authorization.

Q: How do I check my visa status?

A: Use the CEAC (Consular Electronic Application Center) website to track your us visa work visa application.

Q: Is there a “Check Work” system?

A: Yes, employers use E-Verify to confirm you are authorized to work. Never present fake documents; this results in a permanent ban from the US.

Q: Can I switch jobs?

H-2B: Only if the new employer files a new petition for you. You cannot just quit and work at the restaurant next door.
EB-3: Once you have the Green Card, you are a free agent. However, it is recommended to work for the sponsoring employer for at least 6–12 months to prove “good faith.”

Conclusion

Securing dishwasher jobs with visa sponsorship in the USA is a competitive but achievable goal. It requires patience, diligence, and a strict adherence to visa rules USA.

By targeting the right hiring companies in USA, avoiding scams, and choosing the correct visa path (H-2B for temporary, EB-3 for permanent), you can legally enter the US workforce.

Next Steps for You:

Update your resume: Highlight high-volume kitchen experience.
Check the Season: Apply in July/August for Winter jobs, and January/February for Summer jobs.
Visit the DOL Recruiter List: Identify legitimate agencies.