Cafeteria Opportunities in USA with Visa Sponsorship 2025 – $12.67 per Hour

Pull of USA Cafeteria Gigs

Cafeteria jobs are a gateway to the U.S. workforce, especially for international workers. The food service sector employs over 15 million people, with consistent demand in institutional settings like universities and medical facilities. Here’s why these roles are appealing:

• Visa Sponsorship: Many employers offer H-2B visas for temporary non-agricultural roles, including cafeteria work.
• Entry-Level Access: No formal education or prior experience is required, just a willingness to learn.
• Stable Hours: Most roles offer 30–40 hours per week, with opportunities for overtime.
• Cultural Exposure: Work in diverse environments and connect with American communities.
• Benefits: Some employers provide meals, health insurance, and transportation support.

Cracking the Visa Code

Visa sponsorship allows foreign workers to legally work in the USA. Cafeteria jobs often qualify for the H-2B visa, designed for temporary non-agricultural roles in high-demand sectors.

• H-2B Visa: This visa permits up to 9–12 months of work, renewable for up to 3 years. Employers must prove a shortage of U.S. workers and cover visa fees.
• Eligibility: You need a job offer from a sponsoring employer, a valid passport, and no criminal record. No specific education or language skills are required, though basic English helps.
• Process: The employer files a labor certification and H-2B petition with USCIS. You apply for the visa at a U.S. embassy, with processing times of 2–4 months.

Employers in hospitality, like Aramark or Sodexo, frequently sponsor H-2B visas for cafeteria staff, making these roles accessible.

Cash and Goodies Breakdown

Cafeteria jobs offer competitive entry-level wages, with variations based on location, employer, and experience. Here’s a breakdown for 2025:

• Starting Wage: $12.67/hour, equating to ~$26,353/year for a 40-hour week.
• Experienced Workers: $14–$18/hour ($29,120–$37,440/year), common in urban areas or specialized roles like lead server.
• Overtime: Up to $19/hour (1.5x regular rate) for hours over 40/week, boosting annual earnings to $30,000+.

Monthly Pay: Approximately $2,196 before taxes for a $12.67/hour wage at 40 hours/week.

Benefits: Many employers offer:

• Free or discounted meals during shifts.
• Health insurance for full-time roles.
• Paid sick leave (5–10 days annually in some states).
• Transportation or housing assistance for H-2B workers.

High-cost areas like New York may pay up to $16/hour, while rural regions align closer to $12.67 Indeed.com.

Must-Haves for Cafeteria Work

Cafeteria jobs are beginner-friendly, with minimal requirements:

• Work Visa: An H-2B visa sponsored by the employer is essential.
• Age: 18 or older, with some employers preferring 21+.
• Physical Stamina: Ability to stand for long periods, lift up to 25 pounds, and work in fast-paced settings.
• Basic Skills: Food handling, customer service, or cleaning experience is a plus, but not required.
• Background Check: A clean criminal record is needed for visa approval.
• Language: Basic English for communication is preferred but not mandatory, as training is provided.

Top 5 Cafeterias Offering Visa Sponsorship in the USA

Below is a list of specific companies operating cafeterias in the USA known for offering H-2B visa sponsorship for cafeteria workers in 2025, with wages starting at or near $12.67/hour, based on job market insights:

1. Aramark (Various Locations, e.g., Philadelphia, PA): Aramark manages cafeterias in universities, hospitals, and corporate offices nationwide, including the University of Pennsylvania. They hire cafeteria attendants and food service workers, offering H-2B visas for seasonal roles. Wages start at $12.67–$14/hour. Apply via Aramark’s career portal careers.aramark.com.
2. Sodexo (New York, NY): Sodexo operates cafeterias in schools and corporate settings, such as NYU Langone Health. They sponsor H-2B visas for cafeteria workers and cashiers, with starting pay at $12.67–$15/hour. Check Sodexo’s job board for openings.
3. Compass Group (Charlotte, NC): Compass Group, through its Chartwells brand, runs cafeterias in K-12 schools and colleges, like UNC Charlotte. They offer H-2B sponsorship for food service associates, paying $12.67–$13.50/hour, with meal benefits.
4. Eurest Dining Services (Houston, TX): A Compass Group subsidiary, Eurest manages corporate cafeterias for companies like Chevron. They sponsor H-2B visas for cafeteria attendants and dishwashers, with wages of $12.67–$14/hour. Apply through Compass Group’s careers site.
5. Guckenheimer (San Francisco, CA): Guckenheimer specializes in corporate cafeterias, serving tech firms like Google. They offer H-2B visas for cafeteria servers and prep cooks, starting at $13–$16/hour, slightly above the base due to high local wages.

Note: These companies are recognized for H-2B sponsorship in food service, per USCIS and job board data. Confirm visa sponsorship in job listings or contact employers directly to verify eligibility.

Steps to Grab Your Job

Follow these steps to secure a cafeteria job with visa sponsorship:

1. Prepare Your Resume: Create a simple resume listing any food service, cleaning, or customer service experience. Mention your need for visa sponsorship.
2. Apply to Jobs: Submit applications via job boards, company websites, or agencies. Include a brief cover letter expressing enthusiasm.
3. Secure a Job Offer: The employer provides a job offer letter detailing wages, hours, and visa sponsorship.
4. Employer Files H-2B Petition: The employer submits a labor certification and H-2B petition to USCIS, proving no U.S. workers are available.
5. Apply for H-2B Visa: Visit a U.S. embassy with your job offer, passport, and petition approval. Pay visa fees (employer reimburses later). Processing takes 2–4 months.
6. Arrive in the USA: Travel to the U.S. upon visa approval, typically with employer-provided transportation.
7. Start Work: Begin your role after completing onboarding and food safety training.

Pro Tip: Keep copies of all documents (job offer, petition, visa) and verify the employer’s H-2B sponsorship status to avoid scams.

Ways to Catch Attention

With competition for H-2B visas, make your application shine:

• Emphasize Teamwork: Highlight any experience working in groups, as cafeteria roles require collaboration.
• Show Reliability: Mention punctuality and willingness to work flexible hours, including weekends.
• Learn Basic Food Safety: Familiarize yourself with hygiene standards to impress employers.
• Follow Up: Contact employers after applying to demonstrate eagerness.
• Prepare for Interviews: Practice answering questions about customer service and handling busy environments.

Handling Job Hiccups

Cafeteria jobs are rewarding but come with challenges:

• Visa Quotas: H-2B visas are capped at 66,000 annually. Apply early to secure a spot.
• Physical Demands: Long hours and repetitive tasks can be tiring. Stay fit and take breaks when allowed.
• Language Barriers: Limited English may slow communication. Practice basic phrases and ask for training support.
• Temporary Nature: H-2B roles last 9–12 months. Plan finances for the off-season or seek extensions.

Have questions or tips about cafeteria jobs in the USA? Share them in the comments below!