How to Immigrate and Work to the US as a Hospitality Worker?

Covid-19 has had an impact on many different areas of the US economy. However, hospitality and tourism were unquestionably the most impacted. With the borders shut, many restaurants and motels have witnessed an enormous loss in revenue and a considerable scarcity of employees. As a result, now is the perfect moment to immigrate to the United States as a hospitality employer. The hotel sector is a lively, fast-paced profession with a wide range of flexible job opportunities. While the industry stalled due to the epidemic, it is on the mend. The Biden administration is reacting to a rising need for temporary labor. Their efforts can make an additional 35,000 seasonal worker permits accessible to American firms in preparation for the upcoming summer months. This essay will tell you about hospitality visa types for the US, hospitality jobs, salaries, basic requirements, etc.

What are Hospitality Jobs?

A hospitality career is any profession that necessitates good interpersonal or soft skills. Hospitality companies, including restaurants and hotels, rely on favorable client interactions to operate successfully. For example, if a restaurant consumer is dissatisfied with their eating experience, they may discontinue visits and pick a new business for their next excursion. Likewise, if a hotel visitor is unhappy with their stay, they may choose to stay somewhere else on their next trip. As you can see, the hotel business places a high value on providing excellent customer service. Many employees in the hospitality sector begin in entry-level positions. However, this is a career where individuals may advance to higher-paying employment. Some high-paid hospitality positions may require extra schooling, although many are open to people with substantial industry experience. In a higher-paying job, you will most likely be able to take on additional duties that will allow you to hone your talents in people management and leadership. Hospitality businesses must be aware of the current immigration system to effectively manage staffing concerns. They must support immigration reform that will fulfill the country’s growing labor needs, offer legal status to those who are already here, and enable those who qualify to work in jobs where Americans cannot be found.

Why Hiring Hospitality Foreign Workers is a Good Idea?

There are some positions that businesses are having difficulty filling in the USA. Jobs in the following fields are available:

• Education
• IT (Information Technology)
• Construction
• Science
• Engineering
• Healthcare
• Biotechnology
• Hospitality

Employers may discover that the market for international candidates is greater than the market for American workers, making it easier to fill urgent positions. Foreign workers are often dependable and devoted employees. Because their visas are employer-specific, they do not change jobs as frequently as American employees. Foreign workers enjoy sponsoring US firms and creating long-term job relationships most of the time. Having foreign personnel on your team may increase workplace diversity, provide opportunities to learn from your colleagues, and open your mind to new ideas. In addition, employees who know many languages may significantly impact businesses looking to compete in the global economy.

Hospitality Jobs Categories

The leisure and recreational industry include jobs in hotels, restaurants, casinos, amusement parks, cruise lines, and other facility types. Many positions in the hospitality sector need you to interact with clients in several ways. The hospitality business is large and may be split down into several areas. The top four industries are food and beverage, accommodation, travel and tourism, and entertainment and recreation. Despite the industry’s segmentation, there is substantial overlap to improve customer experience.

Food and Beverage

Food and beverage are the greatest of the hospitality industries, and it permeates all parts of the business. For example, when a restaurant is part of a hotel resort, the service it provides may enhance the guest experience by providing exceptional cuisine and first-rate customer service. Within the industry, there are many degrees of service. Since they rely on self-service, quick-service shops with snack food employ fewer people than more prominent full-service restaurants. Restaurants recruit widely based on their type. For instance, fast-food and takeaway places prefer to hire lower-skilled workers, whereas fine-dining venues require more experienced staff.

Accommodation

The hospitality industry is diverse, ranging from trailer parks to expensive resorts. In essence, any firm that provides a location for people to sleep overnight participates in this market. These companies market to different market groups primarily based on location. Those in cities cater to business travelers, long-term guests, backpackers, and unique visitors. Resorts in more picturesque regions are more popular among vacationers because they give a space for customers to get away from their “everyday lives.”

Entertainment and Recreation

Recreation is an activity that individuals engage in for rest, leisure, and enjoyment. The aim of recreation is to revitalize a person’s body and mind. The entertainment sector depends on its customers having an extra income. The recreation industry includes entertainment enterprises such as cinemas or theaters, attractions including zoos and museums, spectator sports, and participant sports.

Travel and Tourism

Most people associate the tourism industry with hospitality, although it is a separate activity within the hospitality industry. The primary role of the tourism industry is to persuade people to travel so that they may spend money on hospitality. The effectiveness of this all-encompassing industry has a significant impact on all other aspects of hospitality. Without travel and tourism, no other business in any particular place would be able to thrive or even survive.

Hospitality Visa Types to Immigrate to the US

The J-1, H-2B, TN, and H-1B visas are the most commonly utilized by hotels and restaurants to attract foreign employees to the United States. Immigration is a crucial component of the hospitality sector, whether relocating personnel across foreign properties or hiring management trainees. The suitable visa type will be determined primarily by the foreign worker’s credentials and the nature of the role.

The J-1 visa

The J-1 visa is an exchange program between the US And international nations that brings in foreign employees. J-1 visas are classified into two categories. A trainee J-1 visa is the first category. For eligibility, trainees need at least five years of experience in their current position or a bachelor’s degree or equivalent and at least one year of relevant experience. Hotel and restaurant employees on J-1 trainee visas may work in the United States for 18 months. The J-1 trainee visa permits foreign workers to obtain experience and enhance their talents before returning to their native countries with those skills. The second category is suitable for interns who are still in school or have recently graduated in their native country and have less than one year of experience. Interns can stay in the US for a year to train at a hotel or restaurant. Finally, the J-1 employment and travel category permits foreign employees to stay in the US for four months during the summer. The J-1 visa is often simple to get. The Department of State takes roughly 6 weeks to grant this visa.

The H-3 visa

The H-3 visa is also a trainee visa that is valid for up to two years. This is an excellent choice for foreign employees in the US on a J-1 visa who want to stay and work in the hotel business. The business must demonstrate that the foreign employees’ training in the USA is not accessible in the foreign worker’s native country to obtain an H-3 visa. It is not necessary to have a college degree to qualify for this visa, but the experience is.

The Q-1 visa

The Q-1 visa is also a trainee visa that is oriented toward a cross-cultural exchange. This is an excellent choice for all hospitality professions.

The H-1B visa

The H-1B visa is a professional specialized occupation lottery visa. This visa needs at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent and qualifying experience in specialist employment. H-1B visas are restricted to 65,000 each fiscal year. Foreign employees with advanced degrees are excluded from the cap. However, the exemption applies only to the first 20,000 applications processed by USCIS. Foreign employees with a bachelor’s degree in hospitality in management, business, culinary arts, or marketing who want to work in jobs such as accommodation managers, front desk managers, marketing, or public relations may be eligible for the H-1B visa. The H-1B visa holds validity for three years and can be extended. If the business agrees to keep and sponsor the migrant worker, the H-1B visa might lead to permanent residency.

The TN visa

The TN visa is offered for Canadian and Mexican hospitality employees who wish to work in the US. A college degree or 5 years of managerial experience is essential. This is an excellent alternative for international employees who want to work as a manager in hotels or restaurants.

The E-2 visa

The E-2 is an excellent choice for those who wish to work for themselves. Investing in a new or existing business firm is required for the E-2 visa. This is an ideal option for people who want to open a restaurant, a café, or become a hotel partner.

The L visa

The L USA visa is best suited for employees of chain hotels or restaurants. Managers can be moved from one site to another using this visa. This approach is appropriate for hospitality professionals from big hotels and restaurants and smaller hotels and restaurants who want to open branch offices in the US.

H-2B visa

The H-2B visa is a temporary visa for many hospitality professionals. The employer must prove that the work will only be seasonal and temporary. This visa is only available twice a year, in April and October. This visa is similarly limited to 66,000 visas each year.

What are the Benefits of Immigrating to the US as a Hospitality Worker?

Here is a list of the most common benefits of immigrating to the US as a hospitality worker:

A wealth of opportunities

One of the most notable advantages of having a job in the hospitality industry is nearly never a dull moment. This implies that even if you’re incredibly busy, it’ll always be exciting with the chance to meet individuals worldwide. There is also a better likelihood that you will be able to travel, as hospitality employment is available in practically every corner of the world, which is ideal if you enjoy traveling.

Growing employment rates

One perk is that there has never been a better time to work in hospitality in the US; the industry has been thriving for the previous two years. Moreover, since the 2008 financial crisis, it has grown at the quickest rate of any other industry in the country.

Creativity

Working in the hotel sector requires always thinking of new and innovative ideas to improve the client experience. This implies that working in the industry allows you to be creative, which is not always simple to come by in other businesses.

Progression opportunities

The hotel sector is thriving and is beneficial since it increases your chances of advancement in the profession in the future. In addition, because the hotel business is constantly growing, it is much easier to shift roles within the industry. As a result of the industry’s many opportunities, an increasing number of people are moving up in management and into positions of responsibility with transferable skills, indicating that the entire US economy is benefiting from the hospitality industry’s success as more workers move from unskilled to skilled, ‘professional’ work.

Tips and bonuses

Another benefit of working in the hospitality industry is the possibility of receiving good tips and bonuses in addition to your wage. This is particularly true if you work at a resort, luxury hotel, or cruise ship, where you may frequently benefit from the service charge that guests pay. This is then given to employees to provide exceptional customer service.

Flexible hours

Many positions in the hospitality sector have flexible working hours. This is particularly true for server employment. In addition, you may frequently work temporarily as a hospitality worker if you want to, which can be ideal if you wish to make a little additional money in the short term or are interested in merely performing seasonal work. The hotel industry provides its employees with significant independence that they would not find elsewhere.

What are the Disadvantages of Immigrating to the US as a Hospitality Worker?

Here is a list of the most common disadvantages of immigrating to the US as a hospitality worker:

Long working hours

Unfortunately, while hours in the hospitality business are usually flexible, they can often be exceedingly lengthy. While it may be a gratifying job, the hours can be particularly long because many hospitality firms operate around the clock.

High-pressure environment

Working in the hotel sector entails working in a fast-paced atmosphere while remaining professional, ensuring that the customer always gets the most satisfactory service possible. This implies that the work might be difficult at times, especially if you have to deal with many demanding clients while also attempting to impress your bosses and superiors. If you don’t handle pressure and expectations well, you might find that working in the hospitality industry is too much for you.

How Much is the Salary of Hospitality Workers in the US?

In the United States, a hospitality worker working in food, hospitality, tourism, and catering typically makes roughly 63,200 USD per year. However, hospitality workers’ salaries vary from 24,000 USD, which is the lowest average, to 176,000 USD, which is the highest average. This is the average annual pay, including housing, transportation, and other amenities. Hospitality workers’ salaries in the food, hospitality, tourism, and catering industries vary greatly. If you are concerned about the pay of a specific position, download this pdf for wages for particular job titles.

10 Best US States for Hospitality Workers to Immigrate in 2022

State	The number of needed workers	Pay
Delaware	163 jobs	$47,6532
Pennsylvania	1,257 jobs	$44,8353
New York	1,297 jobs	$51,0764
District of Columbia	154 jobs	$58,7155
New Jersey	703 jobs	$56,8306
Utah	355 jobs	$37,5497
Ohio	996 jobs	$40,9048
Michigan	826 jobs	$38,6349
Nebraska	234 jobs	$36,89810
Minnesota	597 jobs	$42,060

Requirements for Immigrating to the US as a Hospitality Worker

To work in hospitality, you must have a passion for working with people and delivering outstanding service. You may be required to stand for extended amounts of time regularly, especially if you select a food service or entertainment profession. Particular talents are also required for some hospitality occupations. Those who aspire to work as cruise ship performers, for instance, will often profit from strong musical ability. Here are some public documents you require for getting a USA visa:

• Form DS-160
• Your valid passport
• One photograph
• Social media details
• Previous US visas
• Invitation letter (if possible)
• Sponsorship documents (if possible)
• Employment / Professional Documents
• Letter from a physician

Note: Each US visa type for hospitality workers has specific requirements and conditions. We suggest you choose the right visa type for yourself and read about that visa. You can find our articles about other US work visa types on the left sidebar.

Why is Hospitality in the US a Smart Career Choice?

Hospitality occupations are among the most in-demand in the twenty-first century, owing to the industry’s rapid expansion. Here, we will take a look at some more reasons why a job in hospitality is an excellent choice:

Numerous benefits

There are a variety of benefits connected with working in the hotel sector. You will have the chance to meet new people every day, which will lead to excellent relationships and networks, but you will also get to enjoy delicious cuisine. Furthermore, you may be eligible for discounts on hotel rooms and restaurants associated with your firm.

Fast-growing future

The travel and tourist business is the fastest expanding in many world regions, with Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East predicted to rise by millions in the next 20 years, implying that the hospitality industry offers an excellent possibility for a speedier career progression.

Sufficient room to grow

The hotel business provides several chances for career and personal development. You can improve your soft skills, such as interpersonal skills, organization, and networking while working in the business. Still, you will also have several possibilities to advance within the firm and learn new talents. Working in a customer-oriented atmosphere will also introduce you to individuals from other nations and cultures, which is a learning experience in and of itself.

Varied career choices

Because of its scale, the hotel and hospitality business offers many work opportunities. You may quickly select a working title that matches your personality. For example, you can work as a receptionist, travel agent, baggage handler, or hotel manager based on your job goals.

Every day is a new challenge

In the hotel sector, every day is different. Every day brings new people and new challenges, so the odds of a hospitality career getting monotonous are pretty minimal.

Travel opportunities

Every nation around the globe has its own hospitality business, which means that working in the hospitality industry exposes you to various countries and cultures. So if you want to work in another country, this may be the right career.

Long-term investment opportunities

Completing a hotel or hospitality management course and getting a management degree is a long-term investment because the hospitality business will not disappear. The hospitality business will undoubtedly be a solid career choice for a long time, and, as previously stated, there is lots of space for growth, so you will not be bored.

Several ways to enter the hospitality industry

There is no one path or course that you may take to enter the hospitality sector. You may work in the hospitality sector at any time in your life. The profession mainly relies on transferable talents, including outstanding customer service, organizational skills, a happy attitude, and problem-solving abilities. You only need to take a few courses at your regional college or university before you can begin applying.

Good atmosphere

The hotel business, for example, relies on employees who are sociable and get along with their coworkers and clients. Being around like-minded individuals who are committed to providing excellent customer service is sure to feel like a good match. Because of its cheerful personnel, the hotel business has one of the most significant work cultures and work environments in any industry.

Numerous colleges offer quick entry

The Taj, the Marriott, and the Leela are just a few of the name brands in the hotel industry that provide 100% placement assistance to their students.