Dishwasher Jobs with Visa Sponsorship in the USA 2025 Overview
When people say a U.S. employer will “sponsor” a dishwasher, they usually mean one of two things: either the employer will petition for a temporary nonimmigrant visa so you can work seasonally or for a limited period (most commonly H-2B for non-agricultural temporary workers), or the employer will start the longer employment-based green card (permanent residency) process — typically through the EB-3 (other workers / unskilled) category for positions that require less than two years training/experience. The H-2B program is designed specifically for temporary non-agricultural work; EB-3 covers permanent unskilled worker positions, but it is more complex and slower. (USCIS)
Which visa is most common for dishwashers in 2025?
- H-2B (temporary non-agricultural): This is by far the most common sponsorship route for dishwasher and other kitchen steward positions where employers need extra hands seasonally (tourist season, summer resorts, ski season, etc.). Employers must show the job is temporary and that no U.S. workers are available for the role. The H-2B program remains active in 2025 and had temporary allocations in FY2025 to help businesses meet demand.
- EB-3 (Other workers / Unskilled): Some employers do offer green-card sponsorship for permanent, full-time dishwasher or steward positions under EB-3 “other workers,” but this requires a PERM labor certification (showing no qualified U.S. worker is available) and is slower and costlier for the employer. EB-3 is an option but much less commonly used for entry-level dishwasher roles than H-2B.
Who hires and where the jobs are
Dishwasher roles with sponsorship are most often advertised by employers in the hospitality and tourism sectors:
- Hotels, resorts, and large restaurants (especially in tourist hotspots such as Florida, California, Nevada, coastal towns, and ski resorts).
- Seasonal companies (summer camps, amusement parks, resorts) that need a surge of staff for a limited season.
- Some healthcare facilities, institutional cafeterias, and cruise lines also recruit international workers though the pathways and employer willingness to sponsor differ.
Job boards and staffing lists for H-2B/seasonal positions frequently include dishwasher listings — you can find real, current openings on major job boards and on DOL/USCIS seasonal job listings.
Typical pay and working conditions (what to expect in 2025)
Wages for dishwasher positions vary widely by state, employer size, and whether the job is seasonal or permanent. In job listings and salary aggregators during 2024–2025, dishwasher hourly pay commonly ranged from roughly $12–$18/hr depending on region and experience; some seasonal / resort postings and unionized environments pay more and may include housing, meals, and tips. Employers using H-2B must pay at least the prevailing wage for the occupation and area as determined when they file. Always check the wage stated in the employer’s job order and the employer’s public disclosures. (ZipRecruiter)
Working conditions are typically:
- Fast-paced, multi-shift environment (mornings, evenings, split shifts).
- Physically demanding: long hours on your feet, heavy lifting, standing in hot humid kitchen areas.
- Often includes non-monetary compensation such as on-site housing or assistance finding shared housing (especially for seasonal roles).
Employer requirements and the sponsorship process (briefly)
For H-2B (typical employer steps)
- Recruit U.S. workers first — employer must conduct recruitment and post a job order with the state workforce agency, showing they tried to hire locally.
- Apply to DOL for a temporary labor certification or job order (depends on program specifics).
- File Form I-129 with USCIS to petition for the H-2B worker after obtaining approval from DOL.
- If USCIS approves, the worker applies for an H-2B visa at a U.S. consulate (if outside the U.S.) and enters for the specified period. Employers who bring workers must follow program rules (wages, working conditions, transportation/housing where promised). The DOL and USCIS websites provide step-by-step rules and recent program updates for FY2025 allocations.
For EB-3 (permanent sponsorship)
- PERM labor certification — employer tests the U.S. labor market to prove no qualified U.S. worker is available.
- File I-140 immigrant petition for the worker after PERM approval.
- Adjustment of Status (I-485) or consular processing when a visa number is available — this stage can be delayed if visa numbers are backlogged. EB-3 unskilled visas exist but the annual supply is limited and subject to priority dates and per-country limits. Expect months to years for completion depending on backlogs and country of chargeability. (USCIS)
Key legal protections and your rights
Workers sponsored under H-2B and EB-3 retain labor protections under U.S. law:
- Employers must pay the wage promised in their labor certification or H-2B petition and cannot undercut wages for U.S. workers.
- H-2B employers must provide certain transportation and housing terms if they were included in the job offer.
- Workers have the right to a safe workplace and to be paid for hours worked (including overtime where applicable). If you suspect wage theft or unsafe conditions, you can report to the Department of Labor (whistleblower protections apply). The DOL and USCIS pages describe these protections. (DOL)
Common pitfalls and employer practices to watch for
- Middlemen/scam recruiters: Some “agencies” promise visa sponsorship but require large up-front fees or pressure you to pay for placement. U.S. employers are responsible for most filing fees; be wary if you are being asked for large sums to “guarantee” sponsorship.
- Misrepresentations: Employers may promise permanent sponsorship (EB-3) then only offer temporary H-2B roles. Get job offer details in writing (wages, hours, housing, transportation).
- Housing & cost deductions: If housing is provided, confirm whether it’s free or deducted from wages and ensure the deduction is lawful and reasonable.
- Cap & timing: H-2B has caps and allocations; sometimes employers run out of H-2B slots or the timing doesn’t match your travel availability. FY2025 saw supplemental allocations to help demand, but caps remain a reality.
How to find dishwasher jobs that include sponsorship (tactical steps)
- Search targeted job boards: Use job boards filtering keywords like “H-2B”, “visa sponsorship”, “seasonal dishwasher”, and employer names known to sponsor. Indeed, ZipRecruiter, and hospitality staffing sites often show H-2B or sponsorship indications in listings.
- Look at resort and hotel chains: Chains, especially in tourist regions, run seasonal hiring programs and sometimes coordinate H-2B recruitment through regional staffing partners. Examples: large coastal resorts, mountain ski resorts, and cruise operators.
- Apply through reputable placement programs: Some legitimate placement programs link foreign workers to U.S. employers for H-2B; verify reviews, demand evidence of employer sponsorship, and avoid any program that asks you to pay the employer’s government filing fees (those are the employer’s responsibility).
- Network with recruiters in your country: Embassies and consulates sometimes have lists or can verify employer legitimacy; local labor offices or reputable immigration law firms can advise.
- Check DOL and seasonaljobs listings: The U.S. Department of Labor maintains public job orders and listings for seasonal roles; these documents show employer offers tied to H-2B petitions.
Timeline you should expect
- H-2B: From employer recruitment to arrival can take 2–4 months in typical cases, longer if allocations are delayed. The employer’s recruiting and DOL filing windows are the pacing elements. FY2025 supplemental allocations were intended to allow additional petitions across the fiscal year, but timing still matters.
- EB-3: The PERM + I-140 + adjustment of status process can take many months to several years, especially if there are visa backlogs for your country of chargeability. EB-3 should be considered a long-term route, not immediate.
What employers typically expect from dishwasher applicants
- Basic work eligibility and, for H-2B, the ability to travel on a specific schedule.
- Physical ability to perform tasks (lifting, standing long shifts).
- Some employers prefer prior kitchen or restaurant experience but many are willing to train dependable workers.
- Passing background checks, drug tests, and possibly health screenings for positions in certain institutions (hotels, healthcare).
Sample checklist before you accept a sponsored dishwasher job
- Get the job offer in writing: wages, hours, start/end dates, housing (if any), who pays for travel, any deductions.
- Confirm the visa type being offered (H-2B vs EB-3) and who is paying government filing fees.
- Verify the employer’s DUNS/EIN or other identifying info, check for online reviews and complaints, and ask for recent references from other sponsored workers if possible.
- Keep copies of all documents and communications, and know your local U.S. consulate procedure for visas.
Where to get official information and help
- USCIS H-2B pages (program rules, petition instructions).
- DOL H-2B resources and seasonal jobs site (employer obligations; public job postings).
- USCIS EB-3 page for permanent worker rules and PERM explanations.
- Consider consulting a trusted U.S. immigration attorney if an employer promises permanent residency or if anything about the offer seems unclear or risky.
Quick FAQ
Q: Are dishwashers commonly given green cards?
A: Some employers start EB-3 PERM processes for unskilled roles, but it’s less common than H-2B temporary sponsorship. EB-3 is more costly and slower for employers, so it’s less common for entry-level dishwasher roles.
Q: Can an H-2B worker switch to a permanent job?
A: It’s possible if an employer is willing to sponsor a PERM and file an EB-3 petition; however, transitioning from H-2B to permanent resident involves extra steps, costs, and visa-number timing and is not guaranteed.
Q: How much do employers usually pay for H-2B filings?
A: Employers pay most required government filing fees and must meet wage obligations. Be suspicious of employers or agents who demand the worker pay those fees. Official USCIS/DOL resources detail which fees are employer responsibilities.
Practical final tips (how to improve your chances)
- Apply widely and early for seasonal windows (spring for summer jobs, late summer/early fall for winter ski jobs).
- Emphasize reliability, physical fitness, and any prior hospitality experience.
- Use reputable platforms that explicitly tag H-2B or “visa sponsorship” roles. Check real employer job orders on government sites where available.
Conclusion
Dishwasher jobs with visa sponsorship in the USA in 2025 are mostly filled through the H-2B temporary non-agricultural program, especially for seasonal resort and hotel kitchens; EB-3 green-card sponsorship is possible but much rarer and considerably slower. If you’re seeking a sponsored dishwasher job: prioritize verified employers, avoid recruiters demanding high upfront fees, confirm terms in writing, and use official USCIS/DOL resources to verify employer filings. (USCIS)