Sector Data

Accommodation and Food Services — Visa Sponsorship in United States 🇺🇸

Explore visa sponsorship statistics for the Accommodation and Food Services sector in United States. Track approvals over time and find top employers.

14,221
Total Approvals
416
Approvals in 2023
-61%
Year-over-year

The Accommodation and Food Services sector in the United States is a significant source of visa sponsorship opportunities, recording 14,221 total sponsorships granted across recent years. This industry includes hotels, restaurants, and related businesses, with leading employers such as MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL INC, COMPASS GROUP USA INC, HILTON DOMESTIC OPERATING CO INC, HYATT CORPORATION, and CHOICE HOTELS INTL SVCS CORP driving much of the hiring. Job seekers interested in this sector should note the fluctuating trend in sponsorships, with high points like 1,770 grants in 2009 and more recent numbers such as 1,056 in 2022 and a dip to 416 in 2023. These trends suggest that opportunities can vary year to year, often influenced by economic conditions and travel demand. Roles in Accommodation and Food Services are diverse, ranging from hospitality management to culinary positions and support services. Many positions, especially those with larger hotel groups or food service companies, involve direct interaction with guests, requiring strong communication and customer service skills. Top employers in this sector have consistently sponsored foreign workers, making them solid targets for visa applicants seeking U.S. work experience in hospitality. The application process in this industry often prioritizes candidates with relevant hospitality education, prior experience in similar roles, and sometimes specialized certifications such as food safety or hotel management credentials. As the sector is sensitive to economic cycles and public health trends, applicants should stay informed about yearly hiring volumes and be prepared to demonstrate flexibility and adaptability during interviews. The sector’s history of supporting foreign talent is encouraging, but candidates should be aware of competition and timing, particularly when the number of sponsorships decreases. For job seekers targeting Accommodation and Food Services, researching the top sponsoring companies and aligning applications with their hiring cycles can increase chances of success. Staying updated on industry trends, such as changes in travel demand or global events affecting hospitality, is also essential for long-term career planning.

Key Requirements for Accommodation and Food Services

  • Relevant degree or diploma in hospitality, culinary arts, or hotel management
  • Prior work experience in hotels, restaurants, or food service environments
  • Strong customer service and English communication skills
  • Certifications such as ServSafe (food safety) or equivalent, if applicable
  • Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays

Accommodation and Food Services — Yearly Approvals

903 approvals
2014
690 approvals
2015
791 approvals
2016
730 approvals
2017
692 approvals
2018
806 approvals
2019
848 approvals
2020
816 approvals
2021
1,056 approvals
2022
416 approvals
2023

Top Employers in Accommodation and Food Services

1
MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL INC
476 approvals
2
COMPASS GROUP USA INC
273 approvals
3
HILTON DOMESTIC OPERATING CO INC
271 approvals
4
HYATT CORPORATION
220 approvals
5
CHOICE HOTELS INTL SVCS CORP
198 approvals
6
DOMINOS PIZZA INC
188 approvals
7
WYNDHAM HOTEL GROUP LLC
168 approvals
8
STARWOOD HOTELS & RESORTS WORLDWID
160 approvals
9
SODEXO INC
131 approvals
10
MGM RESORTS INTL OPERATIONS INC
115 approvals
11
MCDONALDS CORPORATION
112 approvals
12
CHOICE HOTELS INTL SERVICES CORP
112 approvals
13
WYNDHAM VACATION OWNERSHIP INC
108 approvals
14
SYSCO CORPORATION
105 approvals
15
GATE GOURMET INC
85 approvals
16
SIX CONTINENTS HOTELS INC INTERCON
84 approvals
17
HILTON DOMESTIC OPERATING COMPANY INC
82 approvals
18
COLUMBIA SUSSEX MANAGEMENT LLC
82 approvals
19
HIGHGATE HOTELS LP
78 approvals
20
DUNKIN BRANDS INC
72 approvals

Related Sectors

Tips for Accommodation and Food Services Visa Sponsorship

  • Focus your job search on top sponsoring employers like MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL INC, HILTON DOMESTIC OPERATING CO INC, and HYATT CORPORATION, as these companies have a proven track record of sponsoring visas.
  • Monitor annual trends: Sponsorships peaked in 2009 (1,770) but were lower in 2023 (416), so apply early in the year and consider multiple application cycles.
  • Highlight relevant hospitality experience and certifications, as competition has increased with the recent dip in sponsorship numbers.
  • Consider applying to both hotel and large food service companies such as COMPASS GROUP USA INC to broaden your opportunities.
  • Prepare for interviews by demonstrating adaptability and awareness of sector trends, including fluctuating guest demand and economic conditions.

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Frequently Asked Questions — Accommodation and Food Services in United States

Which employers in the U.S. Accommodation and Food Services sector most frequently sponsor visas?

Based on the data, top visa sponsors in this sector include MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL INC, COMPASS GROUP USA INC, HILTON DOMESTIC OPERATING CO INC, HYATT CORPORATION, and CHOICE HOTELS INTL SVCS CORP. These companies have consistently appeared as leading sponsors, making them excellent targets for international job seekers.

How has visa sponsorship in Accommodation and Food Services changed over recent years?

Visa sponsorships in this industry have fluctuated, with a high of 1,770 grants in 2009 and lower numbers such as 416 in 2023. The trend reflects external factors like economic changes and shifts in travel demand, so candidates should monitor yearly data and adapt their job search strategies accordingly.

What qualifications are most valued by sponsors in Accommodation and Food Services?

Employers often seek candidates with hospitality or culinary qualifications, relevant certifications such as ServSafe, and strong customer service experience. English proficiency and the ability to work non-standard hours are also commonly required.

Are opportunities better with hotels or food service companies in this sector?

Both segments offer opportunities, with hotels like MARRIOTT, HILTON, and HYATT leading in sponsorship volume. However, large food service firms such as COMPASS GROUP USA INC also sponsor visas, so applying to both types can increase your chances.

When is the best time to apply for sponsorship in this industry?

Given the sector's sensitivity to seasonal and economic changes, applying early in the year or aligning with major hiring cycles (such as before peak travel seasons) can improve your chances. Monitoring annual sponsorship trends (e.g., 1,056 grants in 2022 vs. 416 in 2023) is also useful.

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Salary & Compensation — Accommodation and Food Services in United States

Salaries in the U.S. Accommodation and Food Services sector vary widely depending on role, location, and experience. Entry-level positions in hospitality often offer competitive hourly wages, while management and specialized roles can command higher salaries. Cost of living and local demand also influence compensation, and sponsorship does not typically change offered pay, though large employers may offer benefits or relocation support.

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