Food Delivery Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship

For many workers around the world, food delivery jobs represent freedom, flexibility, and a fast way to earn in the United States. In 2026, as the gig economy continues to expand, food delivery jobs in the USA are becoming one of the most accessible employment options for both locals and foreign workers.

With average earnings of $20.63 per hour, delivery drivers are playing a vital role in keeping restaurants, grocery services, and customers connected. From busy city streets to college towns and suburbs, demand remains strong. As labor shortages persist, some employers are increasingly open to visa sponsorship, creating real opportunities for international candidates ready to work and earn in U.S

Why There is Demand for Food Delivery Jobs in USA

Several factors sustain the high demand for delivery drivers:

1. Market Expansion: The food delivery sector has experienced permanent growth post-pandemic, with online ordering becoming standard for consumers and restaurants.
2. Gig Economy Dominance: Delivery work is a cornerstone of the flexible gig economy, though employers are increasingly creating formal, sponsored positions to ensure workforce stability.
3. Entry-Level Labor Shortages: Persistent shortages in transportation and service roles have led some employers to consider visa sponsorship to fill reliable, full-time delivery driver positions.
4. Consumer Demand for Convenience: The expectation for fast, convenient delivery, especially in urban and suburban areas, continues to drive the need for more drivers.

Types of Food Delivery Jobs Available in USA

Roles vary from app-based gigs to employed positions:

1. App-Based Delivery Driver: Independent contractor for platforms like Uber Eats, DoorDash, or Grubhub. Note: These platforms typically do not sponsor visas.
2. Employed Restaurant Delivery Driver: Directly hired by restaurants or chains (e.g., pizza chains, large franchises) with set hours; this is the most likely category for sponsorship.
3. Grocery & Retail Delivery Driver: Employed by supermarkets (e.g., Walmart, Kroger) or services like Instacart (which generally does not sponsor) for scheduled delivery shifts.
4. Corporate Catering & Logistics Driver: Full-time role with catering companies or logistics firms handling bulk deliveries to businesses and events.
5. Multi-Restaurant Hub Driver: Employed by a centralized delivery service that partners with multiple restaurants in a specific region.

Salary Expectations for Food Delivery Jobs in USA

Earnings vary significantly based on employment model, location, and tips.

• Average Reported Hourly Wage: Approximately $20.63 (including base pay and tips).
• Entry-Level (Employed Positions): Typically $15 – $18 per hour + potential tips and mileage reimbursement.
• Experienced/High-Demand Areas: Can reach $22 – $28+ per hour during peak hours or with premium services.
• Additional Benefits (for Employed Roles): May include health insurance, paid time off, vehicle maintenance allowances, and performance bonuses.

Job Responsibilities of a Food Delivery Driver

Key duties for employed delivery positions include:

1. Safely and efficiently picking up and delivering orders within time targets.
2. Navigating using GPS and planning optimal routes.
3. Verifying order accuracy and handling payments or paperwork.
4. Maintaining professional communication with customers and restaurant staff.
5. Adhering to all traffic laws, food safety guidelines, and company procedures.
6. Performing basic vehicle maintenance checks and tracking mileage for reimbursement.

Requirements for Jobs with Visa Sponsorship

Securing a sponsored delivery driver position is challenging but possible with the right profile:

1. Valid U.S. Driver’s License & Clean Record: A must for any driving role. International candidates may need to obtain a state-specific license upon arrival.
2. Reliable Vehicle: Most employers require a personal, insured vehicle in good condition. Some may provide a company vehicle for corporate roles.
3. Physical Fitness & Time Management: Ability to lift loads, navigate stairs, and manage a delivery schedule efficiently.
4. Basic English Proficiency: Necessary for understanding orders, safety instructions, and interacting with customers.
5. Work Visa Eligibility: The most relevant visa is the H-2B visa for temporary non-agricultural work. However, these are highly competitive, numerically capped, and seasonal. Some full-time, permanent roles might qualify for a Skilled Worker (H-2B for certain professional driving roles is rare) or other specific visas, but sponsorship for delivery positions is exceptionally uncommon. Employers must prove a lack of available U.S. workers.

Visa Requirements

1. Valid Job Offer From a U.S. Employer Willing to Sponsor
   You must receive an official employment offer from a U.S. company (restaurant, logistics firm, or delivery contractor) that’s willing to sponsor your work visa. Without this, you cannot apply
2. Employer Files for a Work Visa (H-2B or EB-3)
   • H-2B: Employer must prove seasonal or temporary need and that there aren’t sufficient qualified U.S. workers.
   • EB-3: For permanent roles, the employer must complete a PERM labor certification and file a petition showing no qualified U.S. worker is available.
3. Labour Certification Approval (When Required)
   For H-2B and EB-3, the employer must typically obtain a Labor Condition Application (LCA) or PERM labour certification from the Department of Labor before filing the visa petition.
4. Valid Passport
   You must hold a passport valid for the entire period you intend to work in the U.S. (Standard requirement for all work visas.)
5. Minimum Age Requirement
   Most delivery roles require you to be at least 18 years old, and some employers expect 21+ for vehicle driving work, especially for cars or trucks
6. Driver’s License & Clean Driving Record
   For food delivery jobs involving vehicle delivery, a valid driver’s license (U.S. or internationally convertible) and a clean driving record are typically essential
7. Basic Education / High School Diploma (Preferred)
   A high school diploma (or GED) is often preferred by employers to demonstrate basic literacy and work readiness
8. English Language Ability
   Basic English proficiency may be required to communicate with dispatch, customers, and coworkers.
9. Medical & Background Checks
   You may need to show a clean criminal record and may be required to undergo a medical examination depending on the employer and visa category.
10. Visa Interview & Consular Processing
    After the employer’s petition is approved, you’ll attend an interview at a U.S. embassy/consulate and secure the visa stamp before entering the U.S.
11. Compliance With Visa Conditions
    Once issued, you must work only for the sponsoring employer in the role specified; changing employers usually requires a new petition. (General U.S. work visa rule)

How to Apply for Food Delivery Jobs in the USA with Visa Sponsorship

International candidates should pursue a targeted, realistic strategy:

1. Focus on Direct Employers, Not Gig Apps: Target large restaurant chains (corporate locations), national catering companies, hotel chains, or major grocery retailers with in-house delivery logistics. These are more likely to have formal hiring processes and the ability to sponsor.
2. Use Precise Job Search Terms: On Indeed, LinkedIn, and company career pages, search for “Delivery Driver Visa Sponsorship,” “Company Delivery Driver,” or “Logistics Driver H-2B.” Be prepared for very few results.
3. Prepare a Professional Resume: Highlight safe driving history, customer service experience, reliability, and any logistics or professional driving background. For visa sponsorship, a clean record and proven experience are critical.
4. Engage Specialised Recruitment Agencies: Contact agencies that place drivers in transportation, logistics, or hospitality. Be upfront about your need for sponsorship.
5. Understand the Visa Reality: If a company offers sponsorship, it will almost certainly be for the H-2B visa. The employer must initiate the process by filing a petition with the U.S. Department of Labor, proving the temporary need. The process is lengthy, costly, and uncertain due to annual caps.

Conclusion

Food delivery positions in the USA represent a dynamic and increasingly accessible sector within the gig economy, with growing potential for international workers through visa sponsorship. While the primary pathway remains the H-2B seasonal visa, the high demand for drivers, competitive earnings potential, and flexible work model make it an attractive option.

For foreign candidates with a valid license, a reliable vehicle, and an entrepreneurial spirit, securing a sponsored delivery role can serve as a practical entry point to the U.S. labor market, offering both financial stability and the unique experience of working independently across American communities.

Frequently Asked Questions