Hotel Custodian Jobs in the USA for Foreign Applicants

Hotel custodian jobs in the USA for foreign applicants are becoming more available as the hospitality industry continues to grow and recover after global travel slowdowns.

Many hotels across the country need hardworking, reliable custodians to maintain cleanliness, hygiene, and comfort for guests. These roles are open to both U.S. residents and qualified foreign workers, especially in busy tourist cities.

If you are a foreign applicant looking to work in the United States, hotel custodian jobs can be a great opportunity. In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about hotel custodian jobs in the USA for foreign applicants, including job duties, qualifications, salary expectations, visa options, and how to apply.

Other Jobs You May Be Interested In

What Are Hotel Custodian Jobs?

Hotel custodians are responsible for keeping hotel buildings clean, organized, and safe for guests and staff. Unlike housekeeping staff who clean rooms, custodians focus on maintaining common areas like lobbies, hallways, event spaces, restaurants, restrooms, and employee zones.

Hotel custodian jobs in the USA for foreign applicants are mostly entry-level roles. This means you may not need a college degree or advanced skills to get started. However, you must be physically fit, honest, and ready to work with care and attention to detail.

Duties and Responsibilities

The daily responsibilities of hotel custodians include:

Sweeping, mopping, and vacuuming floors
Cleaning hotel lobbies, elevators, and hallways
Taking out trash and recycling
Washing windows and glass doors
Sanitizing public restrooms
Polishing furniture and fixtures
Reporting maintenance issues like leaks or broken lights
Using cleaning tools and chemicals safely
Assisting with room setup for events or meetings
Following all safety and health procedures

In busy hotels, custodians may work in shifts, including mornings, nights, weekends, and holidays.

Who Can Apply?

Hotel custodian jobs in the USA for foreign applicants are open to people from many different countries. However, there are some basic requirements you should meet:

Be physically healthy and able to lift or move objects
Be able to understand and follow instructions in English
Have good work ethics and a clean background
Have basic cleaning experience (preferred but not always required)
Be legally allowed to work in the USA (through a valid visa)

Many employers offer on-the-job training, so even first-time workers can apply. A friendly attitude and willingness to work are highly valued in this industry.

Work Conditions

Hotel custodian jobs are hands-on and often physically demanding. Here is what you can expect:

Long hours of standing, walking, bending, and lifting
Working with cleaning chemicals (safely)
Wearing uniforms and safety gear (gloves, masks, etc.)
Early morning or night shifts
Working during holidays or weekends (hotels operate 24/7)

Despite these challenges, the job can be satisfying and stable, especially if you are looking for long-term work or opportunities to grow within the hospitality industry.

Average Salary and Benefits

The average pay for hotel custodian jobs in the USA for foreign applicants varies based on location, hotel size, and experience. Here are typical figures:

Hourly pay: $13 to $20
Weekly: $520 to $800
Yearly: $25,000 to $40,000

In cities with a higher cost of living, wages may be higher. Some jobs also include benefits such as:

Free meals or snacks during shifts
Employee discounts at hotels
Health insurance (for full-time workers)
Paid time off or vacation
Overtime pay
Opportunities for promotions

Cities with High Demand for Hotel Custodians

Many hotels in the U.S. are located in areas with large tourism industries. These cities usually have more job openings for custodians:

Orlando, Florida
Las Vegas, Nevada
New York City, New York
San Francisco, California
Miami, Florida
Chicago, Illinois

Hotels in these cities often hire foreign applicants, especially during peak travel seasons.

Visa Options for Foreign Applicants

To legally work as a custodian in the USA, foreign applicants must have the right visa. Here are a few options:

1. H-2B Visa (Temporary Non-Agricultural Worker Program)

Allows employers to hire foreign workers for seasonal or temporary jobs
Hotels can apply to bring in foreign custodians during busy seasons
Job offer must come from a U.S. employer approved by the Department of Labor

2. J-1 Visa (Hospitality Intern or Trainee Program)

For foreign students or recent graduates in hospitality fields
Offers short-term training in U.S. hotels
Not always for custodial jobs, but some cleaning roles may be part of the program

3. Employment-Based Green Card (EB-3 Visa)

For permanent employment in unskilled jobs like custodial work
U.S. employer must prove they cannot find American workers
Long process but leads to permanent residency

4. TN Visa (For Canadians and Mexicans under USMCA)

Limited to certain skilled positions, but some hotels may offer related roles

Always make sure you work through legal and approved channels to avoid scams.

How to Find Hotel Custodian Jobs in the USA for Foreign Applicants

There are many ways to search for these jobs:

1. Online Job Platforms

Indeed.com
Glassdoor.com
SimplyHired.com
HCareers.com
LinkedIn.com

Search using keywords like “hotel custodian,” “janitor,” or “cleaning staff” and add “visa sponsorship” if you need one.

2. Hotel Company Websites
Big hotel chains often post job openings on their official sites. Examples include:

Marriott International
Hilton Hotels
Hyatt Hotels
Holiday Inn
Wyndham Hotels

3. Recruitment Agencies
Some U.S. agencies specialize in hiring foreign workers for hotel and cleaning jobs. Look for licensed agencies in your country or ones approved by the U.S. government.

4. U.S. Embassy Job Boards
Sometimes, embassies post work and visa programs available to applicants from your home country.

How to Apply for a Job

Follow these steps to increase your chances:

1. Prepare a Resume
Include your personal details, work experience, and any cleaning or hospitality skills. Keep it simple and clear.

2. Write a Short Cover Letter
Explain why you want to work in the U.S. and why you are a good fit for the job.

3. Apply to Multiple Jobs
Don’t wait for one reply. Apply to several openings and be active in your search.

4. Be Ready for Interviews
Interviews may happen online through Zoom, Skype, or phone calls. Speak clearly and be polite.

5. Start the Visa Process
If hired, your employer will guide you through the visa application. This may include filling out forms and going for a visa interview.

Tips for Success

Learn basic English, especially cleaning and safety terms
Be honest in your application
Show you are eager and willing to work hard
Follow all safety rules on the job
Ask questions if you don’t understand something

Working as a custodian may also lead to better roles in the hotel industry, such as housekeeping supervisor, maintenance worker, or guest services staff.

Real-Life Example

Maria, from the Philippines, applied for an H-2B hotel custodian job in Texas through a licensed agency. She started cleaning public areas in a large hotel. After one year, she was promoted to team leader and now trains other workers. Her employer is helping her apply for permanent residency in the U.S.

Conclusion

Hotel custodian jobs in the USA for foreign applicants offer a practical entry into the U.S. job market. These roles are essential to hotel operations and are in high demand, especially in large cities and tourist areas. With the right visa, good work habits, and a strong application, foreign workers can find stable employment and even long-term career paths in the hospitality industry.

If you are looking to live and work in the USA, consider applying for hotel custodian jobs. This could be your first step toward a better future.