Around year 2021, approximately 1.8 million temporary workers, along with their families, relocated to the United States, frequently with the aim of providing financial assistance to their families in their home countries. These individuals engaged in a diverse range of professions, spanning from healthcare to construction and beyond. Learn more about popular jobs for immigrants, and discover methods for securing such positions.
Foreign Immigrant Job Opportunities – Find a Job?
Most U.S. visas are employment-based, which means you will need a job lined up as part of your eligibility to work in the U.S.
Your employer will need permission to hire someone who is not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. The first step is to apply for roles with employers who already have this certification or are willing to apply for the right candidate.
If you’re applying from overseas, the U.S. embassy in your home country may have information about upcoming jobs fairs or companies seeking labor.
There are also several U.S. websites that can help you in your search for immigrant jobs.
If you’re looking for seasonal or temporary jobs in the agricultural, construction, and other industries, the Department of Labor has a job search portal you can use to look for work.
If you have a higher education qualification like a bachelor’s degree, check out Upwardly Global, a non-profit national organization that helps recent immigrants restart their careers in the U.S.
Another non-profit organization offering resources to immigrants is the Immigration Welcome Center in Indianapolis. Their website offers an interactive map of English classes, legal services, and job listings.
USA Hello is also a great resource for immigrants looking for jobs in the United States. This organization has tips on where to look for jobs, how to build your resume, and where you can study for your U.S. high school diploma.
Finally, you can use U.S. job search websites like Indeed, LinkedIn, Monster, and ZipRecruiter to find work. Try using the search term “visa sponsorship” to find employers willing to sponsor applicants for a visa.
Visa Requirements for Working in the U.S.?
Visa requirements vary depending on whether you’re applying for a temporary visa, called a non-immigrant visa, or a permanent visa, also known as a green card.
If you are applying for a temporary H-2 visa, the first step is to receive an offer of employment from a U.S. company. Next, fill out the online form DS-160. There is no fee for filing this form.
Once you have a confirmation number from this form, you can set up an account on USTravelDocs. At this point, you will need to pay a Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee to make your application.
After making your profile and paying the fee, you will be directed to either schedule an appointment at a U.S. embassy or send in your documents by mail.
Documents you need to send will include:
- Copy of Form I-797B (this is the form your employer should have to allow you to work in the U.S.)
- The DS-160 confirmation page
- Passport with a minimum of six months validity as well as previously used passports or visas
- A 2 inch by 2 inch ( 5 centimeters by 5 centimeters) color photograph on a white background.
Work in USA – Where Can I Find Help as a New Immigrant?
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has a guide to settling in the U.S., so that’s a good place to start. It covers everything from how to get a job, to which days are Federal holidays and how the healthcare system works.
If you’re looking for legal services, the National Immigrant Justice Center offers advice on immigrants’ rights and legal consultations for low-income immigrants.
For financial tips, Remitly has some great information on everything from how to file your taxes to how to send money from the U.S. back home.
Once you’re settled, you may be able to find help and advice from within the immigrant community in your city or through social media.
