Perhaps you have always
dreamed of coming to the United States to live and work. Although the United
States has strict immigration policies, you can still achieve your dreams with
a little effort and persistence.
The best way to do this
is to search for a job in America through your country.
Once you get a job, your
employer will file a petition to approve your visa application with the United
States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), which will handle the rest
of the process.
If you are a foreign
national who wants to live in the United States, it may be useful to know more
about the process of obtaining a work permit and visa.
Although the United
States government offers a variety of visa options, it can be difficult to
decide which option is best for you.
In this article, we
outline your options for living and working in the United States and the steps
you can take to begin the process.
Outline of Getting a Job in the US
The
United States of America places a high value on quality education and
meaningful work experience. Therefore, the first thing will be to get the right
educational qualifications and work experience.
It
will be easier to identify better job opportunities with a degree from a
reputable university and a few years of work experience.
The
next step will be to identify your skill set and identify the jobs that align
with them. Once you have identified potential jobs you can apply for, the next
step is to tailor your resume to highlight the skills and qualifications needed
for the job.
The
work culture in the US is open, with good communication and direct feedback.
There is a work mindset and money play a big part in business.
Requirements for Getting a Job in the United States
To
work in the United States, the first and most important requirement is to
obtain a permit to live and work in the United States. You must have a valid
work visa or green card for US job market opportunities to be available. The
type of job you get and the benefits associated with it also depends on where
you want to move.
According
to the latest studies by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate
in the United States is the lowest since 2007. Therefore, there are many job
prospects available for international job applicants. Employers in the United
States prefer to hire people who demonstrate fluency in English and the ability
to read and write well in the language with a solid command of the language.
The
best way to work in the US is to identify your skills, job opportunities, and
titles that match your competencies. You can do this by browsing job portals
where jobs in the United States are listed. Another way to identify job
opportunities is through an immigration agency who will help you find a job.
It's also important to familiarize yourself with the US job market to
understand hiring the best employers and potential organizations.
Currently,
the education, service, and healthcare sectors in the United States are booming
along with the TIMES market, which stands for Telecommunications, Information
Technology, Multimedia, Entertainment, and Security Services Market.
General Job Search Engines and Classifieds
From
the sites below, you can expect a 0.5-1.0% response rate (people who will
respond to the people you send your application/resume to.) However, I
encourage you to try the sites a because you do not know what you will see or
the connections you can make through email or application.
• Career Builder: Another popular job
search site in a crowded field.
• Craigslist: A giant classifieds site.
The king of kings.
• Dice: The best site for
tech jobs.
• Glassdoor: Glassdoor has a slew
of opportunities across the United States.
• GoAbroad.com: A good site that
contains information about international programs and jobs for students
interested in traveling abroad.
• Indeed: Big U.S. job search
site. This is the best place to begin your search.
• Learn4Good: I’ve seen job opportunities on this site that would fall under
the J1 visa program. If you are not familiar with it, the J-1 visa offers cultural and educational exchange opportunities in
the United States through a variety of programs overseen by the U.S. State
Department.
• Randstad: Staffing services.
• Simply Hired: Yet another job
search engine like the rest of them.
• USA Jobs: Work for Uncle Sam.
Other websites and blogs
• Just Landed: Just Landed has a good
guide to finding a job in the US.
• The balance careers.com: Good listing of the
top places for job hunting in the United States.
• Guidelines for Foreigner Nationals: Alison writes detailed
instructions for foreigners seeking employment in the US.
Job abroad and expat portals
• eFinancialCareers: My favorite search
engine for finance jobs on the web. I used them during my Wall Street days.
• LinkedIn: Last but not least,
this huge professional social network is a resource for building contacts in
the field and location of your interest.
There you have it. The
best places to find jobs in the United States as a foreigner. For information
on visas for the United States, be sure to check out my United States
visa page.
Ways to Apply for a Job in the US
There are three ways to obtain a visa when planning to move and
work in the United States. You can get it through sponsorship, apply for a
temporary work visa or apply for a green card.
Sponsorship
1. Apply for a Job: First, apply for a job in your home country. Start by creating
an American-style resume and cover letter. You can show your future employer
your ability to adapt to your new environment. Make sure to include only
relevant experience, list figures on your professional achievements and specify
your level of English.
You can search for companies on the Internet and create an
account on job search sites or contact recruitment agencies if you already have
several years of experience.
2. Online interview: Employers often schedule online or telephone interviews for
candidates who live outside the United States. When it's time for your online
interview, be sure to dress as professionally as you would for an in-person
meeting.
Also, have your interview in a quiet, clean space. It's best to
prepare some statements and rehearse before the interview.
Temporary Visa
A temporary visa is one that you have to renew regularly. Most
work visas are employer driven, so your employer must apply for a non immigrant visa.
These are the steps to follow after accepting a job offer:
1. File a petition, if necessary: Your employer must
file a petition on your behalf with USCIS if you are not already eligible. A
petition in certain categories is not required. If you are involved in
international trade or investment, you do not need an employer petition to be
eligible.
2. Wait for your employer's petition to be approved: USCIS must approve
your employer's petition before you can apply for a visa. If you do not wait
for your approval, your application will be rejected. The waiting time depends
on the category of worker you are in. Since some categories are limited to
issuing a specific number of visas per year, the approval process can take a
few years, but it can vary depending on the visa category.
3. Apply for a temporary visa: Once your petition has been approved, gather
the necessary documents, such as your passport, travel and employment history,
and complete an online application. Be sure to write down the I.D. of your
request number so you can access it later.
The application is in English and asks for information about
your work history, education and criminal record. Follow the instructions in
the app and answer each question completely and accurately. The application
will ask you to submit an application fee and make a visa appointment at the
nearest US embassy/consulate.
4. Interview with the US Embassy or Consulate: The purpose of the
visa interview is to verify that you are eligible for the visa. They collect
the visa application fee, review your original documents, take your
fingerprints, and confirm or deny your application.
5. Get your visa: Once approved, you can return a few weeks later to collect your
visa-stamped passport. There may be additional costs, so be sure to ask about
all costs.
Green Card
A green card is a document that authorizes a foreign citizen to
live and work in the United States permanently. Prospective immigrants have the
opportunity to obtain permanent residency through an annual green card lottery
program called the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program.
You can apply for the green card lottery online.
The program randomly selects applicants and issues approximately
50,000 green cards each year.
1. Have your employer fill out an I-140 form: Your employer must
file an immigration petition. Petitions may require certification by the US
Department of Labor. The employer can seek legal advice from an immigration
lawyer.
2. Request your priority date: When they file an immigration petition,
employers receive a notice from USCIS with their priority date. This date
determines the application date. It is essential to know this because your
application will be rejected if you apply before that date. Search the
government website for the filing table to see when you can submit your
application based on your priority date.
3. Undergo a medical examination: You can find an
approved doctor on the USCIS website and make an appointment for a medical
exam. The purpose of this visit is to verify that you meet the standards
relating to health.
4. Complete your question: You can download Form I-485 on the USCIS
website and fill it out. Give honest answers and consider seeking the advice of
an immigration attorney if you need help.
5. Submit your request: To do this, make a copy of the required official documents and
submit them according to the instructions on the USCIS website. Please note
that there are tuition fees.
6. Interview and biometric data: USCIS requires you to
provide your fingerprints, signature, and photographs. They may also invite you
for an interview with the embassy. They communicate the date and time of these
appointments once they receive your request.
The purpose of the interview is to verify the answers you have
provided on your question.
7. Receive the decision: Common reasons for rejected applications include missing
documents, unclear information, or documents submitted after the deadline.
Get a Social Security Number
Once you get your visa or green card, you'll need a Social
Security number to work in the United States.
Tips for Finding Work in the United States
•
Take your time: Make sure you start the process early, as
acquiring a visa can be quite lengthy.
•
Verify eligibility: Review
the eligibility requirements before applying for a visa to come and work in the
United States.
•
Beware of scams: Remember, there are no fees to access the
forms, although there are fees to submit applications and petitions.
•
Check the visa process before applying: You can check the visa
bulletins to check for updates on the visa process and to learn about the
evolution of immigration laws.
What are the Requirements to Work in the United State?
In
most cases, obtaining permission to work in the United States as an alien is
part of visa processing. Depending on the type of visa you need, you will need
to obtain one of the following two:
•
Application for employment status: issued to workers with a
temporary work visa (H-1B (1) and E-3); ensures that their salaries are
comparable and do not impact the salaries of native-born employees; can be
released in about a week.
•
Employment certification: issued to workers with work visas which
can lead to obtaining a green card; ensures that no skilled native worker can
perform the work for comparable pay; the release can take from 6 to 24 months.
You
might also work in a field that requires multiple licenses from the government.
Occupations may include (depending on the state):
•
Healthcare specialists (doctors, dentists, nurses, etc.)
•
Legal advisors (lawyers, judges, etc.)
•
Protective services workers (firefighters, law enforcement, etc.)
•
Personal care specialists (hairdressers, skin care specialists, etc.)
•
Others (architects, engineers, real estate agents, accountants, bus drivers, etc.)
If
so, you will need to take additional steps to obtain permission to work in the
United States.
These
may include attending specific training courses or passing licensing exams.
Licensing
standards vary from state to state, so make sure you meet the requirements of
the state you're relocating to.
Top Highest Paying Jobs in the US
On
average, a full-time man in the United States earns $51,212 compared to women,
who earn $40,742. Some of the highest paying jobs in the US and their
approximate annual salary are:
•
Anesthetists: $246,320
•
Computer and Information Systems Managers: $136,280
•
Executive Directors: $180,700
•
Lawyers: $133,470
•
Obstetricians and Gynecologists: $214,750
•
Petroleum Engineers: $147,520
•
Psychiatrists: $182,700
•
Sales Managers: $126,040
•
Surgeons: $240,440
Popular
Jobs in the US
The
United States of America has a large labor market with many opportunities to
find work. Most jobs for US citizens and foreigners are created through the service
sector.
Some
of the most popular Jobs in the US are:
•
Cargo and cargo carriers
•
Cashiers
•
Customer Service Representatives
•
Fast food workers
•
General Managers
•
Office workers
•
Registered Nurses
•
Secretaries
•
Sellers
Most in Demand Jobs in the United States
The
US Department of Labor is projecting a bright future for several occupations
over the next few years. The below lists the most in-demand jobs in the
United States and an approximation of how much they pay.
Occupation
Title Hourly Wage (USD) Annual Salary (USD)
Accountants
and auditors 33–34 69,000–70,000
Tellers
10 20,000–21,000
Cooks/food
preparers 10–12 20,000–25,000
Construction
workers 16–17 34,000–35,000
Customer
Service Representatives 15–16 32,000–33,000
Orderlies
and cleaners 12 25,000
Landscape
and grounds maintenance workers 13–14 27,000–28,000
Nurses
33–34 70,000 Retailers 11 23,000
Sales
Representatives 25–26 52,000–53,000
Teachers
and tutor’s N/A 39,000–40,000
Waiters/waitresses
10 20,000–21,000
Other Popular Occupations with Expected High Growth and their Estimated Salaries:
•
Marketing Manager ($64 per hour/$132,000 per year)
•
Software Developer ($52 per hour/$108,000 per year)
•
Web Developer ($33 per hour / $68,000 per year)
How to be Self-employed in the US
If
you want to be self-employed in the US, in most cases you will need to start a
business.
The
basic steps to starting a business in the United States are:
•
Make a business plan and raise funds.
•
Choose a corporate structure best suited to the job you want to do.
•
Register your business with the state.
•
Get your federal and state tax IDs.
•
Apply for licenses and permits (if applicable).
Some
states also require you to register your business name. The taxes you pay will
depend on the business structure you decide to establish.
However,
whichever you choose, in most cases you will need to obtain a federal tax ID
number. But even before you take this step, you'll need to find out if your
company meets the visa requirements.
Below,
we've outlined the following structures you can set up, along with the
necessary documentation for each, the benefits, drawbacks, and type of workers
it's good for.
Sole
Proprietorship
This
type of business is perfect for small businesses and freelancers. No specific
documentation is required for this type of configuration. It's easy to set up
and simple when reporting taxes.
The
disadvantages are:
•
Personal financial responsibility
•
Managed by a single person
• No real growth opportunities.
Partnership
This setup is great for businesses with multiple owners and professional groups (like lawyers). You will need a certificate and a partnership agreement (limited or restricted availability).
It's easy to set up and another benefit
is that it's owned by more than one person, so there's an equal and shared
commitment to the business.
The advantages are:
•
Shared personal financial responsibility;
•
Dependence on partners;
•
Benefits divided equally.
Limited
Liability Company (LLC)
This
type of company is ideal for large companies, medium to high risk companies and
individuals who want to protect their personal assets. Necessary documentation
includes articles of organization and an LLC operating agreement (you need a
resident agent, someone who will receive and take care of your company's legal
documentation).
Some
of the advantages of this type of configuration are:
•
Limited responsibility
•
One or more owners
•
Lower taxes and easier to set up than a corporation
•
Flexibility in the distribution of benefits.
Some
of the disadvantages are that if members leave the business, it needs to be
dissolved. It's not even that easy to create, there are taxes on self-employment
and it's hard to raise money for it.
Public Corporation (B or C Corp or Non-Profit)
Finally,
a public company is perfect for large corporations, medium to high risk
businesses, and businesses that need to raise money. It is difficult to set up
and will be subject to corporation tax.
There
is also more books and record keeping.
However,
some of the benefits of this type of business include:
•
Limited responsibility
•
One or more owners
•
Ease of fundraising
•
Attractive to employees.
Will
require articles of incorporation and by-laws or resolutions (requires resident
agent).
Self-employment and Social Security Benefits
Just like any other employee in the United States, when you are self-employed, you must contribute to Social Security.
The size of your payments depends on whether you work for a company or just for yourself (read more in the tax section of our guide).
You should expect to receive Social Security benefits
after working for at least ten years.
Who is Authorized to Work in the United States?
Several
categories of foreign workers can work in the United States, including
permanent immigrant workers, temporary (non immigrant) workers, students, and
exchange workers.
These
include:
•
US Green Card holder.
•
Exchange tourist visa
•
Temporary work visas (non-agricultural)
•
Temporary work visas (skilled workers)
•
Visas for seasonal agricultural workers
How to get a work visa in the United States
You
must obtain a visa from the US embassy or consulate in your country or the
country closest to your overseas residence before coming to the US to work.
There
are several types of work visas available to you. Foreign nationals, including
temporary work visas, seasonal work visas and exchange worker visas.
Foreign
nationals who are not US citizens or legal permanent residents of the US need a
work visa and work permit before they can work in the US.
This
is officially known as an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
How
to get a Green Card in the US
A
green card, formally known as a Permanent Resident Card, entitles a person to
live and work in the United States permanently.
Some
categories require certification from the US Department of Labor to demonstrate
that there are not enough able, willing, skilled, and available US workers in
the geographic area where the immigrant will be employed, and that there are no
US workers be displaced by foreign workers.
The
annual green card lottery program, formally known as the Diversity Immigrant
Visa Program, is an opportunity for prospective immigrants to obtain legal
permanent resident status for the United States. This program runs annually and
can provide up to 55,000 green cards to applicants randomly selected in a
lottery process known as the "Green Card Lottery".
How to Get a Work Permit in the US
You
will need a work permit, officially known as an Employment Authorization
Document (EAD), to demonstrate your eligibility to work in the United States if
you are not a citizen or legal permanent resident. You will need an EAD in
addition to the required work visa to enter the US.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I work in the US?
People
often aspire to work in the US to seek a better life with better benefits and
opportunities.
Some
of the reasons for working in the US include the following:
1.
You will come into contact with various people from different cultures.
2.
You will find many opportunities for professional growth.
3.
In most industries, profit potential is high in the United States.
4.
You will have paid health benefits.
5.
You can experience the American culture of freedom and independence.
What
are some of the most sought-after Qualifications to secure a Job in the United
States?
The
three most sought-after college degrees in the United States that increase your
chances of getting a job are:
1.
Engineering: It
is one of the most in-demand and highest-paying fields of study in the United
States and includes many majors, such as electrical, structural, mechanical,
and computer engineering.
2.
Medicine: The United States is also known for its renowned medical
field. The role of a physician is one of the most respected and highest paying
career paths in the United States.
3.
Business Administration: A business administration degree has a
global reach with great career opportunities. career opportunities with
world-renowned multinational companies such as Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, Google
and Facebook.
What are the Best Companies to Work for in the US?
Some
of the best companies and industries to secure a job in the US are:
1.
Cisco, Information Technology
2.
Salesforce, Information Technology
3.
Hilton Hospitality
4.
Rocket companies, financial services and insurance
5.
Wegmans Food Markets, Inc., Retail.
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