How to Work in the United States for Foreign Nationals: Where to Begin

If you are an immigrant looking for work in the United States, you may be wondering how to get started. Fortunately, there are several options for obtaining an employment visa that will allow you to do so. This guide on USA jobs for immigrants will walk you through the steps required to land your first job in the United States, as well as how to keep it once you've landed it!

Read Also: Steps on How to Write an Offer of Employment Letter in USA

The United States is one of the most iconic countries in the world, but it is also one of the most difficult for immigrants looking for work or a new life to enter. You cannot work in the United States unless you are an American citizen or have had permanent residency for at least five years and your employer has petitioned and been granted permission on your behalf by the US government. If you are unfamiliar with how that works, this guide will assist you in navigating the system and finding jobs for immigrants in the United States today! Continue reading to find out more.

Work in the United States

The United States of America is one of the few countries that consistently creates job opportunities. There are several jobs in the United States for immigrants that you can apply for to make a living. The United States government has made it possible for new immigrants to work while settling down. If you are from another country and are considering moving to America, you may be wondering what are some of the best jobs for immigrants. Here are a few examples of them.

To begin, an immigrant is someone who is not a citizen or national of any other country but is legally permitted to live in the United States, typically on a temporary basis. You could have been born outside of the United States, moved here as a child, married into citizenship, or obtained legal status through your job to become an immigrant. The United States has long been recognized as a desirable destination for those seeking better opportunities than they had at home.

Work Requirements in the United States

According to U.S., in order to apply for a job at USA Jobs, you must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or permanent resident alien with unrestricted work authorization. Services for Citizenship and Immigration

How to Get a Job in the United States

If you are just getting started with your job search, the two best places to look for USA jobs for immigrants are indeed and LinkedIn. These two have proven to be the most effective for foreigners. However, as a foreign national looking for work on these websites.

You should look for jobs that specifically mention visa sponsorship. Foreign nationals who are not US citizens or lawful permanent residents of the US must obtain a work visa as well as an employment authorization document (EAD) in order to work in the United States.

Read Also: Guidelines for Working In The US If You’re From Another Country

You can obtain a US visa through employment or family visa sponsorship, or through other routes discussed below. In most cases, you'll need a job offer before you can begin applying for a US work visa. Meanwhile, there are three ways to obtain a visa if you intend to relocate to and work in the United States.

Sponsorship

In general, you must have a job offer before you can come to the United States to work. Unless you are currently studying in the United States, you will need to search for and apply for jobs in the United States from your home country. Here are the steps to take in order to work in the United States through sponsorship:

• Apply for a job: To begin, you will apply for a job in the United States from your home country. Before you can enter the United States to work, you must have a job offer. Create an American-style resume and cover letter first. This will show the employer that you have done your research on how to get a job in the US and that you are capable of adapting to the new environment. Make certain that you only include experience that is directly relevant to the position for which you are applying. Please also include your English language level.
• Search for employers: There are numerous job search websites available, such as Indeed, LinkedIn, Monster, and others. That you can use regardless of where you live. If you are an experienced professional, you can also contact a recruiting agency. For candidates who live outside the United States, employers usually schedule interviews online. Prepare a few statements and practice them before the interview.

Visa Temporary

A temporary visa, as the name implies, is a type of visa that must be renewed on a regular basis. Before applying for a temporary visa, you must have a job. After accepting a job offer, you can take the following steps to obtain a temporary or non-immigrant visa.

1. To begin, if you are not yet eligible to file on your own, your employer must file a petition with USCIS on your behalf.
2. Then, before you can apply for a visa, you must wait for USCIS to approve your employer's petition. Your application will be denied if you proceed without their approval.
3. Once the petition is approved, fill out an online application with the necessary documents, such as your passport, travel documents, and work permits. To submit your application, click the "sign application" button, then "submit," and remember to print the confirmation page for your interview.
4. You will also be required to interview with the US embassy or consulate. This is to ensure that you are eligible for the visa. They will take your visa application fee, review your original documents, collect your biometrics, and either confirm or deny your application.
5. Once approved, you will be able to pick up your visa a few weeks later.

The Green Card

A green card is a document that allows a foreign worker to live and work permanently in the United States. The Diversity Immigrant Visa Program is an annual green card lottery program. It gives foreign nationals the option of obtaining permanent residency. The program selects applicants at random and issues approximately 50,000 green cards each year.

Read Also: Apply for U.S. Work Visas and Eligibility Requirements

Aside from the green card lottery, you can also obtain permanent residency if you already work in the US on a temporary visa. You will be required to apply for a green card. It allows you to remain in the United States without having to renew your visa. Here are the steps to take:

1. Your employer will be required to complete an I-140 form (an immigration petition).
2. When an employer files an immigration petition, USCIS sends them a notice with your priority date. Your application date is determined by the priority date. If you apply before the deadline, your application will be denied.
3. You will then be required to undergo a medical examination. This is to ensure your physical and mental well-being.
4. Fill out your application (form I-485), which you can get from the USCIS website.
5. When you're finished, submit the application. You must make a copy of the requested official documents and submit them in accordance with the instructions on the USCIS website.
6. Participate in the interview. Meanwhile, you will be required to provide your biometrics (fingerprints, signature, and photos). This is to ensure that the information you provided on your application is correct.
   To work in the United States after receiving your visa or green card, you will need a Social Security Number.

Conclusion

Most immigrants want to work in their new country, but there are numerous cultural, linguistic, and legal barriers that can make it difficult. We've broken down many of these barriers below and offer advice on how to find your dream job in a foreign country. Remember, we've also written a guide on jobs for immigrants in other countries. Best wishes! Click the link below to learn more about finding work in America as an immigrant.