The United States federal government provides various opportunities to foreign nationals seeking work visas. Because numerous options are available, determining the best one for your situation can be challenging. If you’re a foreign national looking to live and work in the U.S., you should understand the process for acquiring the proper documentation that allows you to work legally in the country.In this article, we explain how to find jobs in the U.S. as a foreign national, including getting a social security number and other targeted tips for finding work in the U.S.
How to find jobs in the U.S.
If you plan to relocate to the U.S. for work, you have three ways to obtain a visa and find jobs:
Sponsorship
Visa sponsorship refers to the practice of an employer guaranteeing your status as a legal working resident. When you obtain a sponsor, they verify your job title and take responsibility for both you and your actions while you stay in the country. Here is the process for obtaining sponsorship:
1. Prepare your application documents
The first step is to apply for a job in your home country. Start by creating an American-style resume and cover letter, demonstrating to prospective U.S. employers that you understand American norms and can adapt to a new environment. Make sure to include only relevant experience in both documents. For example, if you’re seeking employment as a computer engineer, you can list employment related to the information technology sector in the work history section of your resume. Remember to provide details about your professional achievement and specify your English language proficiency.Related: 12 Fastest-Growing Industries in the U.S.
2. Search for jobs online
Find positions that relate to your qualifications by searching a job site such as Indeed, which also allows you to create a profile so employers can find you. As you search, verify whether the employers you find provide sponsorship. That may help to avoid confusion and rejections of your applications. If the site doesn’t allow you to filter your search results by sponsorship opportunities, try typing « sponsorship » in the search field within quotation marks.
That ensures you receive only results containing the term.If a company doesn’t explicitly state they provide sponsorship, contact them directly to ask. Even if they don’t usually sponsor candidates, they may make an exception if they see how you can add value to their organization.Related: Interview Question: « What Can You Bring to the Company? »
3. Interview online
For candidates who live outside the U.S., employers usually schedule online interviews through teleconferencing software. As you set up your interviews, be aware of time differences. The contiguous U.S. has four time zones, so find the employer’s location to determine a time that works well for them and you.
Be prepared to interview late at night to accommodate the employer.When the time comes for your interview, make sure to have a reliable internet connection so you can avoid disruptions. Also, dress professionally, as you would for an in-person meeting, to make a good first impression.Related: 16 Online Interview Tips for Successful Video Calls
Temporary visa
A temporary visa involves regular renewal. Most work visas are employer-driven, requiring your employer to submit an application for you in the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) lottery, specifically for an H1B visa. The USCIS limits the number of applications it selects, and you won’t be able to file a petition unless yours is among them. The lottery usually opens in March for approximately two weeks, during which time your employer is to submit details such as your name, birth date and passport number.With the above in mind, follow these steps to obtain a temporary visa once you have accepted a job offer:
1. File a petition if necessary
If you aren’t yet eligible, ask your employer to file a petition with USCIS on your behalf. A petition isn’t always necessary. If you work in investment or international trade, for example, you don’t need an employer petition to be eligible. Please refer to the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services website for more information.Related: How To Get a Job in Another Country
2. Wait for your employer’s petition approval
Once the USCIS approves your employer’s petition, you can apply for a visa. Failure to wait for approval results in the denial of your application. The length of the waiting period depends on what category of worker you occupy, with certain categories being limited in the number of visas issued per year.
3. Apply for a temporary visa
Once the petition is approved, complete an online application for your temporary visa. Make sure to write down your application I.D. number so you can access it later. The application is in English and requires information about your work history, education and criminal background. Follow the application prompts and respond to each question completely and accurately. In the end, the application prompts you to submit an application fee and schedule a visa appointment with the nearest U.S. embassy/consulate.Related: Average Salary in the U.S. (With Demographic Data)
4. Interview with the U.S. embassy or consulate
The visa interview aims to verify that you qualify for the visa you’ve applied for. The embassy or consulate collects your visa application fee, reviews your original documents, takes your fingerprints and confirms or denies your application.
5. Get your visa
Once approved, you can return a few weeks later to pick up your passport with a visa stamp. There may be additional fees, so make sure you ask about them.After you get your visa, work with your employer to make travel and hotel arrangements if you don’t yet have a place to live. Some employers may provide these accommodations for you when you arrive in the country.Related: 10 Different Types of Work Visas for Working in the US
Green card
A green card is a document authorizing a foreign national to live and work in the U.S. permanently. Candidates can obtain permanent residency through an annual green card lottery called the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, which you can apply for online. The program randomly selects applicants and distributes approximately 50,000 green cards every year. Here’s what to do:
1. Ask your employer to complete an I-140 form
The I-140 form is an immigrant petition, which your employer is to complete and submit. Petitions may require the U.S. Department of Labor certification. Your employer may seek legal advice from an immigration attorney.
2. Ask about your priority date
When an employer files an immigration petition, they receive a notice from USCIS with your priority date, which determines your application date. Make sure you remember this date because premature application results in rejection. Look on the government website for the filing chart to see when you can submit your application according to your priority date.
3. Get a medical exam
First, find an approved doctor on the USCIS website. Then, make an appointment for a medical examination. The objective of the visit is to verify you meet the health-related standards.
4. Fill out and submit your application
Download form I-485 on the USCIS website and fill it out. Give honest answers. Consider seeking the advice of an immigration attorney if you need help. Then, to submit your application, make a copy of the requested official documents and submit them according to the directions on the USCIS website. Note that there are application fees.
6. Interview and biometrics
The USCIS requests that you provide your fingerprints, signature and photos. The agency may also invite you to interview with the embassy to verify the answers you provided on your application. Expect to receive the date and time for these appointments once the USCIS receives your application.
7. Receive the decision
If you’re approved, you can expect your green card by mail. If you’re denied, you can appeal the decision. Common reasons for denied applications include missing documents, unclear information and submitting documents later than the deadline.Related: How To Find Jobs That Sponsor H-1B Visas in the US
Get a social security number
Successful visa or green card applicants require a Social Security number to work in the United States. You can apply for a Social Security number and visa with the U.S. Department of State. Otherwise, contact a local Social Security Administration (SSA) office while you’re lawfully present in the country. Refer to relevant instructions from the SSA for more details.Related: 14 Part-Time Jobs for International Students (With Salaries)
Tips for finding jobs in the U.S. as a foreign national
Consider these tips to maximize your chances of finding jobs in the U.S. as a foreign national:
- Take your time. Make sure to start the process in advance, as the visa acquisition can be fairly lengthy.
- Verify eligibility. Review eligibility requirements before applying for a visa to come and work in the U.S.
- Be aware of scams. Remember that there are no fees to access forms, though there are fees to file applications and petitions.
- Verify the visa process before applying. You can consult the Visa Bulletin to check updates on the visa process and learn about the evolution of immigration laws.
