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The United States of America is one of the most popular destinations for foreign nationals who want to live and work in a diverse and dynamic country. The US offers a variety of opportunities for skilled and unskilled workers, as well as students, entrepreneurs, and investors. However, finding a job in the US as a foreigner can be challenging, especially if you need a visa sponsorship from an employer. In this article, we will explain how to find jobs in the US for foreigners in 2023/2024, what are the visa options available, and what are the benefits of working in the US.

How to find jobs in the US for foreigners in 2023/2024

If you plan to relocate to the US for work, you have three ways to obtain a visa and find jobs:

• Sponsorship
• Lottery
• Self-petition

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 US 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.
2. Search for jobs online Find positions that relate to your qualifications by searching a job site such as Indeed¹, 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.
3. Interview online For candidates who live outside the US, employers usually schedule online interviews through teleconferencing software such as Zoom or Skype. Prepare for the interview by researching the company, reviewing your resume and cover letter, and practicing common interview questions. During the interview, be confident, professional, and courteous. Show enthusiasm for the job and the company, and explain why you are interested in working in the US. If the employer decides to hire you, they will initiate the visa sponsorship process on your behalf.
4. Apply for a visa Depending on the type of job and visa you are applying for, you may need to submit additional documents such as transcripts, diplomas, certificates, or licenses. You may also need to pay some fees or undergo a medical examination or background check. The employer will provide you with guidance on how to complete these steps. Once your visa application is approved, you will receive a visa stamp on your passport that allows you to enter the US and start working.

Some of the most common types of visas that require sponsorship are:

• H-1B: This is a temporary work visa for specialty occupations that require at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a specific field. The annual cap for this visa is 85,000, which includes 20,000 reserved for applicants with advanced degrees from US institutions. The duration of this visa is three years, renewable for another three years.
• L-1: This is a temporary work visa for intra-company transferees who have worked for at least one year in a foreign branch or subsidiary of a US company. There are two subcategories of this visa: L-1A for managers and executives, and L-1B for specialized knowledge workers. The duration of this visa ranges from one to seven years depending on the subcategory and country of origin.
• O-1: This is a temporary work visa for individuals with extraordinary ability or achievement in science, art, education, business, or athletics. There is no annual cap or minimum education requirement for this visa. The duration of this visa is up to three years, extendable in one-year increments.
• E-2: This is a temporary work visa for investors who have made a substantial investment in a US business that they own or control. There is no annual cap or minimum investment amount for this visa. The duration of this visa depends on the reciprocity agreement between the US and the country of origin, usually ranging from two to five years.

Lottery

The Diversity Immigrant Visa (DV) program, also known as the green card lottery, is a program that randomly selects 50,000 applicants from eligible countries every year to receive permanent resident status in the US. The eligibility criteria for this program are:

• You must be a native of a country with low rates of immigration to the US. The list of eligible countries changes every year, so check the official website² for the latest information.
• You must have at least a high school education or its equivalent, or two years of work experience in an occupation that requires at least two years of training or experience.

To enter the lottery, you must submit an online application during the registration period, which usually runs from October to November every year. You must provide accurate and complete information, including your name, date of birth, country of birth, gender, marital status, number of children, mailing address, email address, phone number, and passport number. You must also upload a recent digital photo that meets the specifications on the website. You can only submit one entry per person. If you submit more than one entry, you will be disqualified.

If you are selected in the lottery, you will receive a notification by email or on the website. You will then have to complete an online form and submit supporting documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, police certificates, medical examinations, and proof of education or work experience. You will also have to pay some fees and attend an interview at a US embassy or consulate in your country. If your visa is approved, you will receive a visa packet that allows you to enter the US and become a permanent resident.

Self-petition

Self-petition is a process that allows certain individuals to apply for permanent residence in the US without an employer or family sponsor. There are two categories of self-petitioners:

• EB-1: This is a category for individuals with extraordinary ability in science, art, education, business, or athletics; outstanding professors or researchers; or multinational executives or managers. To qualify for this category, you must meet at least three of the ten criteria listed on the official website³, such as receiving major awards, publishing articles in major media or journals, or commanding a high salary.
• EB-2: This is a category for individuals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability in science, art, or business. To qualify for this category, you must meet at least three of the six criteria listed on the official website, such as having a degree higher than a bachelor’s degree, having at least five years of experience in your field, or having a license or certification.

To apply for self-petition, you must file a petition form with supporting evidence and pay some fees. You may also need to file an application for adjustment of status if you are already in the US on another visa. If your petition is approved, you will receive a green card that grants you permanent residence in the US.

Benefits of working in the US

Working in the US can offer many benefits for foreign nationals, such as:

• High salary and standard of living: The US has one of the highest average incomes and purchasing power in the world. According to the World Bank, the gross national income per capita in the US was $63,780 in 2020. The US also offers a variety of goods and services that can enhance your quality of life.
• Career development and opportunities: The US is home to many leading companies and organizations in various fields and industries. Working in the US can expose you to cutting-edge technology, innovation, and best practices that can boost your skills and knowledge. You can also network with professionals from different backgrounds and cultures who can help you advance your career.
• Education and health care: The US has some of the best universities and colleges in the world that offer high-quality education and research opportunities. If you work in the US, you may be eligible for tuition assistance or scholarships from your employer or other sources. The US also has a developed health care system that provides access to various medical services and treatments. If you work in the US, you may be covered by health insurance from your employer or other plans.
• Diversity and culture: The US is a melting pot of different races, ethnicities, religions, languages, and lifestyles. Working in the US can expose you to different perspectives and experiences that can enrich your personal and professional growth. You can also enjoy various cultural events and attractions that reflect the diversity and history of the country.

Conclusion

Finding a job in the US as a foreigner can be challenging but rewarding. There are three ways to obtain a visa and find jobs: sponsorship, lottery, or self-petition. Each option has its own requirements and procedures that you need to follow carefully. Working in the US can offer many benefits such as high salary and standard of living, career development and opportunities, education and health care, diversity and culture.