Finding a job and work sponsorship in the USA

Finding a job in the United States can be difficult. Finding a job in the United States from a foreign country can seem downright impossible. There are options to assist you in your search. But understand that given the current economic crisis worldwide, the temporary work visa can be very difficult to obtain. You must be "In the interest of the United States" to get a visa. That basically means, seriously, an employer needs to sponsor you. USCIS and the State Department really don't care, instead they rely on the company to be forthright and honest about their need.

I would be lying to you if I said that you can start your search today and find a job in 3 month, get sponsored and your employer pay for the entire process. Patience is a virtue they say, and you definitely need it now a days in the US.

To aid you in your search you have several websites dedicated to finding jobs. Please, avoid Craigslist. Yes, it is possible to find a job on Craigslist but truthfully the search will be absolutely annoying and at times could lead to trouble. I am stating my personal opinion. If you are not from the United States you are vulnerable of being taken advantage of. It happens daily, and if it is a criminal organization you by chance unknowingly get involved in, it could lead to major problems - in the USA and in your country of residence.

Please utilize some of the sites or methods listed below:

Monster (http://www.monster.com)
CareerBuilder (http://www.careerbuilder.com)
Dice (http://www.dice.com)
Careers sections on most company websites (i.e. cisco.com)
State run employment service websites
The Ladders (http://www.theladders.com)
Intra-Company transfer
LinkedIn (http://www.linkedin.com)
Indeed (http://www.indeed.com)
Local Newspapers in the area you want to live (i.e. http://www.chicagotribune.com)
Local/National Employment Agencies (Google "employment agencies city name")
Expat-Blog (https://www.expat.com/en/jobs/north-america/usa/)

added 29/JAN/2013
For a longer list visit this website: http://www.ebizmba.com/articles/job-websites

If you expect sponsorship, I wouldn't give much faith in Craigslist in finding a job let alone with visa sponsorship. In fact I think if you told the visa officer during your interview you probably would be kindly told - sorry and shown the door with the pre-printed denial letter.

When you introduce yourself to a company do not immediately say you require sponsorship. Instead talk with them candidly and get them interested in you. If you immediately say "Hi, I am from xxxxx I need a visa" they probably won't be too interested. After all, if you provide a call back number on your resume that is in a different country then they probably already have a good idea.

If you have a college degree, and are in a professional position your chances increase. Unfortunately, and no pun intended - a position as a cashier at a fast food chain won't qualify you for a work visa and you are wasting your time.

Be prepared to communicate in English unless you are a intra-company transfer or work for a worldwide company such as KPMG or Deloitte. Spanish is also commonly spoken nowadays depending on the region in the US.

Feel free to reply to this thread if you have any further questions. America is the land of opportunity and with diligence and determination you can achieve your goals. The majority of Americans are immigrants and most will tell you it is worth every day you have to wait. It won't be easy - but it can be done.

One last thing, if you have yet to visit another country and have a passport - visit another country and request an entry stamp. Trust me, this small task will go a long way in the eyes of a visa officer.

Good Luck!



Matt V.
USA Expert - Expat-Blog Team

Hi usmc_mv,

Thank you for this useful information :)

That is nice post about job search in USA .

thank you for post this. very helpful.

thanks for the advice..i will keep trying and hoping...

Dear all,

Being interested to obtain an Internship in Environmental Protection in US I am wondering if someone knows such sites where I can apply for an Internship?
another question is, if this programs accept people who have finished the University 4 years ago in the field?!
I heard many different things and I want to be sure because most of the sited doesn't mention what's the maximum age after the graduation in which they can be accepted or no!

Your answer will be highly appreciated!

Regards,

Hi Cklaudia,

For your internship search, maybe you can drop your CV in the  Internships in the USA section? It might help you. :)

Thank you,

Priscilla
Expat.com team

Perhaps you should actually try finding a job? EP is not exactly a common profession the United States. The EPA itself, a government agency is hiring. Perhaps a search of https://www.usajobs.gov/ will aid you in your search.

I am not sure if the EPA can sponsor you for a work visa - but I do believe they offer internships too. In any event worth a try.

EPA Website as well - http://www.epa.gov/

Thank you very much for your answers! Unfortunately, both sites request U.S. citizens and I am romanian! :( I know that it will be difficult but I will keep trying with others because I am sure that some agencies or sites will accept it!
I wish you all the best :)

thanks you for your valuable information

Need some insights please:
I'm Canadian and looking to move to States and get a job there. As for myself I work in the real estate business while my wife she is a training manager in the field of staff development in corporations. I know there is the NAFTA job categories but we don't fall under any of them. We know that we can come to states and stay for a 6 months period without any issues, but we cannot work. In addition I don't have enough cash for B5 visa ( 500,000 - 1,000,000 US business).
Please advise what are our options.
Thanks

Hi,

So I can help you better.

1) Why do you want to leave Canada?
2) What is your age range? Close to retirement?
3) Do you have US born family members living in the US?

Thanks,

Matt-

1- Reason to leave Canada: we were born in the middle east and immigrated to Canada, got citizenship in 2004. Actually my wife don't like the cold weather same my little one. So she wants to move to any state like Virginia or any warmer place. We found jobs in an oil rich country in the gulf and moved there after being Canadians. Now we want to return but... not to Canada.
2- Age range: mid 40s
3- No member in my close family circle live in USA, but we have few friends and some family members from the far circle.

Okay. Because you are a Canadian citizen you and/or your wife could qualify for a TN-1 visa. It appears you have looked at the relevant positions. Are you looking at an official list (.gov)? If not, I suggest you do before giving up.

If you can not qualify under TN-1 or L-1 your options are limited to H-1/2/3 visa categories.

oohh it was very helpful..thx :)

Hi,

I am going to the US in June and I want to look for work. I am going via an European passport. Would it be illegal if I look for vacancies while I am on holiday?

Teresa

Yes, work is not permitted under any circumstance with a tourist or VWP visa.

You need a H1B visa in order to work. Under special circumstances a F-1 visa holder can work.

Thank you very much for this post. I am planning to move to USA to my fiancee's hometown and really have no idea what to do when im there. Is it ok if i apply for a job while im still in my home country?

uthyyy wrote:

Thank you very much for this post. I am planning to move to USA to my fiancee's hometown and really have no idea what to do when im there. Is it ok if i apply for a job while im still in my home country?


Yes, absolutely. In fact this is exactly what they want you to do and it will play favorably during your visa interview if you haven't already had yours.

Hello,

I would like to know, if in term of employment(use), your country gets(fits) better.

Thank you for your answer.

Fjordan, I am not sure I understand your question. I think you are asking if the employment situation in the US will get better. Honestly, it is a highly debated topic. I assure you it will only get worse for foreigners in the coming months. Once LPRs and citizens can find work more opportunities will open up for foreigners.

My question is, could I apply for a job and then apply for a work permit while in the US?

Teresa_Dos wrote:

My question is, could I apply for a job and then apply for a work permit while in the US?


Yes, you can apply for a job before applying for a work visa. However, you will need to let the employer know you require sponsorship. Most companies, especially SMBs do not even consider sponsoring foreigners. You are better off applying at companies like Deloitte, Cisco, etc.

So I wont get deported if I get off the plane and go to a recruitment agency and ask them if they have any positions available? I heard that if you go looking for work while on a visitors visa that they can deport you. Is that true?

Teresa_Dos wrote:

So I wont get deported if I get off the plane and go to a recruitment agency and ask them if they have any positions available? I heard that if you go looking for work while on a visitors visa that they can deport you. Is that true?


This is a sensitive topic for me because I do not think anyone should be visiting the USA on a tourist visa looking for work, unless they were upfront and honest about their visit. Unfortunately if you are honest you won't be approved for the visa.

Just because you are on a visitor visa, it does NOT mean you can not LOOK for work. The keyword is LOOK. If you find work, you must apply for a change in status, which may or may not be possible from the USA and you may have to return to your country of residence and apply for a work visa there.

Looking for work is not a crime and it is not a deportable act, but it is manipulative because you know you are not going to tell the officer that during your visa interview and/or when you arrive in PCP. (passport control processing)

Just use common sense and don't abuse the system, and we won't abuse you. :)

Hi Matt,

I have been offered a job in LA but they dont want to go through all the hassles of getting me there, they have had problems in the past of employing Foreigner's , they are super busy and dont have the time.

what would I need to do in order for making things easier for them??

Hi Matt,
Excuse my naivety but what is an entry card?

Cheers,
Tracey

Matt Chaplin wrote:

Hi Matt,

I have been offered a job in LA but they dont want to go through all the hassles of getting me there, they have had problems in the past of employing Foreigner's , they are super busy and dont have the time.

what would I need to do in order for making things easier for them??


Are they willing to sponsor you H1B visa? That is ultimately what they need to do in order for you to legally be able to work. It is unfortunately a hassle for smaller companies. Let me know.

Shortstuff18 wrote:

Hi Matt,
Excuse my naivety but what is an entry card?

Cheers,
Tracey


http://www.fwhonglaw.com/images/sample_i94.png

The I-94 has been retired in most circumstances. This would have bee considered an "entry card." It was required for all foreigners traveling to the United States regardless of purpose/intent/visa unless enrolled and approved for the Global Entry program. You filled it out on the plane and the CBP agent in PCP would stamp it, detach the perforated portion, stamp that, write the maximum allowed stay, visa type, etc. return it to you and then upon leaving the USA you would turn it into the the airline or ticket agent. [the US does not have exit control, but that may change in the coming years, and I hope it does]

Last year, the I-94 was changed to an electronic system. Another words the I-94 still exists but you do not see it. If you need an I-94 for employment, banking, or other purpose it can be retrieved by visiting this website:

https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/request.html




The other card you fill out is a customs declarations card.

This is required for everyone traveling to the United States regardless of citizenship (including US Citizens and LPRs) fill this form out. Only one form per family is required.

http://205.130.201.48/ImageCache/cgov/content/travel/pleasure_5fvacation/sample_5fdeclaration_5fform_5f_2ectt/v4/image/1/sample.jpg

added 29/JAN/2013
For a longer list visit this website: http://www.ebizmba.com/articles/job-websites

Hi Matt,

What do you think about https://angel.co ? some of my friends found their internship/ work visa thanks to this website and I think that it's a pretty serious network..
By the way I found some internships/work position with craigslist but it could take a wile ;)

Have you guys heard of Carney and Sandoe, VisaLista.com, VIF or the Cordell Foundation? I live in Denver and a lot of people made it here with those programs/sites, although mostly teachers.

Hi I really appreciate your advice....

Thanks for the I94 link. Since I am to lazy to walk the 3 minutes to dmv; I still don't have any state ID card. So I carry my passport every where and my I94 form is falling of and have all kinds of stain on it. Dont even know how it got so dirty. (Hint: Can't go in clubs/bars without ID). Now I can get an electronic one. Plenty thanks.

i need a job in USA.

A lot of people do. Perhaps you could elaborate on what exactly you want to do and your qualifications. That may help spark a conversation.

Thank you so much! I have a question, many of this sites , ask if you need a work permit, it says yes or no. I always tell the truth, but you said , we shouldnŽt tell them immediately about status, etc?

pty23_girl wrote:

Thank you so much! I have a question, many of this sites , ask if you need a work permit, it says yes or no. I always tell the truth, but you said , we shouldnŽt tell them immediately about status, etc?


If you tell employers that you already have the right visas and you don't, you're only hurting yourself.

microinusa wrote:

Thanks for the I94 link. Since I am to lazy to walk the 3 minutes to dmv; I still don't have any state ID card.


And you think this info is going to make people want to help you?  Good luck.

microinusa wrote:

Thanks for the I94 link. Since I am to lazy to walk the 3 minutes to dmv; I still don't have any state ID card. So I carry my passport every where and my I94 form is falling of and have all kinds of stain on it. Dont even know how it got so dirty. (Hint: Can't go in clubs/bars without ID). Now I can get an electronic one. Plenty thanks.


The E-I94 will not get you into a bar. It is a piece of paper just saying your name and entry date.