Immigration to the USA through employment is one of the most popular ways to immigrate to the USA. But the most significant stumbling barrier on the way to the dream life is finding an American employer willing to go through all the bureaucratic procedures for you. The task is challenging but doable. The main thing is your attitude and purposeful actions.

Brief overview of employment-based immigration to the USA

If you want to immigrate to the U.S. through employment, you’ll need to apply for a visa within the EB (employment-based) category. These visas are further divided into five preference categories (EB-1 through EB-5). Each category has different requirements based on the applicant’s skills, education, and experience, ranging from highly skilled professionals with advanced degrees to unskilled workers.

All EB visas are considered immigrant visas. That means successful applicants receive a green card, granting them permanent residence and the right to work in the United States.

This topic is complex, so we won’t cover each visa in detail here. You can find more information on the official website of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Where to start looking for an employer

The first step is to put together a strong resume (or CV). This document should highlight your skills and experience to make you an attractive candidate. Recruiters receive countless resumes, so make yours concise and impactful. Ideally, keep it to a single A4 page. Emphasize your most relevant accomplishments, and don’t forget to include your contact information.

Pro tip: save your CV as a PDF file for easy sharing.

Monitoring Job Boards

The next step is to start exploring job boards. This is a crucial part of your research as it will help you:

• Understand Salary Expectations: Get a sense of realistic salary ranges for positions in your field. You can use sites like Indeed and Glassdoor for salary information for various jobs.
• Research Employer Requirements: See what skills and qualifications employers in your industry typically seek. Pay close attention to job descriptions on sites like Monster and CareerBuilder
• Compare Across States: Find out how compensation expectations differ by region. Some job boards even have tools to filter and compare results across different locations.

By thoroughly analyzing job postings, you might discover areas where you could benefit from additional training or experience. This knowledge will help you tailor your job search and be a more competitive candidate for U.S. employment.

Once you’re confident in your resume and qualifications, start searching and applying for suitable job openings!

On which websites you can find vacancies:

• https://getwork.org/
• https://job.com/
• https://www.snagajob.com/browse/states/all
• https://www.glassdoor.com
• https://hubstafftalent.net/
• https://www.upwork.com/
• https://www.theladders.com/

Each site has its own features and focus. For example, TheLadders looks for candidates for management positions; HubStafftalent and UPWORK are more suitable for finding remote work.

What companies to focus on

Companies with Global Presence: Companies with offices in your home country are more likely to consider an internal transfer to their US branch. Research these companies and monitor their career websites for opportunities.

• Companies with Exchange Programs: These programs offer invaluable work experience in the US and build connections within the industry. Explore if companies specializing in your profession offer such programs.
• Companies in Your Field: Companies focused on your area of expertise may be more open to sponsoring foreign workers with specialized skills. Target your job search toward these employers.
• Companies with International Ties: If you have knowledge of your home country’s market and language, you’re an asset to companies wanting to expand their business globally. Seek out positions highlighting this type of cross-cultural experience.

Tools for Finding Companies:

• LinkedIn: Create a strong LinkedIn profile and follow companies you’re interested in. Network with employees or hiring managers within those companies to express your interest and learn about internal openings (https://www.linkedin.com/).
• Reddit: Subreddits (communities) like r/forhire (https://www.reddit.com/r/forhire/) can sometimes list job openings. Explore other specialized subreddits related to your profession.
• Facebook: Search for relevant Facebook groups dedicated to helping immigrants find jobs in the US. These groups sometimes post leads and helpful advice.

Important Reminder! Be cautious of any offers requiring upfront payments for employment or security deposits. Legitimate employers shouldn’t charge for these.

Additional Strategies:

• Direct Contact: Don’t hesitate to send tailored cover letters and your resume (in PDF format) to companies that interest you, even if they don’t list current openings. Find potential contacts on their websites or through professional networks.
• Industry Events: If you’re already in the US, attend career fairs and conferences to meet employers seeking international talent.

Final Thoughts

Finding the right employer takes dedication. Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Use a variety of these strategies tailored to your skills and experience. Persistence is key!

The EB-3 visa process can be complex, so consider working with an experienced immigration lawyer. Our team specializes in these cases and would be happy to guide you.