There are many employment opportunities for foreign nationals in the United States. Living and working in a foreign country, meeting with new people, and experience a new culture can be an exciting experience.
Some foreign nationals decide to come to the US for employment, others for education while others visit for a short period of time.
A person will need a different visa or work permit depending on their career goals. If you’re a foreign national looking to work in the United States, there are several ways you can obtain employment in the US, including exchange visitor work and study visas, green cards, and temporary or seasonal working visas.
Here’s information you need to know when finding a job in the USA, including green cards, work visas, the green card lottery, and advice on how to avoid visa-related scams.
And since the visa acquisition process can take a lot of time, be sure to apply well in advance before your planned date of immigration.
What Category of Workers Are Allowed to Work in the US?
There are various categories of foreign workers allowed to work in the US, including temporary workers, permanent immigrant workers, as well as student and exchange workers.
How to Get a U.S. Work Visa
Non-American nationals or those who are not permanent US residents need a work visa and a permit in order to work in the US.
Various types of visas are available for those seeking to work in the United States, including seasonal work visas, temporary work visas, and exchange worker visas.
Before coming to the United States, you’ll be required to obtain a visa from the US embassy in your country.
Check the information on the types of work visas in the US, including requirements on eligibility as well as information on how to apply for the United States work visa.
How to Get a US Green Card
If you’re a worker seeking permanent residency in the United States, you’ll need to apply for a green card. This card permits a person to live and work in the US permanently.
There are, however, some categories that will need a confirmation U.S. labor department certification that there aren’t enough American workers who are qualified and willing to work where the immigrant is planned to be deployed and that no United States worker will lose jobs to foreign workers.
You can also apply for a green card while abroad once you’ve been given an immigrant visa number.
The green card lottery program is an opportunity that allows potential immigrants to obtain permanent legal US resident status. The program runs every year and allows about 50.000 random applicants to obtain green cards. Interested persons can apply for the Green Card Lottery online.
How to Obtain a U.S. Work Permit
If you’re not a United States resident, you’ll need a permit to work in the United States. A work permit, also known as an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), will be required in addition to the work visa needed to enter into the United States.
Getting the Social Security Card
Any non-American citizen interested to work in the United States will need a social security number to be employed. This is a nine-digit identification and is needed to work, collect pensions, as well as benefit from other social services.
Non-U.S. citizens can submit their application when applying for a US visa or by visiting a local social security office.
If you submit your application when applying for a U.S. visa, you’ll be required to fill the DS 260 electronic form. If you want to obtain it from your local social security office, you’ll be required to provide your passport, birth certificate, and Permanent Resident Card.
Temporary workers and non-immigrant visa holders are eligible for a Social Security number (SSN). Individuals with temporary work visas are not eligible for a social security number.
How to Verify Work Eligibility
You’re be required to prove your eligibility to work in the United States before being hired for any work in the United States. Employees should fill the I-9 form before being permitted to work in the United States.
Avoiding the U.S. Visa Scams
You should be aware of the scams that surround the process of US work visas applications. Always remember that you don’t need to pay any fee when applying for a US work visa or when obtaining U.S. government instructions.
