Finding a job in the US is a challenge that is still possible. You have to balance job availability, housing, weather, community, and more! Here's a general guide to help you decide where you want to live, how to get a job, and how to get a visa and move to the US.
Step
Part 1 of 4: Applying for a Job in the US
Step 1. Apply for jobs in the cities you have selected (see below for a guide on how to choose a city)
Many jobs are available online on company websites as well as job search sites.
- Write a cover letter and curriculum vitae, with special templates that you can personalize to meet the needs of a particular position.
- If you want to write directly by hand, fill the entire application with neat block letters. Don't use scripts, as Americans can have a hard time reading scripts from other countries.
- Write down references from the US if possible.
- Offer interview sessions via Skype or other web conferencing program. Many companies will ask for interviews with different people.
- Send a thank you letter within 3-4 days of the interview session. For traditional companies, send the letter in its original form. For high-tech jobs, you can send an email.
Step 2. Be aware that work visas in the US can take a minimum of several months to process
- You can offer consulting services (you will be paid hourly) from your country, for companies you wish to apply to in the US. Do it for a few months so they can get to know you better.
- You can also offer to visit the company in the US so you can get to know them better before you land the job they offer.
Step 3. Try moving to the US as a student first
Many successful people move to the US as students on a student visa, to then find work after graduating from school.
- This method can only be done if you are accepted to study at a school in the US, and you of course have to pay the tuition fees.
- Choose the school and/or degree that will help you find a job. US companies tend to find it easier to sponsor visas for engineering graduates.
Part 2 of 4: Getting a Work Visa (or Green Card)
Step 1. Submit the proper work visa application
This work visa is temporary, while the green card is permanent. However, most people usually get a work visa first, move to the US, and then apply for a green card after some time has passed.
Step 2. Beware of immigration scams
Step 3. Be aware that there are many types of Visas for people migrating for work reasons
You may be able to hire an attorney to help you learn about these different types of visas, or just leave the management to your company's labor department.
- Specialty Workers, or H1B visas, are designed for immigrants who wish to work in specialized fields. Ask the company you are applying for if they can sponsor an "H1B visa". Many companies are usually willing to do this. They'll have to pay about $25,000 (approximately $3,000,000) in attorney fees, but if you're really needed, they probably will. If you're not sure, ask the company, "Would you sponsor me after 6 months if I did a good job?"
- Temporary Skilled or Unskilled Workers, or H2B visas, are visas granted to immigrants seeking non-agricultural positions, but of a temporary nature.
- Intracompany Transferees, or L1 visas, are visas granted to immigrants who wish to work for companies operating in the US. The holder of this visa must also be part of the management of the company, or provide special expertise. If you work for a large company that has multiple offices in the US, ask them if they can sponsor you for this visa.
- Employment-based Preference visa is a visa intended for immigrants who are already employed, because this visa application must be submitted by the employer.
Step 4. Be aware that there are special types of visas for people from certain countries
US friendly countries usually have their own convenience in setting it up.
- The E3 visa is designed for Australian residents working in America, in a special capacity.
- Residents of Canada and Mexico can apply for a TN visa. Study the special instructions for residents of Canada and Mexico if you need them.
Step 5. Understand that the process you will go through will be different if you want to start your own business in the US
Entrepreneurs should study the L1 and E visas. The E2 visa, for example, is well known because you can get it simply by investing money in a business in the US, although you should also know that this visa does not necessarily make it easier for you to get a green card..
Part 3 of 4: Doing Research on US Cities and Jobs
Step 1. Do some research to learn about US cities
Choose a few cities that catch your eye. You may be able to find a lot of work in a particular city, in addition to finding it an attractive place to live.
- Look for a city with affordable accommodation and living costs, with many job options, good health facilities, and schools and places of worship that meet your needs. You should also consider whether you have friends or acquaintances from your country who live in the area.
- The weather in the US is quite variable, research the average weather for each season, to make sure you are prepared for natural disasters or extreme conditions, such as earthquakes or tornadoes.
Step 2. Find a position in your career field in the city of your choice
Do this before you migrate to the US.
- Study compensation for your profession. Check out Bureau of Labor statistics on salaries for the state and category of work you want to work on, so you know what compensation you can negotiate. You can also learn about this on job search sites like craigslist.com, linkedin.com, indeed.com, or others.
- The Occupational Outlook Handbook provides in-depth information on job prospects in most key areas. This information is updated annually and includes information about the education or experience required for the type of work, as well as a thorough overview and general description of the duties.
Step 3. Balance job availability with the lifestyle you want in the US
Some cities are a better choice than others. It depends on what you want to do.
- Coastal areas, such as San Francisco, New York, and Los Angeles, are areas where the cost of living is very high. These places may be of interest if your profession is a very high paying profession, such as engineer, programmer, mathematician, etc.
- If your profession fits "anywhere," such as nurse, schoolteacher, doctor, look for smaller cities with a lower cost of living, and possibly a shortage of professionals.
- If you're an entrepreneur, look for towns that are smaller and cheaper, but not yet populated by foreigners.
Part 4 of 4: Moving to the US
Step 1. Find a place to live
Rent an apartment or house near your new office location. Do this once you get to the US. Be aware that many landlords find foreign tenants risky, and you may have to deposit a larger deposit or provide more referrals.
- If you want to rent an apartment for a longer period of time, you must deposit a deposit, usually this deposit is 1 month's rental fee, excluding the damage deposit.
- You may have to provide a list of references and information about your credit debt to the owner of the property you will be living in.
- Most infrastructure companies also require a deposit before they can start their services.
Step 2. Consider a short term lease for an apartment or house
- A good option is to rent an apartment for one month while determining where you want to live. You can use the AirBnB site to help you. You can also search Craigslist, although this is riskier. Find rental short term (short term), and you'll find many property owners renting out their homes for the short term.
- If you know the people in the town you're going to live in, you can ask them for permission to live with them for a short period of time.
Step 3. Know that health insurance can be a hassle in the US
Not everyone will get this insurance.
Check the health insurance policy at your office. If they don't provide it, you can buy health insurance on the free market
Step 4. Find a school if you have or will have children
Private schools in the US are free up to grade 12, but the quality differs greatly from one another. Some schools can even be dangerous.
Step 5. Apply for Green Card
After working for a while, you can submit an application to get a Green Card.
