Work in Alaska for Russians, Ukrainians: vacancies in 2021

Alaska is a very mysterious and secret place for many people, not to mention finding a job in this place. But in fact, jobs in Alaska were in incredible demand in 2021 due to the very large salaries paid in a short amount of time. And 2021 will be the same.

Another question is that for such a salary and work there will be a corresponding one. That is, very painstaking and difficult.

Nature of Alaska

Scope of work

Alaska is one of the states of the United States of America. It is located in the northern part of the country and is its coldest place. Work in Alaska is primarily focused on catching and packaging fish, which are subsequently transported and delivered throughout the world.

In Alaska, the most widespread industry is the fishing industry, and based on this, it can be noted that everyone who wants to go to work in this state in 2021 will most likely end up in this industry.

Working in Alaska does not offer a particularly wide variety of vacancies, but it offers a decent salary. That is why among those wishing to work in this place, you can increasingly meet Russians, Ukrainians and Belarusians. In this place you can find both land-based fish processing plants and those located directly on the water.

Working conditions in Alaska

Work in Alaska for Russians is primarily physical labor, as it does not require in-depth knowledge of the language. Most often, fish processing enterprises need employees. Vacancies for 2021 are no exception: sorters, cleaners, and packers of fish carcasses are needed. In addition, there is a need for fishermen, but only men are hired there. So those wishing to visit the northern state this season should also be prepared for a similar format. Another advantage of the northern state is the more loyal attitude of the authorities towards immigrants, so if you are going to emigrate to the USA from Russia and you are not afraid of harsh climatic conditions, then it will be easiest to do it here.

You can work on the continent or at sea. Work on floating factories is not much different from that on land. In Alaska they fish all year round, but the hot season is spawning, or poutine, as the Russians also call it. This period lasts from the beginning of June to October, and at this time the need for free hands increases several times. In November the water freezes and fishing becomes impossible. There is no point in going here in winter and spring; the locals themselves cope with everything that needs to be done.

Working in a fish processing plant

Working in Alaska is tough and not for everyone. Unlike working in New York, where there are a lot of options, in the northern state the choice is limited. Constant loads require good physical fitness and endurance. It’s hard for visitors to get used to the high humidity and dampness in the workshops. Even in summer, the air temperature rarely rises above 18-19 degrees. In this regard, some employers introduce age restrictions and hire women no older than 45 years. For men, the age limit is shifted to 55.

On the other hand, Alaska is a beautiful place, and the picturesque landscape can compensate for physical discomfort. Employees are accommodated in dormitories for free, provided with food, and given a uniform. Conditions in the United States cannot be compared with domestic fish factories. The American workshops are clean and the break schedule is followed, so everyone has time to rest during the shift. An additional advantage is that employers are undemanding in who they hire. The huge volume and comparative simplicity of the tasks make any extra hands important and necessary.

Where to find a job

Finding a job in Alaska on your own is quite difficult. Basically, everyone turns to specialized agencies that provide assistance in selecting a vacancy and directly the employer.

You can also find a job through people who have already worked there. But it is worth considering the fact that not all employer companies agree to pay for moving from their home country to Alaska. It is possible to find a job while already in Alaska, but this will require considerable financial expenses. It is impossible to open a work visa without an invitation and in any case you will have to return home.

This is what a work visa to visit Alaska looks like

Working in the USA illegally is also not worth it. Not every employer will hire a person who could face deportation every day due to visa violations.

The most reliable way to find a job is employment through special programs. Today there are several of them, but the most popular of them is the WORK and TRAVEL program.

The advantage of the program is the fact that all transportation costs are borne by the direct employer. The conditions for return (at whose expense) are clearly stated in the employment contract.

Work in Alaska. How to find a job in Alaska?

Work in Alaska. How to find a job in Alaska?

Alaska is the largest and northernmost state in the United States. Every year, people from different parts of the world, including from the former republics of the USSR, go to work seasonally in Alaska. Thus, work in Alaska in 2012 attracted several thousand workers from the CIS countries. The huge advantage of working in Alaska is that there is really a lot of work (you will have to work from eight to sixteen hours a day), and the rule “ The more you work, the more you get."

Salaries vary depending on the location, but on average they are around $100 per day. Also, as a rule, workers are provided with free housing and food. Therefore, for those who want to make money, Alaska is a very attractive place.

The fishing industry plays a huge role in the state's economy. There are a huge number of different fishing companies operating in Alaska. As a rule, each company has several fishing vessels and fish factories at its disposal. There are several fishing seasons throughout the year, lasting on average three to four months. During each season, fish factories receive hundreds of tons of freshly caught fish, which need to be sorted, cleaned, cut, frozen, processed, etc. Since there is really a lot of work here, the issue of staff shortage is always acute. In this regard, companies are happy to accept seasonal workers from other countries, and if you wish, finding a job in Alaska will not be difficult.

All job openings in Alaska usually involve working in fish factories. You must immediately keep in mind that there will be a lot of work and you will have to work from 8 to 16 hours a day. The most common job title is Seafood Processor. The work involved is sorting, packaging, cutting, freezing, packaging and other manipulations with fish continuously arriving on the conveyor line. Work in Alaska can be found for both men and women. The work of packing caviar or packing fish fillets is well suited for the fairer sex. But in order to earn good money, you need to work overtime. As a rule, the rate for overtime work is one and a half times higher than the normal wage rate. Also, different companies have different systems of bonuses and awards. In addition, there is the opportunity for career growth - particularly outstanding employees can become supervisors.

Now let's dwell a little on the most important aspect - wages. The system and wage rates must be specified in the Job Offer, which employees apply for while still in their country of permanent residence.

Since the work is not easy, the wages are appropriate: from 10 to 15 US dollars per hour. The length of a normal working day is 8 hours and includes two breaks for lunch and dinner, as well as several coffee breaks of 15 minutes each. Overtime work is paid 1.5 times higher than during a standard working day. On average, you can earn here from 700 to 1000 US dollars per week, and from 6 to 9 thousand US dollars per season (depending on its duration).

The work schedule is also specified in the Job Offer. Since the main goal of those who want to work in Alaska is to earn money quickly, the work schedule will be very busy. You must be prepared for the fact that you will have to work 14-16 hours a day to achieve your goal. As a rule, an employee is given one day off per week. But very often it is spent on work.

Each employee of the company is provided with everything necessary for work: overalls, rubber boots and ear plugs (although most workers listen to a player, or loud music is played in the workshop to make work more fun).

In general, working conditions are quite acceptable: powerful exhaust hoods are installed in the workshops to eliminate the fishy smell. But you need to be prepared that the premises will be quite damp and cool, since these conditions are necessary for storing fish. According to numerous reviews of work in Alaska, the main problem for newly arrived workers is the sight of a huge amount of fish entrails. Therefore, if you are not prepared for such a spectacle for long hours every day, then you should think about the advisability of working in Alaska.

In addition to working in factories, many are interested in the possibility of working as a driver in Alaska. There is such an opportunity, but to work as a driver you need a license, which is almost impossible for seasonal workers to obtain. Therefore, all possible vacancies in Alaska mostly come down to working in fish factories.

How to get a job in Alaska? You can independently contact fishing companies by finding their coordinates on the Internet. You can also use the services of various companies involved in recruiting personnel for large Alaska fish plants. Such companies provide services for finding a job in Alaska for Russians, Ukrainians, Belarusians and citizens of other CIS countries. You must provide the intermediary company with complete information about yourself, on the basis of which its employees will analyze whether you are suitable for working in Alaska. By the way, at least basic knowledge of English is desirable. This will be a big plus when your application is reviewed, and will also make your stay in Alaska much easier. If you are selected as a worthy candidate, the company begins the process of preparing a package of documents for a work visa to the United States. The cost of services from such companies averages about 500-600 US dollars. Additionally, you will need to pay for tickets to Alaska. This cost includes the following: an invitation from the employer, air ticket reservations, issuance of an H2B work visa, insurance and other services for processing your trip to work in the United States. As a rule, the services of such intermediary companies are used by adults who want to make money in Alaska. If you are a student, you can get a job at Alaska enterprises using the Work and Travel program.

The work schedule is also specified in the Job Offer.

How to go to work in Alaska. Specifics of employment.

There are many myths surrounding labor migration to Alaska and there are a large number of scammers offering fabulous earnings, ideal working conditions, a full range of intermediary services, assistance in preparing documents for relocation, and so on. Check the information carefully and do not trust recruitment agencies, especially domestic ones. Use the services of such companies only under the patronage of friends and acquaintances, make an informed decision, work in Alaska exclusively legally and try to contact American companies directly .

Alaska is considered one of the least populous states, with just over 738 thousand people living there in 2020. A significant portion of local specialists are highly qualified and are able to fill most open vacancies. Moreover, every year hundreds of thousands of foreigners, even millions, seek to emigrate to the United States in any way possible, including employment, and Alaska is not the least in the list of states popular for finding work. Consequently, the competition for jobs in Alaska is quite impressive.

The federal structure of the United States presupposes fairly broad independence of individual states, however, issues related to the hiring of foreign labor are enshrined at the national legislative level and require strict implementation. Official work in Alaska involves a preliminary search for an employer , the conclusion of an employment contract and the mandatory registration of a work visa. An ideal option for a foreigner in the future is to receive a Green Card in the USA, which allows you to freely live and work in the country.

The vast majority of job seekers from Russia, Ukraine and other CIS countries set the goal of finding seasonal work in Alaska and, in principle, the local labor market is conducive to this type of employment. Typically, this will involve an H-2B H-1B skilled worker visa . In the first case, the document is issued for a period of up to 1 year with the right to extend up to 3 years, and in the second case, immediately for 3 years and the possibility of extension up to 6 years. Special quotas are set for the H-2B visa in the amount of 66 thousand annually.

Alaska's unemployment rate is 6% , slightly higher than the national average. The economic growth rate does not exceed 1% per year. Accordingly, the number of available jobs is limited. To increase your chances of finding a job, and this is often a prerequisite for obtaining a work visa, you will need a higher education diploma and sufficient work experience in your specialty . Even for unskilled work in Alaska, good command of English .

Pay special attention to the climate conditions and cost of living in Alaska. The most comfortable and warm weather is in the southeast of the state (Juneau), moderate conditions in the south (Anchorage), colder climate in the central part (Fairbanks), and absolutely harsh weather in the north, where temperatures rarely rise above zero. Food costs, housing prices, and transportation costs are higher in Alaska than in many other regions of the United States. When concluding a contract, do not forget to take this into account.

If you are going to work in Alaska in the industrial fishing industry, including fish (seafood) processing factories, be prepared for serious physical exertion. Not everyone can maintain a work schedule of 12-14 hours a day in difficult climatic conditions. For example, when recruiting crews for fishing vessels, the following requirements are put forward to workers:

The obligation to fulfill the terms of the contract and work out the full season.

Good physical shape and willingness to work continuously for a long time.

Ability to get along with people, sociability and positive character.

Strictly follow instructions and safety regulations.

Regardless of your field of activity, carefully study the official requirements for foreigners to work in the United States and Alaska in particular. Comprehensive information is presented on the American government portal - usa.gov.

Good physical shape and willingness to work continuously for a long time.

Required documents

To obtain a non-immigrant visa, you must provide the following to the American Embassy:

a valid passport, as well as all previously issued ones;
application form DS-160 (filled out electronically, then printed);
receipt of payment of the consular fee;
one recently taken photograph 50 by 50 mm;
educational documents.

In addition, before the interview with the consul you will have to submit your fingerprints. This procedure takes place very quickly, using scanning.

20 dollars.

Employment

Often, the employment of an employee occurs directly in the country of actual residence, because people mainly find employment through intermediary organizations. In the country of actual residence, an employment contract is signed with a company that is ready to hire a person.

Sample employment contract concluded in Alaska

The document specifies the employee’s main responsibilities, living conditions and salary amount.

WORK and TRAVEL program

The WORK and TRAVEL program was originally developed for students from foreign countries to earn money. But over time, it gained incredible demand among older people. The program implies the opportunity to visit Alaska as an employee for three months (season). The company mainly offers work related to the processing and packaging of seafood products.

The main advantage of the program is the fact that even after the end of the period allotted for work, a person is given another thirty days that he can devote to traveling throughout all states of the United States of America.

According to the program, the company cannot provide fixed wages in the United States. Remuneration is calculated based on the hours worked by a person.

On average, one hour of work is approximately paid in the amount of 7.15–7.20 dollars.

All program participants have special privileges, one of which is a temporary work permit.

All employees under the program begin their working career on the first of June. The trip to Alaska is paid for by the employer. The main responsibilities of program participants are:

Cutting fish carcasses.
Transportation of fish.
Caviar packaging.
Cleaning.
Package.

The program is designed for a period of three to four months, depending on the desire of the person himself. The biggest advantage of this program can be considered the fact that the employees directly in Alaska will be their compatriots, which will have a very good effect on the morale of working people.

When to leave for work

Despite the fact that the peak fishing period is mid-summer, employers begin recruiting staff as early as May.

Detailed map of Alaska showing all settlements

Visiting employees may remain in Alaska until November. Unfortunately, after November the temperature drops sharply and it becomes impossible to work as the water freezes.

Work in Alaska is considered seasonal and the average “season” lasts about four to five months.

The most common vacancies

As previously noted, all required vacancies for work in Alaska come down specifically to the fishing industry. Therefore, the most common vacancies in 2021 are:

Sorter.
Fish carcass cutter.
Fisherman.

For the first two above-mentioned vacancies, it is possible to find employment for both the fair and the stronger sex. The work involves cleaning the caught fish and sorting it directly according to certain established standards.

The work is carried out in a factory or plant, where already caught fish is delivered.

Mostly representatives of the stronger sex are recruited to catch fish. Firstly, this area requires male strength, and secondly, endurance is required, because the working day can last up to sixteen hours a day. A huge advantage is the fact that the employer’s requirements for employees are minimal.

In 2021, to go to work in Alaska you must:

Speak English at a conversational level.
Have the financial means to obtain a visa and pay for the flight.

Unfortunately, all companies that undertake employment obligations provide only a workplace; relocation and paperwork are not included in the scope of their services. On average, a person will initially need around two thousand dollars.

How to find a job on your own?

If you wish, you can go to Alaska without intermediaries. There are many Russian-language sites on the Internet that present vacancies for the coming season. To complete the documents, you need to obtain an invitation and a work permit (it will be sent by email from the employer). You will need a BH1 or BH2 visa. The first allows you to obtain a residence permit in the future, but more often embassies still give the second option. You need to know English at a conversational level and confirm your solvency (bring a bank statement confirming the availability of money on the card).

Difficulties may arise. The American Embassy is trying its best to prevent immigration to Alaska. It is recommended to bring certificates or references from your place of study to the embassy. It is important to confirm your intention to travel to the United States solely to earn money, and not for the purpose of obtaining citizenship in the future.

How to leave to work

The first step to making your dream of working in Alaska come true is applying for a work visa. To travel to the United States for the purpose of working, you can open two types of visas:

H1B.
H2B.

The first visa is better due to the fact that it allows you to subsequently apply for a residence permit. The second type does not imply such a possibility, but is much easier to design. A feature of the first type of visa is that the person who wishes to obtain it must have a higher education. To open the second type, a certificate of completion of high school is sufficient.

The main document for obtaining a visa is an invitation from the employer. He, in turn, must receive it from the Immigration Service when he provides its employees with an employment contract confirming that the invitee is going to work.

US H1B Visa Sample

The same body issues not only an invitation, but also issues a permit to carry out work activities throughout the United States.

The employee submits the following documents to the consulate of the United States of America in the country of actual residence:

Job invitation.
Work permit (pre-issued by the employer).
Diploma of education.
Employment history.
A valid foreign passport.
One photo.
Documents confirming the availability of movable and immovable property.

A US work visa can be obtained for a period of six years. But in practice, working in Alaska does not require such an amount of time, because the work itself is seasonal.

How to go to work in Alaska

Work in Alaska exclusively legally and try to reach American companies directly.

Alaska is considered one of the least populous states, with just over 738 thousand people living there in 2019. A significant portion of local specialists are highly qualified and are able to fill most open vacancies. Moreover, every year hundreds of thousands of foreigners, even millions, seek to emigrate to the United States in any way possible, including employment, and Alaska is not the least in the list of states popular for finding work. Consequently, the competition for jobs in Alaska is quite impressive.

Official work in Alaska involves a preliminary search for an employer, the conclusion of an employment contract and the mandatory registration of a work visa. An ideal option for a foreigner in the future is to receive a Green Card in the USA, which allows you to freely live and work in the country.

Typically, this will be an H-2B temporary work visa or an H-1B skilled worker visa. In the first case, the document is issued for a period of up to 1 year with the right to extend up to 3 years, and in the second case, immediately for 3 years and the possibility of extension up to 6 years. Special quotas are set for the H-2B visa in the amount of 66 thousand annually.

Alaska's unemployment rate is 6.7%, slightly higher than the national average. The economic growth rate does not exceed 1% per year. Accordingly, the number of available jobs is limited. To increase your chances of finding a job, and this is often a prerequisite for obtaining a work visa, you will need a higher education diploma and sufficient work experience in your specialty. Even for unskilled work in Alaska, good command of English is very important.

Employment specifics

Example of requirements for recruiting crews for fishing vessels

The obligation to fulfill the terms of the contract and work out the full season.
Good physical shape and willingness to work continuously for a long time.
Ability to get along with people, sociability and positive character.
Strictly follow instructions and safety regulations.

In order to work in these conditions, you must be in good physical shape and be prepared for intense workloads and an irregular schedule, with one day off per week. On average, a working day lasts from 8 to 14 hours. A strict schedule of breaks is strictly observed, allowing you to recuperate and take a break.

Basically, everyone here lives by the rule: the more you work, the more money you get. In the fishing industry, factors such as cold in freezing shops, dampness and high humidity are added to the busy schedule.

Employers provide free housing with amenities in dormitories or cabins. Full meals are also provided by the hiring company. Each employee is provided with clothing (uniform) and special clothing.

Working conditions

Alaska is popular not only for its very high earnings, but also for its fairly intense work schedule.

On average, employees work fourteen hours a day. Fish sorters and processors are provided with free housing and food. Hired employees are provided with clothing for work. Moreover, money is not withheld from their wages for this.

The only drawback can be considered very difficult weather conditions. The fishing season begins in mid-summer, but this does not particularly affect the northernmost state. On average, the temperature in summer does not rise above twenty degrees.

According to the employment contract, an employee has the right to one day off per week.

All work on sorting and processing of fish is carried out directly in the factory workshops. The disadvantage of these premises is the relatively low temperature required for storing fish.