How to get a job in the USA as a foreigner? The Ultimate Guide

The United States of America is a prosperous and economically stable country: it is not surprising that many Russians would like to go there for permanent residence or to earn money. However, this is by no means easy to do: the language barrier, the need to obtain a visa and confirmation of a diploma, and, of course, finding a suitable employer stand in the way. However, it is possible to get a job in America if you set a goal and study this issue properly. Below you can find the basic rules for those wishing to work in the USA, as well as a list of professions in demand in this country.

Requirements for getting a job in the USA

To obtain the right to stay in the United States, you must obtain a visa. This can be done at any of the embassies of this country in your homeland. It is best to try to get a work visa, but getting one is very difficult. You can expect to receive a tourist or study (student) visa.

This is what a student visa to America looks like

With a tourist visa you can stay in the country for about 3-6 months. This visa is issued for traveling to the USA. With a student visa, you can stay in the country for about 6-9 months. This visa is issued for study and work. Visas can also be extended subsequently.

Then you should write your CV (Curriculum vitae) - this is a kind of resume. Here is a list of the main points to cover briefly:

About your skills. Example: “I can drive well, so I want to work as a truck driver.”
About your past job (if there was one). Example: “I used to work as a truck driver in Russia.”
About your place of study. Example: “I received secondary education at school, then secondary vocational education at a technical school.”
A little bit about yourself. Example: “Born on June 7, 1987. I have a family with one child, etc.”
Have you had a criminal record in your country? Example: “While I lived in Russia, I had no criminal record.”

Example of writing a resume in English

It is advisable to write about yourself as much basic information as possible in as little space as possible. The CV is drawn up in the form of one or several sheets in A4 format. If you are writing about your job or the school you attended, try to provide documents that support your words.

In addition to your resume, just in case, prepare a motivation letter for the employer. In the letter, you should write why you are better suited for this position than others.

How to start working in the USA

You need to find a vacancy from an employer. It is he who will sign an employment contract with you and this will help you obtain a work visa. It's good to get the so-called GreenCard. This will provide the opportunity to freely obtain work and live under all legal conditions in the United States.

But it's not easy to get such a card. Usually the employer only offers a temporary work visa. We list their main types:

H–1B. This is the most popular visa. It is available only to highly qualified foreigners with extensive experience. Main requirements for a visa:

- higher education in the profession, or rather a diploma. It must be recognized abroad. If you don’t have it, then you need at least 13 years of experience in your profession. - you must find and receive a job offer from a company with a salary level no less than the regional average.

H–2B. (visa in some cases up to 3 years). Typically for temporary work up to 1 year per season.
H – 2A for work in rural areas. farm
H – 1B3 – for nurses who have a diploma.

See also: Work in Singapore for Russians vacancies 2021 without knowledge of the language

This is a list of just a few types of visas. But how can a Russian person find a job in the USA?

It is the employer who facilitates obtaining a visa. And only he issues a permit for your work. To find a job for Russians without knowledge of English in the USA, they can directly contact the employer at the company. It is better to contact a large company, since they already have experience in hiring foreigners.

Meet on social media networks with people already working abroad. Find out from them how they were able to go abroad, under what conditions they were hired. Also find out everything about obtaining a visa.

How to get a job?

Once you have entered the country and completed all the necessary paperwork, look for sites that offer vacancies in small cities. It is easiest to get a job in small towns, since competition and housing prices are lower there.

Working at an American diner

In large cities like New York or Los Angeles, it is possible to get a good job for someone from another country, but it is very difficult, and housing prices are constantly rising. It is best to find several job options in two or three towns.

The most popular professions among emigrants are working as a programmer, truck driver, engineer, waiter or cook in small restaurants. You can work on a farm - either help someone with housework, or open your own business.

When you decide on possible places of work, be sure to go to the website of each town that has a job suitable for you. Almost every locality in the States has its own website or Facebook/Twitter page. Look at the population statistics for each town. It is best to have emigrants from your country there, as it will be easier for you to settle in there later.

In addition, on such sites/pages you can post your resume, and the job will find you. Prepare all your documents and go to an interview with the employer. If you are seriously thinking about the prospect of working in the USA, then be sure to work on your knowledge of English, especially on pronunciation.

Features of communication with a potential employer

When talking to the employer, tell them in detail about all your skills, provide your resume, documents and visa. Explain in detail why you should take this position. Take some tests or assignments if necessary.

Also, when talking, be sure to take into account the American mentality:

Try, instead of a categorical “no” to any proposal that doesn’t suit you or that you don’t want to talk about, answer “I’ll think about it, let’s talk about it later,” etc.
Work team of one of the American companies
If you are not a good match for the employer, at the end of the conversation he will most likely say: “We will contact you later.”
If the employer really needs to contact you later, he will then name a specific time and date - we can assume that the position is yours. Here is a successful example: “You are a good fit for us, but we need to discuss some issues. We will definitely contact you today at 18:00, please leave your phone number."

The American mentality is a separate issue. Once you get a job, try to please your boss in the first month so that they get the impression of you as an excellent employee.

Official and illegal employment

To be in America and work legally, you need to have a permit. You can get it in several ways:

win a green card in the annual lottery;
marry a citizen of America;
buy a ready-made business in America for several hundred thousand dollars;
invest several million dollars into the US economy;
find an employer who will pay for a work visa;
ask for political asylum in America.

The last option, applying for political asylum, is the easiest way to obtain legal permission to work in America.

150 days after filing documents for political asylum, you can apply for an official work permit. This permit is usually issued within a month, and it allows you to legally work in America. If you come on a tourist visa and apply for asylum within a week, then after six months you can work legally.

Many visitors work illegally. The minimum wage in America is on average $8 an hour, and illegal workers earn about that much. Girls usually work as nannies or hotel room cleaners, guys find working professions as builders, loaders, etc. Having an official work permit, you can qualify for a higher salary. Knowing English will help you find a good job.

Trucker

Today there is a shortage of personnel in this area of activity. Therefore, any emigrant who at least speaks English, knows how to drive and understands cars can work there.

Working as a truck driver in the states

Also remember that rights obtained in the Russian Federation have no meaning in the USA.

In order to be accepted to work as a truck driver, you need:

retake the exam to get an American license;
undergo training in a special school, which costs $900.

Programmer and engineer

Such professions are very prestigious and well paid in the USA today. Typically, this type of job search occurs on company websites or job boards. Since working as a programmer or engineer is considered prestigious, you should try to get there only if you speak good English and are great with technology or writing programs.

Approximately according to this scheme, you should get a job as an engineer or programmer:

Look for announcements on various company websites, towns, or Facebook/Twitter.
If an employer contacts you, be sure to clearly explain to him why you should work for him. Be persistent, but don't go overboard.
Once the employer has agreed to give you a probationary period of work (about 2-5 days), you must show all your knowledge in this area, otherwise you will be immediately replaced by another employee.

Working as a programmer in the USA is in great demand

Since many Americans, including teenagers and schoolchildren, often like to assemble or program something, you will simply have enormous competition in this field of activity. But if you prove your suitability, then you will have a constant large income in the amount of 2-5 thousand dollars a month.

US wage levels for 2021

According to the American Bureau of Statistics, the minimum wage in Texas for one hour of work is between 7 and 8 dollars. The average monthly income is $3,600, varying by area of employment. Can be compared with the average salary in the United States.

One of the highest paid professions are medical professions, especially surgeons, therapists, psychiatrists, gynecologists and obstetricians, and dentists. They can receive from 150 to 180 thousand dollars per year. Surgeons earn the most - more than 181 thousand. Then anesthesiologists, gynecologists and obstetricians - 174 thousand, then therapists - 156 thousand, psychiatrists - 151 thousand.

Migrants who work as teachers in schools or kindergartens earn from 50 to 150 thousand dollars a year, engineers - from 40 to 150 thousand.

Despite the demand for IT specialists and programmers, their incomes are not the highest and are inferior to earnings in medicine and education. For example, employees of IT companies receive from 50 to 130 thousand, and programmers - 60-130 thousand.

Agriculture

You can work on a farm both legally and illegally. The meaning of the work is simple - you must either help someone run a farm, or start your own farm. However, it is impossible to work legally on a farm without a Green Cart! But if you are the lucky owner of a green card, then you can either start your own farm by taking out a loan, or work on an existing farm.

Farms very rarely publish advertisements online, but it’s worth looking for them. It is quite common for young farms to look for new young workers online.

If you manage to get a job on a farm, you will be provided with:

Free housing and food (quality depends on how rich the farm is);
Low payment in cash (about 300-800 dollars per month). However, if you consider that you will live and eat with them for free, this is a very substantial amount.

If an Internet search does not produce results, then travel around your state (preferably Arizona, Texas, Ohio).

American farmer harvesting

To find out if a farm worker is needed, just pay attention to the presence of a sign before entering the farm with the words Help Wanted or simply Work.

Is it worth going to the USA?

It is no secret that the standard of living in America is significantly higher than in Russia. The same applies to social security and many other important aspects of citizens’ lives. Therefore, moving to the USA attracts many of our compatriots. But do not forget that life in America, in addition to a number of obvious advantages, also has certain disadvantages, which should be known to anyone who is seriously planning to leave for permanent residence in this country.

Is it worth going to the USA if you are no longer young, rich or do not have a sought-after specialty? Since the answer to this question affects a wide variety of areas of life, it is best to break it down into several parts, depending on the age and social status of the immigrant.

Benefits of moving to the USA for young people

Youth is the best time of life. Many young people are ready to refute this statement, but everything is learned by comparison. Is it worth going to the USA if you are 20-25 years old? Of course it's worth it. Moreover, in any financial situation, without money or with money. The advantages of moving to America at a young age are obvious:

Assimilation among Americans is easier. Young people find a common language with each other more easily.
There is still time to go to college or undergo other vocational training that will allow you to get a well-paying job.
It is easier for young people to find a partner (spouse) than for middle-aged people.
It will be easier and easier for young people in the USA to realize themselves than in Russia. This applies not only to finding a job, but also to various hobbies. Working a regular job in Russia and earning 25-35 thousand rubles a month, you will not be able to travel around the world, and you will not be able to buy a small yacht for fishing, as you dream of. Whereas in the USA these are not dreams, but reality for the simplest people.
Hard work in the USA gives much greater material returns than in Russia. The reality is that in 10 years an ordinary working person in America will be able to take out an inexpensive house ($170-220 thousand) with a mortgage at low interest rates (3-4% per annum). In Russia this is impossible. There is no point in talking about cars at all. In the USA, almost anyone who has a permanent job can buy a relatively expensive car for $35-50 thousand within a year or two. True, most locals don’t bother with such things. Here, what is much more important is not a car, but a house and a constant income.

Of course, moving to the United States at a young age has a number of nuances. It all depends on whether you want to assimilate and succeed in America. If, having arrived in New York, you remain an assistant waiter in a Russian restaurant on Brighton Beach, then look only within yourself for the reason for your failure.

Is it worth going to the USA after 40 years?

If the advantages of moving to America are obvious for young people, then the question of whether you should go to the USA when you are no longer young should be guided solely by practical considerations.

If you are single, keep in mind that older people, regardless of country of origin, have a much more difficult time finding a partner. In America, this problem is further complicated by differences in mentality and language barriers. Of course, this applies to a greater extent to men. For women, even after 40 years of age, in some ways it will be easier, since American men are not as interested in their social and material status as they are in their appearance. And the men here are more adequate than in Kemerovo or Tomsk. In the case of Russian male immigrants, they will most likely have to look for a wife in America among local Russian-speaking women.
If you have children, then it’s worth going to America at least for them. As you understand, the opportunities in the USA are much wider than in Russia. This applies to all age groups. If your children can get an American education and go to college, all doors are open to them.
If you were poor and unhappy in your homeland, then in America you can start life from scratch, get a new qualification and work for decent money. Even despite your age.
Since it is time for middle-aged people to think about how they will meet old age, it is worth considering that the level of social protection in the United States is quite high. By remaining in Russia, you risk retiring as a lonely old man, vegetating in your apartment with a minimum of money. Whereas in America you can live in a comfortable retirement center in sunny Florida, swimming in the pool every morning. But provided that before retiring you worked actively for at least 10-15 years, contributing money to a private pension fund.
It is easier to open your own business in the USA. Low interest rates contribute to this. Of course, we are talking only about small businesses. It’s not even worth talking about at what interest rates they give for business loans in Russia.

In America, as elsewhere in the world, money decides everything. However, if we take ordinary people into account, it is much easier to earn money in the USA than in Russia. In addition, the quality of life here is much higher than in Moscow, not to mention the provinces. Keep this in mind when deciding to emigrate.

Is it worth going to the USA without money?

If you have won a green card, but are afraid to go to America due to lack of finances, then this is not such a big problem. As it was already written here in one of the earlier posts, $7,000 is enough to move and settle in the USA for the first time. If you have relatives or friends with whom you can stay for a month or two, then the indicated amount is reduced to $4-5 thousand.

And even if you are as poor as a church mouse, but your arms and legs are in place, you can still get a job here (even for minimum wage). In large cities, where our immigrants mainly go, there are always many vacancies.

A year after your arrival, you will have more or less adapted, which will allow you to find a better-paying job. Buy a normal car, rent a normal apartment, and you won’t feel the need to buy the necessary things. It’s simply pointless to compare with Russia or Ukraine.

Should a rich person from Russia move to the USA?

There are more than 10 million people in America with assets exceeding $1 million. Therefore, if you have achieved success in Russia, then by moving to the USA with a round sum in your bank account, you will be in a more favorable and homogeneous environment. This concerns not only quality of life, but also safety.

Rich people in America tend to live in upscale areas with low crime rates. Moreover: many people prefer to live in gated private complexes with entry restrictions for outsiders. That is, there is no such situation here as in Russia, when the owner of a supermarket and a family of alcoholics can live in the same entrance of an apartment building.

Clear property segregation by place of residence has its advantages. This concerns safety, a homogeneous social environment and the level of secondary education for children. Of course, don’t forget about medicine. If something happens, you won’t have to be treated in a district hospital with stripped walls.

Having money, in some coastal Californian town you can provide for yourself and your family a much more pleasant and comfortable life than in Moscow or St. Petersburg.

Why you shouldn't move to the USA

For the sake of objectivity, in addition to the advantages of moving to America, it is also worth talking about the disadvantages that a newly arrived immigrant can expect upon arrival in the USA.

The quality of life in America is, of course, high, but the cost of such a life here is also very high. If you earn $2000 a month in Russia, you are considered a successful person. In the US, with that level of income you would be poor. Therefore, if you are, for example, a programmer living in Moscow with an income of $4-5 thousand a month, then there is no particular point in going to America for you. In order to maintain a similar standard of living in San Francisco, you will need to earn at least $10-15 thousand per month.
Having a permanent passive income in Russia of several thousand dollars a month: for example, renting out retail space in your store, there is no point in going to America. If in Russia you only managed a business and counted money, then here you will have to work hard.
If you have already achieved some success in the professional field in your homeland, then in America you will start with a clean slate. That is, if you worked as a doctor in your city and were a respected person, then you definitely won’t be a doctor here. Unless you have an extra $100-150 thousand for retraining. If you worked on television, then in America you will not work on TV. The same applies to many other specialties.
When you come to the United States, you find yourself in a completely different social environment. And if you are no longer young, it will be difficult for you to adapt, make friends, find a wife (husband).
Medicine is expensive here. Many immigrants save money by not purchasing health insurance. If you have health problems, then blame yourself. At the same time, by taking out an insurance policy or receiving it from your employer, you receive better medical care than in Russia.