Tips for Finding Employment as a U.S. Immigrant

 Posted on June 09, 2020 in Immigration

People across the globe dream of immigrating to the United States for a better life. In some cases, they may have family members who are already in the country and want to join them. For some, seeking asylum here offers freedom from persecution. In other scenarios, individuals may come to America specifically for employment reasons. Regardless of the reasons, once an immigrant lawfully enters this country, he or she will likely need to find a job to support himself or herself. If someone has a family, it may be even more critical to find work. Building a new life in a different country can be daunting, and trying to find a job may be especially difficult. Below is some practical advice for finding work once you complete the immigration process.

Understanding Your Work Options

If you want to work in the United States legally, you will need to gain official permission by obtaining a work visa. Through the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the federal government offers various visas for different purposes. Some are for a temporary period of time, while others are permanent. Foreign nationals who wish to work in the United States for a short time would obtain non-immigrant visas. These documents are not necessarily intended to provide a path to permanent resident status or U.S. citizenship.

Each year, the U.S. government offers a certain number of employment-based (EB) visas that allow workers to remain and work in the States permanently. The majority of EB visas are allotted for employees who possess specialized skills or whose work is considered valuable to the United States.

Lines of Work

When looking for a job as an immigrant, it is important to research companies that interest you. Once you have secured your visa, make sure to create a professional resume that includes your status and eligibility. Be prepared to explain to employers that you are legally able to work in the United States and for how long. Go to interviews prepared with the necessary documentation to prove your status.

Although you may want to work in a specific field, it may be helpful to learn what type of companies have hired immigrants in the past. According to CareerBuilder, the following industries typically hire the most immigrants:

• Professional/Business services

• Information technology (IT)

• Financial institutions

• Healthcare/Medical field

• Transportation industry

• Manufacturing/Production

• Retail stores

Contact an Itasca Immigration Attorney

Many individuals wish to enter the United States legally and become U.S. citizens. Once they get here, they can face many challenges, including finding a job. The accomplished law firm of Unzueta Law Group, P.C. understands how intimidating the immigration process can be. Our dedicated DuPage County immigration lawyers will guide you every step of the way so you can achieve your dream confidently. Call our office today at 630-509-2363 to schedule your private consultation.

Sources:

https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship/learners/learn-about-naturalization/questions-and-answers-about-us-citizenship

https://www.careerbuilder.com/advice/how-to-find-a-job-in-the-us-as-an-immigrant