Tips and Tactics for Getting Hired in the USA
Dreaming of a career in the United States? Securing a job and obtaining a work visa can be a complex journey, but with the right approach, it's achievable. Here's your comprehensive guide to navigating the process, from finding a sponsor to landing your dream job in the USA.
How to Get a Work Visa
To work in the U.S., you'll need a work visa, and getting one requires a bit of strategy. Here's the basic outline:
Find a Sponsor: A U.S.-based company must agree to sponsor you for a work visa. This means they need to officially support your visa application.
Exceptions to the Rule: Not everyone needs a sponsor. If you're:
-A U.S. citizen or have a green card.
-Holding an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
-A winner of the Diversity Visa Lottery, which grants you a green card.
-Sponsored by a close family member who's a U.S. citizen or green card holder.
-Dependent on a spouse's visa (like H1B, E1, E2, J1, L1, or A2) and eligible for work authorization.
-A journalist or an employee of an independent production company sent by your employer to the U.S.
-Transferring to the U.S. in a managerial or expert role from your current employer.
-A person with extraordinary abilities in arts, sports, or motion pictures, seeking to work as an independent contractor.
-Starting your own business or investing significantly in a U.S. enterprise.
If any of these exceptions apply to you, you may not need visa sponsorship.
Still need sponsorship? If you don't fit into these exceptions, you'll need a U.S. employer to sponsor you. Here's where our career guide can help you navigate the process.
Why Is It So Tough to Get Visa Sponsorship?
Getting a visa sponsorship can be tricky. Here's why:
Common Hurdles
-Confusion About Sponsorship: Employers might say, “Come back when you have a work authorization,” not realizing they're the ones who need to sponsor you.
-No Sponsorship Offered: Some companies know you need sponsorship but simply don't offer it.
-Lack of Response: Sometimes, you might not hear back from employers, leaving you guessing if it's due to visa requirements, lack of experience, or issues with your resume.
Key Challenges
-Limited Sponsorship: Only about 10% of U.S. companies offer visa sponsorship, and this doesn't cover all job roles.
-Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS): Around 75% of applications are filtered out by ATS before reaching a human. Since 90% of sponsor companies use ATS, it's crucial to ensure your resume stands out.
-Applying Everywhere Isn't Effective: Applying for every job you see is inefficient. Focus on finding the right opportunities that fit your profile.
Steps to Secure a Job and Work Visa
Identify Sponsoring Companies
-Find Companies That Sponsor Visas: Start by targeting companies known for visa sponsorship. This helps avoid those that don't offer it and increases your chances of getting a sponsor.
-DIY Approach: Research companies that have sponsored visas in the past. You can use data from the U.S. Department of Labor to find companies that hire and sponsor individuals with your background. Look for companies that have a good track record of sponsorship and have hired similar roles in the last three years.
-Quick & Efficient Method: We've simplified this process for you. Our listings include companies that are currently open to visa sponsorship. This saves you time and effort. Check our website for visa-sponsored jobs and find opportunities that fit your profile.
Position Targeting
-Match Your Profession: Determine if your current job title or the job you want is available in the U.S. Use resources like USponsorMe to see what U.S. job titles align with your skills and experience.
-Check Job Descriptions: Ensure the job matches your qualifications and skills. Pay attention to the requirements listed and make sure they align with what you can offer.
-Use Filters: Apply filters to narrow down jobs that fit your experience level and industry. If you're an entry-level candidate, filter for “entry-level” positions. If you have significant experience, look for “senior-level” roles.
What to Verify
-Certification and Licensing: Some occupations require U.S. certification or licensing. Verify if your profession needs this and find out how to obtain it if necessary.
-Skill Match: Check if your skills align with job requirements. If you lack certain skills, target positions that match your strengths. Use advanced filters on job search platforms to refine your search.
-Visa Eligibility: Make sure the jobs you're considering offer the visa you qualify for. Each job listing should specify the type of visa sponsorship offered. Filter jobs by the visa types you're eligible for.
-Expectations: Ensure the job meets your preferences, such as salary, location, and work type. If a job doesn't fit your criteria, it's better to look for others that do.
No Jobs Found?
-Try Different Keywords: : Adjust your job titles or keywords if you're not finding relevant positions.
-Check Job Existence: If you can't find a job title on major job boards, it might not exist in the U.S. or may not be open to visa sponsorship.
-Alternative Positions: Explore closely related roles that don't require U.S. certification or licensing. Find jobs that closely match your skills and experience.
Conclusion
Finding a job and securing a work visa in the U.S. can be challenging, but with the right strategy, it’s entirely possible. Focus on identifying companies that are open to visa sponsorship and tailor your job search to fit your profile and visa needs. Set up job alerts to stay informed about new opportunities, and use advanced filters to find positions that match your skills and preferences.
If you need additional support, consider our Eligibility Check Verification service for personalized assistance. We can help you navigate the complexities of finding a suitable job and obtaining a work visa, making your transition to the U.S. as smooth as possible. Good luck with your job search, and we hope to see you thriving in your new career in the USA!