To get a job in USA as a foreigner depends on the job sector or industry, your skills, and your nationality. Whether you’re Indian or from other countries, if you are educated in the USA with just a bachelor’s degree, then you’re less likely to be employed as a foreigner. But if you have an MSc or PhD, then you have a better chance of securing a job as a foreigner in the USA. But a degree in high in-demand courses like biotech, computer science, Engineering, or generally STEM will make you the most employable in the USA.
To be honest with you, getting a job in the US as a foreigner is not easy. You will need to be legally resident or still have a special permit to work in the USA. You must have a social security number; only USA residents can obtain that. It’s impossible to get a job in the US without a social security number. If you dare fake the social security number, then you are positioning yourself to be treated like a common criminal by the relevant law enforcement agency in the US.
How to get a Job in USA as a Foreigner
USA residents are very sure of securing jobs in the United States. The US economy is booming so residents have full assurance of getting a job.
If you want to improve your chances of securing a high-paying job in the USA, then you must seek a degree (MSc or PhD) in fields like computer science or Engineering. If you came to the United States with a student visa, you must look for companies that’ll hire you under the Optional Practical Training provisions of your student visa, or get them to apply for an H-1B visa for you.
Engineers, Computer Scientists, and Data Scientists with MSc and PhD from a well-recognized foreign university having several years of experience, and relevant skills have a better chance of securing fast employment in the USA.
Medical doctors with a degree that is recognized in the U.S. as the equivalent of a U.S. MD degree, if they apply for residency programs, they have the most chances of getting employed in the USA.
Professional baseball players, operatic tenor, supermodel, or possessing some other world-class talent have pretty good chances of securing jobs in the US.
How to get a Job in the USA as a Foreigner Living Outside the US
It’s 100% possible to secure a job in the US while living outside the US. Some US companies are known for hiring international candidates for various roles, especially in high-demand fields like technology, engineering, and healthcare. The process of getting a job in the United States as a foreigner residing outside the US is listed below:
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Identify job openings
You will have to search for job openings on different company websites. Just visit your target company’s website and click on their careers to check if they’re recruiting or whether your skills and qualifications can compete in the available openings. You can also visit job boards, like Indeed or ZipRecruiter to find jobs that align with your skills and experience.
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Obtain the Necessary Work Authorization
Securing your work visa, such as an H-1B, L-1, or E-3 visa is compulsory when applying for a job in the USA as a foreigner. Some companies do sponsor visa applications for applicants they intend to hire.
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Prepare your Application Materials
You need to write a well-detailed resume and cover letter showing your qualifications, experience, and relevant skills that fit the role you are applying for. You’ll have to prepare yourself to discuss your plans to work in the US and how you’ll obtain the necessary work authorization.
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Participate in the interview process
Of course, employers must interview you. So you have to prepare yourself very well. During the interview, be ready to outline your skills, relevant experience, and your enthusiasm for the job you applied for.
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Negotiate the job offer
If you’re lucky to get an offer for a job, then you have to be well prepared to negotiate your salary and compensation. You’ll also negotiate working conditions and other terms as the case may be.
Because of the volume of local and international candidates applying for jobs, the process is now very competitive. But if you have the relevant skills, a strong educational background, and a well-written application, then you have a very good chance of securing a job from outside the USA.
How to get a Job in the USA as a Foreigner from India
I can tell you from experience that getting a job in the USA from India is somewhat difficult. This is because the company you want to work for will have to sponsor your H1B request and if they apply for your visa let’s say by April, and if you get an H1B visa, then the company will have to wait till the upper year October when you can start working for them.
Getting an L1 visa directly requires you to work for a US company for at least 1 year, as you would not be eligible to get it if you join a US MNC now.
You can as well get into a US university, and acquire some degrees. This will help you build a stronger job profile. Many people have used this strategic alternative to secure work visas in the USA and finally get their residency permits.
The route that many have adopted in the past is to move to the US with their spouse as a dependent and apply for H1B next year through consultancies. If your visa gets approved, then by next Oct you will be eligible to work in the USA.
If you haven’t got a job yet, the very first thing you’ll do when you want to secure a job in the USA is to search for an employer based in the US that’s willing to hire someone that’s outside the USA. The employer will be responsible for the international tax and all labor requirements. Working in the USA while residing in another country is very legal and many are currently earning high while doing the job.
The only challenge in working in the USA as a foreigner is finding an employer that’s willing to take up the responsibilities of hiring non-USA residents especially if you’re applying as an individual. USA residents also work remotely so there’s high competition for remote jobs. But you can have a chance when you reduce your salary or wages to entice the employer.
To get remote employers, you’ll have to search for them on freelancing or hiring sites. Look for employers that allow remote work. You must be prepared to face lots of rejection while searching for remote jobs in the USA. You have to persevere and be consistent in your search for remote jobs.
