Work in the USA: How to find it, who to work for, and how much you can earn?
The United States, one of the largest economies in the world, is often referred to as a "melting pot" because it was founded by immigrants and is still a country that welcomes many newcomers. Currently, about 15% of Americans were born outside the country. However, for citizens of Russia, Ukraine and Belarus, moving and finding a job in the US can be complicated and costly, so it is important to prepare thoroughly and consider all aspects before deciding to travel to America. In this article, we will look at how to do this and whether it is worth considering this option at all.
Do we need to go to the United States?
The answer to this question is not as simple as it may seem. On the one hand, the United States, as a developed economy, is always in need of labor. This applies both to highly skilled professionals (doctors, engineers, scientists, teachers) and workers who perform simple physical tasks, such as drivers, salespeople, and production workers.
However, it is worth noting that the former US president, Donald Trump, was actively in favor of limiting migration, even if it could be detrimental to the country. In addition, in 2020, the US was hit hard by the pandemic, which led to mass unemployment and a drop in incomes. The government was forced to make massive relief payments to the population. In April 2020, more than a third of renters could not afford their rent payments due to a sharp increase in the unemployment rate. In February 2020, the unemployment rate was only 3.5%, but by April it had risen to 14.7%, the highest rate since the Great Depression. The unemployment rate gradually declined over the summer but remained high.
In such an environment, President Trump came to the decision to limit the issuance of a number of work visas through the end of 2020. This affected key visa types such as H1B for highly skilled professionals, and H-2B for seasonal workers, among others. Keep in mind, however, that other types of visas are still available and each case requires individualized consideration.
Prior to the recession, U.S. job search sites were flooded with job openings in service and physical labor. For example, in the field of construction every day there were from 40000 to 60000 vacancies. However, it should be noted that the wages for such workers were low, and therefore locals were not always eager to take such jobs.
How to find a job in the US for a foreigner?
The American labor market is one of the most competitive in the world, and the unemployment rate is usually around 4-4.5%. For foreigners wishing to find a job in the US, there are several avenues that can be utilized:
Self-search through online resources:
U.S. Department of LaborиAmerican government portalprovide information on vacancies and retraining courses.
Other popular resources include.SimplyHired,CraigList,CareerBuilder,Adeccousa,Monster, иIndeedwhere you can find a variety of job openings.
Contacting large companies directly:
Sending resumes in English to large local corporations such as Ford Motor, Hewlett-Packard, Chevron, Procter & Gamble, J P Morgan Chase & Co can be an effective way as they often hire foreign professionals.
A study of local newspapers:
Periodicals, including Russian-language newspapers, may contain job advertisements. It is recommended to research newspapers such as “Russky Bazar,” “Kurier,” “Yevreyskiy Mir,” “AiF. America,” as well as local newspapers such asNew YorkTimes,WashingtonPost, иUSAToday.
Reach out to recruiting companies:
There are many recruitment agencies in the United States that can help you find a job for a certain fee. It is important to choose reliable companies with a license to provide services and read the contract before cooperating.
On-site job search:
Monitor advertisements in local stores, restaurants, salons, and hotels. Sometimes you can get information about job openings by asking the receptionist or manager. Local communities can also be helpful in finding jobs and adapting.
Internship:
There are internship programs for foreigners such as Internship, Career Training, Work&Travel, and Alien Physician Program. These programs provide opportunities to gain work experience, improve your English language skills, and understand U.S. culture. It is important to choose a program and company with official registration.
It is worth noting that each method has its advantages and disadvantages, and the choice depends on your goals and qualifications. Remember also the importance of preparing documents and complying with U.S. laws when looking for a job and moving to the country.
For foreign workers seeking employment in the United States, there are certain requirements and nuances that are important to consider:
Knowledge of English:Knowledge of English is extremely important. For highly skilled professions such as doctors, engineers and programmers, English is a must because interviews and documents are written in English. Without knowledge of the language, you are limited in your choice of jobs and are likely to look for low-paid work or work in a Russian-speaking environment.
Diploma Nostrification:Not all employers in the United States recognize foreign degrees. Before looking for a job, it is important to check with your prospective employer about the requirements for your degree. Diploma nostrification is a process of authenticating your education and may require additional documentation. The committee will scrutinize your education, including a list of courses, grades, graduate work, and additional education.
Specific requirements for occupations:
Programmers:To work as a programmer, it is important to have relevant experience and knowledge of programming languages. Successful completion of the interview and demonstration of professional skills are also key points.
Doctors:Physicians from abroad must nostrify their credentials and pass exams to obtain a license to practice in the United States. This process can be long and demanding.
Farm helpers:Only Green Card holders can work legally on farms. Finding such work is usually done locally and you will need to make contact with local farmers.
Drivers:To work as a trucker, you will have to take exams in the United States, as Russian driver's licenses are not valid here. Training and passing the exams may take time and cost money.
The level of requirements can vary depending on the specific position and employer. It is important to thoroughly research the requirements and prepare accordingly before embarking on a job search in the United States.
Types of visas to the USA
To legally work in the United States, foreign workers can obtain different types of visas depending on their status and purpose of stay. Some of the most popular types of work visas are listed below:
H-1B visa:This visa is intended for highly skilled professionals, such as engineers, programmers, doctors, and others. A job offer from a US employer is required to obtain an H-1B visa. The visa is issued for 3 years with the possibility of extension up to 6 years.
H-2B visa:This temporary visa is intended for seasonal workers such as employees of hotels, ski resorts, construction workers and others. The visa is issued for one year, but can be extended up to 3 years. A quota for the number of H-2B visas is set each year.
H-3 visa:The H-3 visa is for professionals who come to the U.S. for educational programs or courses that are not available in their home country.
L-1 visa:This visa is intended for managers and specialists transferred within international companies.
O-1 visa:The O-1 visa is for talented foreign professionals and artists. This visa is granted to those who have shown outstanding ability in their field.
Q-1 visa:The Q-1 visa is for participants in cultural exchange programs and allows you to work in the U.S. as a participant in a cultural program.
Green Card (Permanent Residency):Obtaining a Green Card allows foreign workers to permanently reside and work in the U.S. without restrictions on the scope of employment. A Green Card can be obtained through various categories, such as family ties, employer-sponsor, refugee, etc., and can be used to obtain a Green Card.
The process of obtaining a work visa in the United States can be complicated and demanding.
Here's a general step-by-step plan for obtaining a work visa:
Employer Search:First, you need to find an employer in the United States who is willing to hire you and support you in obtaining a work visa. The employer must provide you with an invitation letter.
Completion of the DS-160 questionnaire:Fill out the online DS-160 form on the official website of the U.S. Consulate. This form contains personal data and information about your trip.
Payment of consular fees:Pay the $190 consular fee, which is an integral part of the visa application process. You can find out about payment options on the consulate's website.
Interview appointment:After paying the fee, you must make an appointment for an interview at the nearest U.S. consulate or embassy. The interview is required for most work visas and is an important step.
Gathering the necessary documents:Prepare the following documents that may be required during the interview:
An invitation letter from the employer.
Form ETA-9035, completed by the employer and approved by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Labor Certification, which certifies that an employer can hire a foreign worker.
A certificate from your employer stating your job title and average salary.
Copies of diplomas and employment records.
License for the specific activity (if applicable).
Documents that prove your level of qualification, such as diplomas and certificates.
Documents confirming the existence of the property.
Personal documents including passports and marriage certificates.
Interview:Have an interview at a U.S. consulate. During the interview, both personal and professional questions may be asked. Be prepared to justify why you are suitable for a job in the United States.
Submitting documents and waiting for a decision:After the interview, your documents will be reviewed. If you are approved for a visa, you will be issued a visa in your passport. If the visa is approved, it will be stamped in your passport.
Preparing to come to the United States:Once you receive your work visa, prepare to come to the U.S. according to your start date.
About illegal labor activity in the United States
Obtaining a work visa is a process that can be quite difficult, but breaking the law and working illegally in the United States can lead to even more serious consequences. The crackdown on illegal immigration has been tightened in recent years due to the large flow of illegal migrants, economic hardship, and increased security measures.
Periodically, the government holds amnesties, after which illegal immigrants can obtain temporary registered status for 6 years, provided they pay a $500 fine. However, one should not rely too heavily on such opportunities.
It is important to remember that even if your visa is overstayed by just one day, you risk deportation. If you have lived in the U.S. illegally for more than six months, you may be barred from entering the country for the next three years, and more than a year for ten years. In addition, employers may face criminal liability in some special cases of lawbreaking.
Specialties in demand
There are a number of professions for which there is always a place in the United States. These include doctors, computer programmers, engineers, construction workers, service and agricultural workers, and laborers. Also in demand are specialists without a college degree, such as auto mechanics, truck drivers and truckers, nurses, managers, nannies, babysitters, caregivers, storekeepers, packers, couriers, as well as production line workers and cleaners.
However, the United States is particularly in need of highly skilled professionals. In exchange for investing time and effort to prove their qualifications (confirming diplomas, collecting the necessary documents, obtaining licenses, passing exams, and so on), these professionals can expect to be rewarded handsomely.
Salaries in the USA
The average salary in the United States varies significantly by state. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average earnings in the country are about $865 per week, $3,800 per month, and $45,600 per year before taxes. However, these figures can differ greatly from state to state. For example, in Mississippi, the average annual income is $68,000, while in Hawaii, it is only $40,000 per year. It should also be noted that women, on average, earn 19.5% less than men.
Minimum wageis set at the federal level and is $7.25 per hour for 2020. However, each U.S. state sets its own minimum rate. For example, in Wyoming and Georgia it is $5.15, while in Washington it is $13.5% and in Columbia it is $14.0, which is the highest rate in the country. Some states also regularly adjust the minimum wage based on the Consumer Price Index.
There are categories of workers who are not guaranteed a minimum wage, such as students, workers with physical and mental disabilities, employees in the service sector, etc.
In the United Statesthere is a generally accepted system of a five-day working week with two days off. Usually the working week is about 40 hours. However, it is worth bearing in mind that income tax rates vary from 10% to 35% and depend on a person's income level and social status.
Labor remunerationin the U.S. also depends strongly on the nature of the job and the worker's qualifications. Unskilled laborers such as janitors, receptionists, waiters, and salespeople earn an average of $20,000 to $34,000 per year. Construction workers, truckers, and electricians can expect to be paid between $20 and $25 per hour.
With specialized qualifications and education, salaries are significantly higher. For example, nurses can earn from $70,000 a year and teachers from $30,000 to $150,000 depending on seniority and position.
Wages in other occupations also vary:
Surgeons and anesthesiologists - about $235,000 a year.
Attorneys - average $130,000 per year.
Engineers - $90,000 to $140,000 depending on specialization.
Programmers - starting at $80,000 and up.
Pharmacists - about $112,000 a year.
Software developers - from $100,000 per year.
CFOs are about $120,000 per year.
Accountants - average $70,000 per year.
Police officers - $40,000 to $70,000 depending on experience and location.
For more information on salaries, in-demand occupations, and official U.S. employment requirements, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics website.
In the United States, the higher your qualifications, education, and experience, the higher your salary. A commitment to self-improvement and English language skills will go a long way toward helping you succeed in employment and earn a good salary. Thus, regardless of your professional field, the opportunities for work and development in the USA can be very extensive. However, it is worth remembering that the decision to work abroad requires careful analysis and preparation.
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