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What It Is Like To Work In The America (Plus How To Get A Job)

Achieving your career goals or working in a profession of your choice sometimes requires you to migrate to other countries. The United States of America offers a wide range of job opportunities. Understanding the steps that you require to work in the USA can make your transition smooth and help you secure a job. In this article, we describe what it is like to work in the country, list the areas most likely to have vacancies, explain the different types of work visas, provide steps and offer tips for finding a job and answer some frequently asked questions.Please note that none of the companies, institutions or organisations mentioned in this article are associated with Indeed.



Key takeaways:
  • The USA offers various work visa options depending on the reason for migration, including H-1B for speciality occupations, H-2B for seasonal and temporary jobs and O-1 for individuals with extraordinary skills in various fields.
  • Recognised English proficiency tests such as the Test of English as a Foreign Language and the International English Language Testing System are required to work in the USA due to the usage of English in the work and educational environments here.
  • When seeking employment in the USA, it is important to start the process early, use targeted job searches and tailored resumes, practice for interviews and secure either a visa or visa sponsorship after the interview stage.

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What It Is Like To Work In The USA?

If you want to learn what it is like to work in the USA, you may want to know more about the schedule, legal requirements and typical work hours outlined by the Department of Labor (DOL). Most US employees work a traditional nine-to-five job or approximately 40 hours per week. As of February 2023, the Fair Labor Standard Act (FLSA) states that employees who work overtime are entitled to receive DOL-regulated compensation.Many individuals seek employment in the USA because there are many benefits available, including a good lifestyle, salary and career growth opportunities. While the government welcomes international employees into their country, getting a work visa can be complex.


Skills Shortage In The USA

According to the Bureau of Labour Statistics, the country is facing a skill shortage in the following areas:
  • Chefs
  • Registered nurses and medical service managers
  • Market research analysts
  • Nursing assistants
  • Software developers and testers
  • Security personnel
  • Marketing specialists
  • Bartenders, servers and managers in the food service industry
  • General managers
  • Financial advisors

Language Requirement

The most commonly spoken language in the USA is English, although regional dialects and accents vary. As educational institutions and businesses primarily use this, passing an English proficiency test is essential. Recognised certifications include the Test of English as a Foreign Language and the International English Language Testing System.

USA Work Visas

As of February 2023, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) offers the following types of non-immigrant US work visas:
  • H-1B: This visa is available to individuals who work in speciality occupations, such as engineering and computer science. Securing a job offer from a US employer is essential to qualify for this visa.
  • H-2B: An H-2B visa is for seasonal and temporary jobs, allowing employers to hire additional staff for busier periods. The maximum time limit for this visa is three years.
  • L-1: This visa is for employees who work for international businesses affiliated with US companies. Personnel who receive a transfer to the US branch within their organisation require this documentation.
  • L-2: The dependents of L-1 visa holders can apply for an L-2 visa for visiting the USA and accompanying the visa holder. If you have an L-2 visa, you are also able to apply for a work permit.
  • O-1: This visa is for individuals with extraordinary skills in art, education, science, business, athletics or excellent achievement in motion picture and production. To qualify for this visa, individuals show they are at the top of their field and nationally and internationally known for their accomplishments.
  • P-1: The P-1 entertainment visa allows athletes, entertainers and artists to enter the USA for a specific event, performance or competition. Renowned individuals in these fields require proof of this to participate in international events.

Obtaining A Visa Whilst Studying

Students and recent graduates can apply for the J-1 visa, which allows them to work temporarily. It is a non-immigrant visa programme for researchers, academicians, scholars and visitors participating in cultural exchanges. Students with this visa typically work a certain number of hours during the academic year and full-time hours during summer and official university breaks.

How To Get A Job In The USA?

Here are some steps to help you secure a job in the USA:

1. Search for jobs online

Begin your job search and application process by searching for available roles. If you have a degree in a specific area, search within that field to ensure you meet the educational requirements. It is beneficial to seek jobs in an industry that you have experience working in, as employers often look for candidates with adequate knowledge and skill in the available role. Consider contacting recruitment agencies who can widen your search and help you apply for relevant positions.

2. Create a resume

After short-listing a few jobs, review the job descriptions carefully for keywords. Next, create a resume describing your skills, experience and educational background. Include those keywords in your document to ensure it appeals to prospective employers. Consider also submitting a cover letter to provide the hiring manager with additional information.

3. Attend the interview

If employers invite you to an interview, consider practising your skills beforehand and conducting mock questions and answers with friends and family. During the meeting, demonstrate why you are a good fit for the job. Showing your accomplishments and conveying the value you bring to the company can help you secure a job.

4. Secure a visa or visa sponsorship

After you complete your interview, the hiring manager may offer you an employment contract. When you have a contract from a US company in your name, your employer can sponsor your visa and file the paperwork on your behalf. Organisations can only sponsor visas if they comply with immigration laws. If your employer cannot sponsor your visa, they file a petition on your behalf with the USCIS. After the USCIS approves this, fill out the DS-160 form, which is the non-immigrant visa application.Next, pay the visa fees and schedule an interview for document submission. Before visiting the US Consulate or Embassy, it is essential to visit the Visa Application Centre to provide your fingerprint scan. Next, schedule an appointment for your visa interview and submit your application and other documents. After you receive a visa, apply for your Social Security Number.


Where To Find Jobs In The USA?

Depending upon your experience, qualifications and skills, you can find jobs throughout the country. While large companies with international divisions may offer more job opportunities, consider contacting small and medium-sized businesses to ask about potential employment vacancies. Some areas where you may find job opportunities are:
  • Banks and financial institutions
  • Technology companies
  • Healthcare facilities
  • Research laboratories
  • Construction businesses
  • Schools or universities

Tips For Working In The USA

Here are some tips to help you when applying for work in the USA:
  • Verify your passport. Before applying for a job, ensure your passport is valid. If you do not have a passport or it is expiring soon, apply online for this document to ensure a seamless transition to a new country.
  • Beware of scams. The DOL does not charge for accessing forms, so beware of recruitment agencies asking for fees for accessing these. Verify the credibility of the agency before using its services.
  • Ensure you have enough time. Start the process well in advance, as it can be lengthy. Submit the correct documents to ensure timely visa processing.

FAQs

Here are some FAQs and their answers:

How do you get teaching jobs in the USA?

Due to the high number of immigrant and non-immigrant employees working in the USA, there is a shortage of individuals who can teach English as a second language and English as a foreign language. Therefore, depending on your skills, you may find opportunities to teach English or other subjects. You require a degree and a teaching licence to teach in government-funded institutions and public schools. You do not require a teaching licence if you work in private schools. Pursuing a master's degree can increase your chances of securing a job.

Do you pay taxes while on a USA work visa?
When international employees hold any of the non-immigrant work visas, they become tax residents providing they are present in the USA on at least:
  • 31 days during the current year
  • 183 days during the past three years, including the current year and two years before that
In the USA, your tax depends on your income. In addition to paying federal income tax, you might pay state and local income tax depending on the state where you live.

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