Work in the United States

For foreign nationals interested in working in the USA, there are several different ways to obtain US employment including employment-related green cards (permanent residency), exchange visitor work and study visas, and seasonal and temporary worker visas. Here's information on how to secure US employment.

Foreign nationals who are not American citizens or lawful permanent residents of the US need work visas, as well as a permit to work, officially known as an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), in order to work in the USA. Here's information on visa requirements and applications.

There are several categories of foreign workers permitted to work in the United States including permanent immigrant workers, temporary (non-immigrant) workers, and student and exchange workers.

A green card authorizes an individual to live and work in the United States permanently, and allows them to apply for citizenship after five years of residency, with exceptions made for those who marry U.S. citizens or come to the country as refugees. Here's more information on how to get an employment-based green card.

If an individual is not a citizen or a lawful permanent resident of the United States they will need a permit to work, officially known as an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), to prove eligibility to work in the US. Here's information on how to get a US EAD (work permit).

If you are a non-American citizen interested in working in the USA will need a social security number to be employed in the United States. Here's information on eligiblity for a social security number and how to get a social security card for foreign workers.

Green cards, formally known as “United States Lawful Permanent Residency,” authorizes an individual to live and work in the United States permanently, and allows them to apply for citizenship after give years of residency.

There are several types of work visas available for foreign nationals who want to work in the United States including temporary work visas, seasonal work visas, and exchange worker visas. Here's more information on types of US work visas, including eligibility and requirements, plus information on how to apply for a visa to work in the United...

There are several different visa types for foreign nationals who wish to work in the United States. The type of visa you obtain will depend on your eligibility to work in the USA, the type of work you do, your US employer, and your employment status i.e. temporary or seasonal worker.

When hired for a new job, employees are required to prove that they are legally entitled to work in the United States. An Employment Eligibility Verification form (I-9 Form) must be completed and kept on file by the employer.

US Exchange Visitor (J) non-immigrant visas are for individuals approved to participate in work and study based exchange visitor programs. Here's information on Exchange Vistor visas including how to find a sponsoring organization and how to apply for a J-1 visa.

US Seasonal Agricultural Worker (H2-A) Visas are available for foreign agricultural workers to work in the United States, given that there is a shortage of domestic workers. Here's more information of H2-A visas, including eligibility and requirements.

US Temporary Non-Agriculture (H-2B) Visas are available for foreign workers in non-agriculture fields to work in the United States, given that there is an insufficient number of domestic laborers to fill the position. Here's more information on H-2B visas, including eligibility and requirements.

US H1-B non-immigrant visas are for skilled, educated individuals employed in specialized occupations. The H1-B visa enables foreign workers to temporarily work for a specific employer. Here's more information on H1-B visas.

Foreign labor law restricts the eligibility of non-U.S. citizens to work in the United States.

How to apply for the green card lottery and application information for US immigration.

The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) outlines the rights and conditions for aliens working temporarily or permanently in the United States. Employment eligibility, employment verification, and nondiscrimination are addressed, and apply to all employers.

When seeking to work in the USA it's important to be aware of scams that offer to assist with obtaining a visa. Here are some of the typical US visa and green card lottery scams and how to avoid them when you are seeking employment.