Job opportunities in the U.S. with visa sponsorship

Discover our comprehensive 2023 guide to US job opportunities offering visa sponsorship. Learn more about in-demand industries, key skills to develop, different types of work visas and tips to increase your chances of landing a sponsored job in the US. Set yourself up for success in your international job search.

Read also: Immigration visas for talented people in the USA.

Understanding visa sponsorship jobs in the United States

In 2023, the United States continues to offer many job opportunities for international candidates through visa sponsorship. Several major U.S. companies are ready to help foreign applicants obtain work visas. Visa sponsorship can include adjustment counseling, airline tickets, temporary housing and visa services.

U.S. work visas are generally valid for an initial period of two or three years, and can be renewed if employment continues. To make your job search in the U.S. easier, we've compiled a list of U.S. companies sponsoring visas and jobs available to international candidates.

U.S. companies offering jobs with visa sponsorship

Among the American companies most likely to sponsor visas are Apple, Amazon, AT&T, Chevron, CVS Health, Exxon Mobil, Ford Motor, General Electric, Google, IBM, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Microsoft, Pfizer, Procter & Gamble, Walmart and WarnerMedia. Each of these companies offers employment opportunities in a variety of fields, from information technology and financial services to retail and healthcare.

The number of work visas approved varies from company to company. For example, in 2020, Amazon provided 4,774 visas, while Microsoft issued 1,790 and Google 1,682. To increase your chances of finding a job in the U.S. with a visa sponsorship, it's essential to regularly consult these companies' job offers and apply following the procedures indicated on their websites.

Here is a non-exhaustive list of American companies that are known to sponsor work visas:

1. Apple
2. Amazon
3. AT&T
4. Chevron
5. CVS Health
6. Exxon Mobil
7. Ford Motor
8. General Electric
9. Google
10. IBM
11. JPMorgan Chase & Co.
12. Microsoft
13. Pfizer
14. Procter & Gamble
15. Walmart
16. WarnerMedia

These companies offer employment opportunities in various sectors, such as :

• Information Technology
• Financial Services
• Retail sales
• Health

Here is a table summarizing 2020 data on initial H-1B visa approvals for certain companies:

Company	H-1B approvals (2020)
Accenture	1 126
Apple	747
Cisco	488
Cognizant	1 991
Capgemini	1 399
Deloitte Consulting	567
Ernst & Young US	520
Facebook	1 184
Google	1 682
Intel	520
Infosys	3 512
IBM	1 284
HCL America	1 303
Wipro Limited	700
Walmart	433

The most promising job sectors for international candidates

The information technology (IT) sector offers many job opportunities in the USA for international candidates. Positions in this field often come with benefits such as accommodation, airfare and temporary housing. Companies such as Alphabet (the parent company of Google), Amazon, Microsoft and Apple are among the largest employers in this sector.

In addition to IT, other sectors also offer jobs with visa sponsorship. For example, Walmart, one of the largest retail chains in the USA, frequently offers positions for international candidates. Banks and financial institutions, such as Bank of America and JPMorgan Chase, are also potential employers for visa-sponsored job seekers. Pharmaceutical and healthcare companies, such as Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson, also offer opportunities for international candidates.

In the energy sector, ExxonMobil and Chevron are among the companies that support foreign visa applicants. Media and entertainment companies, such as WarnerMedia, are also constantly on the lookout for international talent. Finally, companies in the social networking and technology sector, such as META (formerly Facebook) and Intel, are also potential employers for those seeking visa-sponsored jobs.

Employment-based work visas in the United States

What is an employment-based visa?

A U.S. employment-based visa is specifically designed for foreign workers who have found employment in the United States. Employers are responsible for sponsoring employees to process their documents and allow them to work and reside in the United States.

Types of work visas for immigrants

1. EB-1 visa for first-priority workers :
   • Professors and researchers with outstanding achievements.
   • Workers who excel in science, the arts, education, business or sport.
   • Executives who have worked for 3 years for a foreign branch of an American company.
2. EB-2 visa for second-priority workers :
   • Professionals with advanced degrees.
   • People who excel in art, science or business.
3. EB-3 visa for third-priority workers :
   • Skilled workers with 2 years' experience or more.
   • Unskilled workers with less than 2 years' experience.
   • Workers with advanced degrees. The EW-3 visa is a sub-group of the EB-3 visa for unskilled workers.
4. EB-4 visa for fourth-priority workers :
   • Employees of religious organizations.
   • Workers in the public or government sector.
   • Employees of international organizations.
5. EB-5 visa for fifth-priority workers: The EB-5 visa is specific to those willing to invest in the U.S. economy. Investments must be between $500,000 $ and $1 million. Investors are required to create jobs and contribute to economic development. The EB-5 visa is divided into four sub-categories: R-5, I-5, C-5 and T-5.

Requirements for employment-based visas

Each visa has specific requirements that must be met to be eligible. For example, the EB-1 visa requires evidence of outstanding achievement in a particular field, while the EB-2 visa requires an advanced degree and relevant work experience. EB-3 and EB-4 visas have specific requirements linked to the job offer and the applicant's qualifications. For the EB-5 visa, requirements include an investment of at least $500,000 $ to $1 million and job creation.

How do I apply for an employment-based visa?

The employment-based visa application process involves several steps:

1. Labor certification: Employers must prove that they cannot find an American worker for the position in question.
2. Filing the petition: The employer files a petition after receiving labor certification. Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, must be filed with USCIS. For EB-5 investors, Form I-526, Immigrant Petition by Alien Entrepreneur, must be filed.
3. NVC processing: If the application is approved, the National Visa Centre (NVC) takes charge of the file and assigns a file number and an invoice ID number.
4. NVC instructions: The NVC sends a set of instructions to the applicant, who must follow them carefully.
5. Submission of forms DS-260 or 261: The applicant must complete and submit forms DS-260 or 261, which are the official visa application forms for immigrants.
6. Medical examination and vaccinations: The NVC will provide a list of required medical examinations and vaccinations, which must be signed by a licensed physician.
7. Gathering supporting documents: The applicant must provide various documents to the NVC, such as passport, job offer, approved labor certification, DS-260/261 form, medical exams and vaccinations, academic degrees and awards, and two photos that comply with requirements.

Maintenance and decision

After completing the process, an interview will be scheduled at the U.S. embassy where the applicant has applied. The interviewer will ask questions about the applicant's background and reasons for applying. The embassy will then decide whether the applicant can work permanently in the United States.

Fees for employment-based work visas

The employer and applicant must pay the following fees:

For the applicant :

• Processing fee for forms DS-260/261 - 230 $
• Medical examination fees
• Fees for supporting documents
• Translation costs (if necessary)

For the employer :

• DOL labor certification fees
• USCIS I-140 filing fee - 700 $
• I-526 filing fee (for EB-5) - 3,675 $

Searching for and applying to visa-sponsored jobs

To find visa-sponsored jobs in the U.S., it's crucial to regularly check job postings on company websites and apply for positions that match your profile and skills. Many companies have a dedicated career page where they publish their vacancies and provide information on the application process.

It's essential to prepare a convincing CV and cover letter tailored to the job you're applying for. Don't forget to emphasize your language skills and international work experience, as this can be an asset for American companies looking to hire foreign candidates.

Preparing for a successful job in the United States

After securing visa-sponsored employment in the United States, it's important to prepare for the transition to living and working there. Before you leave, familiarize yourself with local laws, regulations and customs to avoid misunderstandings and difficulties. Find out about living conditions, transportation, health care and the financial aspects of life in the United States.

Once you're here, it's essential to develop a professional and social network to facilitate your integration. Join professional associations, take part in local events and forge links with your colleagues. Don't hesitate to ask for help and advice from those who have already been through the experience, as this can be a valuable source of information for succeeding in your new job and your new life in the USA.

Overcoming employment challenges with visa sponsorship

Working in the U.S. with a visa sponsorship can present certain challenges, including the language barrier, cultural differences and adapting to a new work environment. To overcome these difficulties, it's important to remain open-minded and flexible. Take the time to learn and adapt to local work practices, and don't hesitate to ask questions if you have any doubts.

It is also essential to stay informed of any changes in regulations concerning work visas in the United States. Immigration laws and policies can change, which can affect your visa status and your employment. By staying informed and communicating with your employer, you can anticipate and respond to any changes that may occur.

Prospects for visa-sponsored jobs in the United States

Visa-sponsored employment opportunities in the US are likely to continue to grow as companies look to attract international talent to fill skills shortages and promote diversity in the workplace. This means that foreign candidates will have more and more opportunities to find employment in the US, but it also means increased competition for these positions.

To maximize your chances of success, it's important to keep abreast of trends and needs in the U.S. job market. Acquiring new skills, specializing in in-demand fields and developing your professional network can all help strengthen your candidate profile and increase your chances of landing a visa-sponsored job in the U.S.

Conclusion

Finding a visa-sponsored job in the USA is an achievable goal for motivated and well-prepared international candidates. By targeting companies and industries that offer visa-sponsored jobs, applying proactively and preparing to overcome the challenges of working and living in the U.S., international candidates can take advantage of the opportunities offered by the U.S. job market and succeed in their careers.