JoshuaThe United States is home to some of the most innovative companies and rewarding career opportunities in the world.
However, as a skilled foreign worker, getting a job in the US and obtaining the necessary visa sponsorship can feel like an uphill battle.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the entire process and provide you with strategies to maximize your chances of landing a highly rewarding job with visa sponsorship in the US.
Know Your Options for Work Visas
The first step is understanding the different types of work visas available to skilled foreign workers and their eligibility requirements. The two main options are:
H-1B Visa
The H-1B visa is intended for occupations that require theoretical and practical application of a body of specialized knowledge along with a bachelor’s degree or higher.
It has an annual cap of 65,000 visas with an additional 20,000 for those with a US master’s degree or higher.
Companies must demonstrate that the position meets one of the visa categories and that the worker’s education/experience qualifies them for the role.
TN Visa
The TN visa allows Canadian and Mexican citizens to work in professions laid out in NAFTA, including several STEM fields.
It has more flexible requirements compared to H-1B but is only available for citizens of Canada and Mexico. Some common professions include engineers, scientists, and architects.
Research Target Companies
Once you understand the visa options, start researching companies known to actively sponsor work visas. Filter by industry, location, and size to identify viable employers. Some top areas/companies to consider include:
- Technology sector giants like Google, Microsoft and Apple that hire a large number of foreigners each year
- Management and technology consulting firms like Deloitte, Accenture and BCG that hire for strategy and tech roles
- Finance and insurance companies in major business hubs like New York, San Francisco and Chicago
- Healthcare and pharma companies developing new drugs, devices and therapies
Evaluate company culture, opportunities for career growth, and check websites/job boards for open roles aligned with your qualifications. Connecting with professionals already working there can also provide valuable insights.
Polish Your Resume and Online Presence
To get noticed by recruiters and hiring managers, make sure your resume and online profiles prominently feature experiences and skills relevant to the target roles and companies.
- Tailor resumes to specific jobs highlighting how you meet listed requirements
- Optimize resume keywords targeting applicant tracking systems
- Build a strong LinkedIn profile highlighting credentials and networking
- Consider a profile on niche job boards for your industry/field
- Consider relevant certifications that signal deeper expertise in your field
- Participate actively in professional communities and discussions online
A polished and optimized online presence will enhance your searchability and demonstrate your suitability for opportunities to recruiters.
Leverage Networks and Referrals
Referrals are extremely powerful for gaining access to hidden job opportunities and getting past applicant tracking systems. Leverage your professional networks to the fullest.
- Reach out to colleagues, alumni networks, and industry contacts
- Ask if they can pass your details to relevant hiring managers or refer you
- Connect on LinkedIn and politely request informational interviews
- Attend conferences and networking events in your industry
- Join professional groups/associations and get involved locally
The personal touch of a referral can give your application the edge over others, increasing chances of getting shortlisted.
Consider Employment Firms and bodyshops
When searching directly doesn’t yield results, work with specialized agencies focused on placing skilled foreign talent.
- Search for “H1B bodyshops”, global staffing, and immigration consulting firms
- Clearly communicate your education/skills and target roles/locations
- Firms pre-screen candidates and directly liaise with employer clients
- Some may sponsor H-1B applications on your behalf if placed
- Costs are typically paid by employers if you receive and accept an offer
Reputable firms can expand your reach, get insider access to projects, and help navigate visa paperwork.
Ace Interviews and Assessment Tests
Once you receive a call or email from dream employers, preparation is key. Impress through:
- Confidence and passion when discussing experiences and qualifications
- Concrete examples highlighting skills relevant to the role and company
- Researching the company, current projects, culture and leadership
- Practicing likely technical and behavioral questions rigorously
- Seeking mock interviews to identify areas for improvement
- Handling any assessments or coding challenges to the best of your ability
Top skills, thoughtful answers and enthusiasm will leave interviewers convinced of your fit for the role and company.
Negotiate Effectively once Selected
Should you receive an offer, negotiate carefully while being respectful of sponsorship needs:
- Express sincere enthusiasm for the company and opportunity
- Highlight your unique value and potential long-term contributions
- Focus on standard factors like compensation, benefits, title rather than relocation
- Be flexible and willing to compromise within reason where needed
- Thank vigorously for the chance while standing firm on priorities
- Accept quickly if terms meet expectations to secure the role
A balanced approach will allow optimizing your package while easing sponsorship responsibilities.
Conclusion
With persistence, expertise and strategic job search techniques, skilled foreign professionals reap opportunities in America’s most dynamic industries and companies.
Networks, tailored applications, assessments preparation and flexible negotiations can all culminate in landing your dream job in the US. Stay determined and your dedication will soon yield success.
Joshua