Employment in the USA

The United States of America is a superpower with the strongest economy in the world, a land of capitalism and a free market. It is not surprising that it is to America that specialists from all over the world leave, because it ranks 4th in terms of salaries and 6th in terms of living standards. But it’s not easy to work in the USA.

Economic situation

America ranks 1st in the world in terms of economic development, the labor market is flexible and mobile. The country's GDP is more than $ 18 million Unemployment rate - 5,2%... Average wages vary by state, but generally - $ 25 per hour... Thanks to high salaries, professionals in their fields can combine business with pleasure.

Qualified specialists from all over the world are in demand in the state, a Russian, a Kazakhstani, a Ukrainian, a Belarusian, a citizen of Uzbekistan and citizens of other CIS states can find a place here. A foreigner here can receive an even higher salary than at home.

Competition in the labor market is not strong. There are many offers from employers, and often companies compete with each other, offering more favorable conditions to a valuable employee.

The advantages of working in the United States include stable and high incomes, as well as a wide range of vacancies. The disadvantages are progressive taxation (direct tax - 27.5%) and the bureaucratic complexity of employment.

The most demanded professions

The economy of the United States is developing rapidly, and the number of necessary specialists is growing.

In 2021, the following professions are relevant:

• doctor (dentist, therapist, surgeon);
• engineer (electrician, builder);
• driver (taxi, public transport);
• Cook;
• guide, tour guide;
• salesman;
• trainer;
• welder;
• foreman;
• IT specialists (programmers, system architects, cybernetics);
• engineers (mechanics, electricians, production engineers);
• financiers (accountants, managers);
• doctors (anesthesiologists, surgeons, psychiatrists, therapists);
• lawyers (advocates);
• real estate agents;
• translators;
• marketers.

They are also the highest paid. But the more workers move away from the central cities, the lower the income. Doctors, marketers and managers, as well as IT specialists (developers, analysts of computer systems and administrators) earn the most in the state.

For students, positions of waiters, bartenders, sellers in fast food, etc. are suitable. Incomes are low ($ 10-15 per hour), but that's enough for everything you need.

Girls without qualifications may suit:

• nanny;
• housekeeper, maid;
• nurse;
• weaver;
• cleaning woman;
• visagiste;
• designer;
• hairdresser, etc.

Similarly, men can get a job at a factory (welder, electrician, etc.) and a construction site, become a gardener or truck driver.

Agriculture is also developed in the state, so you can find a job on a farm (livestock, vegetable).

Salary level by profession

Officially, the minimum wage in the state is $7,25 (varies by region). For IT specialists, the minimum annual salary is $65 000, for doctors - $80 000, and managers can count on at least $40 000.

List of average salaries for common occupations (per month):

• doctor - $16 000;
• engineer - $13 000;
• IT specialist - $11 000;
• lawyer - $10 000;
• manager - $6 000;
• teacher - $4 000;
• service worker - 5000 $.

Low-skilled specialists earn the least.

Examples of the lowest paid jobs in the United States:

• farmers - $2300;
• cashiers, sellers - $1580;
• cooks, waiters - $1500;
• hostess - $1400.

The highest paid is the profession of an orthodontist. They get, on average, $ 17,000 per month.

How to find a job without intermediaries

It is possible to find a vacancy on your own, but you should be careful - there is a risk of stumbling upon scammers, especially if a Russian is looking for. To find an employer in the United States directly, you can search thematic sites or contact an agency.

Popular job search sites

There are relevant sites where advertisements are placed directly by employers. In the CIS, there is a great chance of fraud or mediation, so it is better to look for American domains.

List of the most popular ones:

• www.craigslist.org is a major US internet classifieds site;
• www.careerbuilder.com - ranks third in popularity, over 20 million ads per month;
• ru.indeed.com— allows you to search for options not only on the site itself, but throughout the Internet, supports the Russian version;
• www.careerjet.ru - search system similar to Indeed, selection by keywords is possible.

But even after the unemployed person has found a company in which he wants to work, it is worth talking to the employer directly. The representative may not know some details or conditions.

Specialized resources, agencies

Another option is to find a position on specialized (only for certain professions) resources.

Examples of such resources:

• healthecareers.com - medicine and health care;
• www.hcareers.com - casinos, restaurants and hotels, tourism, clubs and theme parks;
• www.alaskajobfinder.com - Fishing in Alaska and more.

Another option is to contact a special agency. They are found in all major American cities.

Here are some examples (specifying where it is located):

• US Consulting - 170 Pine Avenue North, Oldsmar;
• Manpower - 99 Park Avenue, 6th Floor, New York;
• Astreya Partners Inc - 2099 Gateway Pl suite 140, San Jose.

You can search for similar ones in your place of residence or ask on thematic forums.

Employment types

Many do not know foreign languages, do not want to change citizenship, but large earnings attract people. There are different ways of employment for each category of people.

Work without knowing the language

It is extremely difficult, but possible, to get a job in the United States without knowing English (especially since it is international). The attitude towards visitors is tolerant, so a number of places can be accepted without English. But it should be borne in mind that the salary is appropriate.

Examples (hourly):

• dishwasher ($6–12) - a popular option among immigrants;
• hotel employee (7 $) - duties include cleaning rooms and the hotel, washing, sometimes cooking;
• cleaner ($10–40) - in elite buildings there is a tip and the salary is higher;
• nursing home assistant ($8–15) - you can get a job in a city where there are more Russians and, perhaps, there will be Russian-speaking old people;
• window washer (17 $) - pay more than cleaners;
• Agriculture ($7–15) - you can fish or pick berries (strawberries) with fruits. Relevant for the southern states.

There is also an alternative plan - to get a job with a Russian (Ukrainian, Belarusian, Kazakh, etc.), that is, a Russian-speaking employer. They are more likely to take "their" ones. You can find them on the Internet, just enter the keyword Russian into the search.

You can also work from home doing freelancing, teaching online courses, and more.

Seasonal work

"Seasonality" means that the unemployed must travel to the state for less than a year. At the same time, he will work in positions tied to certain seasons. That is, in ski resorts - in winter, in the tourism sector (travel, hotels, southern resorts) and summer camps - in summer. The only exception is the agricultural sector.

Seasonal workers need H-2B... One is issued for a maximum of 3 years (with the possibility of extension). Departure is carried out in April - June or October - December.

Summer jobs are worth looking at coolworks.com

Temporary job

There are H-type documents for temporary employment. They imply that a person comes to work in the state for a certain period.It is selected depending on the citizenship of the applicant and the type of work.

Temporarily you can get a job in different places (to improve the productivity of management or in agriculture). But you cannot legally temporarily get a job in the United States as a waiter or for another part-time job. This requires special permits and a guarantee of permanent employment.

Other options

Employment is possible on a rotational basis, that is, when the employee lives in the same place where he works. Examples: for nurses, gardeners, maids. This should be checked with the employer.

You can get a job under a contract by issuing H-2B... This applies to low-skilled employees. Suitable for waiters and bartenders, couriers, sellers, truck drivers, etc. When concluding a contract, the right to change employer disappears.

Official employment procedure

Finding a job for an expat in America is not an easy task. You need to set yourself up for a legal stay in the country, study the labor market and competition in your field. It will be easier for specialists with higher education (especially graduates of American or European universities) and professional experience.

There are a number of rules for getting a seat legally.

Priority of actions

The sequence of actions for obtaining a permit is as follows:

1. Contact US Citizenship and Immigration Services to obtain Form I-765 and emigrant status.
2. Fill out the form in English on your own or by contacting a lawyer (it will cost $70–100). Sending the form back to the Service costs 380 $.
3. Collect the main package of documents, translate into English.
4. Submit everything to the United States Residency Services (check the address for a specific permit category), pay the fee, and wait for the application to be approved.
5. Get permission. It is a plastic card indicating personal data and validity period (1 year).

After that, you can proceed to obtaining the rest of the documentation and fly to the country.

Categories not requiring permission

For certain persons, it is issued automatically, that is, without any requirements. This list includes:

• refugees who have been granted asylum, as well as their families;
• political refugees;
• diplomats and their families;
• victims of heavy slavery;
• victims of violence, rape and other crimes;
• citizens of some third world countries (Latin America, Micronesia, Palau, etc.).

List of main documents

A permit is issued on the basis of a special Form I-765.

It must be completed and sent along with the rest of the package, which includes:

• international passport;
• confirmation of the application to the migration service;
• Form I-94;

• social security SNN (if available);
• two color photographs, 5 × 5 cm (no older than a month, with full name and registration number on the back);
• shape G-28 (when contacting a lawyer).

Everything is submitted in the form of copies, possibly originals (check with the embassy).

Registration of a work visa

The final stage of immigration. Kinds:

• H1-B - highly qualified specialists;
• H-2A - seasonal agricultural labor;
• H-2B - low-skilled employees for jobs that lack Americans;
• L-1 - for transfers within the company, that is, the transfer of a person from one country to another to the same position;
• L-2 - for spouses of citizens with L-1, who can also find a job;
• O - issued to scientists, athletes of international level, art and culture workers, celebrities, etc .;
• P - similar to the previous one, but issued for participation in specific events;
• Q - to move on an exchange, you need to provide an invitation from the university.

All must be submitted three months before the start of employment.

Selection criteria for obtaining a work visa

The criteria differ depending on the visa type.

• H1-B - the presence of higher education or professional experience in a specific field, proof of the absence of an American competitor for this place;
• L-1 - similar to the previous one, plus proof that the person has worked in the company for at least a year.

O and P types have their own peculiarities. The candidate must meet at least three criteria:

• the presence of an international or national award;
• academic contribution to science, art, business;
• membership in an association for people with high achievements;
• publications in the media, scientific or other journals about the achievements of the applicant;
• high income;
• professional experience in a high position in a large corporation.

Work visa extension

Usually they are issued for three years, after which it can be extended for the same period (by providing the entire package again). After that, you can apply for a green card, that is, for a permanent residence permit. After that, you can stay to live forever.

Business immigration

There is a visa for business immigration - L1-A. To obtain it, you need to work at a private Russian enterprise for more than one year, while the company must receive stable income. Then you can transfer it to America.

They issue it for one year, after which you will need to provide the main package of documents with proof that the American business is making a profit. And only then can a period of three years be drawn up, etc.

Features of internship in the country

There are three types of internship for a foreigner:

• Internship - student practice (pre- and postgraduate);
• Career Training - for specialists (professional)
• Alien Physician Program - for doctors.

May last 12 months with the possibility of extension to 18. There are paid ($ 750-1500 per month) and unpaid, that is, needed only for training, experience and skills.

Consequences for illegal employment

For illegal stay in the state, a fine is levied, deportation is made. In some cases, criminal liability is incurred, up to and including prison. The more often and for the longer the violations were carried out, the more serious the punishment.

The United States of America is very strong economically and provides a lucrative career path for professionals. Despite progressive taxation, even minimum wages can provide decent and comfortable living.