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Jobs in the United States

The U.S. has always been known as “the land of opportunity.” This may be a bit of a cliché, but in many ways it is still true. Workers come to find jobs in the U.S. to improve their skills, their education level, and to build a new life. Working abroad in the U.S. is also a wonderful way for students to spend a summer abroad or spend a gap year. There are ample opportunities for part-time or seasonal jobs in the United States, and working in the U.S. gives individuals time to explore the country, while supplementing travel expenses and gaining international work experience.

Washington D.C. You can find many opportunities for jobs in the United States in the nation’s capital. Beyond being the hub for all things politics, Washington D.C. is a wonderful place to live. With access to national monuments, hip restaurants, and some major universities including Georgetown, George Washington University, and American University, you’ll have plenty to do in your free time from while working in Washington D.C..

Seattle, Washington gets high marks for combining economic opportunity with livability, provided you don’t mind the rain. Many people relocate to Seattle for its vibe—hip and artsy. Seattle is also home to Internet retailer Amazon and cutting edge coffee technology, Starbucks, Seattle's Best Coffee, and Tully's were all founded or are based in Seattle. So jobs in Seattle offer many possibilities.

Raleigh, North Carolina . Over the past few years, Raleigh has consistently been ranked as one of the top places to begin a business or pursue a business career. The cost of doing business in the area is low, and the region is growing steadily. The technology, healthcare, and education industries are key employers. The city is part of the North Carolina's Research Triangle, one of the largest and most diverse concentrations of cutting-edge start-ups and research centers, especially in the field of biotechnology. You’ll find bounds of opportunities for jobs in Raleigh.

A little more than 15 percent of the U.S. labor market is filled by foreign-born workers, and most of those jobs fall at either end of the job spectrum—high skilled and technical, and physically demanding. The more fluent you are in English and the higher your education level, the better your chance of working abroad in the U.S. in a higher-paying position.

Healthcare . Healthcare jobs in the U.S. encompass a wide range of required training and projected salaries (which are typically on the higher side). Job titles such as personal care aide, registered nurse, and physician’s assistant are the most popular and are in the highest demand.

Retail Sales. Retail sales work abroad in the USA is one of the most fluid and easily attainable jobs—however, these positions are not particularly high paying. Retail jobs in the U.S. can be a career stepping stone, and shifts are generally flexible enough so the job can be fit around other responsibilities (such as family needs or school).

Computer & Information Technology . This is one of the most rapidly expanding and changing industries in the U.S. and worldwide. IT or computer jobs in the United States range from computer programmers and computer support specialists to web designers and software developers. Most jobs abroad in the USA require at least a two-year technical degree or a bachelor’s degree. Starting salaries (depending on the position) are typically quite high, and jobs provide enough room for advancement and salary increases.

Salaries for working in the United States vary widely by geographic region and by whether the setting is rural or in a major metropolitan area. Education and age matters when it comes to pay scales. Typically, those with a bachelor’s degree will earn nearly three times as much as those with only high school degrees. Each state has a different set minimum wage, and hospitality or restaurant jobs may be lower due to earning tips. Federal minimum wage is tough to live on comfortably no matter what part of the country you live in.

Housing is generally plentiful and affordable for workers who fall in the high skill range, and often housing is subsidized or arranged by employers, particularly if the employer is an academic, research, or high-tech organization. Sharing an apartment with roommates is the best way to cut costs while living comfortably. Seasonal workers typically have more of a challenge as they are generally at the bottom of the pay scale.

Visas to work abroad in the USA vary according to the job and skill level. One of the most issued, most coveted, and the most highly-compensated is the H1B, given to workers with specific in-demand skills, such as computer systems and software engineers, software developers, electronic engineers, researchers, and medical specialists. These are issued for three years, with an option to renew, and an option to convert to permanent resident status. Seasonal agriculture and non-agricultural workers can be issued a one-year visa that can be renewed for three years.

Employers must get certification for the jobs offered, and employees must verify their immigration status. Up-to-date information on visa types, regulations, and the application process is available through the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, or U.S. Embassy offices.

Working abroad, especially working abroad in the United States, can open many doors. You will have opportunities to learn and grow personally, while working in a fast paced world. Some jobs in the U.S. will allow for movement and long-term opportunities, while other may be more temporary. Regardless, the skills you gain and the lessons you learn while working in the U.S. will help you in your future career no matter if you stay in your position in the United States, or if you look to go back home—or elsewhere around the world!

Working abroad in the United States can bring you ample opportunities, but it is not all apple pie and picnics. The work environment, almost at any level, can be challenging. While working in the U.S., you may find that employers do not prioritize a strong work/life balance. Competition for jobs in the United States, especially in high-paying industries or major cities, is stiff. Whether it’s a summer job in the U.S., an internship, career enhancement, or a permanent move you’re looking for, your move will take research and preparation. So research away and let us help you find your perfect position.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Find out all the answers to the most commonly asked questions.

How to get a job abroad in USA?

One of the best ways to find jobs in the USA is to look for program providers who can recommend what would best match your skills and preferences. One alternative is applying directly to companies.

• 7 Best Ways to Work Abroad
• How to Use LinkedIn To Get a Job Abroad

How to apply for work permit in USA?

To be granted a work permit, you must first apply for immigration status that allows you to work in the USA. The next step is to complete Form I-765 and other required supporting documents, pay the filing fee, and submit your application.

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Can international students work in USA?

Yes! Part-time or seasonal jobs are great ways for international students to spend a summer or gap year in the United States and explore the country while gaining international work experience.

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What jobs are in demand in USA?

Some of the most popular job types in the USA include healthcare jobs such as personal caregivers and registered nurses, as well as IT and computer jobs like programmers, support specialists, web designers, and software developers.

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Seasonal Jobs in the USA

Do you dream of living and working in the United States? Find short term and temporary work, summer and winter jobs, farm work, fruit picking, hospitality jobs, J1 and H2B visa jobs. Find out more information, search vacancies and apply today.

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Latest Vacancies

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Global Work & Travel Global Work & Travel – Get Paid To See The USA! Working Holiday, Summer Camp, Au Pair, Teach, Internship, Flights, Tours & 24/7 Support Team.

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Camp America Do you want a summer of fun, travel and adventure, that will also boost your CV? Well then Camp America is for you! Camp America is your opportunity to spend a summer working and living at a camp in the USA! Applications are NOW OPEN for 2023!

InterExchange Work in the U.S.A. with InterExchange. Choose between summer work and travel or working at a summer camp. This might just be the most exciting job you’ll ever have!

• Population 324,000,000 • Capital City Washington • Language: English • Dialing Code +1 • Currency: US dollar $

How to Work in the USA

The USA is an incredible destination to live with so many amazing locations and things to do. There are also lots of career opportunities including full time professional work, temporary and seasonal and also work experience placements.

Thousands of people from all over the world immigrate to the USA every year and this is one of the biggest diverse melting pots of a nation with people from so many different countries, races and cultures.

Here are some things you will love about the United States:

• The US has some of the most iconic cities in the world with world famous locations which you have likely seen in Hollywood blockbusters • Thousands of well recognisable multinational companies are based here • Experience the American way of life • Choice of so many different destinations, from cities, to countryside, to beaches and islands

Jobs for Foreigners in the USA

These are some of the most popular industries allowing foreigners to work in the states:

Seasonal and Temporary Jobs There are lots of temporary short term positions in the United States, these are very popular with international students thousands of which participants on cultural exchange programs like summer work and travel, ski resorts and au pairing.

Internships If you are seeking work experience you can apply to intern in the USA. Lots of companies offer placements to international students and anyone seeking to boost their career.

Professional Jobs The US is home to some of the most well recognisable names on the planet and you can find employment in so many different industries like tech, IT, healthcare, engineering, law, advertising, marketing and science. Some of the biggest global companies in the US which hire thousands of staff include: Apple (technology), Google (technology), JPMorgan Chase (finance), Walmart (retail) and Citigroup (finance).

Summer Jobs in the USA

Are you looking for a flexible full/part time job over summer? There are lots of opportunities available which are very popular with students. Some of the most popular summer jobs in the USA can include working as a camp counselor, at theme parks, festivals and events, cafes, restaurants, hotels, swimming pools, as a retail sales associate, barista, food service worker, gardener, tour guide, sports, teaching and in childcare.

Thousands of international staff find summer jobs in the USA every year. Most positions start in June and end in September and popular places to work include tourist resorts, hotels, theme parks, camps, clubs and ranches. Working at a summer camp in the USA is one of our top recommended temporary jobs. You can spend a really fun summer working as a camp counsellor or instructing sports, arts and crafts and other activities.

Most companies hire people aged 18+, but some jobs are available to 16 and 17 year olds. If you are interested in working in the U.S. from abroad, you can find recruiters offering positions to foreigners on J1 or H2B visas. You can also find internships, work experience placements and voluntary work. A lot of jobs are offered with housing included.

Winter and Ski Jobs in the USA

The U.S. has some of the best ski slopes in the world and there are resorts in most states which recruit staff. Winter positions you can apply for include chalet chefs, chalet hosts, childcare staff, management jobs, resort reps, ski instructors, hospitality jobs, bar staff, drivers & maintenance, administration, sales and marketing. Both American and international staff are hired each season.

Best Places to Seek Employment

Some of the most popular places to move to with both Americans and foreigners are the larger cities and tourism hotspots. There are so many local and international companies which hire staff from around the world in these locations and therefore where most vacancies are offered. Popular places to consider applying include: New York , Hawaii , Florida and California .

Jobs By State

You can also find work throughout the country, in every state: • Alabama • Alaska • Arizona • Arkansas • Colorado • Connecticut • Delaware • Georgia • Idaho • Illinois • Indiana • Iowa • Kansas • Kentucky • Louisiana • Maine • Maryland • Massachusetts • Michigan • Minnesota • Mississippi • Missouri • Montana • Nebraska • Nevada • New Hampshire • New Jersey • New Mexico • North Carolina • North Dakota • Ohio • Oklahoma • Oregon • Pennsylvania • Rhode Island • South Carolina • South Dakota • Tennessee • Texas • Utah • Vermont • Virginia • Washington • West Virginia • Wisconsin • Wyoming .

Visa, Eligibility & Requirements

To work in the USA legally, you will need to have a green card or a valid work visa. With either of these, you can live and work in the USA. It is difficult to obtain a work permit to work in the USA, but thousands of people achieve this every year. For short term and seasonal positions it is best to apply with international agencies who can help with your paperwork. For longer term professional positions you will need a job offer.

Working in the USA FAQ

Find out more information about living and working in the United States.

Working schedule Most Americans work around 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week, from Monday to Friday. This depends on the job and employer though.

Holidays Don’t expect many holidays compared to working in other worldwide destinations like working in Europe for example. The average staff member has only two weeks of annual leave per year. Sometimes it can be less than this or more depending on the company and how long you have worked there. National holidays like the fourth of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day are usually given as holidays but not always.

Income tax You will be subject to the same tax rates as US citizens and you have to declare all your income on a tax return. How much tax you pay depends on how much you earn.

Healthcare The US does not have a national health system and you will need to get insured privately. This can be an expensive added cost but is needed for any medical emergencies. Sometimes your hiring agency or recruiter will pay for this for foreign staff but it depends on the employer.

Customs and traditions Americans tend to be very informal and relaxed around strangers so don’t be surprised if you make a plenty of friends on your trip! You’ll find people are quite willing to offer help or even strike up conversations in queues, restaurants etc.

Driving laws Driving laws can vary from state to state so it’s important to do your research before you travel. For example, some states will require an International Driving Permit. If you’re not used to driving on the right-hand-side of the road then make sure you take your time, drive with caution and plan your route beforehand.

Related Destinations:

• Work in Canada • Work in Mexico

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Federal Government Jobs

Helping job hunters find, apply for, and land government jobs, federal overseas jobs, jobs overseas in government.

Thousands of United States citizens work for the federal government overseas in foreign countries, in United States territories, Alaska, and Hawaii.  The overseas jobs that are most often available are listed below . These federal overseas jobs are available to anyone who meets the requirements.

There are 45,301 federal employees stationed overseas in over 11 countries, 7 states, and in 2 the U.S. Territories. The Defense Department is the largest overseas employer followed by the State Department. Overseas jobs are filled in several ways. In the U.S. territories, Hawaii, and Alaska most positions are filled through competitive civil service announcements.

Clerical (clerk-typist, stenographer) and secretary positions are normally filled locally overseas. Check out our full listing of available federal overseas jobs just below.

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Various federal overseas jobs are filled through Excepted Service and Nonappropriated Fund Instrumentality (NAFI) hiring programs. Nonappropriated Fund positions are paid using money generated within the Department of the Army and other military branches through sales revenues. These overseas jobs are primarily governed by military regulations.

When positions are filled locally overseas, U.S. citizens living abroad, dependents of citizens employed or stationed overseas, or foreign nationals, can be hired. Most countries have agreements with United States installations that require the hiring of local nationals whenever possible to bolster the local economy. All positions held by foreign nationals are in the Excepted Service. Excepted Service positions are not subject to OPM’s competitive hiring requirements.

Most of the upper-and mid-level positions are filled through internal placement. Internal placement allows government employees wanting to work overseas to first apply for the positions in-house. If there are no in-house bidders, agencies then advertise through competitive announcements.

Overseas job applicants should contact individual Agency and OPM web sites for job listings. Contact the following Employment Service Center for NAFI and military civilian Jobs:

List of Overseas Occupations Most Needed

The federal overseas jobs that are most often available are listed below, click on the occupational title for a list of current job vacancies:

• Administrative
• professional
• Accountants
• Foreign service officers
• Management analysts
• Procurement officers
• IT Specialists
• Social workers
• Housing officers
• Alcohol and drug abuse specialists

The Army and Air Force Exchange Service is the largest NAF employer. NAF personnel also work in the Army and Air Force morale, welfare, and recreation activities. Major NAF employers in the Department of the Navy include the Bureau of Naval Personnel, Navy Exchange Service Command, and U.S. Marine Corps. For more information about NAF employment, visit the following DOD NAF Component employment websites:

• Army and Air Force Exchange Services
• Army Civilian Personnel Online
• http://www.navymwr.org/
• http://www.usmc-mccs.org/
• Navy Exchange System
• Navy Civilian Jobs

Also visit the Department of Defense’s civilian employment center at http://www.godefense.com . This site is a wealth of information and includes extensive job listings.

Department of Defense Dependent School System – DODDS

The Department of Defense Education Activity (DODEA), ATTN: Teacher Recruitment, 4040 N. Fairfax Drive, Arlington, VA 22201-1634, phone: (571) 372-0808. Applications are processed online at www.dodea.edu .

Elementary and secondary schools have been operating on U.S. military bases overseas since 1946 for children of military and civilian personnel. The DODDS provides educational opportunities comparable to those offered in the better school systems in the United States. This segment of U.S. public education consists of 160 elementary, middle, and secondary schools. The schools are located in 8 districts located in 12 foreign countries, seven states, Guam, and Puerto Rico with enrollment of 60,000 students and 8,000 educators.

School Locations:

European Region — Belgium, England, The Netherlands, Germany, Bahrain, Italy, Portugal, and Spain Pacific Region — Japan, Guam, and Korea Americas Region — Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Puerto Rico, and Cuba

Salary: Overseas salaries are comparable to the average of the range of rates for similar positions in urban school jurisdictions in the U.S. having a population of 100,000 or more.

• DODDS Salary Tables

The school year consists of 190 duty days, with a minimum of 175 days of classroom instruction. Teachers are currently paid on several different pay bands (bachelor’s degree, bachelor’s degree plus 15 semester hours, master’s degree plus 30 semester hours, and doctor’s degree

Housing and Living Conditions

In some areas, living quarters are provided by the U.S. government. These quarters may be in dormitories, apartments, old hotels, converted office buildings, or new modern facilities. These U.S. government quarters are usually provided without charge.

Visit the Web site for the overseas location where you desire to teach.

DODEA Worldwide Web Sites:

Conditions of Employmen t

Federal overseas workers must meet various requirements: physical, security, qualifications, tour of duty, etc. Announcements list specific restrictions, conditions, and special qualifications.

Individuals wanting to work overseas jobs must meet certain stringent requirements. Thorough physical exams for both the applicant and, in many cases, accompanying dependents require physicals. You must be able to physically adapt to the conditions at various locations that may not have adequate health care facilities. Individuals on medication or who require special care will not be considered for certain positions. Any physical impairment that would create a hazard to others or to yourself, or would reduce performance level, will disqualify the applicant.

Security Clearance Checks

All applicants considered for appointment must pass a comprehensive security clearance, character and suitability check. These investigations take from a few weeks to several months to complete. If you are selected for a position, you will be appointed conditionally, pending the results of the investigation.

Individuals selected for overseas jobs are generally required to sign a transportation agreement. Typically, overseas tours last from twelve to thirty-six months.

A foreign language that would not be a position requirement in the States may be required for certain overseas job positions. The job announcement will specify if a language is required. Several agencies appoint candidates without the required language skill and give them a period of time to develop acceptable language proficiency

There are a limited number of overseas employment positions and competition is keen. However, if you are well qualified in an occupation and available for most locations, your opportunity to be selected is good. The normal rotation of current employees back to the United States creates a large number of recurring vacancies.

Federal overseas job applications are accepted only from U.S. citizens and American Samoans.

Overseas Jobs Pay & Benefits

Overseas employees in foreign areas receive the base pay on the GS pay charts with annual cost-of-living adjustments. Additional allowances such as a post differential are provided where conditions warrant. Military base privileges are authorized in many circumstances and Department of Defense schools are available for dependent children through grade 12. Because the employee’s base pay in foreign areas actually goes down due to no locality payments, overseas employment may not be a good place to work prior to retirement. Without locality pay, your retirement annuity will be less since it is based on the employee’s three-year average salary.

On September 30, 2010, OPM published an Interim Rule making Alaska and Hawaii separate whole State locality pay areas and including the other non-foreign areas in the Rest of U.S. locality pay area. The Non-Foreign Area Retirement Equity Assurance Act of 2009, phases-in locality pay for employees in the non-foreign areas.

Basic benefits are the same for all civil service employees. Overseas employees also receive travel to their overseas duty station, transportation and storage of household goods, and extra vacation with paid transportation to return stateside between tours of duty.

Most agencies permit professional employees to take dependents with them. Professional positions are generally considered to be mid-level positions and above. Other employees can often arrange for dependants to follow them at a later date.

Job Hotlines and Recruitment Site s

• Department of Defense Education Activity (DODEA) – The Department of Defense Education Activity (DODEA), ATTN: Teacher Recruitment, 4040 N. Fairfax Drive, Webb Building, Arlington, VA 22203, phone: (571) 372-0808. Applications are processed online at www.dodea.edu . Select “Human Resource.” On the Human Resources Page select “Employment” to locate job vacancy announcements with links to the online application. A description of the DODDS teacher program is featured later in this chapter.
• USAJOBS.GOV  – This federal job posting service at www.usajobs.gov is operated by the Office of Personnel Management and available 24 hours a day. Search by job title or series.
• Peace Corps Recruiting Contacts ( www.peacecorps.gov ) The Peace Corps has numerous university programs. For specific information contact the Peace Corps, Paul D. Coverdell Peace Corps Headquarters,1111 20th Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20526, phone 1-800-424-8580.
• U.S. Department of State jobs ( www.state.gov ). Direct Inquiries about Foreign Service to: HR/REE/REC, 2401 E Street NW, Suite 518H, Washington, DC 20522, phone: 202-261-8888 . Employment 24-hour hotline: 703-875-7490. Call this number for current Foreign Service Specialist job openings.

Internet Web Sites

• Army Civilian Personnel Online ( www.cpol.army.mil/ ) Very helpful with links to the Atlantic and Pacific employment Web sites. Includes application online forms, job listings, and much more.
• http://cpol.army.mil/ ) This site offers job listings worldwide with comprehensive searches for all occupations. Includes links to job vacancies in the Pacific, Atlantic, Korea, and all Army stateside regions.
• Central Intelligence Agency ( www.cia.gov/ ) Complete information on CIA employment opportunities, with job lists.
• FBI ( www.fbijobs.gov/ ) Visit its site for complete information on job opportunities and vacancy announcements.
• National Security Agency ( http://www.nsa.gov/ ) Visit their employment page for job announcements and for information on the agency and its mission.
• USAJOBS — Sponsored by OPM ( www.USAJOBS.gov ) This site provides a comprehensive listing with full search capability for many federal job vacancies, general employment information, with online applications for some jobs and a résumé builder.

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Work in the USA

With its English speaking population and powerful economy 'the land of the free' is a popular expat destination. However, obtaining a visa to live and work in America is difficult. Don't be discouraged though; there are plenty of reasons why you should consider working in the USA

One of the main draws is being able to experience American culture first hand; another plus is not having to learn a new language. The majority of Americans speak English and in most cases this is the primary business language. However, a large proportion of the population also speaks Spanish, so there will be lots of opportunities to add a second language to your skill set.

In your free time you'll have 50 states to explore. Landscapes vary from cities, beaches and mountain ranges to deserts, forests and canyons. You could hit the tourist trail and visit the Statue of Liberty in New York, the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Mount Rushmore in South Dakota, the White House in Washington DC or Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming.

You'll also have plenty of opportunity to sample popular America food such as sourdough in San Francisco, deep dish pizza in Chicago, gumbo in New Orleans, fish tacos in New Mexico, bagels in New York and pulled pork in North Carolina.

Popular states for those settling in the USA include California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, New Hampshire and New York.

Jobs in the USA

The USA has the biggest and most powerful economy in the world. With a population of 331.9 million the country has an unemployment rate of 3.6%.

Growth industries include healthcare and social assistance, construction, electronics, IT, hospitality, financial services, real estate and retail.

That said, the job market remains competitive and international graduates really need to sell their qualifications and experience to employers.

Popular industries

• consumer goods
• electronics
• food processing
• telecommunications
• motor vehicles.

The country also has one of the biggest and most advanced media sectors in the world. US film, TV and music has a global audience and there are thousands of newspapers, radio stations and news channels.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are prominent in the digital and technology sectors - for example, the world-famous Silicon Valley in California is home to hundreds of innovative start-ups.

Major US companies include:

• Exxon Mobil
• Ford Motor Company
• General Electric
• JPMorgan Chase & Co.
• Procter & Gamble
• Warner Bros. Discovery.

Look for job vacancies at:

• CareerBoard

It's worth noting that you'll be expected to already have the right to work in the USA before being eligible to apply for any of the advertised positions listed on these jobs portals.

Graduates looking for employment should do their homework as employment can be hard to secure due to the complicated and highly restrictive visa process. To enter the country other than for tourism and travel, you'll need the right visa (see below).

Skills shortages

There is a demand for healthcare professionals such as nurses, carers, medical assistants and physiotherapy aids, as well as:

• construction workers
• financial advisers
• web developers
• software developers
• retail workers
• data analysts
• customer services representatives
• office clerks
• marketing specialists.

How to get a job in the USA

Finding a job with an organisation in your home country, which has offices in the USA and opportunities to transfer, may be the easiest way for international workers to gain employment in America.

If this is not a possibility, due to strict visa requirements you'll need to apply for jobs before entering the USA. If you have specialist skills and qualifications, employers may sponsor your visa but this can be hard to secure.

Application procedures are similar to those in the UK. You can apply for jobs by submitting a CV, called a résumé in the USA, and cover letter. Alternatively, some vacancies may require you to fill out an application form. If successful you'll be invited to interview, which could include some form of psychometric testing. Depending on the job and employer there may be multiple rounds of interviews.

Summer jobs

It's possible to find summer work and travel opportunities between June and September each year. During this time you can take up seasonal and paid work in theme parks, hotels, beach clubs and ranches.

Another popular option involves working at an  American summer camp . Every year, thousands of students and recent graduates work in camps across the country. You could spend the summer with other US and international workers, teaching young Americans anything from arts and crafts to sports.

For seasonal and summer camp opportunities see:

• BUNAC - Summer Camp in America
• Camp America
• Camp Exchange USA with IST Plus
• Camp Leaders
• Camp USA by InterExchange
• CoolWorks.com
• Real Gap Experience

There are a number of volunteering opportunities in the USA, as you might expect from such a large country, but you'll need to make sure that you're entering on the right visa.

The business visitor visa, entitled the  B-1 visa , is suitable for those looking to come to the country to carry out unpaid work on behalf of a charity or religious organisation. However, specific conditions must be met, so always check before agreeing to a position.

To find out what projects are currently seeking volunteers, visit  Volunteer.gov , the country's natural and cultural resources volunteer portal.

Teaching jobs

There's a growing need for English as a second language (ESL) and English as a foreign language (EFL) teachers in areas of the USA with high immigrant and refugee communities, particularly in urban areas such as New York, California, Arizona, Texas and Washington. However, it can be difficult for foreign workers to secure teaching positions due to strict employment conditions in the US.

Opportunities to teach English are available in public and private schools and in higher and adult education.

To teach in a public school or government-funded institution (such as public universities) you'll usually need a degree and teaching licence. To teach in private schools you don't always need a teaching licence but a Masters degree will increase your chances of securing a post. To teach in adult education completing a TEFL or TESOL certification will enable you to work in a variety of settings.

Internships

Students, recent graduates and professionals can apply for the  J-1 visa , allowing temporary work in the USA. This includes an internship programme that can last up to 12 months and a trainee programme that can last up to 18 months in some industries.

You can either find your own internship before applying for the J-1 visa, or find a placement through an internship provider. Most providers offer the whole package, including the placement and visa sponsorship.

Organisations providing internships in the USA include:

• Intern Group

The  Fulbright Commission  also offers short-term work opportunities and a trainee programme for international graduates with at least one year's professional work experience.

For those students who've already secured a job placement in the US but are seeking J-1 visa sponsorship, you could consider the  Career Training USA  cultural exchange programme.

The USA is a complex country to enter due to its firm stance on immigration, but a range of programmes and visas are available for certain categories. So you'll need to ensure that you choose the right one - for instance, the J-1 exchange programme, which allows students and professionals to gain work experience and cultural exchange for up to 18 months.

It can help if you have an employer willing to sponsor you, but this is extremely rare - unless you manage to find work with a multinational company and transfer to a US branch to gain entry to the country. The L-1 visa is an option for those within companies willing to transfer you to their US operation for up to five years.

Employers looking to fill certain skilled positions can apply for H category visas. These include the H-1, for professionals and outstanding individuals, through to the H-2B temporary worker programme for seasonal workers, such as ski instructors. However, these are very limited in number and the employer, rather than the individual, must make the application.

UK nationals are part of the  Visa Waiver Program (VWP) , meaning they can travel to the country on an  ESTA  for a limited-time holiday.

Visit the  US Embassy & Consulates in the United Kingdom  to better understand the working visas for immigrants and non-immigrants, but here's an overview:

• Non-immigrant visa  - This is for those looking for a temporary stay in the USA. It covers business, internships, summer work, a holiday or education.
• Immigrant visa  - This is required by anyone who wishes to live and work permanently in the USA. When entering the country these visa holders also have to obtain a Green Card (permanent resident status).

Once you live in the USA, it might be possible to pursue US citizenship. However, the path is a long one, as the  US Citizenship and Immigration Services  website explains that you'd typically need to have been a Green Card holder for at least five years. This is in addition to meeting other requirements.

In addition to providing non-US citizens with access to travel insurance,  InsureMyTrip  also provides comprehensive and up-to-date information on the visa process. So if you're unsure about what travel documents you'll need upon entry to the country, visit the site to discover what's required of you.

Due to the changeable nature of US immigration policy, nationals of predominantly Muslim countries will need to keep a close eye on any rules or restrictions that may affect them entering the USA.

Language requirements

The official language of the United States is English. If this is not your first language then you may need to sit an English language proficiency test. The TOEFL and IELTS tests are the most common.

How to explain your UK qualifications to employers

Employers normally recognise UK qualifications. This is highlighted by the fact some US nationals travel to the UK to study before returning home to work. However, it's worth checking that a UK degree will be accepted before you apply for a job.

You can learn more at ENIC-NARIC .

What it's like to work in the USA

Officially, US workers work a traditional 9am to 5pm day or 40-hour week. However, in reality, employees often go beyond this. It could be that you end up working the occasional 12-hour day, especially if you are employed in the legal or medical professions.

Two weeks of annual leave is standard although some US workers have to settle for as little as nine paid holiday days a year, which is well below the UK average. Paid leave in the USA also includes public holidays such as New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day (4th July), Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. However, not all private business honour public holidays.

Find out more

• Discover what it's like to study in the USA .

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Work Abroad

Are you interested in pursuing a career beyond our national borders? The federal government maintains a substantial presence overseas and the positions available cover the entire spectrum of employment. The government needs the skills of engineers, chemists, economists, scientist, security professionals and more. There are many positions located in the U.S. that focus on international programs and policies. For example, international trade specialists with the Department of Agriculture research international agricultural markets to help negotiate trade agreements.

Foreign service positions located overseas:  The federal government maintains a substantial presence overseas and the positions available cover the entire spectrum of employment. The government needs the skills of engineers, chemists, economists, scientists, security professionals, and more.

Foreign service positions located within the United States: There are many positions located in the U.S. that focus on international programs and policies. For example, international trade specialists with the Department of Agriculture research international agricultural markets to help negotiate trade agreements.