Overview
The United States of America, a vast and diverse country located in North America, is known for its iconic natural beauty, vibrant culture and global economic and cultural influence. As the third-largest country in the world by land area, the United States is a federal republic comprising 50 states, a federal district and five major unincorporated territories. Each state has its own unique culture and geography, from the snow-capped peaks of the Rocky Mountains to the sunny beaches of California.
The United States remains a global leader in a wide range of industries, including technology, finance, healthcare, clean energy and manufacturing. The country’s economy is based on a mix of services, industry and agriculture, and it continues to be one of the largest importers and exporters of goods and services. It is also a major exporter of natural resources, such as oil, gas and minerals, while rapidly expanding in renewable energy production.
The United States is a multicultural society with a rich history of immigration. People from all over the world have come to the United States seeking opportunity and a better life. This diversity is reflected in the country’s arts, cuisine and social fabric. The country also offers a wide range of opportunities for education, employment and personal fulfilment.
Reasons to Work in the USA
Working in the USA offers a world of opportunities for international professionals seeking to make their mark in a diverse and dynamic environment. Known for its entrepreneurial spirit and economic strength, the United States provides a fertile ground for career growth across a wide range of sectors. Beyond the immediate job prospects, working in the USA can also offer a pathway to permanent residency through various visa categories. Here are some reasons why foreigners find the United States a desirable place to work and live.
🌈 Diversity and Inclusion
The USA is a melting pot of cultures, ethnicities and ideas, making it one of the most diverse countries in the world. This diversity is often reflected in the workplace, creating an inclusive environment where different perspectives are valued.
💰 Strong Economy
As the world’s largest economy, the United States offers a wide array of job opportunities and financial stability. Industries such as technology, healthcare and finance remain particularly strong, while renewable energy and AI are rapidly expanding sectors.
💡 Innovation and Entrepreneurship
The USA is still a global hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. From Silicon Valley to Austin, countless startups and tech giants offer opportunities for creative minds to thrive.
⛰️ Natural Beauty and Variety
From the beaches of Florida to the mountains of Colorado, the United States offers a diverse range of landscapes, giving residents the opportunity to explore some of the most stunning natural beauty in the world.
🎓 Educational Opportunities
The USA remains home to many of the world’s top universities and research institutions, offering global recognition and advanced learning opportunities.
🏥 Healthcare and Social Benefits
Healthcare remains costly, but employers increasingly offer comprehensive healthcare plans and wellness packages. Social programmes like Social Security and unemployment benefits continue to provide a safety net for residents.
Getting a Job in the USA as a Foreigner
To work in the United States, you’ll require a visa that permits employment. Unlike some categories of work authorisation in other countries, you will usually need a job offer from an American employer to qualify for a work visa. The process remains intricate, as companies willing to sponsor overseas applicants often demand that they exhibit specialised skills or expertise, which are in short supply in the American job market. The pathway to a visa-sponsored job in the United States can be complicated, given the nation’s immigration laws, but you can streamline the process by following Workbeyond’s straightforward steps:
Step 1: Find Suitable Positions on Workbeyond
Job openings listed on Workbeyond support visa sponsorship for foreign nationals without unrestricted employment rights in the United States. You can filter job listings based on keywords, location, industry and job level.
Step 2: Submit Job Applications
After identifying suitable opportunities, you can proceed to apply directly by clicking “Apply Now”. During the application process, you will usually be asked to submit a Resume and possibly a cover letter. Ensure that your Resume and cover letter are both current and customised for the job in question. You can easily customise your Resume using Workbeyond's AI resume customiser.
Step 3: Complete the Application Process
If your skills and experience align with the employer’s criteria, you may be invited for further assessments and interviews. For internship, graduate job or graduate scheme applications, you might also be required to participate in assessment centres, commonly known as assessment days or super days in the United States.
Step 4: Receive a Job Offer
In order to secure a job, you may need to apply for multiple positions. If you are successful in your application, you will be offered a job in the US. Without securing a job offer, you will not be able to obtain a work visa (H1-B).
Step 5: Participate in the H-1B Lottery
The most popular employment visa type in the US is still the H-1B. If you receive a job offer and accept it, your employer will likely need to file an H-1B petition on your behalf. Due to the limited number of H-1B visas available each year, there continues to be a lottery system. Your employer will enter you into this lottery, and if your petition is selected, you can proceed to the next step.
Important update: Effective from 21 September 2025, employers sponsoring foreign workers on the H-1B visa must pay a mandatory $100,000 sponsorship fee. This is expected to make it harder for smaller companies and startups to compete with large corporations, potentially concentrating sponsorship opportunities among bigger employers with more resources.
Very rarely, some employers may be able to help you apply for a green card if you get a job offer. If a job is eligible for a green card, you can find the details in the job description. If you are eligible for a green card, your employer will also inform you of this. You can also find jobs that may be eligible for a green card on Workbeyond.
Step 6: Apply for a Visa and Relocate
If your H-1B petition is selected in the lottery, you will typically undergo further documentation and approvals before your visa is issued. Your employer will assist you during this process. Once all steps are successfully completed, you can receive your H-1B visa and finalise your relocation plans. If you’re already in the U.S. on a different type of visa, consult with immigration experts about the process of changing your status.
Other visa categories like Optional Practical Training (OPT) for students or the L-1 visa for inter-company transfers still exist, which allow for employment without having to go through the H-1B lottery system. However, these options come with their own specific requirements and might not be suitable for all job seekers.
US Employment Market in 2025:
As of mid-2025, the US employment market remains robust. The unemployment rate hovers around 4.1%, close to historic lows, reflecting a healthy labour market despite global economic uncertainty. The participation rate stands at approximately 63.6%. Employment has reached over 159 million, with growth driven by both full-time and part-time positions.
This stability and growth are being driven by several factors:
👉 Post-pandemic resilience: The US economy has adapted strongly, with businesses embracing hybrid and digital-first models that have opened new job categories.
👉 Demographic shifts: The ageing population continues to drive demand in healthcare and social assistance, while the slowing growth of the working-age population keeps the labour market tight.
👉 Artificial Intelligence and Green Tech: Explosive growth in AI-related industries and renewable energy is creating demand for highly skilled workers. AI ethics, regulation and infrastructure roles are particularly in demand.
👉 Wage growth and benefits: With competition for talent still strong, employers continue to offer higher wages, hybrid work arrangements, mental health benefits and training stipends.
The employment market is projected to remain favourable through 2025 and into 2026, making the United States one of the most attractive destinations for international professionals.
Top Industries that Attract Global Talent
The United States’ dynamic economy, diverse cultural landscape and global leadership in innovation make it an attractive destination for talent from around the world. The following sectors are particularly noteworthy for drawing international expertise:
Technology and Software
Demand for AI specialists, cybersecurity experts, and cloud engineers continues to soar. Tech hubs now extend beyond Silicon Valley to Austin, Miami and Denver.
• Healthcare & Biotechnology: The need for medical professionals remains high, and biotech research in areas like genomics and personalised medicine is expanding rapidly.
• Financial Services and Fintech: New York, Chicago and Miami remain global centres, with fintech expanding in digital currencies, blockchain regulation and financial AI tools.
• Aerospace and Defence: With rising global demand for advanced systems, aerospace engineering, cybersecurity and defence technology roles are plentiful.
• Academia and Research: US universities and labs continue to attract global talent, especially in climate science, AI and engineering.
• Entertainment and Media: Streaming, gaming and digital content production remain booming, centred in Los Angeles, New York and Atlanta.
• Construction and Infrastructure: Large-scale investment in green infrastructure and transport modernisation creates steady demand for engineers and planners.
• Automotive and Electric Vehicles: The EV market has expanded sharply, with battery technology and AI-driven vehicle systems leading growth.
Apply for visa-sponsored jobs in top industries in the United States:
Requirements for a US Work Visa
In order to work in the US legally, you will need a work visa. To obtain a work visa, your employer will need to apply for a work permit on your behalf. Individuals planning to relocate to the US for work typically have to apply for an H-1B visa, an L-1 visa or an O-1 visa. The type of visa required depends on various factors, such as the nature of the job, the applicant's qualifications, and the salary range.
H-1B Visa
This visa is for highly skilled workers in speciality occupations. The H-1B visa is subject to an annual numerical cap, which means that only a limited number of visas are available each year.
Requirements:
- You have a bachelor's degree or its equivalent in a speciality occupation.
- You have a job offer from a US employer who is willing to sponsor your visa application. In order to get a job offer, you can apply for jobs on Opentoworld.
- The job offer is for a position that requires a bachelor's degree or its equivalent in a speciality occupation.
O-1 Visa
This visa is for individuals with extraordinary ability in the arts, sciences, education, business or athletics. The O-1 visa is not subject to an annual numerical cap. This visa is not suitable for the majority of job applicants.
Requirements:
- You have extraordinary ability in the arts, sciences, education, business, or athletics.
- You have sustained national or international recognition for your achievements.
To apply for a US work visa, you will need to submit your application to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You can apply online or by mail. Once your application has been processed and approved, you will be issued a visa. You can then enter the US and begin working. After several years, you can obtain a US green card or citizenship.
Please note: Visa requirements may change at any time, so it is important to check with USCIS for the most up-to-date information.
Relevant Links:
Frequently Asked Questions About Working in the US
Other Common Visa Options to Work in the US
How to Write a US Standard CV
