Are you dreaming of making the US your new home? Knowing the best jobs to get a green card is essential. Getting an employment-based green card is one of the most popular ways to make that dream a reality. It's one of the best routes to being a legal permanent resident.
The US green card is the permanent resident card that lawfully provides foreigners, both skilled and unskilled workers, with permanent resident status. If you want the right resources for a successful immigration process, going with an employment-based route is advisable.
However, you should know that not all jobs are equal when securing a green card in the US, as there are employment-based immigrant processes for skilled and unskilled workers. Let's get into some top jobs to help you land a green card and start your life in the United States.
1. Software Engineer
The tech industry is hands-down one of the best fields for green card sponsorship in the US. Software developers and engineers are highly sought-after workers, especially those with artificial intelligence, software engineering, machine learning, and cybersecurity skills.
Many tech companies in the US are familiar with the green card through the employer sponsorship process. From startups to giants like Google and Microsoft, they are willing to sponsor skilled foreign workers for green cards. Aside from this, the job is always in demand and offers promising salaries, health insurance, and other benefits.
2. Registered Nurse
Healthcare is an essential industry in the US, and there is a constant demand for qualified healthcare workers, especially registered nurses.
With an increasing aging population and a shortage of nursing professionals, hospitals and healthcare facilities are often eager to sponsor nurses for green cards. Not only that, they are also willing to speed up the process.
This might be a good option if you're a registered nurse looking to settle down successfully in the US.Â
If you're willing to work a full-time role in a clinic you're appointed to, or if you meet the eligibility requirement and your employer is offering you a permanent job, you can apply to become a permanent resident.
3. Data Scientist
Data science is a booming career path. As companies increasingly rely on data to drive decision-making and strategy, skilled data scientists are in high demand.
You can apply for positions through the H-1B visa, which allows employers to employ foreign specialists. Applying through this route can help you get a green card sponsorship from your employer.
If data science is your career path, you'll find many job opportunities with attractive salaries, especially in tech hubs like San Francisco, New York, and Seattle.
4. Medical Scientist
Medical scientists are at the forefront of research and development, especially in medicine, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology. The US always needs skilled workers and talented researchers with exceptional abilities to develop new treatments and improve healthcare, which can often lead to green card sponsorship.
The medical scientist professional falls into the EB-3 visa category, which requires an employer's sponsorship. It is also a direct route if you're seeking permanent residency in the US.
Although the EB-3 visa tends to have a more extended waiting period due to the high applicant rate, it has a high potential for permanent residency. Applying for a green card in the US as a medical scientist will give you a clear green card sponsorship path. You'll also have a chance to develop your career internationally.
5. Engineers
Engineering roles are also highly demanded in the US manufacturing, automotive, civil, electrical, and aerospace industries.
The US has a shortage of engineers in various fields, and companies are more than willing to sponsor green cards for skilled professionals who can help drive innovation and maintain infrastructure.
As a foreign engineer applying for a visa, you can apply for the EB-2 visa. The EB-2 visa is meant for professionals with advanced degrees or who can defend that their Bachelor's degree is up to the US standard.
Another advantage of the EB-2 visa for an engineer is that you can apply for the National Interest Waiver (NIW), which waives the tedious procedure of getting a labor certification.
6. College Professors and Researchers
If you're in academia, becoming a college professor or a researcher in the US can be a legal route to getting permanent residence in the US. Universities and research institutions often sponsor green cards for foreign nationals who have outstanding achievements or specialize in fields with a shortage of qualified Americans.
Being an outstanding professor or researcher can offer job stability in the US. Through the EB-1 or EB-2 immigrant visa categories, you can contribute to education and research while working on your path to permanent residency.
7. Financial Analysts
The US financial sector always needs talented professionals who can analyze data, provide market insights, and guide investment decisions. Financial analysts with advanced skills or extraordinary ability often qualify for employment-based visas and, eventually, green card sponsorship.
Suppose you have an educational background in finance and you're looking for a job that offers a competitive salary and can provide you with permanent residency. In that case, you should apply for a financial analyst role in the US.
8. Physical or Occupational Therapists
Here's another healthcare profession that can earn you a green card. Occupational therapists are vital in helping individuals recover and adapt after injuries or illnesses.
With a strong focus on rehabilitation in the US, there's a growing need for occupational therapists in the labor market, particularly in hospitals, clinics, and specialized rehabilitation centers.
Non-citizens can also apply via the EB-2 and EB-3 immigrant visa. All you need is to meet the minimum education requirements, a degree at minimum, pass your English proficiency test, and get a labor certification.
You will also need the healthcare worker certificate issued by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). It's important to know that having years of work experience will boost your application.
9. Project Managers
Project managers oversee complex tech projects, coordinating teams and resources to deliver successful outcomes. With tech being such a major industry in the US, the project management role is one of the best jobs to get a green card.
There's a high demand for project managers across tech and non-tech industries. Thus, this field is a solid prospect for green card sponsorship.
If you get a product management job offer and have an advanced project management degree, you can apply for the EB-2 visa. However, if you are on transfer from an affiliate company and have worked for at least a year within the past three years, you can apply for the EB-1C immigrant visa.
10. Sales and Marketing Managers
Most business organizations aim to reach larger audiences and expand their markets to increase sales. This makes sales and marketing careers an excellent path to legally acquire a green card.
These roles are typical in tech, retail, and finance. Due to high demand, companies often sponsor green cards for professionals with proven marketing strategies and leadership.
11. Human Resource (HR) Specialist
You can't go wrong with human resource management regarding careers that offer a clear pathway to permanent residency in the United States. HR specialists are essential for any organization looking to manage its workforce effectively.
Skilled HR professionals who are experts in employee relations, talent acquisition, and organizational development are in high demand. This is particularly common in larger and multinational corporations that must navigate complex labor laws and cultural differences.
This job role is vital in growing companies and it offers good salary and opportunities for green card sponsorship through EB-2 or EB-3 immigrant categories.
12. Accountant/Auditor
Finance auditing is a must for businesses of all sizes, so skilled accountants and auditors are highly valued in the U.S. Firms are often willing to sponsor green cards through employer sponsorships for skilled accountants, making accounting one of the best jobs for getting a green card.
Accountants with experience in international tax laws, forensic accounting, or auditing standards have leverage in finance-based cities like New York or Chicago.
According to the US Bureau of Statistics, accountants earn an average salary of over $70,000 annually, making it a lucrative profession in the United States.
As a foreign-trained accountant in the finance career field, you need a credential evaluation and must also take the certified public accountant (CPA) exams. An H-1B immigrant visa is required for most accounting jobs, and you might need your US employer's sponsorship.
13. Housekeeping Professionals
Housekeeping services are in high demand in different sectors in the US, such as hotels, private estates, and healthcare facilities. The job role includes maintaining cleanliness, organization, and comfort.
Professionals like housekeeping supervisors and hospital housekeeping managers require high responsibility and good management skills. You can apply under the EB-3 immigration category if you're a skilled housekeeper. It's also suitable for immigrants without college degrees to try their best to become green card holders.
To apply for a permanent residency as a private worker in the United States, you must have worked for at least one year at your job with your employer's sponsorship.
Final Thoughts
The US is a land of opportunity and a home to many foreigners. Finding the right job can be your ticket to being a green card holder and building a life here. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, healthcare professional, engineer, sales specialist, or housekeeper, a job can likely help you achieve your American dream!
