Working in the USA
Working in the United States as a foreigner comes down to one question before any other: do you have the legal right to work? Unlike a tourist stay, a US job almost always requires a work-authorized visa or a green card, and most of those depend on an employer willing to sponsor you. This guide covers the main visas, how hiring works, what pay and benefits look like, and the labor rules that surprise newcomers most.
This page provides general information only and is not legal, tax, or employment advice. Immigration rules changed often in 2025 and 2026, and several are being litigated. Figures were checked in October 2026. Confirm your situation with an immigration attorney and with official sources such as USCIS.
Work Visas at a Glance
You generally cannot enter on an ESTA or a B visa and then look for paid work: neither allows employment. The full list of categories is in our guide to US visas. The ones that matter most for workers:
| Visa | For whom | Key points |
|---|---|---|
| H-1B | Specialty occupations requiring a bachelor's degree or higher | Employer petition; annual cap of 85,000; up to 6 years in most cases |
| L-1 | Employees transferred within a multinational group | 1 year with the foreign entity in the past 3; no cap; L-1A up to 7 years, L-1B up to 5 |
| O-1 | People with extraordinary ability (science, arts, business, sports) | Documented national or international recognition; up to 3 years, then 1-year extensions |
| E-2 | Investors and key staff from treaty countries | Substantial investment in a real US business; no fixed legal minimum |
| TN | Canadian and Mexican citizens in listed professions | Created under NAFTA, continued by USMCA; no cap |
| J-1 | Exchange participants, trainees, researchers | Run through approved sponsors; may carry a 2-year home-residence requirement |
The H-1B in 2026
The H-1B is the best-known work visa and the one that has changed most. The annual cap is 65,000 visas plus 20,000 for holders of a US master's degree or higher. Employers register candidates each March, and if registrations exceed the cap, USCIS runs a selection. Since the FY2027 season, that selection is weighted by wage level: higher-paid positions get more chances than entry-level ones, so it is no longer a pure lottery.
A presidential proclamation of September 2025 also imposed a $100,000 payment on certain new H-1B petitions. Federal courts vacated or blocked it in June and September 2026, and it was not being collected as of late October 2026, even though a new proclamation extended it through September 2027. Appeals are pending, so check the current status with counsel before filing.
The Green Card Route
Some people work on a green card instead, through family, employment-based categories, or other routes. A green card allows work for any employer with no sponsorship. Employment-based cases often take years, especially for applicants born in heavily backlogged countries.
Finding a Job From Abroad
Sponsorship is expensive and slow for employers, so many will not consider candidates who need it. Filter early: search for roles at companies with a record of sponsoring visas, and be upfront about your status. An internal transfer from a multinational is often the most realistic path, because the L-1 avoids the H-1B cap.
- Job boards: LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, Wellfound (startups), Dice (tech).
- Networking: referrals carry real weight in US hiring. Alumni groups, professional associations, and informational interviews all count.
- Public visa data: the Department of Labor publishes H-1B disclosure data showing which employers file and at what wages.
Resume and Interviews
- Length: one page early in your career, two at most. A long "CV" is mainly for academia.
- Leave out: photo, age, date of birth, marital status, and Social Security number. Anti-discrimination rules make US employers wary of seeing these.
- Emphasize: measurable results, in reverse chronological order.
- Process: typically a recruiter screen, a skills or technical round, behavioral interviews using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result), then a final round and an offer.
- Negotiate: a polite counteroffer is normal and rarely costs you the job. Levels.fyi and Glassdoor help set expectations.
Pay and Benefits
US gross salaries are often higher than in Europe, but much of what a European employee gets through social contributions is paid separately here. Compare the whole package, not just the headline number. The ranges below are rough orders of magnitude in major markets and vary widely by city, company, and experience.
| Role | Early career | Mid-level | Senior |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software engineer | $80k-120k | $120k-180k | $180k-300k+ |
| Data scientist | $90k-130k | $130k-200k | $200k-350k+ |
| Product manager | $100k-140k | $140k-200k | $200k-400k+ |
| Accountant | $50k-70k | $70k-100k | $100k-150k |
Pay in tech and finance can include large bonuses and stock. To judge what a salary buys in a given city, see our cost of living guide.
Common Benefits
- Health insurance: the most valuable benefit. Employers usually pay most of the premium, but you still pay a share plus deductibles. See how US healthcare works.
- 401(k): a retirement plan, often with an employer match. See our retirement guide.
- Paid time off: commonly 10 to 20 days a year.
- Other: dental and vision cover, life and disability insurance, stock options or RSUs.
Payroll Deductions
Your employer withholds federal income tax (10% to 37% marginal rates), state income tax where it applies, and FICA: 6.2% for Social Security on wages up to $184,500 in 2026 ($192,300 in 2027), plus 1.45% for Medicare with no cap. You need a Social Security number for this, and you still file a return each spring. Our guide to US taxes explains the system.
US Labor Rules That Surprise Newcomers
- At-will employment: in every state except Montana, which requires good cause after a probation period, either side can generally end the job at any time without a reason. Illegal reasons, such as discrimination or retaliation, are still prohibited, and contracts can add protection.
- Notice: two weeks is a courtesy, not a legal requirement.
- No federal paid vacation: federal law requires no paid vacation, sick days, or holidays. Some states and cities require paid sick leave.
- Parental leave: the federal Family and Medical Leave Act gives eligible employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave, and covers only employers with 50 or more staff nearby. Paid leave depends on your state and employer.
- Federal holidays: there are 11, but private employers are not required to give them off with pay.
- Minimum wage: $7.25 an hour federally, and much higher in many states and cities.
- Overtime: non-exempt workers get time and a half beyond 40 hours a week. Many salaried professionals are exempt.
Losing a job has immigration consequences as well as financial ones. H-1B, L-1, and O-1 workers generally have a grace period of up to 60 days to find a new sponsor, change status, or leave.
Workplace Culture
US offices tend to be informal on the surface: first names, casual clothes in many sectors, and little visible hierarchy. Expectations can still be demanding. Initiative, visible results, and upbeat communication are valued, and direct criticism is often softened. Standard hours are 40 a week, though professionals in many fields work more. For a broader view, see American values.
Frequently asked questions
Can I work in the US on an ESTA or a tourist visa?
No. ESTA and B visas do not allow paid work for a US employer. Working on them can lead to removal and future bars. You need a work-authorized status before you start.
How do I get a US employer to sponsor me?
There is no application for sponsorship itself: you first win a job offer from a company willing to file a petition. Multinationals, large tech and finance firms, universities, and hospitals sponsor most often. Transfers within your current employer are often the easiest route.
Is the H-1B still a lottery?
Selection still applies when registrations exceed the cap, but since the FY2027 season it is weighted by wage level, which favors higher-paid positions.
How much paid vacation will I get?
Federal law guarantees none. Full-time professionals commonly receive 10 to 20 days a year, depending on employer and seniority. It is a normal item to negotiate in an offer.
Can I be fired without a reason?
Generally yes, under at-will employment, except in Montana or where a contract or union agreement says otherwise. Firing someone for an illegal reason such as race, religion, or retaliation is not allowed.
Employment law, visa rules, and fees change. This page is general information, not legal advice; check USCIS, the Department of Labor, or a qualified attorney before acting.
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