Working in the USA
Working in the United States offers many opportunities but requires understanding the job market, visa requirements, and American workplace culture.
Warning: This guide provides general information only. Consult an immigration attorney for your specific situation.
1. Work Visas
H-1B - Skilled Workers
- For highly skilled professionals (tech, engineering, sciences, finance)
- 3 years, renewable up to 6 years
- Requires Bachelor's degree minimum + employer sponsor
- Annual quota: 85,000 (lottery in April)
L-1 - Intracompany Transfer
- L-1A: Managers and executives
- L-1B: Specialized knowledge
- Requires 1 year seniority at foreign company
- Advantage: No quota, no lottery
O-1 - Extraordinary Ability
- For exceptional talents (artists, researchers, entrepreneurs)
- Requires proof of national or international recognition
- 3 years, renewable indefinitely
2. Job Market
Technology
- Software engineers, data scientists, product managers
- Hubs: Silicon Valley, Seattle, Austin, New York, Boston
- Salaries: $100,000-$300,000/year
Finance
- Analysts, traders, consultants
- Hubs: New York, Chicago, San Francisco
- Salaries: $80,000-$500,000/year
3. Resume and Application
Resume Format
- No photo
- No age, birth date, marital status
- No social security number
- 1-2 pages maximum
- Focus on quantifiable results
4. Salaries and Benefits
Average Salaries (2026)
- Software Engineer: $80,000-$300,000+
- Data Scientist: $90,000-$350,000+
- Product Manager: $100,000-$400,000+
Benefits
- Health insurance (employer pays 50-80%)
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match
- Paid time off (10-20 days/year)
- Stock options/RSUs (especially in tech)
5. American Work Culture
Key Values
- Pragmatism: Focus on concrete results
- Initiative: Proactivity is valued
- Direct communication: Less hierarchy than Europe
- Optimism: Positive attitude expected
- Networking: Professional relationships essential
Work Hours
- 40 hours officially, often 45-50 hours in practice
- Paid time off: 10-20 days/year (vs 25+ in Europe)
- Federal holidays: ~10 days
- Sick leave: Often limited (5-10 days/year)
6. At-Will Employment
Principle: In most states, employment is "at-will":
- Employer can terminate without cause (except illegal discrimination)
- Employee can leave without notice
- No protection like in Europe
- Notice: Courtesy to give 2 weeks (not mandatory)
Important: Employment laws, visas and conditions change. Always consult qualified professionals.
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