WORKING IN THE UNITED STATES, THE RIGHT WAY
Work in the United States legally: visas, jobs and how to start
Real jobs, the visas that allow you to work, and a step-by-step guide. No false promises and never a fee for candidates.
Which pathway fits you?
Anyone who is not a U.S. citizen needs a visa that allows work. In most cases, a U.S. employer files for the visa on your behalf.
Temporary farm work
Harvesting, planting, nurseries and seasonal livestock work. There is no annual visa cap, and employers must provide free housing to workers who cannot return home the same day.
Temporary non-farm work
Hotels and resorts, restaurants, housekeeping, landscaping, construction, amusement parks. There is an annual cap of 66,000 visas, with extra visas released in some years.
Specialty occupations
Engineering, technology, healthcare, finance and other roles that require a degree. There is an annual cap and a lottery.
Professionals from Mexico and Canada
Professions on the U.S.–Mexico–Canada agreement list (engineers, accountants, registered nurses, systems analysts and others). Up to 3 years at a time, renewable.
Exchange programs
Internships, trainee programs, au pair and teaching, always through an organization approved by the U.S. Department of State.
Employment-based green card
A permanent job with a Department of Labor certification (PERM). The wait can take years, depending on the category and country of birth.
Step by step
- 1 Choose your pathway See above which visa matches your education and the type of work you want.
- 2 Get your resume in English Sign up for free on Look Jobs: in your candidate area you can create an English version of your resume with one click.
- 3 Find an employer that hires foreign workers Browse the official H-2A/H-2B jobs and our partners’ listings. To apply, use the contact in the job post.
- 4 The employer files, you go to the interview The employer files with the U.S. government, and you attend the interview at the U.S. consulate in your country.
⚠️ Watch out for scams
- In the H-2A and H-2B programs, employers and recruiters are prohibited by law from charging workers recruitment fees.
- A tourist visa does not allow you to work, not even for a short time.
- No one can guarantee a visa: the U.S. consulate decides.
- Be wary of anyone asking for a deposit or a “registration fee”. On Look Jobs you can report any suspicious job with one click.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to speak English?
It depends on the job. Many H-2A and H-2B jobs require little or no English, and the job post says so. For H-1B and TN, you usually need good English.
Who can take part in H-2A and H-2B?
Until 2024, only citizens of countries on a yearly list could take part. Since January 2025 that list no longer exists: as a rule, workers from any country can be hired, unless the U.S. government sets restrictions. Always confirm on the official websites.
How much does it cost?
Look Jobs is free for candidates. Visas have U.S. government fees; in the H-2A and H-2B programs, employers generally reimburse travel and visa costs, according to each program’s rules.
How long does temporary work last?
An H-2A or H-2B visa covers the contract period, usually a few months and up to 1 year, and can be extended within the legal limits.
Can Look Jobs get me a visa?
No. No website can guarantee a visa. Look Jobs shows real jobs and helps you prepare your resume and reach employers; the visa is filed by the employer and decided by the U.S. government.
Complete guides
Sign up, create your resume in English and get new job alerts.
This text is for information only and does not replace advice from an immigration attorney. Rules, deadlines and fees change: always confirm on the official websites. Updated October 2026.
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