The U.S. is experiencing a deficit of highly-skilled labor, which presents an opportunity for prospective immigrants. A recent report by the New American Economy indicates that businesses are eager to recruit immigrants to address this shortfall.¹ Indeed, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has initiated a campaign to promote more employment-driven immigration as a strategy to mitigate this lack of skilled workers.²

If you're thinking about moving to the United States, it's crucial to understand both the visa procedure and the employment landscape. Let's delve into the specifics and uncover the seven leading job prospects for immigrants.

Employment-Based Visa Categories

To begin your migration process, you should determine the visa category that best fits your qualifications. As there are numerous visa choices available for foreign nationals wishing to work in the U.S., we have detailed the typical varieties here.

EB-1 First Preference Immigration Category

• Reserved for those with “extraordinary ability”
• For example, Nobel Prize winners and multinational CEOs
• Generally has the shortest waiting time

EB-2 Second Preference Immigration Category

• Primarily for career paths that require an advanced degree
• For example, physicians and computer and information research scientists
• Typically has a short waiting period

EB-3 Third Preference Immigration Category

• Meant for career paths that require a Bachelor’s degree
• Since this is a more accessible route, wait times tend to be longer
• However, you may be able to get an H-1B visa while you wait

H-1B Visa Program

• Temporary nonimmigrant worker visa
• Intended for positions that require at least a Bachelor’s degree
• Could be a way to work in the U.S. while waiting to complete the EB process

1. Nursing Jobs

The United States has faced a shortage of nurses since 2012. Various reasons contribute to this scarcity, such as the increasing needs of an aging population and widespread burnout among nurses. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that this will result in approximately 194,500 annual job openings for registered nurses (RNs) over the coming ten years.³

Consequently, numerous hospitals are keen on recruiting nurses from abroad. In fact, according to ABC News, there has been a "300% to 400% increase in the demand for overseas nurses" over the past two years.⁴ In the U.S., there are specific prerequisites for foreign RNs. Nurse.org outlines that candidates must:⁵

• Have a degree from an accredited RN program
• Be licensed as a registered nurse
• Have at least two years of experience as an RN
• Complete a Foreign-Educated Nurses (FEN) refresher course
• Be proficient in English
• Pass the NCLEX-RN Examination

2. Tech Jobs

According to CNBC, "immigrants constituted approximately 25% of the computer industry workforce in 2019." The report also highlights that seven out of the top ten rapidly expanding roles for immigrants are in the technology sector, encompassing positions such as computer systems engineer, IT project manager, and software quality assurance analyst.⁶ Moreover, the technology field also comprises roles that are not technical, such as social media manager and human resources positions.

Individuals relocating to the U.S. for employment in the technology sector usually arrive on a temporary H-1B visa, as stated by OnlineVisas.⁷ It is noted by the source that possessing an H-1B visa may subsequently facilitate the acquisition of either an EB-2 or EB-3 visa.

3. Financial Jobs

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that by 2030, job opportunities in business and financial sectors will expand by eight percent, adding approximately 750,800 new jobs.⁸ It is anticipated that roles such as accountants, auditors, and market research analysts will see particularly strong demand.

Eligibility to be employed in the financial sector as an immigrant varies based on the role. Should the position not necessitate some form of certification, the decision falls to the hiring manager to determine whether your academic achievements and professional history satisfy their criteria.

Nevertheless, achieving the status of a certified public accountant (CPA) necessitates clearing the CPA test and obtaining official licensure. As stated by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), each state sets distinct prerequisites.⁹ Universally, the examination is conducted in English. It is also important to mention that international examinations are available in several countries including England, Germany, Ireland, Scotland, Bahrain, Brazil, Kuwait, Japan, Lebanon, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

4. WFH Jobs

Numerous individuals have altered their work methodologies in recent years. Consequently, a multitude of firms has embraced adaptable work setups permitting staff to operate entirely or partly from remote locations. Technology and finance sectors, in particular, are prone to providing WFH alternatives. According to HubbleHQ, prominent organizations advocating for hybrid or remote-first strategies comprise Salesforce, Slack, Capital One, HSBC, and Twitter.

Individuals with visas may have the option to work remotely; however, be aware that your employer might be required to submit a supplementary LCA. Nonetheless, if your residence is within a reasonable commuting range from the workplace, Stilt indicates that your employer probably doesn't have to proceed with that action.¹⁰

5. Physician Jobs

Similarly to nurses, the U.S. is experiencing a deficit of physicians. The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) projects a potential shortfall of as many as 124,000 doctors by the year 2034.¹¹ While conventional wisdom often points to primary care as the area with the highest demand, according to Fortune, there is equal or possibly greater need for specialists.¹²

Immigrants possess the chance to bridge that void. Currently, immigrants constitute a notable 29% of U.S. physicians, as per the Migration Policy Institute.¹³ The necessities differ based on your desired residency location. However, as workpermit.com states, you are generally required to:¹⁴

• Be a graduate of an accredited medical school
• Have a license to practice medicine
• Pass the appropriate examinations (USMLE, NBME, or FLEX)
• Be proficient in English

Nevertheless, a significant exemption exists for those who have completed their medical studies at a U.S. medical school. Under these circumstances, you merely need to demonstrate your graduation from an accredited medical institution and possess the necessary state license to practice medicine as an immigrant in the nation.

6. Health Tech Jobs

Numerous healthcare systems have adopted telehealth services in recent years. Looking ahead, the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) reports that within the next five years, 80% of health service providers intend to increase their investments in health technology.¹⁵

Forbes highlights major trends in healthcare technology, such as creating wearable devices enabling remote patient monitoring by physicians and the use of virtual reality headsets for training healthcare workers. Unlike certain fields in healthcare, such as nursing, a license is not necessary to work in health tech. Rather, as with other technology roles, educational and experiential qualifications are typically determined by employers.

7. Student Jobs

Employment on a part-time basis offers international students an excellent opportunity to gain valuable work experience and additional income. However, there are certain limitations that must be considered. Should you be holding an F-1 student visa, it is crucial to consult with your designated school official (DSO) to ensure that your part-time employment is in accordance with your visa requirements.

Typically, foreign students are permitted to work on campus, with typical roles often being positions in the university bookstore or in dormitory facilities. Under certain conditions, such as demonstrating financial need, these students might also gain authorization to work off-campus. Furthermore, they are sometimes allowed to engage in optional practical training and internships. Given the complex nature of these regulations, the Department of Homeland Security advises that your Designated School Official (DSO) should assist you in navigating these options.¹⁷

Sites That Can Help Your Job Hunt

Typically, to initiate the process for an employment-based visa application, acquiring a job offer is essential, hence acquainting yourself with numerous employment-centric platforms is beneficial. Below, we have compiled a useful list of job-seeking websites to assist you in beginning:

• Upwardly Global: Non-profit that connects immigrants with U.S. employers
• USAHello: Non-profit with resources to help immigrants during the job hunting process
• Twinist: Minnesota-based non-profit created by an immigrant to help others find jobs
• Immigrant Welcome Center: Indianapolis-based non-profit with resources for immigrants
• Indeed: Job search site with millions of job listings from all over the U.S.
• USA Jobs: Federal government employment site for government jobs

Visa Application Process

Per the U.S. Department of State, annually approximately 140,000 visas are issued for employment purposes. Although known for its complexity, the visa procedure will be simplified here with a basic guide to assist in understanding and managing the system more effectively.¹⁸

Generally, obtaining a job offer is essential to start the process for an employment-based visa application. In brief:

1. The prospective employer secures an approved Labor Condition Application (LCA) and files an immigration petition on your behalf.
2. Once U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services approves the petition, it’s then sent to the National Visa Center (NVC).
3. At this point, NVC assigns a case number to your petition.
4. When your petition’s wait time is over, you’ll submit the necessary documents and pay a fee. You’ll also complete a medical examination and get any required vaccinations.
5. After that, you’ll be interviewed at a U.S. embassy or consulate. If your application is approved, then you’ll be given the documents you need to enter the country to work.

Necessary Documents

As we noted earlier, during the visa application procedure, you will be required to provide specific documents. Documents frequently requested include:¹⁹

• Valid passport
• DS-260 form
• Two 2×2 photographs
• Civil documents (birth certificate, etc.)
• Medical examination forms
• Proof of financial support

The required paperwork can differ based on your unique circumstances. Therefore, ensure you have collected every essential document and piece of paperwork before you submit them to NVC.

The Bottom Line

The U.S. faces a shortage of highly skilled labor to satisfy existing and upcoming job requirements. For example, according to a report by New American Economy, in 2020, there existed over seven computer-related job vacancies for each jobless computer professional in the United States.

Besides technology, industries like healthcare and finance are also in desperate need of skilled employees. To summarize: numerous sectors offer chances for immigrants. Considering this, the year 2022 might be an excellent opportunity to seek employment-based immigration.