How to Find Jobs for Immigrants in the U.S.
Jobs do not come easily during economic hard times, especially for immigrants. Aside from competing with U.S. citizens who are already struggling to find their means of livelihood, immigrants have to provide additional documentation and fulfill strict requirements to qualify to work. It is not impossible to find a job even if you are an immigrant; however, before you start looking for a job, make sure that you have all the information and requirements that you need.
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Things You'll Need
- Alien Registration Receipt Card (Form I-551
- Form I-9
- Form I-776
- Work permit
- Social Security card or Tax I.D.
- Driver's license or State I.D.
Instructions
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Prepare documents needed to find a job in the United States, such as documents that establish both identity and employment authorization. Obtain a Permanent Resident Card or Alien Registration Receipt Card (Form I-551) from the USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) from the Department of Homeland Security. If you have not received your Form I-551, you can use your passport that contains a temporary I-551 stamp or I-551 printed notation on a machine-readable immigrant visa. Obtain an Employment Authorization Document from the USCIS that contains a photograph (Form I-766). Obtain a Social Security card from the Social Security Services (SSS). You need this to file your income tax. Apply for a driver's license or a State I.D. for additional proof of identity in case needed by a prospective employer.
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Learn to speak English. Although there may be jobs available that do not require English-speaking applicants, many employers prefer to hire individuals that can understand instructions in English. Also, most applications are provided in English, or with only a Spanish translation.
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Prepare your resume. Make sure that your resume is legible and clear. For a sample of resume go to jobstar.org (see Resources). Indicate the jobs you held from your country of origin and be prepared to show references from previous employers.
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Start job hunting. Legal immigrants can look for any job that they are eligible to do. Immigrants can apply for jobs that U.S. citizens are also applying for because of the Anti-Discrimination Law. Call the Office of Special Counsel for Immigration Related Unfair Employment Practices at (800) 255-8155 for more information.
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Seek help. Go to a consulting or employment agency. You can find contract-to-hire jobs to begin with if you are unable to find a permanent job. You can also go to your state's Employment Development Department to find ways to improve your chances on prospective jobs.
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Go out, meet people and establish your network. You may not have established friends if you are new to the country; however, you can meet people at social gatherings in your neighborhood, church functions and job fairs. You can find job leads from the people you meet.
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Tips & Warnings
Accept entry-level jobs even if you qualify for a higher position. Gain more experience and prove your worth to qualify for a job promotion in the future. If your ultimate goal is to become a U.S. citizen, you need to be able to speak or write basic English. There are books and instructional CDs that you can use to learn English. Also check the local community centers for free English classes. Learning good English also helps during job interviews or in filling out application forms.
Avoid scams. Do not pay anyone to find a job for you, unless they are from legal job agencies. Check the Better Business Bureau to find out if their business is legitimate.
