In today’s interconnected world, U.S. companies are increasingly hiring international talent to fill critical skill gaps and drive innovation. From technology and healthcare to engineering and education, employers are tapping into global markets to find the best candidates. Hiring foreign workers is not only a strategic decision, but it also fosters diversity, global perspectives, and a competitive edge for companies operating in the United States.
However, navigating the legal, financial, and logistical challenges of hiring international workers requires careful planning. Whether you’re a startup looking to expand your team or a large corporation aiming to scale globally, this guide outlines the top career opportunities for foreign workers, hiring options, visa sponsorship costs, and more. All structured to help U.S. employers stay compliant and efficient.
Top Career Opportunities for Foreign Workers in the USA
Foreign workers in the U.S. contribute across multiple high-demand industries. Here are the top sectors offering long-term career growth and visa sponsorship opportunities:
- Information Technology (IT)
- Roles: Software Developer, Cybersecurity Analyst, Data Scientist, AI/ML Engineer
- Visa Types: H-1B, L-1, O-1
- Healthcare and Medicine
- Roles: Registered Nurse, Physician, Medical Researcher, Therapist
- Visa Types: H-1B, J-1, TN (for Canadians and Mexicans)
- Engineering and Architecture
- Roles: Civil Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Structural Designer, CAD Specialist
- Visa Types: H-1B, O-1
- Academia and Research
- Roles: Professor, Postdoctoral Fellow, Research Scientist
- Visa Types: J-1, H-1B, O-1
- Finance and Accounting
- Roles: Financial Analyst, CPA, Risk Analyst, Investment Banker
- Visa Types: H-1B, L-1
- Hospitality and Tourism
- Roles: Hotel Manager, Chef, Travel Consultant
- Visa Types: H-2B, J-1
These roles are often associated with strong earning potential, making them attractive to global talent. Additionally, companies in these fields are more likely to offer visa sponsorship due to critical shortages in the U.S. workforce.
3 options for hiring international workers from other countries
Hiring Option
Description
Best For
Direct Employment with Visa
The employer sponsors the visa (H-1B, L-1, etc.) and hires the worker full-time.
Tech firms, hospitals, universities
Employer of Record (EOR) Services
A third-party company hires and manages compliance for the worker abroad.
Startups, SMBs, remote-first organizations
Independent Contractor Agreement
The worker is hired remotely and paid through invoicing; limited legal ties.
Freelancers, project-based international roles
How much does hiring a foreign employee cost?
Cost Element
Estimated Amount (USD)
Visa Sponsorship Fees
$1,710 – $6,460
Immigration Attorney Fees
$2,000 – $5,000
Recruitment & Advertising
$500 – $2,000
Compliance & Legal Documentation
$1,000 – $3,000
Relocation Assistance (if any)
$3,000 – $10,000
Global Payroll Services (monthly)
$300-$800 per employee
What are the benefits of working abroad?
Benefit
Higher Income Potential
U.S.-based roles offer globally competitive salaries.
Career Growth Opportunities
Access to cutting-edge industries and mentorship.
Cultural and Language Exposure
Improve communication and global professional skills.
Path to Permanent Residency
Opportunities to transition from work visa to green card status.
Professional Networking
Expand contacts in the global market.
Common Reasons for Social Security Number Delays for Foreign Employees
- Incomplete or mismatched documentation: Errors in visa, I-94, or DS-2019 forms.
- Waiting period: Foreign workers must often wait 10–14 business days after arriving in the U.S. before applying.
- Name inconsistencies: Differences in spelling between passports, visas, and applications can delay processing.
- System backlogs: During peak periods, Social Security offices may face processing delays.
- Status verification issues: If USCIS or SEVIS data isn’t updated, SSA may be unable to verify status.
How Employers Can Legally Hire Workers Without an SSN
- Employers can hire foreign workers before they receive their SSN.
- Workers must provide proof of work authorization (visa, I-94, etc.).
- Employers should:
- Complete Form I-9 without the SSN field.
- Allow the employee to apply for their SSN.
- Withhold taxes using a temporary placeholder (e.g., all zeros) and update once SSN is available.
Is It Legal for a U.S. Employer to Hire a Non-Citizen?
Yes. It is legal if the individual has valid work authorization. This can be through
- Non-immigrant work visas (H-1B, L-1, TN, O-1, etc.)
- Employment Authorization Documents (EAD)
- Green Card (permanent residency)
Hiring unauthorized workers is a serious offense and may result in penalties for the employer.
How Feel Simplifies Global Hiring for Employers
Feel is a leading global employment platform that enables U.S. companies to:
- Hire employees or contractors in over 150 countries.
- Handle tax compliance, contracts, and benefits through one platform.
- Use Employer of Record services for legal hiring without entity setup.
- Automate payments and manage global payroll effortlessly.
How Much Do U.S. Employers Pay to Sponsor Foreign Workers?
Costs vary based on visa type. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Visa Type
Filing & Legal Costs
Additional Costs (Relocation, etc.)
H-1B
$4,000 – $7,000
$3,000 – $10,000+
L-1
$3,500 – $6,000
$5,000 – $12,000
O-1
$4,000 – $8,000
Varies by applicant
Green Card
$5,000 – $15,000
Legal, recruitment & filing fees
Pros of hiring foreign workers
- Access to a global talent pool: Employers can tap into a vast and diverse range of skills that may not be readily available in the local market.
- Multilingual and multicultural advantages: Hiring workers from different countries brings language diversity and cultural understanding, which is especially beneficial for companies with international clients.
- Innovation through diverse perspectives: A team composed of varied backgrounds often leads to creative problem-solving and unique insights.
- Ability to fill hard-to-hire roles: Foreign workers frequently fill critical labor gaps in high-demand sectors such as healthcare, tech, and engineering.
- Enhance employer brand as inclusive and international: Hiring globally shows a company’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity, attracting top talent and increasing global reputation.
Cons of hiring foreign workers
- Visa processing delays and uncertainties: Immigration paperwork and government quotas can delay onboarding and disrupt hiring timelines.
- Higher legal and administrative costs: Sponsorship and compliance with immigration laws require additional legal and HR investment.
- Onboarding challenges across time zones: Training and communication can be more complex with remote or international hires.
- Risk of non-compliance with immigration laws: Mistakes in documentation or process may result in fines or legal penalties.
- Dependence on government immigration policy changes: Policy shifts can affect visa availability, renewal, or worker eligibility.
FAQ
How to Hire Foreign Employees?
- Determine job eligibility and visa type required.
- File a Labor Condition Application (LCA) if applicable.
- Submit petition to USCIS (e.g., Form I-129 for H-1B).
- Await visa approval and notify employee.
- Assist in the SSN and onboarding process upon arrival.
How much does it cost to sponsor a foreign worker?
Sponsorship can cost anywhere from $7,000 to $25,000+, including:
- USCIS filing fees
- Attorney services
- Advertising and recruitment
- Optional relocation support
- Payroll and HR compliance
Where can I find jobs open for visa sponsorship?
- LinkedIn: Use filters for “visa sponsorship available.”
- Glassdoor & Indeed: Search using “H-1B” or “sponsorship.”
- MyVisaJobs: Tracks top H-1B employers
- Company Career Sites: Many large firms clearly state sponsorship eligibility.
U.S. companies looking to expand their teams with foreign workers must balance opportunity with compliance. With the right planning and partners, international hiring can be seamless, cost-effective, and rewarding—bringing not just talent but fresh global perspectives that drive success in today’s competitive business landscape.