Living in a country with a robust financial system and flexible labor market can give you a significant edge while searching for employment. Though the procedures for securing necessary permits might appear daunting, it is crucial to go through all this to obtain a job.
Reliable sources project 164.2 million employees in the United States by 2023, earning an average weekly wage of $1,042. This country certainly presents a promising job market. Moreover, the US unemployment rate is currently at 3.8%, lower than other developed countries such as the United Kingdom (3.8%), Canada (5.3%), and France (7.4%).
Apply for a Work Permit
If you are a paroled non-citizen in the United States and searching for employment authorization, you may apply for a work permit under category (c-11). Thus, you must submit file Form I-765 with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
When you file Form I-765, you will need to submit the following documentation:
- Your passport
- Documents that support your parole
- Passport photos
- Proof of your address
The filing fee for Form I-765 is $410. You may be eligible to request a fee waiver (Form I-912) if you cannot afford to pay the filing fee. You can file Form I-765 online or by mail. To file online, create a USCIS account and submit your application through the USCIS website. To file by mail, download the form from the USCIS website and mail it to the appropriate USCIS address.
The processing time for Form I-765 is typically between 3 and 6 months. However, the processing time may vary depending on the USCIS center where your application is processed, the number of pending applications, and other factors.
Get a Social Security Number
A Social Security number (SSN) is a nine-digit number issued by the United States government to track a person's employment and income. It is essential for many activities in the United States, such as getting a job, opening a bank account, filing taxes, applying for government benefits, renting an apartment, and, in some cases, getting a driver's license.
There are two ways to get an SSN:
- Apply in person at a Social Security office. Bring proof of your identity, age, and lawful immigration status.
- Apply online. Create a Social Security account and provide the same information as if you were applying in person.
Once you have applied for an SSN, you will receive a Social Security card in the mail. The card will contain your SSN and other important information.
Get a Driver's License
A driver's license in the United States can open up new employment opportunities. The requirements vary from state to state, but there are some general steps that you will need to follow.
Firstly you need to check the requirements in your state. These requirements may include:
- being of legal age,
- passing the written and driving tests,
- completing a traffic law and substance abuse education course: Proof of Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE),
- having a medical examination,
- paying a fee.
Secondly, you should gather the required documentation. This documentation may include:
- Birth certificate,
- Social Security card (if applicable)
- Proof of residency,
- Present your foreign driver's license if you have it.
- Proof of identity,
- Proof of lawful status.
Aid for paroled migrants to find Jobs
Citizens who have arrived in the United States benefiting from humanitarian parole have the automatic possibility of requesting a work permit but also have access to advice and aid.
The first help or advice you should receive when looking for a job comes from your sponsor. When a person sponsors you and your family, they incur a series of obligations including supplying help for the job search.
Several organizations can help non-immigrants on humanitarian parole find and provide jobs in the United States. Some of them are:
- The National Immigration Law Center (NILC)
- The American Immigration Council (AIC)
- The Florida Immigrant Coalition (FIC)
- The New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC)
- The Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC)
These organizations can provide a variety of services, including:
- Information about job opportunities.
- Help with job applications.
- Help with resume writing.
- Help with interview skills.
- Help to find child care.
- Help with transportation.
- Help with translation services.
- Help with legal assistance.
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Additional Tips
To optimize your job search in the United States, consider these tips:
1. Customize your resume and cover letter to highlight skills and experience relevant to the job.
2. Let friends, family, and community members know you are looking for work. They may have connections to potential employers.
3. Attend job fairs and networking events to meet potential employers and learn about job opportunities.
4. Utilize online job boards and search engines to find job openings.
5. Improving your English language skills can increase the number of job offers available. Look for free online courses and community programs to help you learn English.
6. Practice your interview skills, including being prepared to discuss your immigration status and provide documentation, explain why you are seeking employment in the US, and ask questions about the job and company.
