Entry level jobs for immigrants abound across America! That’s why so many immigrants move to the United States to pursue better job opportunities.
Once you have put in a little work to become established in a company you may be able to apply for a green card as a skilled worker. There are several entry-level jobs that employ a high percentage of immigrants in this country.
Of course, not all careers are easy to start. Some have barriers to entry, including rigorous 1-9 Employment Verification and Compliance rules.
Everyone needs a job, so that’s why we’ve narrowed this list to include only easy entry-level jobs for immigrants who are new to the United States.
Customer Service
There are many different types of customer service jobs throughout the United States. In fact, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that customer service jobs account for one-fourth of all employment in 2016! That means one in four jobs in the United States are customer-service based.
Some of those customer service jobs include:
- Call center workers
- Caregivers
- Cashiers
- General office work
- Greeters
- Food preparation
- Food service
- Information clerks
- Maintenance workers
- Receptionists
- Repair workers
- Retail
- Sales representatives
- Store clerks
- and more!
Many companies are always searching for bilingual applicants who can assist in better serving a broader range of customers. If you speak more than one language you will automatically have a lead over other applicants.
Given the low barriers to entry and the fact that so many customer service jobs favor bilingual applicants, customer service jobs are some of the easiest entry level jobs for immigrants in the United States.
Manual Labor Jobs
Manual labor jobs have frequent job openings across the United States, so jobs in this field are typically very easy to come by. Most companies who specialize in manual labor are independently owned and have a simple hiring process.
Some manual labor positions that are frequently filled by immigrants include:
- Construction Worker
- Stone Mason
- Maintenance Technician
- Painter
Since there are almost always openings for manual labor jobs, they are easy entry level jobs for immigrants. There is little competition as long as you are an able-bodied worker with a good work ethic.
Agricultural Workers
Agricultural positions are widely available to immigrants across the country. There are dozens of options within this industry for those who enjoy nature, working with animals or tending gardens. Consider a job in one of these positions:
- Ranch/Farm Management
- Groundskeeping
- Landscaping
- Greenhouse Management
The FWD.US movement estimates that 73% of all agriculture workers in the United States are immigrant farmworkers. These jobs are primarily located in California, Iowa, Texas, Nebraska and Minnesota, since those states are responsible for more than 1/3 of the total US agricultural output.
Given the prominence of immigrant workers in this field, agricultural work is without a doubt one of the easiest entry level jobs for immigrants in America.
Tailors, Dressmakers and Seamstresses
If you are a talented tailor or seamstress, you could get a job doing what you love! From independently owned sewing shops, self-employed tailors or major factories, there is always a need for people who know how to sew and mend.
If all of your cousins and siblings come to you to hem a dress and mend a tear in their shirt, then a job as a seamstress or dressmaker could be perfect for you!
Hospitality
The robust hospitality industry is the perfect place to find entry level jobs for immigrants. Hospitality jobs include everything from the front desk associate to the housekeeper and every job in between. It takes a lot of people working in a lot of roles to keep America’s hospitality industry moving!
Some common hospitality jobs include:
- Front desk agent
- Concierge
- Tour guide
- Event manager
- Restaurant manager
- Sales
- Housekeeping
- Belhop
- Porter
- Valet
- Chef
- Supervisors
- Night managers
Working as a housekeeper or front desk associate in the hospitality industry often comes with perks and benefits, like discounted hotel stays. Alternatively, you could receive free room and board if you work as a maid for a client.
Transportation
If you hold a valid driver’s license are able to obtain one once moving to the states you could apply to work at a taxi company or work as an independent chauffeur. There is always a need for drivers to help people get where they need to go.
Please be aware that both Lyft and Uber require you to provide a driver’s license and Social Security Number in order to drive for them. These may not be the easiest choice for immigrants, but there are other driving jobs that could work.
Personal Care and Appearance Workers
While many careers in this industry require an associate’s degree, several companies have positions that can be filled as you are pursuing a degree or certificate. However, it’s important to understand the rules for whatever job you want to pursue as you could be fined for practicing certain jobs without a valid certification or license.
Security Guards
Security guard positions may be a bit harder to come by unless you have experience with this type of work. If you’re a natural born protector, then this is an ideal position for you.
Food and Beverage Industry
This is an industry in which you can advance from one position to the next. Even if you get hired on as a hostess or dishwasher, you may find yourself being promoted to a management position or operating as the lead cook once you’ve shown off your skills!
Production
Assembly lines employ a very large number of people and are constantly looking for hard-working employees to add to their team. If you like sticking to a routine, then this type of job would be perfect!
