Top 10 Most Popular Jobs in the USA for Foreign Workers in 2025
Top 10 Most Popular Jobs in the USA for Foreign Workers in 2025
The United States has long been a beacon of opportunity for workers worldwide, drawing millions with its promise of career growth, competitive salaries, and a dynamic job market. For foreign workers, the U.S. offers a chance to contribute to a vibrant economy while pursuing personal and professional aspirations.
In 2023, foreign-born workers made up 18.4% of the U.S. workforce—approximately 29.7 million people—filling critical gaps in industries ranging from technology to agriculture.
This blog post explores the top 10 most popular jobs for foreign workers in the USA in 2025, highlighting roles with high demand, visa sponsorship opportunities, and pathways to long-term success. Whether you’re a skilled professional or seeking entry-level opportunities, understanding these in-demand jobs can help you navigate the U.S. job market and build a rewarding career.
Why Foreign Workers Are Essential to the U.S. Job Market
Foreign workers play a pivotal role in sustaining the U.S. economy by addressing labor shortages in key sectors. From software developers powering innovation in Silicon Valley to farmworkers harvesting crops in California, their contributions are indispensable.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), industries like technology, healthcare, and construction rely heavily on immigrant labor to meet demand. For instance, in 2023, 28.6% of construction workers and 15.7% of truck drivers were foreign-born, underscoring their impact.
The U.S. facilitates foreign worker employment through various visa programs, such as the H-1B for specialty occupations, EB-3 for skilled and unskilled workers, H-2A for seasonal agricultural work, and J-1 for cultural exchange programs.
These visas open doors to a wide range of opportunities, from high-skill STEM roles requiring advanced degrees to entry-level positions with minimal educational barriers. Whether you’re a data scientist or a hospitality worker, the U.S. job market offers diverse pathways for foreign talent to thrive.
Criteria for Selecting the Top 10 Jobs
To identify the top 10 jobs for foreign workers in 2025, we considered several factors:
- Demand: Roles with high projected growth or persistent labor shortages, based on BLS data and industry trends.
- Visa Sponsorship: Jobs commonly associated with employer-sponsored visas like H-1B, EB-3, H-2A, or J-1.
- Accessibility: A mix of high-skill and entry-level positions to cater to diverse backgrounds and qualifications.
- Salary and Growth: Jobs offering competitive wages and long-term career prospects.
These criteria ensure the list is relevant for foreign workers with varying skill levels and career goals, from tech professionals to those seeking stable, entry-level roles.
READ MORE: Why Work in USA? Here Are the Top 10 Benefits
Top 10 Most Popular Jobs for Foreign Workers in the USA
Below, we dive into the top 10 jobs that are in high demand for foreign workers in 2025. Each section includes a job description, average salary, visa eligibility, required qualifications, and key employers or states hiring for these roles.
1. Software Developer
- Description: Software developers design, develop, and maintain applications and systems that power everything from mobile apps to enterprise software. They are critical in tech hubs like Silicon Valley, where innovation drives the economy.
- Average Salary: $120,000–$150,000 annually (BLS, 2023).
- Visa Eligibility: Frequently sponsored for H-1B visas due to high demand in the tech industry. Many tech giants file thousands of H-1B petitions annually.
- Qualifications: A bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field is typically required. Proficiency in programming languages like Python, Java, or C++ is essential, and experience with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure) is a plus.
- Key Employers/States: Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Apple; California, Washington, New York.
- Why Popular: The tech sector is projected to grow by over 10% by 2031, according to the BLS, driven by demand for AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity solutions. High salaries and abundant visa sponsorship opportunities make this role a top choice for foreign workers.
2. Registered Nurse
- Description: Registered nurses (RNs) provide patient care, administer treatments, and coordinate with healthcare teams in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. They are vital to addressing the U.S.’s healthcare needs.
- Average Salary: $80,000–$100,000 annually (BLS, 2023).
- Visa Eligibility: Eligible for H-1B visas or Health Care Worker Certification visas due to persistent nursing shortages. The EB-3 visa is also an option for permanent residency.
- Qualifications: A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and a passing score on the NCLEX-RN exam are required for U.S. licensure. English proficiency (e.g., TOEFL or IELTS) is often necessary for visa approval.
- Key Employers/States: Kaiser Permanente, Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic; California, Texas, Florida.
- Why Popular: The aging U.S. population and increased healthcare needs drive a projected 6% job growth for nurses by 2031. Hospitals actively sponsor visas to fill staffing gaps.
3. Data Scientist
- Description: Data scientists analyze complex datasets to provide actionable insights for businesses in tech, finance, healthcare, and more. They use tools like machine learning and statistical modeling to drive decision-making.
- Average Salary: $100,000–$130,000 annually (BLS, 2023).
- Visa Eligibility: H-1B sponsorship is common due to the specialized nature of the role and demand for data expertise.
- Qualifications: A master’s or PhD in data science, statistics, or a related field is often required. Proficiency in tools like R, Python, SQL, and data visualization platforms (e.g., Tableau) is critical.
- Key Employers/States: Meta, IBM, Accenture; California, New York, Massachusetts.
- Why Popular: The rise of big data and AI has fueled demand for data scientists, with a projected 36% job growth by 2031 (BLS). Competitive salaries and visa sponsorship make this a top choice.
4. Financial Analyst
- Description: Financial analysts evaluate financial data to guide investment decisions for corporations, banks, or individuals. They analyze market trends, budgets, and financial statements.
- Average Salary: $85,000–$110,000 annually (BLS, 2023).
- Visa Eligibility: H-1B sponsorship is common due to the need for specialized financial knowledge.
- Qualifications: A bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, or a related field is required. Certifications like the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation enhance employability.
- Key Employers/States: JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley; New York, Illinois, California.
- Why Popular: The financial sector’s growth and global demand for financial expertise make this role attractive, with a projected 9% job growth by 2031.
5. Cybersecurity Expert
- Description: Cybersecurity experts protect organizations from cyber threats by securing networks, systems, and data. They implement security protocols and respond to breaches.
- Average Salary: $100,000–$120,000 annually (BLS, 2023).
- Visa Eligibility: H-1B sponsorship is common due to rising cyber threats and a shortage of skilled professionals.
- Qualifications: A degree in cybersecurity, IT, or a related field is required. Certifications like CISSP, CEH, or CompTIA Security+ are highly valued.
- Key Employers/States: Cisco, Palo Alto Networks, CrowdStrike; California, Virginia, Texas.
- Why Popular: With cyberattacks increasing, cybersecurity jobs are projected to grow by 35% by 2031, making this a high-demand field for foreign workers.
6. Construction Worker
- Description: Construction workers build, renovate, and maintain infrastructure like buildings, roads, and bridges. Roles range from laborers to skilled trades like carpentry or masonry.
- Average Salary: $40,000–$60,000 annually (BLS, 2023).
- Visa Eligibility: Eligible for EB-3 visas for skilled or unskilled workers; some H-2B visas for temporary non-agricultural work.
- Qualifications: Minimal formal education is required, though OSHA safety certifications improve job prospects. Physical stamina and basic English skills are often sufficient.
- Key Employers/States: Turner Construction, Bechtel; California, Texas, Florida.
- Why Popular: Foreign-born workers make up 28.6% of the construction workforce, and demand remains high due to infrastructure investments and urban growth.
7. Farmworker
- Description: Farmworkers harvest crops, manage livestock, or process food in the agricultural sector, supporting the U.S. food supply chain.
- Average Salary: $30,000–$45,000 annually (BLS, 2023).
- Visa Eligibility: H-2A visas for seasonal agricultural work are common, with EB-3 options for permanent roles.
- Qualifications: No formal education is required; physical stamina and willingness to work long hours are essential.
- Key Employers/States: Dole Food Company, Driscoll’s; California, Florida, Washington.
- Why Popular: Agriculture’s reliance on foreign labor (over 50% of U.S. farmworkers are immigrants) and low entry barriers make this a viable option.
8. Hospitality Worker (e.g., Housekeeping, Food Service)
- Description: Hospitality workers perform roles like housekeeping, cooking, or serving in hotels, restaurants, or catering services, supporting the tourism industry.
- Average Salary: $30,000–$50,000 annually (BLS, 2023).
- Visa Eligibility: J-1 visas for hospitality exchange programs are common, with EB-3 options for permanent roles.
- Qualifications: Minimal education is required; customer service skills and basic English proficiency are assets for some roles.
- Key Employers/States: Marriott, Hilton, Aramark; California, Nevada, Florida.
- Why Popular: High demand in tourism-heavy states and flexible schedules attract foreign workers with limited qualifications.
9. Truck Driver
- Description: Truck drivers transport goods across states, ensuring the U.S. supply chain operates smoothly. Long-haul and local delivery roles are available.
- Average Salary: $45,000–$65,000 annually (BLS, 2023).
- Visa Eligibility: EB-3 visas for permanent roles; some H-2B opportunities for temporary work.
- Qualifications: A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and a clean driving record are required. Basic English proficiency is often necessary.
- Key Employers/States: UPS, FedEx, XPO Logistics; California, New Jersey, Florida.
- Why Popular: The trucking industry faces driver shortages, and immigrants made up 15.7% of truck drivers in 2012, with demand continuing to grow.
10. Teacher (Bilingual or Special Education)
- Description: Bilingual and special education teachers educate K-12 students, addressing diverse student needs in public and private schools.
- Average Salary: $50,000–$70,000 annually (BLS, 2023).
- Visa Eligibility: H-1B or J-1 visas for cultural exchange programs are common.
- Qualifications: A bachelor’s degree in education and state teaching certification are required. Bilingual skills (e.g., Spanish, Mandarin) or special education training are in demand.
- Key Employers/States: Public school districts, charter schools; Texas, California, New York.
- Why Popular: Growing student diversity drives a 5% job growth by 2031, with visa sponsorship available in underserved areas.
Navigating the U.S. Job Market as a Foreign Worker
Securing a job in the U.S. as a foreign worker requires careful planning and persistence. Here’s how to approach the process:
Visa Application Process
- Secure a Job Offer: Find an employer willing to sponsor your visa. Research companies with a history of hiring foreign workers, such as tech firms or healthcare providers.
- Employer Petition: Your employer files a petition with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), such as Form I-129 for H-1B visas.
- Visa Application: Apply for the appropriate visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate, providing required documents and attending an interview.
- Medical Exams and Approval: Complete any required medical exams and await visa approval, which may take weeks or months depending on the visa type.
Job Search Strategies
- Use Targeted Job Boards: Platforms like MyVisaJobs and Indeed International list jobs offering visa sponsorship.
- Network: Leverage LinkedIn, industry conferences, and professional associations to connect with employers.
- Research Employers: Focus on companies known for sponsoring visas, such as Google, Kaiser Permanente, or agricultural firms like Dole.
Challenges and Solutions
- Challenge: Limited English proficiency or unrecognized foreign credentials.
- Solution: Enroll in English language courses (e.g., TOEFL prep) or pursue U.S. certifications to validate your qualifications.
- Challenge: Visa processing delays, such as the H-1B lottery system, which approves only 85,000 visas annually.
- Solution: Apply early, explore alternative visas like J-1 or H-2A, or target roles with less competition.
Tips for Success in the U.S. Job Market
To thrive as a foreign worker in the U.S., consider these strategies:
- Cultural Adaptation: Familiarize yourself with U.S. workplace norms, such as direct communication, punctuality, and teamwork. Participate in cultural orientation programs if available.
- Professional Development: Pursue certifications relevant to your field, such as OSHA for construction, CISSP for cybersecurity, or NCLEX-RN for nursing, to boost employability.
- Legal Awareness: Consult an immigration lawyer to ensure visa compliance and explore pathways to permanent residency, such as the EB-3 Green Card for skilled workers.
- Networking: Join professional groups, attend job fairs, or connect with immigrant support organizations like Farmworker Justice or the National Domestic Workers Alliance.
Conclusion
The U.S. job market offers a wealth of opportunities for foreign workers, from high-skill roles like software development and data science to essential entry-level positions in agriculture and hospitality.
The top 10 jobs highlighted—software developer, registered nurse, data scientist, financial analyst, cybersecurity expert, construction worker, farmworker, hospitality worker, truck driver, and teacher—reflect the diversity of roles available.
Trades like construction and agriculture offer low barriers to entry, while STEM fields provide high-earning potential and visa sponsorship. By researching these roles, preparing qualifications, and leveraging job boards and networks, foreign workers can navigate the U.S. market successfully.
Take action today by exploring job boards like MyVisaJobs or Indeed International, networking on LinkedIn, and contacting employers with a history of visa sponsorship. The U.S. values the skills and perspectives of foreign workers, making 2025 an exciting time to pursue these in-demand careers. With determination and the right resources, you can build a fulfilling life in the U.S.
Additional Resources
- Job Boards: MyVisaJobs, Indeed International, USAJOBS.
- Visa Information: USCIS.gov, American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA).
- Support Organizations: Farmworker Justice, National Domestic Workers Alliance.
- Further Reading: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook for job projections.
