How to Get a Job in the United States as a Foreigner (2026 Guide)

Note: This guide was updated and reviewed January 2nd 2026.

From the bright lights of New York City to the desert skies of Arizona, the United States offers a lifestyle as varied as its fifty states. It’s one of the most popular destinations for working travellers for a reason. Whether you want fast-paced city living, a seasonal job in nature or simply a fresh change of pace, the US gives you many pathways to gain experience and explore how Americans live day to day.

The job market is huge and diverse. You can pick up shifts in hospitality and tourism, work a season in one of the country’s well-known national parks or join the steady flow of opportunities in cities like Los Angeles, Chicago or Miami where hospitality, entertainment, tech and retail roles are consistently available. It’s a place where you can earn, explore and shape a routine that feels like you’re having your very own Hollywood moment. 

Your first week in the US will feel like a crash course in everyday American life. You land tired, try to figure out the power outlets and quickly learn that filter coffee has its own set of rules. Tipping takes a moment to wrap your head around. You start hearing new slang. You find a local grocery store, a favourite snack and realise supermarket aisles really are that big. By the end of the week, you’ll know the bus route, the closest pharmacy and which cafe doesn’t serve everything with extra ice.

What doesn’t need to feel like a crash course is the setup. The US is exciting, but it’s also large and competitive, and jobs can fill quickly during peak seasons. Searching alone, navigating employer expectations and working through paperwork can become overwhelming. That’s where structured support makes a real difference. When you work with us, you get access to verified employers, structured guidance and support to help you explore suitable opportunities before you even leave home. You start your US experience with direction rather than uncertainty.

The United States offers more than a change of scenery. It gives you the chance to build skills, try a new lifestyle and experience a culture you’ve probably grown up watching from afar. Whether you stay for a season or a year, it’s the kind of chapter you remember for the right reasons.

US Visa Options for Working Holiday Travellers

The US does not offer a traditional working holiday visa. Instead, travellers can work legally through specific visa categories, each with its own rules, documents and eligibility requirements.

For younger travellers wanting to live, work and explore the US, the J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa is the most common pathway.

J-1 Visa Basics

To be eligible, you generally need to:

• Be 18–37 and from an eligible country (this varies from country to country) 
• Have no serious criminal convictions
• Join a State Department–approved program with a sponsor
• Show English proficiency and proof of funds
• Some J-1 categories require applicants to show ties to their home country and an intention to return afterwards.

For more detail, see USA’s Working Holiday Visa – The Complete Guide.

Top Tip: be sure to always check with a government official website for the most current and up-to-date visa rules and regulations. 

Popular Jobs for Foreigners in The US? 

This one varies depending on the type of visa you're applying for and the kind of work you're seeking. The US is home to a lot of opportunity, especially in its major cities, but here are some of the most common forms of work for foreign travellers: 

Outdoor and seasonal: this is a great option if you're planning a shorter stay or looking for a more scenic destination. There are lots of opportunities in national parks and ski or beach resorts. There are various roles, including housekeeping, desk and waitstaff, kitchen staff, and general maintenance. Not to forget the amazing perks, such as free lodging, meals, or even extra activities. Saving pennies for additional travel is a no-brainer! 

Hospitality and restaurants: some of the world's most respected restaurants are located in New York City and Chicago. Whether you work as a cook, bartender, waiter or host, it offers a job that's a little bit more fast-paced, great for your social life and also great for making tips. 

Childcare and youth: this is a popular option for travellers as it offers its grounding and most travellers find it really rewarding. Becoming an Au Pair to a family or getting a summer job as a camp counsellor can be a cultural immersion experience while also having many expenses, such as food and accommodation, covered. 

Entertainment and events: it should come as no surprise that the US is home to entertainment. Whether it's selling merch at live concerts and festivals, becoming an attendant at one of the famous theme parks or pouring drinks at the main bars - this is a great option to experience the arts without spending a dime. 

How to Find a Job in the US as a Foreigner

For many travellers, finding work in the US is achievable, but it comes with more steps than in other destinations. The first step you need to consider is choosing the visa pathway that fits your plans. In most cases, this means applying for the J-1 exchange visitor visa, which involves an approved sponsor. Sponsors guide applicants through expectations, confirm eligibility and help ensure that any role you consider aligns with the rules of your visa.

Because the process can feel complex at times (generally 98% of the time), many travellers choose additional support while navigating it. That is where we come in. We help you understand what to expect, offer guidance around each stage, and make it easier to identify opportunities that may suit your background and visa category. We cannot remove every challenge, but we can ensure you are not approaching it blindly.

Once your visa pathway is set, you can begin exploring job options. Through our SuperLite app, you will find a curated selection of employer-submitted roles tailored to your visa type, experience and lifestyle preferences. These listings come directly from employers within our network, so you are viewing roles submitted by employers familiar with the requirements.

SuperLite also helps you connect with other travellers, share insights and learn from people who have previously taken similar trips. Depending on your trip type, you may receive support for additional placements during your stay, giving you flexibility as your plans evolve.

The US job market is wide, varied and exciting to explore. With the right structure, tools and guidance, you can approach it with clarity and confidence instead of confusion and overwhelm - essentially, we’ll do the adulting for you, so you can focus on what you’re going to pack! 

Packages You Can Find on Global Work & Travel

Au Pair in United States

If you have ever wondered what everyday life in the US actually feels like, the neighbourhood routines, the grocery runs, the school pick-ups and the weekends spent exploring new places, becoming an Au Pair is one of the most structured and enjoyable ways to experience it. Instead of arriving and piecing everything together on your own, you join an approved cultural experience where your room, meals and weekly stipend are arranged as part of your stay.

You choose your host family before you leave home by reviewing profiles and speaking with families directly. It is a super important step, and we guide you through it like a trusted friend helping you decide whether to swipe right. This gives you a clear picture of your placement and makes the move feel far more manageable.

Because placements exist in well-known cities, you could find yourself living near the chaos of New York City, enjoying the sunshine in Los Angeles, exploring the outdoors around Denver or experiencing the cafes and neighbourhoods of Seattle. Every location offers its own vibe, and most placements include designated time off, giving you opportunities to explore.

What You Receive When You Book With Us

• A confirmed host-family match before departure
• Return flights included once program requirements are completed
• Basic US medical insurance
• A private room, meals and a weekly stipend
• Paid vacation time and regular days off
• A $500 educational allowance
• A one-night Las Vegas stay included at the start of your adventure
• Three nights in a backpackers to help you settle in
• The option for a second-country match after completing your placement
• A Trip Coordinator for visa guidance, logistics and pre-departure preparation
• Access to SuperLite to connect with other travellers and prepare for your move

These inclusions help simplify the essential steps so you can focus on the cultural exchange experience.

Who This Trip Is Suited To

This pack is a strong fit for travellers who:

• Enjoy working with children
• Want a structured pathway to live in the US
• Prefer accommodation and meals to be arranged
• Are travelling solo and value clarity before arrival
• Want a cultural exchange with time to explore the country

Summer Camp in USA

If you want a working holiday that feels like a classic American summer, this is a structured and well-established way to spend a summer working in the USA. Instead of spending weeks searching for work or accommodation, you join a program where your camp role, meals and living arrangements are organised before you fly.

You’ll be placed at a US summer camp, a long-standing American tradition. Camps sit on lakes, beaches, mountains and forests, and your days might include running activities, supporting groups, or helping behind the scenes. It is active, social and full of variety, the kind of environment where no two days feel the same.

Because accommodation and meals are covered, your stipend can go straight into your post-camp travel fund, giving you more flexibility to explore the US after the season.

What You Receive When You Book With Us

• A confirmed US summer camp match before departure
• Camp accommodation and three daily meals
• Minimum stipend of USD $2,250 for a nine-week camp
• Three nights of hostel accommodation for post-camp travel
• Arrival airport transfer
• Basic US medical insurance
• Local essentials: SIM card support, Social Security Number setup and bank account guidance
• Pre-departure guide and online orientation
• A dedicated Trip Coordinator for planning and logistics
• Access to SuperLite and the wider traveller community

Who This Trip Suits

Ideal for travellers who:

• Enjoy outdoor, active environments
• Like working with kids and group activities
• Prefer a shorter commitment with time to explore afterwards
• Want meals and accommodation included to extend their savings
• Appreciate a structured and supported program

Because camps bring people together from around the world, the environment tends to feel social, friendly and collaborative. The perfect option for someone that wants work with purpose, adventure and community.

When Is The Best Time to Apply?

When it comes to the US, the more prepared you are, the better! If you are seeking seasonal work, whether it's in a national park during summer or a ski lodge during winter, the placements fill up quickly, so it's best to secure your visa early. 

The best time to apply: during busy months, when you'll want to ensure you have a visa appointment booked, as they can fill up quickly. If you are seeking a seasonal job, it's recommended to start your search 3 to 6 months before your departure. 

Visa processing times: Allow up to 4 to 6 weeks for your visa application to be reviewed, minimum. This timeframe can vary depending on your location of application.

Key tip: Start to check job listings for seasonal work early! They can fill up months beforehand. 

Life in the US as a Foreign Worker

Life in the United States moves fast, and you’ll feel the pace almost immediately. Workplaces can be busy, especially during peak seasons, so expect lively shifts and the odd “surely it’s Friday by now” moment. The upside? Your days off turn the entire country into your playground. One weekend might be a road trip, the next a theme park, a beach day or a deep wander through your new neighbourhood.

The US is packed with travellers and expats, so finding friends tends to happen without having to try too hard. Americans love a chat and will happily pull you into a barbecue or a Fourth of July celebration long before you’ve learned how to say “appetiser” their way. The pace might take a minute to adjust to, but the stories you’ll collect make it worth it.

Where You Might Live

New York City: The Big Shiny Apple

If you land in New York, prepare for a city that acts like it’s had three coffees before 6am, she’s a bit jittery but a whole lot of fun! Au Pair placements often pop up in neighbourhoods that give you instant local cred.

Best Picks:

Upper West Side: Think brownstones, leafy streets and families who know their barista by name. You’ll be close to Central Park, which is basically the city’s backyard. Best for: museum strolling, dog watching and discovering your “usual” bagel spot - aka, divine. 

Park Slope (Brooklyn): A neighbourhood so wholesome it could be the set of a sitcom. Farmers markets, cute cafes, vintage shops and playgrounds everywhere. Best for: Sunday thrift missions, good pastries and pretending you’re in a Nora Ephron movie.

Local Perks: 

• World-class shopping in SoHo 
• Cheap eats in Chinatown 
• Comedy clubs where and musicals on the weekly to-do list 

Los Angeles: Something About Angels 

LA is huge, but the East Side is where Au Pairs often land, and honestly, it’s the fun bit.

Best Picks:

Silver Lake: A hip, creative pocket known for murals, iced coffee year-round and people walking tiny dogs in tiny sweaters. Best for: cool cafes, thrift stores and spotting the local celebrity in the wild. 

Los Feliz: Charming, walkable and packed with character. Think bookstores, rooftop bars and Griffith Park hikes when you need to feel cinematic. Best for: laid-back living and great people-watching.

Local perks:

• Taco trucks that will ruin other tacos for you for life
• Trendy shopping in Echo Park 
• Access to beautiful coastlines 

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Working on the wrong visa: to work legally in the US, ensure you have the correct visa. Unfortunately, this is a common and risky mistake to make. 

Top tip: this is why it's essential to prepare and ensure your work is part of the legal visa sponsor program. 

Too little in savings: the US is an expensive country, and travellers can underestimate the costs before arrival. Even if you have a job, the bigger cities and touristy areas may require a slightly larger budget than you anticipated. Try to save at least a month's worth of living expenses, such as housing and food, before you arrive. 

Tipping culture: learn the basics of tipping. This is extremely important in US culture, and it's a significant factor in earnings in service jobs. If you don't, you can likely expect to offend the people serving you. 

Getting stuck in hustle culture: remember why you came to work and live in the US, to experience the US. Make sure to soak up the culture, create some memories, and explore this beautiful country wherever you can. 

Final Thoughts

Imagine starting your day with a coffee in Brooklyn, ending it under the Coachella sky and spending the weekend pretending you’re an expert hiker in Yosemite. That’s the US. It’s big, bold and full of moments you’ll be talking about long after your suitcase is unpacked. One minute you’re navigating subway etiquette, the next you’re eating the best taco of your life or staring at a view that looks suspiciously like a Windows screensaver.

Yes, there’s paperwork. Yes, visas require actual adulting. But honestly, if the process were too easy, would it even feel like an adventure? And you don’t have to go at it alone. We know the in’s and out’s, so we’ll save you hours and help you piece the puzzle together without you having to lift a finger. You focus on the memories; we’ll help you get the setup right.

If you're looking for jobs in other countries, Global Work & Travel can help you find a job in United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Spain, South Korea, Japan, Ireland.