C.JLearn how to find the U.S Janitor and Cleaner jobs with visa sponsorship, visa options, and jobs roles, and some of the frequently asked questions.
The cleaning industry in the U.S. is so big, with janitors and cleaners serving industries such as healthcare, education, hospitality, and corporate office settings, just to name a few. Employing janitorial roles helps in keeping cleanliness relevant while ensuring that facilities meet health and safety standards.
Because it is a demand that is always in need, especially in metropolitan cities and institutions, it therefore creates an avenue through which foreign workers can seek sponsorship for a U.S. work visa.
Available Visa Sponsorships for Janitors and Cleaners
The main sponsoring visas, which would be applied for in the United States for janitors and cleaners, will be highlighted below.
H-2B Temporary Non-Agricultural Worker Visa
One of the most common avenues through which foreign nationals enter the United States to work as a janitor or cleaner is under the H-2B visa. This class of visa enables the employers to hire temporary, non-agricultural workers in cases of seasonal or peak-time work, or when there is a temporary shortage of workers in the United States. The H-2B is one that allows a stay in the country for a year but can be extended incrementally up to one year, with the total maximum period of three years.
EB-3 Visa for Unskilled Workers
The EB-3 visa is another class of immigrant visa that allows U.S. employers to sponsor foreign workers for permanent, full-time employment in unskilled roles, which also include janitorial jobs. EB-3 is permanent. Once an application is approved, permanent residency in the U.S. can be issued.
TN Visa (for Canadian and Mexican Nationals)
Application of the TN visa is usually made for skilled workers from Canada and Mexico under USMCA; in that case, though, it would cover certain specialized cleaning or janitorial jobs, especially those which are institutional or technical in nature, such as laboratory cleaning or health facility cleaning.
Qualifications and Skills Required for Janitorial and Cleaner Jobs
Certain qualifications and skills may help someone land a job, especially in cases when a person is seeking sponsorship to work for a visa.
- Experience: Most janitorial positions are considered “entry level,” but previous experience in cleaning-related or general maintenance work is a definite plus. Many employers also prefer experience with commercial cleaning equipment or specialized cleaning such as hazardous material handling.
- Physical Stamina: Janitorial work often requires standing and walking for long periods of time, including lifting. You have to be physically fit to handle the demands of the job.
- Basic English Skills: While a janitor does not have to have fluent English, some basic communications are needed regarding comprehension of job safety, reporting of needed maintenance, and communicating with supervisors and coworkers.
- Attention to Detail: Cleaning requires attention to detail to make sure all areas have been properly cleaned and sanitized. Cleaning standards are often maintained by employees who appreciate what employers provide.
- Cleaning Equipment and Chemical Knowledge: Commercial or industrial janitors may require certain cleaning machinery and/or chemicals. Employers can provide on-the-job training for the safe and proper use of such equipment.
How to Apply for a Sponsorship Visa
Find a Job that Offers Visa Sponsorship
Find a U.S. employer who would be willing to sponsor your visa for a janitorial position. You can look through Indeed, Glassdoor, or LinkedIn, making mention that you do need sponsorship for a visa in the application. Others could have listed an open position on their company website.
Employer Obtains Labor Certification (for H-2B and EB-3 Visas)
Both the H-2B and EB-3 visa programs require an employer to obtain a labor certification provided by the U.S. Department of Labor. That labor certification document indicates that there are no qualified U.S. workers for the job and/or the employment of a foreign worker will not adversely affect U.S. labor market conditions.
Employer Files a Visa Petition
Once the labor certification is granted, the employer can then file a petition to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to sponsor the worker with the appropriate visa. The petition will provide information on the job being offered to the worker and his qualifications and will include the granted labor certification.
Apply for the Visa
The worker then applies for the visa at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate upon approval of the petition by the employer. Testimony to be presented by an applicant may be a job offer, medical examinations, background checks. An interview may also be required of applicants.
Once approved, the worker can come to the U.S. and start working. H-2B visa status includes maintaining that visa status, such as specific dates regarding when work can commence or end. EB-3 holders will eventually obtain permanent residency status.
Benefits of Working as a Cleaner or Janitor in the United States.
- Stable Source of Work: Cleaning and janitorial jobs are in constant demand, particularly in large cities, commercial centers, and also within institutions such as schools and hospitals.
- Visa Sponsorship Opportunities: There are programs such as the H-2B or EB-3 that would provide for visa sponsorship to legally work in the United States, with possible options to attain permanent residency.
- Job Security: It is just about a recession-free industry, since businesses, schools, and hospitals need cleaning; therefore, it creates jobs on a regular basis.
- Career Path Opportunities: Though the initial janitorial jobs may not have any requirements, advancement opportunities exist-especially into supervisory or maintenance positions of some type.
Possible Drawbacks
- Physically Demanding Work: The tasks that comprise the work of a janitor include repetition, probably standing for most of the time, and are physically demanding in nature; hence, it may get very exhaustive.
- Seasonal Work of the H-2B Type Visa Holders: Some of these jobs are seasonal, especially those related to hospitality or tourism; thus, logically, one is expected to return home after completion of the period for which he was engaged in such work.
- Language Ability Barriers: Many workplaces have situations that can be hard to handle for a limited English proficient employee to communicate; most employers cover the support of language or training.
FAQs
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What is the average salary for janitors and cleaners in the U.S.?
Wages for janitors and cleaners, based on location, range from $12 to $18 per hour, depending on location, experience, and nature of work.
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Will the janitorial jobs in the U.S. provide permanent residency?
Yes, through the EB-3 visa category, permanent residency will be granted, where they are entitled to all rights of applying for US citizenship thereafter.
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How many hours, on average, do janitors work in the United States?
They may work full-time or part-time; hours depend upon the needs of employers. Many work evening and night shifts because facilities need to be cleaned after business hours.
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Does janitor jobs require prior experience in the U.S.?
Some of these jobs, especially those at the entry level, do not require prior experience. However, previous work in commercial cleaning equipment or specialized cleaning procedures could be an added advantage and see qualified personnel landing better-paying jobs.
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Are janitorial jobs with visa sponsorship proficient in the English language?
Not all janitorial jobs require fluent English, but generally, the basics of communication are preferred so that the worker could understand instructions and safety measures and be in good books with the supervisor or co-workers.
Conclusion
Some of the work opportunities given to foreign workers in the U.S. include visa sponsorship for janitorial and cleaning jobs. From the H-2B temporary visa to perhaps an EB-3 visa for permanent residency, foreign nationals are able to get a job in the field of cleaning.
These are your two visa options and job roles that go along with the requirements for janitorial jobs in the U.S. Getting these jobs will pretty much be a breeze, plus it means starting a career so vital to much of the country’s infrastructure and public health standards.
C.J