Embarking on a career in the USA as a foreigner is both an exciting and challenging journey. The United States offers a vast array of opportunities across various industries, but navigating the legal and bureaucratic landscape can be complex. Whether you’re already in the country or planning to move, understanding the requirements, paperwork, and resources available is crucial for a smooth transition and successful career.

Most foreign military spouses come to the US on a fiancé (K-1) visa.  As a K-1 visa holder you can immediately apply for work permission by filing Form I-765 Application for Employment Authorization with USCIS Service Center.  This work authorization will be valid for only 90 days after entry.  If you need to extend the authorization you will need to file Form I-765 and Form I-485  together as soon as you get married. Once you have your green card – you can work for however long that green card is valid for.

Employment Requirements in the US

Once your visa is in place, it’s essential to understand the employment requirements that apply to all workers in the USA:

1, Permanent Resident Card, or Employment Authorization Card

To get an Employment Authorization Card, you will have to file Form I-765.

Here’s what you should know about the I-765; the document will help you understand the requirements as well as when and where to file. The UCIS website is has numerous FAQS that you can also use to navigate the process in case you feel stuck.

https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/forms/i-765instr.pdf

2. Social Security Number (SSN):

An SSN is necessary for employment, paying taxes, and accessing many other services.

 How to apply: Submit Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card) along with your visa documentation to the Social Security Administration (SSA).

 Social Security Number Application (https://www.ssa.gov/ssnumber/)

3. Driver’s License (not all employers request it) but try to get one as soon as possible, because it’s a must-have for some employers. ​(See one of the previous blogs on details on how to get your drivers license) https://1drv.ms/w/c/47673f7d25c08d3a/EWTK9YZC0ARCrgrQlePGJ_UBqVl_i4pz4MGuQWusPkFd7w?e=hXObii
4. Diploma translated or evaluated as some employers ask for an evaluation.

World Education Services is widely used to do evaluations however some other institutions offer evaluations as well. But just to be safe, you want to ensure that your employer is open to receiving an evaluation from another institution other than WES.  https://www.wes.org/evaluations-and-fees/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwt4a2BhD6ARIsALgH7DonKRDt2ENQC2Rvr0j6lXgFjXnBtbmHP3k_OOrK2acdRDvJ9TjJv4kaAqxFEALw_wcB

Here are some other institutions that offer evaluation services.

 https://www.naces.org/members

Truth be told, the USA job market can be very difficult to navigate as a foreign born military spouse, you’re often faced with challenges such as foreign transcripts, lack of local experience, high competition between candidates and many others. It is a journey worth embarking on ready to face the worst to come. Continuing with your work in the USA and having the fulfillment of knowing that you’re ‘competent’ wherever you go is an amazing thing. Butt remember everyone’s experience is different, some of us make it others don’t and that’s okay. There’s nothing wrong with starting over, neither is there anything wrong with holding onto to your passion and carrying it wherever you go.

Whichever way, you will make it!

Stay tuned for the next blog to learn how you can start over!

Here are a few resources that can help you in this process:

•  

  Upwardly Global:

Helps skilled immigrants, including foreign-born military spouses, integrate into the U.S. workforce.

Website: https://www.upwardlyglobal.org/

•   Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP):

A Department of Defense initiative that connects military spouses with over 500 partner employers committed to hiring military spouses.

Website: https://msepjobs.militaryonesource.mil/msep/

•   Hiring Our Heroes – Military Spouse Professional Network:

 A program by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation that supports military spouses in building professional networks and accessing employment opportunities.

Website: https://www.hiringourheroes.org/stories/military-spouse-professional-network-connections/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwi5q3BhCiARIsAJCfuZlv_GKbQlleevmws2bRiIPqNxYtufFh6GEKFwcl1RInpMBSluJ0zswaAgsDEALw_wcB

•   Blue Star Families – SpouseForce:

 Helps military spouses overcome employment challenges, offering job training, career coaching, and certification scholarships.

Website:https://bluestarfam.org/?campaignid=16372443259&adgroupid=133457231453&keyword=blue%20star&device=c&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwi5q3BhCiARIsAJCfuZm4oKSX8rjeuXFRO34BrqDb9U3L2bKujI67MGlH_6hCdnIM0khs7YcaAjQhEALw_wcB

•   National Military Spouse Network (NMSN):

 A professional organization for military spouses that provides networking, professional development, and mentoring.

Website: https://www.nationalmilitaryspousenetwork.org/

Disclaimer: Some professions such as teacher, doctor, lawyer and engineer might require you to start over here in the US but don’t worry about that we got you!