Cleaning Jobs In USA For Foreigners With Visa Sponsorship

The cleaning industry in the United States—encompassing housekeeping, janitorial services, and commercial sanitation—is a multi-billion dollar sector that relies heavily on a dedicated workforce. As the U.S. continues to face labor shortages in essential service roles, many employers are turning to international recruitment. For foreigners, this presents a unique opportunity to enter the American job market through sponsored work visas.

The Two Primary Visa Paths for Cleaners

Unlike high-tech or medical roles that require specific degrees, cleaning jobs typically fall under “unskilled” or “other worker” categories. There are two main ways to secure sponsorship:

1. H-2B Visa (Temporary & Seasonal)

The H-2B visa is ideal for those looking for short-term work (typically up to 9 or 10 months). It is widely used by resorts, hotels, and cleaning companies in tourist-heavy regions.

Best for: Seasonal housekeeping in places like Florida (winter) or Michigan/Cape Cod (summer).
Requirement: The employer must prove that there are no available U.S. workers for the seasonal peak.
Benefit: Often includes housing assistance and covered travel costs.

2. EB-3 Visa (Permanent Green Card)

The EB-3 visa is for permanent, full-time positions. This is a highly sought-after route because it leads directly to a Green Card (Lawful Permanent Residency).

Best for: Commercial cleaning or janitorial roles in hospitals, schools, or large office complexes.
Requirement: Requires a “PERM” Labor Certification from the Department of Labor.
Benefit: Allows you to bring your spouse and children under 21 to live and work in the U.S. with you.

Key Requirements and Skills

While “cleaner” is often classified as unskilled labor, U.S. employers look for specific traits to ensure quality and safety:

Physical Stamina: You must be comfortable standing for 8+ hours and lifting equipment (up to 30–50 lbs).
Attention to Detail: High standards for sanitation, especially in medical or luxury hospitality settings.
Chemical Safety: Knowledge of how to safely handle cleaning agents and disinfectants.
Reliability: In the U.S., punctuality and consistent attendance are critical performance metrics.

Average Wages in 2025

Wages vary significantly by state and the type of visa sponsorship. On average, cleaning professionals can expect:

Entry-Level: $14 – $17 per hour.
Experienced/Specialized (e.g., Hazardous Waste): $19 – $25+ per hour.
Metropolitan Areas: Cities like Chicago, NYC, or Seattle often pay higher rates ($20+), though the cost of living is also higher.

How to Find Sponsoring Employers

Finding a “visa sponsorship” job is different from a regular job search. You must target employers who are already registered with the government to hire foreigners.

SeasonalJobs.dol.gov: This is the official U.S. Department of Labor site. Filter by “H-2B” to find employers currently authorized to hire from abroad.
BDV Solutions & EB3.Work: These are specialized agencies that connect international workers with U.S. companies (like hotels and janitorial firms) specifically for EB-3 Green Card sponsorship.
Large Hospitality Groups: Brands like Marriott, Hilton, and MasterCorp often have established international recruitment pipelines for their resort locations.
ZipRecruiter & Indeed: Use specific search strings like “Cleaner Visa Sponsorship” or “H2B Housekeeping” to find active listings.

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Update Your Resume: Even for cleaning roles, a professional resume highlighting your reliability and any previous service experience is essential.
Verify the Agency: Never pay an employer for a job. While you may have to pay government filing fees or agency service fees (especially for EB-3), a “job fee” is usually a red flag.
Pass the Interview: Most interviews are conducted via Zoom or WhatsApp. Be ready to discuss your work ethic and flexibility with shifts.
Legal Processing: Once you have an offer, the employer files a petition (I-129 for H-2B or I-140 for EB-3).
Embassy Interview: You will attend a final interview at the U.S. Embassy in your country to receive your visa stamp.

Pro-Tip: The EB-3 Green Card process can take 1.5 to 3 years due to government backlogs. If you want to move faster, the H-2B seasonal visa is often a quicker (though temporary) alternative.