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Career changes and transitions

Looking for work after moving to the United States

How US employment eligibility verification works, getting foreign credentials evaluated, state licensing, US resume conventions and building local references.

By LuceriaPublished

Employment eligibility verification

USCIS states that all US employers must complete Form I-9 for every person they hire, citizens and non-citizens alike. You attest to your employment authorization and present acceptable documents, which your employer examines. Some employers also use E-Verify, which compares your I-9 information with government records.

Foreign degrees and licensed professions

Some employers, universities and licensing boards ask for a credential evaluation, which explains how a foreign degree compares with US education. Ask the employer or board which evaluation it accepts before paying for one.

Many occupations, such as nursing, teaching, accounting, law and some trades, are licensed by individual states. Requirements differ from state to state, so check with the licensing board in the state where you plan to work.

Adapting to US resume conventions

Common US practices
TopicTypical US practice
Photo, date of birth, marital statusLeft off; employers generally do not expect them
LengthOne page early in a career, two for longer experience
SummaryA brief summary at the top focused on the target role
Overseas employersA short description of what the organisation does
ReferencesUsually supplied when asked, often near the end of the process

Building local experience and connections

  • American Job Centers, listed on CareerOneStop, offer free help with job searching and training.
  • Volunteering and community organisations can provide US references.
  • Professional associations in your field often run events and job boards.
  • Informational conversations with people in your field help you understand local expectations.

Early steps

  • Know which documents you will present for Form I-9.
  • Check whether your occupation is licensed in your state.
  • Ask employers which credential evaluation, if any, they accept.
  • Rewrite your resume for US conventions.
  • Line up two people who can act as references.

Common questions

Should I list my visa status on my resume?

It is not required, but if you have authorization to work, a short line can reassure employers. Answer application questions about work authorization accurately.

Is it a red flag if a recruiter asks me to pay for work authorization?

Yes. Treat requests for payment to secure a job or paperwork as a warning sign, and check official USCIS information instead.

Sources

Put it into practice

Guidance by career stage
US resume and application guidanceUK and US resume terminologyLooking for work after moving to the UKMore on career changes and transitions

Drafted with AI assistance and checked against Luceria’s editorial standards. Examples are illustrative, not real people’s results. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.