Cleaning Jobs In USA For Foreigners With Visa Sponsorship

For many international job seekers, the United States represents the ultimate destination for career growth and economic stability. While tech and healthcare sectors often dominate the headlines, there is a massive, silent demand for unskilled labor—specifically in the cleaning, housekeeping, and janitorial sectors.

In 2025, the demand for cleaning professionals in US hotels, resorts, hospitals, and industrial facilities is at an all-time high. Because domestic workers are often unavailable for these roles, US employers are increasingly turning to foreign workers. This has opened doors for cleaning jobs in the USA for foreigners with visa sponsorship.

This is not just a job; it is a pathway. Whether you are looking for seasonal work to earn money quickly or a permanent move to the US, cleaning roles offer a legitimate entry point. However, the process is complex, and misinformation is rampant. This guide will cut through the noise, providing you with authoritative, verified information on how to secure these positions legally.

2. Understanding the Visas: H-2B vs. EB-3

Before you apply, you must understand how you can legally work. You cannot just enter on a tourist visa and start cleaning. There are two primary visa categories for cleaning and housekeeping roles:

A. The H-2B Visa (Temporary Non-Agricultural Worker)

This is the most common visa for seasonal cleaning jobs.

• Purpose: For temporary/seasonal work (e.g., a ski resort in winter or a beach hotel in summer).

• Duration: Valid for the period of employment, usually up to 10 months, but can be extended in increments up to 3 years.

• Best For: Individuals who want to work in the US for a short period, save money, and return home.

• Family: Your spouse and children can come on the H-4 visa but cannot work.

B. The EB-3 “Other Workers” Visa (Green Card)

This is the “gold standard” but is harder to get.

• Purpose: For permanent positions where there is a chronic shortage of US workers.

• Duration: Permanent residence (Green Card).

• Best For: Individuals seeking long-term immigration.

• Process: Requires the employer to prove to the Department of Labor (DOL) that no US workers are available. It has a long processing time (often 1-2 years).

Key Takeaway: Most “urgent” cleaning jobs listed online are H-2B roles. EB-3 roles are usually secured through specialized immigration agencies because the paperwork is extensive.

3. Eligibility & Requirements for Foreign Cleaners

While you do not need a university degree, US employers have strict requirements to ensure they comply with immigration laws.

Mandatory Requirements:

• Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay.

• Clean Criminal Record: You will need a police clearance certificate from your home country. Any history of violence or theft will disqualify you.

• Physical Stamina: Cleaning is physically demanding. You must be able to lift 25-50 lbs, stand for long periods, and perform repetitive motions.

• Job Offer from a US Sponsor: You cannot apply for the visa yourself; a US employer must file the petition for you.

Preferred Qualifications (The “Edge”):

• English Proficiency: Basic to intermediate English is usually required to read chemical safety labels and follow instructions.

• Previous Experience: Experience in 5-star hotels, hospitals, or industrial cleaning is highly valued. It shows you know professional standards.

• Flexibility: Willingness to work nights, weekends, and holidays.

4. Top Recruitment Agencies & Companies Sponsoring Cleaners

Finding a sponsor is the hardest part. Below are verified avenues where sponsorship opportunities frequently exist.

A. Specialized Recruitment Agencies

These agencies bridge the gap between US employers and foreign workers.

1. BDV Solutions:

   • Focus: Specialized in EB-3 “Unskilled” visas. They match foreigners with employers (often in cleaning, food service, or janitorial) willing to sponsor Green Cards.

   • Website: [Check their “Open Jobs” section frequently]

2. Hospitality Staffing Solutions (HSS):

   • Focus: A major supplier of staff to hotels and resorts across the US. They often utilize the H-2B program to fill seasonal gaps in housekeeping.

3. Alliance Abroad:

   • Focus: Cultural exchange and seasonal work programs. They are a designated sponsor for J-1 visas but also facilitate H-2B placements for seasonal resorts.

B. Direct Employers (Resorts & Hotels)

Large hotel chains and resorts in tourist-heavy areas are the most likely to sponsor H-2B visas.

• Ski Resorts (Winter Season):

  • Examples: Vail Resorts, Boyne Resorts, Aspen Skiing Company.

  • Jobs: Housekeeping, laundry attendants, common area cleaners.

• Beach/Summer Resorts (Summer Season):

  • Examples: The Broadmoor (Colorado), Mackinac Island Resorts (Michigan), Myrtle Beach Hotels (South Carolina).

  • Jobs: Room attendants, pool cleaners, janitors.

• Specific Hotels with History of Sponsorship:

  • Omni Hotels & Resorts

  • Marriott (Specific franchise locations often sponsor, though corporate policy varies).

  • Hyatt (Franchise locations).

Pro Tip: Don’t just look at “cleaning companies.” Look at luxury hotels in remote areas. They struggle the most to find local staff and are the most willing to pay for visas.

5. The “Secret Weapon”: How to Find Official Sponsors on DOL.gov

Most people search generic job boards like Indeed or LinkedIn and get frustrated. The smartest way to find a job is to look at who has already been approved by the US government to hire foreign workers.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using the Seasonal Jobs Database:

1. Go to the Official Site: Visit seasonaljobs.dol.gov. This is the Department of Labor’s official portal.

2. Search for Keywords: In the search bar, type “Housekeeper,” “Cleaner,” “Janitor,” or “Laundry.”

3. Filter by Visa Type: Look for the filter option and select “H-2B”.

4. Analyze the Results:

   • You will see a list of employers who have applied for labor certification.

   • Status: Look for “Determination Issued – Certification.” This means the government has said, “Yes, you can hire foreign workers.”

5. Take Action:

   • The listing will provide the Employer Name and often a contact email or phone number.

   • Do not just apply on the site. Take the employer’s name, Google their careers page, and apply directly, mentioning you found their H-2B certification.

6. Salary Expectations & Cost of Living

What can you realistically earn?

• Hourly Wage: As of late 2025, the average wage for H-2B cleaning and housekeeping roles is between $14.00 and $18.50 per hour.

• Overtime: US law usually requires “time and a half” (1.5x wage) for hours worked over 40 per week.

• Housing: Many H-2B employers (especially resorts) provide subsidized housing. This is a huge benefit. You might pay $100-$150 per week for rent, which is deducted from your paycheck, saving you the hassle of finding an apartment.

Sample Monthly Calculation (Estimate):

• Gross Pay: $16/hr x 160 hours = $2,560

• Taxes: ~$400 (approx. 15-20%)

• Housing: -$500

• Net Profit: ~$1,660 (pocket money for food/savings).

7. Critical Scam Warning: Protect Your Money & Data

The cleaning niche is riddled with scams targeting desperate workers. If you remember one section of this post, make it this one.

🚩 RED FLAGS – Do Not Apply If:

1. They Ask for Money Upfront: legitimate US employers pay the recruitment fees. You should never pay a “visa fee,” “application fee,” or “lawyer fee” via Western Union, crypto, or bank transfer to a recruiter. The only fees you might pay are to the US embassy directly for your interview.

2. Gmail/Yahoo Email Addresses: Official recruiters use company domains (e.g., recruiting@marriott.com, NOT marriottjobs2025@gmail.com).

3. Guaranteed Visas: No one can guarantee a visa except the US Consular Officer. Anyone promising a “100% success rate” is lying.

4. No Interview: If you get a job offer without a video interview (Zoom/Teams), it is a scam.

8. Step-by-Step Application Guide

Ready to apply? Follow this professional roadmap.

Step 1: The US-Style Resume

Do not use a CV with your photo, age, religion, or marital status. US resumes are strictly professional.

• Focus: Skills (Chemical handling, machinery operation), Reliability (Attendance records), and Experience.

• Length: 1 page maximum.

Step 2: The Search

Use the DOL.gov method mentioned above, and monitor the “Careers” pages of the agencies listed (BDV, HSS). Set up Google Alerts for “H-2B housekeeping jobs.”

Step 3: The Interview

If shortlisted, you will have a video interview.

• Dress: Wear a collared shirt. Look neat.

• Lighting: Ensure your face is clearly visible.

• Key Question: “Why do you want this job?”

  • Good Answer: “I am hardworking, I have experience with [specific cleaning tasks], and I want to support your team during the busy season.”

Step 4: The Visa Process

Once you get the job offer:

1. Employer files Form I-129 (Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker).

2. Once approved, they send you Form I-797 (Notice of Action).

3. You complete Form DS-160 online and pay the visa fee (approx. $190).

4. Schedule an interview at the US Embassy in your home country.

11. Cracking the Consular Interview: H-2B & EB-3 Questions

Recommended placement: Insert this after the Resume section or as a subsection of the Application Guide.

Getting the job offer is only 50% of the battle. The visa interview at the US Embassy in your home country is where many dreams end. Consular officers are trained to spot “immigrant intent” in temporary visa applicants.

The “Golden Rule” for H-2B Interviews

If you are applying for an H-2B (Temporary) visa, you must prove you plan to return home after your contract ends. If the officer thinks you plan to stay in the US illegally, they will deny you.

Common Questions & Winning Answers

Q1: “Why do you want to go to the United States?”

• Wrong Answer: “I want a better life” or “I want to live in America.”

• Right Answer: “I have a temporary job offer from [Company Name] for their peak season. I want to gain international experience in hospitality standards and earn money to invest in my house/business back home.”

Q2: “What is your salary going to be?”

• Tip: Know the exact number written on your contract.

• Answer: “$16.50 per hour. I have read the contract thoroughly.”

Q3: “Do you have family in the US?”

• Tip: Be honest. They can check.

• Answer: “Yes, I have a cousin in Texas,” OR “No, I do not.” (If you have close family like a spouse/parent in the US, your H-2B is at high risk of denial).

Q4: “What will you do when your visa expires?” (THE TRAP QUESTION)

• Winning Answer: “I will return to [Home Country]. I have my family here, and I plan to use the savings from this job to finish building my home/expand my local business.”

• Why this works: It shows “Strong Ties” to your home country.

12. Logistics: Your First Week in the USA

Recommended placement: Insert this before the Conclusion. This adds high practical value.

Once you land in the US, the clock starts ticking. Here is what a foreign worker needs to handle immediately to ensure they get paid and stay legal.

1. Applying for a Social Security Number (SSN)

You cannot get paid legally without an SSN.

• Process: Go to the nearest Social Security Administration (SSA) office.

• Documents needed: Passport with visa, I-94 (Arrival record), and your Job Offer letter.

• Timeline: The card usually arrives by mail within 14 days.

2. Opening a Bank Account

US employers usually pay via “Direct Deposit.” You need a US bank account.

• Friendly Banks for Non-Residents: Bank of America and Wells Fargo are known to be more lenient with non-permanent residents.

• What to bring: Passport, secondary ID (like a driver’s license from home), proof of address (your employer can provide a letter verifying your housing), and a small opening deposit ($25-$50).

3. Understanding Taxes

• W-4 Form: You will fill this out on your first day. It determines how much tax is withheld from your paycheck.

• Filing: Even as a foreign worker, you must file a US tax return (usually Form 1040-NR) by April 15th of the following year. You may get a refund if you overpaid!

13. Extended FAQ: Cleaning Jobs & Sponsorship

Recommended placement: End of the article. This is excellent for “People Also Ask” Google snippets.

Q: Is there an age limit for H-2B cleaning jobs? A: Technically, there is no upper age limit as long as you are physically capable of performing the work. However, applicants must be at least 18 years old.

Q: Can I switch employers once I am in the US? A: On an H-2B visa, you are tied to the employer who sponsored you. You cannot just quit and work for a restaurant down the street. However, you can transfer your visa if another employer files a new petition for you, but this is a complex legal process.

Q: Does the employer pay for my flight? A: Under H-2B regulations, the employer must reimburse you for your inbound travel costs (flight and visa fees) once you complete 50% of the work contract period. Always keep your receipts!

Q: Can I bring my family? A: Yes, on an H-4 visa. However, your spouse and children cannot work in the US. You must prove you can support them financially on your single income, which can be difficult on a cleaner’s salary.

Q: Which US states have the most cleaning jobs for foreigners? A: Focus on states with high tourism or seasonal industries:

1. Florida: Theme parks and beach resorts (Year-round).

2. Colorado: Ski resorts (Winter).

3. Michigan/Maine: Lake and island resorts (Summer).

4. Texas/Nevada: Large hotels and convention centers.

Q: What happens if I get sick? A: Most H-2B employers are required to provide Worker’s Compensation insurance for on-the-job injuries. For general sickness, you should inquire if your employer offers health insurance plans, as US healthcare is very expensive.

14. Success Strategy: The “Follow-Up” Technique

Recommended placement: Inside the “Application Guide” or as a standalone tip.

Because these jobs receive thousands of applications, hitting “Send” is not enough.

1. Wait 5 Days: If you haven’t heard back after submitting an application via email.

2. Send a Polite Email:

   “Dear Hiring Manager, I submitted my application for the Housekeeping position on [Date]. I am writing to reiterate my strong interest in joining your team for the upcoming season. I have my passport ready and am eager to discuss how my experience can help [Company Name]. Thank you.”

3. Why this works: It shows English proficiency and professional persistence—two traits highly valued in the US service industry.

Writer’s Note on Word Count & Optimization

• Current Status: Combining the previous output with these new sections brings the total content depth significantly higher, likely exceeding the 2,500-word mark if you elaborate on the “Company Descriptions” in Section 4 (add more resorts/hotels) and the “State-by-State” opportunities in the FAQ.

• Internal Linking: To boost SEO, if you have other articles on your blog (e.g., “How to write a CV” or “US Visa Types”), link to them within this text.

• Images: When publishing, add Alt Text to your images using keywords like “Housekeeper cleaning hotel room USA” or “H-2B visa sample.”

9. Conclusion

Securing a cleaning job in the USA with visa sponsorship requires patience, strategy, and vigilance. It is not as simple as clicking “apply,” but the rewards—USD income, international experience, and potential long-term residency—are worth the effort.

Stop relying on random Facebook groups and start using official government data (DOL) and reputable agencies. The opportunities for 2025 are available; it’s up to you to approach them with professionalism and persistence.

Would you like me to help you draft a US-standard resume template specifically for these cleaning roles?