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Working in the USA
Working in the USA: Visas, jobs and working holiday guide
Work and travel in the USA appeals to students, graduates, seasonal workers, au pairs and travellers who want to experience American life while earning money. However, most visitors cannot legally work in America on ESTA or a tourist visa. Instead, you usually need an approved work visa, exchange visitor programme, employer sponsor or authorised placement before you start any paid job.
This guide explains the main ways to work in America legally, including J-1 Exchange Visitor programmes, seasonal jobs, au pair placements, temporary work visas, tax basics and practical travel tips. In addition, it highlights the checks you should make before accepting a job or paying a placement fee.
Table of Contents
Can you work and travel in the USA?
Yes, eligible foreign nationals can work and travel in the USA, but they must use the correct visa or programme route. For example, students and recent graduates may qualify for certain J-1 Exchange Visitor programmes, while employers may sponsor temporary workers through categories such as H-1B, H-2A or H-2B. However, ESTA and tourist visas do not allow paid employment for a US employer.
For many travellers, the most realistic routes include Summer Work Travel, Camp Counsellor, Au Pair, Intern or Trainee programmes. Meanwhile, skilled professionals usually need an employer-led visa route before they move to the United States.
Can foreigners work in the USA?
Foreigners can work in the USA when their visa, immigration status or work authorisation allows employment. The United States has strict rules, so you should secure the correct approval before you accept a job, attend paid training or start a placement.
Most travel-focused routes involve a sponsor. For instance, a designated exchange organisation may sponsor a J-1 participant, while a US employer may support a temporary worker application. As a result, you should not treat casual work as an informal add-on to a holiday.
You should also check whether your visa limits your employer, job type, start date or programme length. In addition, keep copies of your contract, visa documents, insurance details and sponsor contact information while you travel.
USA work visa and programme options
The best route depends on your nationality, age, education, experience, job offer and travel plans. However, most travellers fall into one of the categories below.
| Route | Best for | Typical sponsor | Key point |
|---|---|---|---|
| J-1 Exchange Visitor | Students, graduates, au pairs, interns, trainees and camp counsellors | Designated exchange programme sponsor | Designed for cultural exchange, not open-ended employment |
| H-1B | Skilled workers in specialty occupations | US employer | Usually requires a qualifying job and employer petition |
| H-2A | Temporary agricultural workers | US agricultural employer | Covers temporary or seasonal farm work |
| H-2B | Temporary non-agricultural workers | US employer | Often used for seasonal hospitality, tourism and labour roles |
| O-1 | People with extraordinary ability | Employer or agent | Used for high-level talent in fields such as arts, science, sport or business |
Because US immigration categories can change, always confirm the latest rules through official sources before you apply. In particular, check the U.S. Department of State, USCIS and your nearest US embassy or consulate.
J-1 Exchange Visitor programmes
The J-1 visa is one of the most important routes for people who want a work-and-travel experience in the USA. It supports approved cultural exchange programmes, which may include work, training, study or professional development.
Depending on your profile, you may find one of these J-1 categories relevant:
- Summer Work Travel: for eligible students who want temporary seasonal work during university holidays.
- Camp Counsellor: for people who want to work at summer camps with children and young people.
- Au Pair: for childcare placements with approved host families.
- Intern: for students or recent graduates who want structured workplace experience.
- Trainee: for applicants with relevant education or work experience who want professional training.
- Teacher, professor, research scholar or specialist: for more specific academic or professional exchange routes.
Generally, you must apply through an approved sponsor. The sponsor explains the programme rules, issues key documents and may help with job placement, insurance requirements and support while you stay in the USA. Therefore, you should choose a reputable organisation and read the terms carefully before paying fees.
Popular J-1 work and travel providers
Travellers often research organisations such as CIEE 
, BUNAC , Camp America and other approved sponsors or agencies. However, availability varies by nationality, programme type and year. Therefore, compare eligibility rules, programme fees, job support, insurance, accommodation help and refund policies before you apply.
Is there an American working holiday visa?
The USA does not offer a standard working holiday visa in the same style as Australia, Canada or New Zealand. Instead, the United States offers J-1 Exchange Visitor options that can feel similar for eligible students, recent graduates, au pairs, camp workers, interns and trainees.
This distinction matters because a working holiday-style opportunity in America usually comes with stricter sponsorship rules. For example, you may need to study full time, apply within a set period after graduation, accept approved employment, hold insurance and follow a fixed programme length.
Consequently, you should search for the exact programme category rather than only searching for “USA working holiday visa”. Terms such as “J-1 Summer Work Travel USA”, “J-1 Camp Counsellor USA” and “J-1 Intern USA” often produce more useful results.
Popular seasonal jobs in America
Seasonal work suits travellers who want a defined job, a clear location and a limited time commitment. In addition, many seasonal employers operate in destinations that travellers already want to explore.
| Job type | Typical season | Common locations | Useful notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer camp jobs | June to August | Rural camps, lakeside camps and activity centres | Often linked to J-1 Camp Counsellor programmes |
| Ski resort jobs | November to April | Colorado, Utah, Vermont, California and Wyoming | Roles may include hospitality, lift operations and rentals |
| National park hospitality | Spring to autumn | Yellowstone, Yosemite, Grand Canyon and other park gateways | Jobs may sit in hotels, lodges, restaurants and tour services |
| Theme park jobs | Spring to summer | Florida, California and major resort areas | Roles may include retail, food service and guest support |
| Hotel and restaurant work | Year-round, with seasonal peaks | Major cities, resorts and beach destinations | Tips may form part of earnings in some roles |
| Farm and harvest work | Varies by crop and state | California, Washington, Florida and other farming regions | Usually requires the correct agricultural work route |
| Retail jobs | November to January | Shopping districts, malls and outlet centres | Christmas demand can create short-term roles |
Before you accept any seasonal role, ask whether the employer can support the correct visa route. Also check accommodation, transport, pay frequency, overtime rules, uniform costs and contract length.
Work in America as an au pair
Working as an au pair in the USA can suit people who enjoy childcare and want to live with an American host family. In most cases, au pairs join a designated J-1 Au Pair programme rather than arranging private childcare work independently.
Au pair duties usually include childcare, school runs, simple meals for children and age-appropriate activities. However, the placement should follow programme rules, including limits on duties and working hours.
Before choosing an agency, compare programme support, training, insurance, host family screening, emergency contacts, time off, pay, study requirements and rematch policies. Additionally, speak to previous participants where possible so you understand the reality of day-to-day family life.
Recommended article: Working abroad in childcare as a Nanny or Au Pair
How to find work in America
You should start by choosing your visa or programme route, not by applying randomly for jobs. This approach saves time because many employers cannot hire foreign applicants unless the job matches a valid visa route.
Useful places to search for jobs and programmes
- Approved J-1 sponsors: best for Summer Work Travel, Camp Counsellor, Au Pair, Intern and Trainee programmes.
- LinkedIn: useful for professional roles, internships and employer research.
- Indeed and Glassdoor: useful for job listings, salary research and employer reviews.
- CoolWorks: useful for seasonal jobs in national parks, resorts and outdoor destinations.
- Camp agencies: useful for summer camp counselling, activity instruction and support roles.
- University career services: useful for internships, graduate training and employer connections.
How to improve your chances
First, create a clear CV or resume that matches US hiring expectations. Use concise bullet points, quantify your experience and highlight customer service, language skills, childcare experience, outdoor skills or technical abilities.
Next, tailor each application to the role. For example, a ski resort employer may value hospitality, reliability and winter experience, while a camp agency may value leadership, sport, arts, swimming, music or childcare experience.
Finally, check every offer carefully. A legitimate employer or sponsor should explain pay, location, accommodation, visa support, insurance, arrival dates and programme rules before you commit.
Pay, tax and practical money matters
Pay in the USA varies by state, city, employer and job type. Some roles pay hourly wages, while others include meals, accommodation or programme support. Therefore, compare the full package rather than only the headline wage.
You may also need to budget for placement fees, visa fees, flights, insurance, housing deposits, local transport, clothing, phone costs and emergency savings. In addition, many cities cost far more than smaller towns or rural work locations.
Do foreign workers pay tax in America?
Yes. Foreign workers may need to pay US federal income tax and, in many cases, state or local tax. Nonresident aliens generally pay tax on US-source income, and some workers need to file Form 1040-NR after the tax year ends.
Your employer may ask for tax forms when you start work. You may also need a Social Security Number if your visa status allows employment. Because tax rules depend on your status and income, keep payslips, forms, contracts and sponsor documents in a safe place.
Things to know before working and travelling in America
- You cannot work on ESTA or a tourist visa. Always secure the correct work route before you start employment.
- Healthcare can cost a lot. Arrange suitable insurance and understand what your programme includes.
- Distances are large. Check whether you need a car, local bus route, staff shuttle or ride-share budget.
- Accommodation changes the real value of a job. Staff housing can help, but you should check costs, rules and location.
- Tipping affects some roles. Restaurant and hospitality workers may rely partly on tips, depending on the job and state.
- State laws vary. Minimum wage, tax, transport and employment rules differ across the country.
- Programme rules matter. If your visa links you to a sponsor or employer, changing jobs may require approval.
- Keep emergency contacts handy. Save sponsor, employer, embassy, insurance and local emergency numbers before you travel.
For more practical help, read the related guides on USA visa requirements, travel health advice for the USA, American culture and etiquette, transport in the USA, USA travel costs, using your mobile phone abroad and international emergency numbers.
Official sources to check before you apply
US immigration and tax rules can change. Therefore, check official guidance before you apply, pay fees or travel.
- U.S. Department of State: Exchange Visitor visas
- USCIS: Temporary nonimmigrant workers
- USCIS: H-2A temporary agricultural workers
- USCIS: H-2B temporary non-agricultural workers
- IRS: Nonresident aliens and US tax
FAQs: About working in the USA
Yes. You can search for vacancies, contact employers and attend interviews before you have permission to work. However, you cannot start employment until you have the immigration status or work authorisation required for the role. Some visa routes also require an employer or programme sponsor to complete part of the process before you apply.
It depends on your immigration status and programme. Some US work visas link you to a particular employer, while J-1 participants must follow the conditions set by their programme and sponsor. Therefore, do not start working for a different employer without first checking whether your visa or programme allows the change.
Most foreign nationals who have permission to work in the USA will need a Social Security number for employment and tax purposes. Eligible workers can apply through the Social Security Administration. However, receiving a Social Security number does not give you permission to work if your immigration status does not already allow employment.
Your ability to take a second job depends on your visa or immigration status. Some programmes restrict participants to approved employers or require sponsor permission before they change or add jobs. Consequently, check your employment conditions before accepting additional work.
Some seasonal employers and exchange programmes provide staff accommodation or help workers find housing, particularly at summer camps, ski resorts and remote tourist destinations. However, accommodation is not automatically included. Check the cost, location, deposits, transport arrangements and whether rent comes directly from your wages before accepting a position.
Couples and friends can apply for programmes at the same time, but each person normally needs to qualify independently. Employers and programme sponsors may sometimes place applicants in the same area, although there is no guarantee that you will receive jobs, accommodation or placements together.
Do not assume that remote work for a foreign employer is automatically permitted simply because the company sits outside the United States. US immigration rules depend on your status and the activities you undertake while in the country. Check official immigration guidance or seek qualified advice if remote work forms part of your trip.
Many temporary foreign workers can open a US bank account, although requirements vary between banks. You may need identification, proof of your US address and other documents. A local account can make receiving wages and paying everyday expenses easier, so ask your employer or programme sponsor what documents workers commonly use.
The consequences depend on your visa category and immigration status. Losing a job can affect your right to remain or work in the United States when your status relates to a particular employer or programme. Contact your programme sponsor, employer or a qualified immigration adviser promptly rather than assuming you can remain until the original visa expiry date.
Possibly, but the rules depend on your immigration status and programme. Some J-1 participants may have a limited period after completing their programme to prepare for departure and travel within the United States, but they cannot use that period to continue working. Check the dates and conditions that apply to your individual programme before making travel plans.
Not necessarily. Many jobs do not involve driving, while employers in resorts, camps or remote areas may provide staff transport. If a job requires you to drive, check the driving licence rules for the state where you will work and confirm whether the employer or its insurer imposes additional requirements.
Some legitimate exchange programmes charge application, sponsorship or placement fees. However, understand exactly what a fee covers before paying and verify that any organisation sponsoring a J-1 programme has the appropriate US Department of State designation. Be cautious of companies that guarantee visas or jobs without explaining the legal work route involved.
Start researching several months before you want to travel, particularly for structured exchange programmes and popular summer or winter jobs. Visa processing, sponsor requirements and employer recruitment can all add time. Furthermore, summer camps and major resorts may recruit well before their season begins.
Confirm the wage, expected hours, overtime arrangements, accommodation costs, transport, start and finish dates, and any programme or agency fees. You should also establish which visa or immigration route allows you to perform the work and who will act as your employer or sponsor. Avoid travelling on the assumption that you can resolve your right to work after arrival.
Summary
Working and travelling in the USA can be a rewarding way to gain international experience, develop new skills and explore one of the world’s most diverse destinations. However, you must have the correct visa or authorised exchange programme before accepting paid work, as tourist visas and ESTA do not permit employment.
By understanding your visa options, searching for legitimate opportunities, planning your finances and following US employment rules, you can enjoy a safe, legal and memorable work and travel experience. Before you apply, always check the latest official immigration and visa requirements, as eligibility and regulations can change.
Author
Michael Harper
Michael Harper is the North America travel editor for anothertravel.com, specialising in travel guides, road trips, luxury escapes, and outdoor adventures across the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Drawing on years of first-hand travel experience throughout destinations including California, New York, British Columbia, and the Mexican Caribbean, he creates experience-led content that combines local insight with practical travel planning advice. His expertise includes city breaks, national parks, coastal travel, scenic driving routes, and family-friendly destinations, helping travellers discover both iconic attractions and lesser-known experiences across North America.
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