Are you interested in working as a truck driver in the USA, but you are not a US citizen or permanent resident? If so, you may need to find a visa sponsorship truck driver job. This means that an employer will sponsor you for a work visa, such as the H-1B, H-2B, or TN visa, that allows you to legally work in the USA.
However, finding a visa-sponsored truck driver job is not easy. There are many challenges and requirements that you need to overcome and meet. In this blog post, we will explain what visa sponsorship truck driver jobs are, why they are hard to find, and how you can increase your chances of getting one.
What are Visa Sponsorship Truck Driver Jobs?
Visa sponsorship truck driver jobs are jobs that require a foreign worker to have a valid work visa to work in the USA. The employer will apply for the visa on behalf of the worker and pay for the fees and expenses involved. The visa will allow the worker to stay and work in the USA for a certain period, usually between one and six years, depending on the type of visa.
Different types of work visas can be used for visa sponsorship truck driver jobs, but the most common ones are:
H-1B visa
This is a visa for workers in specialty occupations that require at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a specific field. The H-1B visa is valid for up to three years and can be extended for another three years. The annual cap for the H-1B visa is 65,000, plus an additional 20,000 for workers with a master’s degree or higher from a US institution. The H-1B visa is subject to a lottery system and a competitive application process.
H-2B visa
This is a visa for temporary or seasonal workers in non-agricultural fields. The H-2B visa is valid for up to one year and can be extended for up to three years. The annual cap for the H-2B visa is 66,000, divided equally between the first and second halves of the fiscal year. The H-2B visa is subject to a labor certification process and a preference system.
TN visa
This is a visa for professionals from Canada and Mexico under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The TN visa is valid for up to three years and can be renewed indefinitely. There is no annual cap or lottery for the TN visa, but the worker must have a job offer from a US employer in one of the designated professions.
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Why Are Visa Sponsorship Truck Driver Jobs Hard to Find?
Visa sponsorship truck driver jobs are hard to find for several reasons, such as:
High demand and low supply
More foreign workers want to work as truck drivers in the USA than there are available visas. According to the American Trucking Association, the trucking industry faces a shortage of about 60,000 drivers, and this number is expected to grow to 160,000 by 2028. However, the annual caps for the H-1B and H-2B visas limit the number of foreign workers who can enter the USA each year. Moreover, the lottery system for the H-1B visa and the preference system for the H-2B visa make it uncertain and unpredictable whether a foreign worker will get a visa or not.
High cost and risk
Sponsoring a foreign worker for a work visa is expensive and risky for the employer. The employer has to pay for the visa fees, the legal fees, the recruitment costs, and the transportation costs of the worker. The employer also has to comply with labor and immigration laws and regulations, such as paying the prevailing wage, providing the same benefits, and proving that there are no qualified US workers available for the job. The employer also faces the risk of losing the worker if the visa expires, is denied, or is revoked.
Low qualifications and skills
Most truck driver jobs in the USA do not require a high level of qualification or skill. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the typical entry-level education for truck drivers is a high school diploma or equivalent, and the median annual wage for truck drivers is $47,130. These factors make it difficult for truck drivers to qualify for the H-1B visa, which requires a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a specialty occupation. They also make it less attractive for employers to sponsor truck drivers for the H-2B visa, which requires a labor certification and a preference system. The TN visa may be an option for truck drivers from Canada and Mexico, but only if they have a job offer in one of the designated professions.
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How Can You Increase Your Chances of Getting a Visa-Sponsored Truck Driver Job?
Despite the challenges and difficulties, it is not impossible to find a visa-sponsored truck driver job in the USA. Here are some tips and strategies that can help you increase your chances of getting one:
Do your research
Before you start looking for a visa sponsorship truck driver job, you should do your research on the visa options, the eligibility criteria, the application process, the fees and expenses, and the timelines and deadlines. You should also research the trucking industry, the job market, the employer requirements, and the salary and benefits. You can use online resources, such as the US Department of State, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services, the US Department of Labor, and the American Trucking Associations, to find reliable and updated information.
Improve your skills and qualifications
To increase your chances of qualifying for a work visa and getting a job offer, you should improve your skills and qualifications as a truck driver. You should have a valid driver’s license from your home country, and preferably a commercial driver’s license (CDL) from the USA. You should also have a clean driving record, a good command of English, and a basic knowledge of US traffic laws and regulations. You can also enhance your skills and qualifications by taking additional courses, certifications, or training programs related to truck driving, such as safety, maintenance, or logistics.
Network and market yourself
To increase your chances of finding a visa sponsorship truck driver job, you should network and market yourself to potential employers and recruiters. You can use online platforms, such as Indeed, LinkedIn, or Facebook, to create a professional profile, upload your resume, and search for job opportunities. You can also join online groups, forums, or communities related to truck driving, such as TruckersReport, and Truck Driver Forum, to connect with other truck drivers, share your experiences, and get advice and referrals. You can also attend job fairs, trade shows, or events related to truck driving, such as The Great American Trucking Show, The Mid-America Trucking Show, or The Truck Driver Job Fair, to meet with employers and recruiters face-to-face and showcase your skills and qualifications.
Be flexible and persistent
To increase your chances of getting a visa sponsorship truck driver job, you should be flexible and persistent in your job search. You should be willing to relocate to different states or regions, depending on where the job opportunities are. You should also be willing to accept different types of truck driving jobs, such as long-haul, regional, or local, depending on the employer’s needs. You should also be persistent in following up with the employers and recruiters, sending thank-you notes, and asking for feedback. You should also be prepared to face rejections, delays, and uncertainties, and keep applying until you find a visa sponsorship truck driver job.
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Conclusion
Finding a visa sponsorship truck driver job in the USA is not easy, but it is not impossible. By doing your research, improving your skills and qualifications, networking and marketing yourself, and being flexible and persistent, you can increase your chances of getting a visa-sponsored truck driver job.