A Guide to Jobs You’re Eligible for Based on Your Visa Status in the United States

Figuring out which jobs you can apply for in the U.S. can feel tricky, especially when your visa or immigration status comes into play. Don’t worry! We’re here to help you understand your options so you can focus on opportunities that are open to you.

U.S. Citizens

If you’re a U.S. citizen, you’ve got a lot of flexibility. You can work for almost any employer, public or private, across nearly any industry, including defense, aerospace, and advanced energy. You’re also eligible for all levels of federal security clearance, like Secret or Top Secret, which opens the door to roles involving classified information.

Green Card Holders

Green card holders can do almost everything U.S. citizens can. You can work in the private sector, for state or local government, and on most defense contractor projects. You’re also considered a “U.S. Person” under ITAR and EAR, which means you can legally work on most export-controlled projects.

The main limitation is federal security clearances. Secret and Top-Secret positions usually require full citizenship. That means if a role involves classified information, you’ll need to wait until you become a citizen. But for unclassified projects, engineering, tech, or ITAR/EAR-controlled work, you’re good to go.

Understanding ITAR Regulations

ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) controls access to defense-related technical data and products. Only “U.S. Persons”— U.S. citizens, green card holders, refugees, and asylees—can work on ITAR-controlled projects.

Here’s how to navigate ITAR in your job search:

• Know your status: Are you a U.S. Person? If yes, you can work on ITAR-controlled projects.
• Highlight it clearly: On your résumé or LinkedIn profile, note your eligibility for ITAR projects or your security clearance. Examples:
  • “U.S. Citizen | Active Secret Clearance | ITAR Compliant”
  • “Green Card Holder | Eligible for ITAR/EAR Projects”
• Include relevant experience: When describing roles, mention if you worked with ITAR-controlled documentation or manufacturing without disclosing sensitive details.
• Important to note: Although ITAR regulations are clearly defined, many employers still require candidates to hold full U.S. citizenship due to the sensitive nature of certain projects.

Security Clearance Bottlenecks and Hiring Delays

Recruiting for positions that require security clearances brings a distinct set of challenges. Obtaining a top-secret clearance can take six to twelve months, creating significant delays in filling critical roles and keeping projects on track. As global security concerns and geopolitical tensions continue to rise, demand for professionals with active clearances is growing faster than the supply.

Practical Strategies for Hiring Managers

• Target Candidates with Active Clearances: Streamline hiring timelines by prioritizing individuals who already hold the required level of clearance.
• Collaborate with Specialist Recruiters: Partner with firms experienced in sourcing security-cleared professionals to gain faster access to qualified candidates.
• Utilize Interim Clearances When Feasible: For time-sensitive positions, consider interim clearance options to expedite onboarding while full clearances are being processed.
  
  

Temporary Work Visa Holders

If you’re on a visa like H-1B, L-1, O-1, F-1, or J-1, your options are a bit more limited, but there are still opportunities. These visas usually require employer sponsorship, and security clearances are typically off-limits. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• H-1B: Specialty occupations that usually require a bachelor’s degree or higher.
• L-1: Intra-company transfers, only for qualifying parent/subsidiary roles.
• O-1: For individuals with extraordinary abilities in science, business, arts, or athletics.
• F-1: On-campus jobs, plus OPT/CPT work after graduation. Full-time permanent work usually requires a work visa.
• J-1: Work tied to your program sponsor; some visas require a two-year home residency before switching.

Visas That Don’t Allow Employment

Some visas, like B-1/B-2 (visitor/tourist) and certain dependent visas (F-2, H-4), generally don’t allow work. Always double-check your status before applying to be safe.

Tips for Candidates

• Make sure your work authorization is valid at the time you apply.
• Highlight your status and clearance clearly on your résumé or LinkedIn profile.
• Emphasize experience with ITAR-controlled projects without sharing sensitive details.
• If you’re targeting defense, aerospace, or advanced energy jobs, being upfront about your clearance and ITAR eligibility shows recruiters you’re ready to hit the ground running.

Knowing your eligibility helps you focus your efforts and avoid wasting time on jobs you can’t apply for. By clearly communicating your visa status, clearance, and ITAR eligibility, you can confidently pursue positions that fit your skills, experience, and career goals. You’ve got this!