H-2B | H-2A | H-1B | EB-3 Green Card | CDL Trucking | Skilled Trades | Healthcare | Houston | Dallas | Austin

Texas offers exceptional opportunities for foreign workers seeking visa-sponsored employment. As the second-largest U.S. state economy, Texas has persistent labor shortages across energy, construction, logistics, healthcare, manufacturing, agriculture, and hospitality. Employers actively use H-2B, H-2A, H-1B, and EB-3 Green Card pathways to hire international workers. Salaries range from $30,000 to $100,000+ depending on role and experience. This guide covers in-demand positions, pay rates, visa types, top hiring regions, and step-by-step application instructions.

Why Texas for Visa-Sponsored Employment

• Massive, diversified economy: Energy, construction, logistics, healthcare, tech, manufacturing, agriculture
• High hiring volume: Seasonal and permanent visa usage across multiple industries
• Lower cost of living: More affordable than California or New York, especially outside major downtowns
• No state income tax: Higher take-home pay compared to most other states
• Large immigrant communities: Established support networks, especially Hispanic communities
• Clear PR pathways: Temporary work can lead to EB-3 Green Card when employers sponsor

Texas Jobs: Salary Guide 2026

Pay varies by city, shift differentials, overtime, and experience. Hourly rates shown for hourly positions; annual salaries for salaried roles.

Entry-Level & Semi-Skilled Positions

Role	Pay Rate	Annual Equivalent
Warehouse Associate / Picker-Packer	$16 – $22/hour	$33,000 – $46,000/year
Construction Laborer	$17 – $24/hour	$35,000 – $50,000/year
Delivery Driver (Non-CDL)	$16 – $22/hour	$33,000 – $46,000/year
Housekeeping / Janitorial	$13 – $18/hour	$27,000 – $37,000/year
Kitchen Helper / Dishwasher	$12 – $17/hour	$25,000 – $35,000/year
Caregiver Aide / CNA	$14 – $20/hour	$29,000 – $42,000/year
Landscaping / Grounds Crew	$14 – $20/hour	$29,000 – $42,000/year
Hotel Staff / Housekeeping	$13 – $18/hour	$27,000 – $37,000/year
Retail Stocker	$14 – $18/hour	$29,000 – $37,000/year

Skilled Trades & Licensed Positions

Role	Pay Rate	Annual Equivalent
CDL Class A Truck Driver	$55,000 – $85,000/year	CDL-A, clean record
Certified Welder	$24 – $38/hour	$50,000 – $79,000/year
HVAC Technician	$24 – $36/hour	$50,000 – $75,000/year
Electrician (Licensed)	$26 – $40/hour	$54,000 – $83,000/year
Plumber	$24 – $36/hour	$50,000 – $75,000/year
Heavy Equipment Operator	$22 – $32/hour	$46,000 – $67,000/year
Industrial Mechanic / Millwright	$25 – $38/hour	$52,000 – $79,000/year

Healthcare Positions

Role	Pay Rate	Annual Equivalent
Registered Nurse (RN)	$65,000 – $95,000/year	Nursing license, NCLEX
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)	$45,000 – $60,000/year	LPN license
Medical Technologist	$55,000 – $75,000/year	ASCP certification
Physical Therapist	$75,000 – $100,000/year	PT license, DPT degree
Home Health Aide	$13 – $18/hour	$27,000 – $37,000/year

Seasonal Agriculture (H-2A)

Role	Pay Rate	Annual Equivalent
Farm Worker / Field Hand	$14.50 – $17/hour	Housing typically included
Ranch Hand / Livestock Worker	$14 – $18/hour	Housing often included
Harvest Worker (Piece Rate)	$12 – $20/hour+	Varies by crop/productivity

Note: H-2A agricultural workers receive free housing from employers as required by law.

Visa Types Used by Texas Employers

H-2B Temporary Non-Agricultural Worker

Best for: Seasonal/peak-load work in landscaping, hospitality, construction support, cleaning

• Duration: Up to 1 year, extendable to 3 years maximum
• Cap: 66,000 visas per year (fills quickly)
• Employer requirement: Obtain Temporary Labor Certification from DOL
• Common Texas roles: Landscapers, hotel housekeeping, construction laborers, warehouse workers

H-2A Temporary Agricultural Worker

Best for: Seasonal farm and ranch work

• Duration: Up to 1 year per contract (can return seasonally)
• No annual cap: Unlimited visas available
• Benefits: Free housing, transportation to/from home country, guaranteed minimum hours
• Common Texas roles: Field workers, ranch hands, livestock workers, harvest crews

H-1B Specialty Occupation

Best for: Professionals with bachelor’s degrees in tech, engineering, healthcare, business

• Duration: 3 years, extendable to 6 years
• Cap: 85,000 per year (lottery system)
• Requirement: Bachelor’s degree + job offer in specialty field
• Common Texas roles: Software engineers, nurses, accountants, engineers (oil/gas, civil)

EB-3 Employment-Based Green Card

Best for: Workers seeking permanent residency

• Status: Permanent residency (Green Card)
• Categories: Skilled workers (2+ years training), professionals (bachelor’s), other workers
• Employer requirement: PERM Labor Certification + petition filing
• Processing: 1–3+ years depending on country of origin

TN Visa (USMCA)

• Eligibility: Canadian and Mexican citizens only
• Professions: Engineers, accountants, scientists, nurses, IT professionals
• Benefit: No annual cap, renewable indefinitely, faster processing

Best Texas Regions for Sponsored Jobs

Houston

Key sectors: Energy (oil & gas), petrochemical, ports, warehousing, healthcare. Texas Medical Center is world’s largest. Strong demand for engineers, nurses, welders, warehouse workers.

Dallas–Fort Worth

Key sectors: Logistics (national hub), distribution, tech, corporate headquarters, construction. High demand for CDL drivers, warehouse workers, skilled trades.

Austin

Key sectors: Tech (Tesla, Apple, Google, Dell), hospitality, home care, construction. Higher cost of living but strong H-1B and skilled trades demand.

San Antonio

Key sectors: Hospitality (major tourism destination), healthcare, military support, logistics. Good for entry-level hospitality and healthcare roles.

South & West Texas (Rio Grande Valley, El Paso)

Key sectors: Agriculture, cross-border logistics, manufacturing. Lower wages but lower cost of living. H-2A farm work with employer-provided housing common.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply

Step 1: Identify Your Target Roles

• Match your skills to in-demand positions
• Identify which visa category fits (H-2B, H-2A, H-1B, etc.)
• Research salary ranges and living costs in target regions

Step 2: Prepare Your Documents

• S.-style resume: 1–2 pages, achievements-focused, no photo
• Certifications: CDL, OSHA, welding certs, nursing license, trade licenses
• References: Previous supervisors who can verify experience
• Passport: Valid for at least 12 months

Step 3: Search Job Boards

• com: Search ‘Texas visa sponsorship,’ ‘H-2B Texas,’ ‘CDL sponsorship’
• dol.gov: Official DOL portal for H-2A and H-2B job orders
• LinkedIn Jobs: Filter for ‘visa sponsorship’ and Texas location
• ZipRecruiter: Good for hourly and trade positions
• Company career pages: Apply directly to large employers

Step 4: Apply Strategically

• Send 10–15 targeted applications per week
• Customize cover letter for each position
• State your visa situation clearly (open to sponsorship)
• Include earliest available start date and relocation flexibility

Step 5: Interview Preparation

• Be ready for phone or video interviews (time-zone flexible)
• Prepare examples: safety record, teamwork, peak workloads, reliability
• Skilled trades: expect technical questions or skills tests

Step 6: Secure Written Offer

• Job title, duties, location, hours, pay rate, overtime policy
• Visa type and who pays filing fees
• Housing assistance (if applicable)
• Travel/relocation support

Step 7: Complete Visa Process

• Employer files petition (H-2B, H-1B) or certification (H-2A)
• Complete DS-160 online application
• Pay visa fees and schedule consular interview
• Attend biometrics appointment (if required)
• Interview at U.S. consulate with supporting documents

Document Checklist

• Valid passport (12+ months remaining)
• S.-format resume (1–2 pages)
• Job offer letter with visa details
• Employer’s visa petition documents
• Work history letters (duties, dates, supervisor contacts)
• Trade licenses and certifications (CDL, OSHA, nursing, welding)
• Police clearance certificate
• Medical exam (if required)
• DS-160 confirmation page
• Visa fee receipts

Sample Application Message

Subject: Experienced [Role] Ready to Relocate to Texas – Open to Sponsorship

Hello [Hiring Manager],

I have [X years] experience as a [role], including [2–3 relevant tasks: e.g., ELD compliance and hours-of-service for CDL, food-safe sanitation, patient care protocols]. I maintain a clean driving/work record and am available to start within [X weeks].

I am open to the appropriate employer-sponsored U.S. work visa (H-2B/H-1B/other). Could we schedule a brief call to discuss the position and next steps?

Thank you, [Your Name] | [Phone/WhatsApp] | [Email]

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need perfect English?

No. Functional English for safety instructions and basic communication is often sufficient for entry-level roles. Improve over time to access better pay and supervisory positions.

Can I switch employers on H-2B?

H-2B and H-2A visas are employer-specific. Changing jobs requires a new petition from the new employer. Consult with HR or an immigration attorney before making changes.

Is housing included?

Always for H-2A (required by law). Sometimes for H-2B (varies by employer). Rare for permanent roles unless in remote areas. Confirm in writing before accepting.

Can my family join me?

Most visa categories allow spouse and children as dependents. However, work authorization for spouses varies—H-4 (H-1B spouse) can apply for EAD; H-2 dependents cannot work. Consult employer’s immigration counsel.

How can I get permanent residency?

Some employers sponsor EB-3 Green Cards for proven workers. Start with temporary visa, demonstrate reliability, then ask about PR sponsorship. Processing takes 1–3+ years depending on country.

Start Your Texas Career

Texas offers exceptional opportunities for foreign workers—from entry-level warehouse and hospitality positions to skilled trades and professional roles. With H-2B, H-2A, H-1B, and EB-3 Green Card pathways, you can build a career in one of America’s strongest economies. The combination of high demand, competitive wages, no state income tax, and lower cost of living makes Texas an ideal destination for visa-sponsored employment.

Your Next Steps

1. Identify target roles matching your skills and visa eligibility
2. Prepare U.S.-format resume highlighting certifications and reliability
3. Search SeasonalJobs.dol.gov, Indeed, and company career pages
4. Apply to 10–15 sponsor-active positions weekly
5. Secure written offer with visa sponsorship details
6. Complete visa process and prepare for relocation

Your Texas career starts with the right preparation. Begin your application today.