Which Career Should You Pursue for U.S. immigration? Discover 9 Ideal Jobs for Vietnamese

The United States offers a vast job market with numerous opportunities for immigrants, regardless of their experience or qualifications.

For Vietnamese immigrants, the question of which career to study upon settling in the U.S. is a common one. 

This article by ImmiPath aims to address this question and guide you on the best career paths for success in the U.S. Check it out now!

1. What Careers Are Ideal for New Immigrants in the U.S.?

Starting a new life in the U.S. can be challenging, with cultural adjustments, homesickness, finding housing, and most importantly, securing a job to ensure financial stability. 

Given the high cost of living in the U.S., it’s crucial to find employment to cover expenses such as rent, taxes, insurance, and food…

ImmiPath has compiled a list of popular career options among the Vietnamese community in the U.S. to help you determine what fields might be best for you to pursue upon settling in the U.S.:

1.1. Beauty Industry

One of the most popular career paths within the Vietnamese community in the U.S. is the beauty industry, particularly nail salons. Many Vietnamese immigrants have achieved significant success by owning and operating beauty salons, spas, and nail salons.

With the growing demand for beauty services, working in nail salons is relatively easy to find, especially in states with large Vietnamese populations like California, where there are around 11,000 nail salons, and 80% are owned by Vietnamese individuals.

Employees in nail salons often earn a commission-based salary, typically around a 40/60 split with the owner. For those with advanced skills and excellent customer service abilities, especially those fluent in English, monthly earnings can range from $2,000 to $5,000.

Additionally, tipping is a common practice in the U.S. If you provide exceptional service, you could earn an additional $2,000 per month in tips, on top of your regular income.

With such a stable income, it is entirely feasible to live comfortably in the U.S. and even open additional businesses to maximize your earnings.

1.2. Food and Restaurant Services

For those unsure about what career path to pursue when settling in the U.S., starting a food and restaurant business is an ideal choice. This is one of the most common entrepreneurial ventures among Vietnamese immigrants in the U.S.

Americans often enjoy dining out with friends and family or meeting with business partners and acquaintances at cafes and restaurants, making the food industry a lucrative option.

Vietnamese restaurants not only serve as gathering spots for the Vietnamese community but also attract a large number of locals and tourists from other countries.

In states with significant Vietnamese populations, you can easily find eateries offering traditional Vietnamese dishes like bánh mì, phở, and unique Vietnamese coffee.

Given this demand, entering the food and restaurant business is a promising field for Vietnamese immigrants to consider when starting a new life in the U.S.

1.3. Delivery Driver

With just a high school diploma or equivalent education and some on-the-job training, working as a delivery driver is an accessible option for those newly settled in the U.S. 

The average salary is around $32,000 per year, along with benefits that many companies provide.

For more flexibility, you might consider working for food delivery apps like DoorDash or Uber Eats, which allow you to choose your own working hours.

1.4. Security Guard

If you do not mind working evening hours, becoming a security guard can be a good income source. This job typically requires a basic high school education or equivalent, a clean criminal record, and good health, making it relatively easy to find work in this field.

While the average salary of around $30,000 per year is on the lower end, it provides a solid starting point for gaining experience and offers opportunities to advance in the field, such as moving into law enforcement in the future.

As you gain more experience, your earning potential increases. Security is a crucial aspect applied across various sectors, including community safety, commercial, and personal security.

1.5. Lawn Care and Gardening Jobs

Though it may not offer as high a salary as some other jobs on this list, working as a gardener or lawn care professional is a great option if you enjoy working outdoors. Most lawn care and gardening positions can earn you around $30,000 per year.

Additionally, with some experience and investment in specialized training or post-secondary education, you could find a position at a golf course, formal garden, or even work for your city.

Generally, all you need is a willingness to get your hands dirty and do some heavy lifting and digging.

In more seasonal areas, you’ll need to save for the winter months when work may be less abundant, but even then, there are often opportunities to handle snow removal and other related tasks.

This job also allows you to familiarize yourself with the local landscape and build relationships within the community.

1.6. Dog Walking

Dog walking in America is no longer a strange job. Although this job seems simple and does not require much wealth, it brings a significant source of income.

According to the experience of people who have worked as dog walkers in the U.S., this job often includes taking dogs out, cleaning them 3 times a day in the morning, noon, and evening – and taking care of their feeding.

In addition, some light tasks like house cleaning may be part of the job. For just 30 minutes of walking a dog, you can earn around $20, not including tips.

For newcomers to the U.S. with limited English, no qualifications, and uncertainty about how to earn daily income, dog walking is an ideal choice.

In fact, some individuals who solely work as dog walkers in the U.S. have managed to earn over $150,000 a year, which is a significant income by American standards.

1.7. CNC Machinist

Finally, one of the top jobs for new immigrants in the U.S. is CNC machining. This trade does not require a high level of education, is relatively easy to learn, and offers decent wages, making it an ideal choice for those newly settled in the U.S.

Many Vietnamese in America, especially men, choose to work as CNC machinists.

With experience, one can advance from an assistant machinist to a lead machinist and potentially to higher positions like management, significantly improving income for themselves and their families.

1.8. Childcare/Nanny

Nannying is another popular job among Vietnamese immigrants in the U.S. Thanks to modern technology, the work is not overly strenuous. 

The job includes taking care of children and cleaning the house, with wages around $15 per hour. However, patience and basic communication skills are necessary for this role.

1.9. Vietnamese Tutor

Many Vietnamese-American families want their children to learn and connect with their mother tongue. So when you first immigrate to the US, to have more income to cover life expenses, you can also start working as a Vietnamese tutor.

However, this job requires proficiency in both English and Vietnamese. Additionally, to build trust with the parents, having a degree from an American university or an equivalent qualification is often required. The average pay for this job ranges from $44 to $74 per hour.

2. What Major Can You Pursue in the U.S. for High Income?

The United States offers a vast job market with numerous opportunities for high earnings. While many jobs in the U.S. are in the service sector, some positions offer particularly high salaries. Here are some of the highest-paying jobs and their estimated annual salaries:

• Sales Staff
• Office Staff
• Cashiers
• General Managers
• Fast Food Workers
• Registered Nurses
• Transport and Logistics Workers
• Secretaries
• Customer Service Representatives

On average, a full-time male worker in the U.S. earns $51,212, compared to $40,742 for females. Some of the highest-paying jobs in the U.S. and their estimated annual salaries are:

• Anesthesiologist: $246,320
• Surgeon: $240,440
• Obstetrician/Gynecologist: $214,750
• Psychiatrist: $182,700
• Lawyer: $133,470
• Sales Manager: $126,040
• Chief Executive Officer (CEO): $180,700
• Petroleum Engineer: $147,520
• Computer and Information Systems Manager: $136,280

3. What are the Requirements to Obtain a Job in the U.S.?

To work in the United States, the most important and first requirement is to have a valid work and residency permit. You need to be granted a valid work visa or hold a green card to have the opportunity to participate in the U.S. job market.

The type of job you can obtain and the benefits associated with it will also depend on the geographic location you are interested in.

According to the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate in the U.S. has decreased to its lowest level since 2007. This creates many job opportunities for those looking to enter the international labor market. Employers in the U.S. often prioritize candidates who are proficient in English and have strong reading and writing skills in the language.

To seek job opportunities in the U.S., it is important to assess your skills and learn about career opportunities and suitable job titles. You can do this by visiting professional job websites that list jobs in the U.S.

Another option is through immigration agencies, which can help you find job opportunities that match your situation and skills.

For a solid understanding of the U.S. job market, you can explore the recruitment processes of leading companies and potential organizations. Currently, the fields of education, services, healthcare, and the TIMES (Telecommunications, Information Technology, Media, Entertainment, and Security) market are growing strongly in the U.S.

Basic Requirements for Eligibility to Work in the U.S. for High-Skilled Professionals:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Relevant work experience in the field
• Proficiency in English, both written and spoken
• Valid identification
• Ability to relocate and move to the U.S.
• Passport and work visa
• Personal and professional references

Essential Documents for a Work Visa Application:

• If applying for a work visa, you should seek assistance from ImmiPath to find a sponsor in the U.S.
• If applying through an immigration agency, you must have company documentation
• When applying for an H-1B visa, a non-immigrant visa, transcripts and relevant certifications are required
• TOEFL/IELTS scores to demonstrate English proficiency
• Job offer letter from a U.S. company

See more: What you need to prepare for U.S. immigration.

4. Steps to Secure a Job When Immigrating to the U.S.

ImmiPath guides you through the appropriate process to secure a job when immigrating to the U.S.:

4.1. Apply for Jobs in the U.S.

The first and most crucial step is to research and use the internet to find job openings that interest you and start applying.

The job application process in the U.S. involves preparing a resume (CV) and a cover letter. Identify the skills mentioned in the job description and highlight those skills in your resume and cover letter to maximize your chances of getting an interview.

Your resume should be chronological and exclude personal details such as religion, age, signature, or photo. It should include:

• Personal information, such as name, email address, phone number, etc.
• Career objectives
• Education
• Work experience
• Skills
• Certifications

4.2. Follow Up After Submitting Your Application

Inquire about the current status of your application. Following up demonstrates your motivation and professionalism to the employer.

4.3. Interview

For the interview stage, research the company, its vision, mission, and job expectations. During the interview, highlight your strengths and stay calm.

4.4. Apply for a U.S. Visa

Once you receive a job offer from an employer in the U.S., you can apply for a visa. There are several types of U.S. visas, so it is important to select the appropriate one when applying.

Based on the information provided by ImmiPath, you can select the most suitable job for yourself by considering your needs, qualifications, interests, and experience.

If you have any questions about which career path to choose when immigrating to the U.S., please comment below with your phone number or email address. The experienced team of advisors at ImmiPath will assist you in finding the right job to help you settle and thrive in the U.S.