Cleaning Jobs in the USA for Foreigners with Visa Sponsorship

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The United States’ cleaning industry, encompassing commercial, residential, and hospitality sectors, is a vital component of its $21 trillion economy, ensuring hygiene and functionality across offices, hotels, hospitals, and homes.

With over 3.2 million cleaning jobs in 2024, including janitors, maids, and housekeepers, the sector faces a persistent labor shortage, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimating 236,500 annual openings through 2032 due to turnover and growth.

Foreign workers are increasingly sought after to fill these roles, with visa sponsorship through the H-2B temporary non-agricultural visa program offering a pathway to legal employment.

Cleaning jobs provide stable wages ($28,000-$40,000 annually), opportunities in high-demand regions like Florida, California, and Texas, and a chance for international workers to gain U.S. work experience.

This guide explores cleaning jobs in the USA for foreigners with visa sponsorship in 2025, detailing the job market, visa processes, requirements, application strategies, benefits, responsibilities, and challenges.

Drawing on data from the BLS, U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and industry sources, it offers a comprehensive roadmap for global talent to thrive in America’s cleaning sector.

Cleaning jobs, ranging from janitorial work in office buildings to housekeeping in hotels, are in high demand due to post-COVID hygiene standards, a booming hospitality industry, and labor shortages, with 62% of cleaning companies reporting staffing challenges in 2024, per the International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA).

Employers like Marriott, ABM Industries, and Merry Maids are actively sponsoring foreign workers to meet these needs, particularly in urban centers such as Miami, Los Angeles, and New York. The H-2B visa, with a 2025 cap of 66,000 plus a supplemental 64,716 visas, is the primary vehicle for sponsorship, enabling workers from countries like Mexico, Jamaica, and the Philippines to secure roles.

This article equips aspiring cleaners with the tools to navigate the job market, obtain sponsorship, and succeed in the USA, whether polishing floors in Las Vegas or maintaining guest rooms in Orlando.

The Cleaning Job Market in the USA 2025

The U.S. cleaning industry is a $90 billion market, employing 1.1 million janitors, 900,000 maids and housekeepers, and 1.2 million other cleaning workers, per BLS data. The sector is projected to grow 4% by 2032, driven by:

  • Post-COVID Hygiene: Stricter sanitation standards in offices, schools, and healthcare facilities.
  • Hospitality Boom: 68 million international tourists in 2024 boosted hotel and resort demand, per the U.S. Travel Association.
  • Commercial Growth: $500 billion in office and retail construction, requiring janitorial services.
  • Residential Demand: Rising affluent households fuel home cleaning services.
  • Labor Shortages: High turnover (35% for janitors, 40% for housekeepers) and a tight labor market, with 550,000 unfilled cleaning jobs in 2024 (ISSA).

High-Demand Roles and Locations

Cleaning roles include:

  • Janitors/Custodians: Clean offices, schools, and hospitals, handling tasks like floor maintenance and trash removal (SOC 37-2011).
  • Maids/Housekeepers: Service hotels, resorts, and homes, performing tasks like bed-making and bathroom cleaning (SOC 37-2012).
  • Commercial Cleaners: Maintain large facilities (e.g., airports, malls) with specialized equipment.
  • Specialized Cleaners: Focus on post-construction cleanup or biohazard cleaning, earning higher wages.

Top states for visa-sponsored cleaning jobs:

  • Florida: 18,200 H-2B certifications in 2023, with roles in Miami, Orlando, and Tampa.
  • California: 15,000 certifications, centered in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego.
  • Texas: 12,500 certifications, with demand in Houston, Austin, and Dallas.
  • Nevada: High wages ($30,000-$42,000) in Las Vegas.
  • New York: Roles in New York City and Long Island.

Wages and Employers

  • Median Wage: $34,110/year ($16.40/hour) for janitors; $31,920/year ($15.35/hour) for maids (BLS, 2024).
  • Entry-Level: $28,000-$32,000; experienced or specialized cleaners earn $35,000-$45,000.
  • Overtime: 1.5x pay adds $2,000-$5,000 annually in busy settings.
  • Major Employers:
  • Marriott International: Sponsors H-2B housekeepers for hotels and resorts.
  • ABM Industries: Janitorial services for offices and schools, offering visa support.
  • Merry Maids: Residential cleaning with H-2B sponsorship.
  • Sodexo: Facility services in hospitals and universities.
  • Alliance Abroad: Recruitment agency placing H-2B cleaners.
  • Seasonal Employers: Walt Disney World and Caesars Entertainment for resort and theme park roles.

Job boards like Indeed (200 visa-sponsored cleaning jobs), SimplyHired (120 jobs), and Hcareers (70 jobs) list opportunities, with hiring peaks in spring (March-May) and winter (November-December) for seasonal roles.

Basic English is typically required for safety and communication, though some employers accept limited proficiency in diverse regions. The next section details visa options.

Visa Options for Cleaning Jobs

Foreign cleaners primarily rely on the H-2B visa for temporary roles, as the EB-3 visa is less common for low-skill positions. Below is an overview based on USCIS and DOL guidelines.

H-2B Visa (Temporary Non-Agricultural Worker)

  • Purpose: For temporary, non-agricultural roles when U.S. workers are unavailable, such as seasonal or peak-load cleaning (e.g., summer hotel housekeeping).
  • Cap: 66,000 visas annually, with a 64,716 supplemental allocation in FY 2025, including 20,000 for nationals of El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Haiti, Colombia, Ecuador, and Costa Rica, exempt from returning worker requirements.
  • Duration: Up to 9 months, extendable to 3 years, with a 3-month return home required.
  • Eligibility: Job offer from a DOL-approved employer, country eligibility, and intent to return.
  • Process:
  1. Employer secures Prevailing Wage Determination (PWD) to ensure wages meet local standards (e.g., $16/hour in California).
  2. Employer conducts a labor market test and files for Temporary Labor Certification (Form ETA-9142B).
  3. Employer submits Form I-129 ($1,500 fee, employer-paid).
  4. Worker applies for an H-2B visa at a U.S. embassy/consulate.
  • Processing Time: 3-6 months (2-4 weeks for visa, 60-90 days for I-129).
  • Benefits: Employer reimburses $195 visa fee, travel costs ($500-$2,000), and subsistence. FY 2025 portability allows employer switches.
  • Limitations: Temporary; no direct path to permanent residency.

EB-3 Visa (Employment-Based Permanent)

  • Purpose: For “other workers” with a job offer, leading to permanent residency, though rare for cleaning due to low skill requirements.
  • Eligibility: Job offer, high school diploma or equivalent, and 1-2 years of experience.
  • Process:
  1. Employer obtains labor certification (ETA-9089A) via PERM test.
  2. Employer files Form I-140 ($700 fee).
  3. Worker files Form I-485 or consular processing for a green card.
  • Processing Time: 12-36 months, with backlogs for countries like Mexico and Philippines.
  • Benefits: Permanent residency and family reunification.
  • Limitations: Few employers (e.g., large hotel chains) sponsor EB-3 for cleaners due to cost.

Other Considerations

  • J-1 Visa: Used for cultural exchange but not typical for cleaning.
  • H-1B Visa: Inapplicable, as cleaning lacks degree requirements.
  • Job Seeker Visa: Not available; a job offer is mandatory.

The H-2B is the primary pathway, with 85% of visa-sponsored cleaning jobs using this visa, per DOL data. The next section outlines worker requirements.

Requirements for Foreign Cleaners

To secure visa-sponsored cleaning jobs, foreign workers must meet USCIS, DOL, and employer criteria, ensuring suitability and compliance.

Country Eligibility:

  • Applicants must be from H-2B-eligible countries (e.g., Mexico, Jamaica, Philippines, or the 20,000-visa allocation countries). The 2025 Federal Register lists over 80 nations.
  1. Job Offer: A formal offer from a U.S. employer with approved labor certification, specifying cleaning duties (e.g., janitorial tasks, housekeeping).
  2. Education and Training:
  • No formal education required; a high school diploma strengthens EB-3 applications.
  • No certification needed, but 6-12 months of cleaning or hospitality experience is preferred.
  • Some employers provide training (e.g., OSHA sanitation standards, equipment use).

Experience:

  • H-2B: 0-1 year of cleaning (e.g., housekeeping, janitorial) or transferable skills (e.g., kitchen work).
  • EB-3: 1-2 years, verified by references.
  • Evidence includes employer letters or work certificates.
  1. English Proficiency: Basic English (IELTS 4.0 equivalent) for safety and communication with supervisors and guests. Employers assess during interviews; consular officers verify. Limited proficiency is acceptable in regions like Miami or Los Angeles.
  2. Intent to Return (H-2B): Proof of home country ties (e.g., family, property) to ensure return after visa expiration.
  3. Health and Background:
  • Clean criminal record (police certificate from home country and residences over 6 months).
  • Health exams, including TB testing and vaccinations (e.g., Hepatitis A, COVID-19), costing $100-$300.
  • Physical ability to stand for 8-hour shifts, lift 25 pounds, and handle repetitive tasks.
  1. Returning Worker Status (H-2B): Prior H-2B status in FY 2022-2024 for supplemental visas, except for the 20,000-visa allocation.

A valid passport and initial financial stability are required, though employers reimburse costs like travel ($500-$2,000) and visa fees ($375-$395). Preparing references early enhances applications.

The Job Search and Visa Application Process

Securing a visa-sponsored cleaning job involves job hunting, application preparation, and visa processing. Below is a detailed roadmap for 2025.

Step 1: Research and Find Jobs

  • Job Portals:
  • Indeed: 200 visa-sponsored cleaning jobs, with filters for “H-2B visa.”
  • SimplyHired: 120 jobs, including roles at Marriott and ABM Industries.
  • Hcareers: 70 jobs, focusing on hospitality cleaning.
  • CoolWorks: Lists seasonal roles at resorts and theme parks.
  • SeasonalJobs.dol.gov: 150+ H-2B cleaning jobs.
  • Recruitment Agencies:
  • Alliance Abroad: Places H-2B cleaners in hotels and resorts.
  • Labor Finders: Connects workers with janitorial employers.
  • H2B Programs: Specializes in visa-sponsored roles.
  • Global Employment Solutions: Focuses on hospitality.
  • Fees ($500-$2,000) are often employer-paid.
  • Employer Websites: Marriott, ABM Industries, Merry Maids, and Sodexo post sponsored roles.
  • Networking: Join LinkedIn groups (“Cleaning Jobs USA”), expat forums (Reddit’s r/immigration), and virtual job fairs by Hcareers or ISSA.

Step 2: Prepare Application Materials

  • Resume: Highlight cleaning experience, physical stamina, and attention to detail. Include visa eligibility (e.g., “Eligible for H-2B sponsorship”).
  • Cover Letter: Tailor to the employer, emphasizing reliability (e.g., “I am a dedicated cleaner with 1 year of housekeeping experience, seeking H-2B sponsorship”). Keep it concise.
  • Documents: Provide references, work certificates, and translated diplomas ($50-$100/document), if applicable.

Step 3: Apply and Interview

  • Applications: Submit via portals or employer websites. Follow up within 7-10 days.
  • Interviews: Expect questions on work ethic (e.g., “How do you maintain cleanliness under pressure?”) and visa knowledge (e.g., “Are you familiar with H-2B requirements?”). Practice basic English responses. Remote interviews require stable internet; in-person interviews need casual, clean attire (e.g., polo shirt, khakis).
  • Job Offer: The employer provides a contract, initiating the visa process.

Step 4: Apply for H-2B Visa

  • Employer Steps:
  1. Secure PWD (2-4 weeks).
  2. Obtain labor certification (30-60 days).
  3. File Form I-129 (60-90 days).
  • Worker Steps:
  1. Submit Form DS-160 at a U.S. embassy/consulate, paying $195 visa fee and $185-$205 processing costs.
  2. Provide:
    • Passport and photos
    • Form I-797 (I-129 approval)
    • Job offer letter
    • Proof of home ties (e.g., family documents)
    • Criminal record certificate
  3. Attend consular interview (5-10 minutes) on job details and intent to return (2-4 weeks processing).
  • Entry: Enter the U.S. within 10 days of job start.

Step 5: Start Employment

  • Employers provide training (e.g., OSHA sanitation, equipment use) and orientation. Begin work within 10 days.

An immigration attorney ($1,500-$3,500) or agency like Alliance Abroad can streamline the process, though self-application is feasible.

Benefits and Responsibilities

Visa-sponsored cleaning jobs offer notable benefits, balanced by responsibilities.

Benefits

  • Wages: $28,000-$45,000/year, with overtime adding $2,000-$5,000.
  • Visa Sponsorship: H-2B enables legal work for up to 9 months, extendable to 3 years.
  • Employer Support: Reimbursed travel ($500-$2,000), visa fees ($375-$395), and sometimes housing ($500-$1,000/month, e.g., Marriott).
  • Benefits: Health insurance ($100-$200/month, employer-shared for some), uniforms, and occasionally meals (e.g., hotel roles).
  • Career Growth: Experience leads to roles like lead housekeeper ($40,000-$50,000) or supervisor. Training (e.g., ISSA certifications) enhances prospects.
  • U.S. Experience: Improves English and employability, with 65% of H-2B workers reporting career benefits.
  • Lifestyle: Work in dynamic cities like Las Vegas or scenic areas like Orlando, with access to U.S. culture.

Responsibilities

  • Visa Compliance: Work only for the sponsor; overstaying risks a 3-10-year ban.
  • Performance: Meet sanitation standards (e.g., OSHA, CDC guidelines) and maintain efficiency.
  • Taxes: Pay federal/state taxes (10-30%, $3,000-$10,000 on $35,000 salary). File Form 1040NR.
  • Safety: Follow protocols (e.g., gloves, proper chemical handling) and report hazards.
  • Reporting Abuse: Contact DOL’s Wage and Hour Division (1-866-487-9243) for violations.

Challenges and Strategies

  • Visa Cap: Apply early (October/April) for 130,716 H-2B visas, as caps filled by April 18, 2025, for early second-half roles.
  • Low Skill Perception: Emphasize reliability and transferable skills (e.g., hospitality, kitchen work) in applications.
  • Language: Improve basic English via Duolingo, ESL classes ($50-$200), or free resources like USA Learns.
  • Living Costs: Budget $2,500-$4,000/month in cities like New York. Seek employer housing or shared rentals ($400-$800/month in groups).
  • Scams: Verify employers via DOL’s H-2B database or USCIS’s employer list; avoid upfront payments. Check reviews on Glassdoor.
  • Physical Demands: Prepare for long shifts with exercises like stretching or strength training. Practice proper lifting techniques.
  • Cultural Adjustment: Learn U.S. workplace norms (e.g., punctuality, direct communication) via resources like CultureShock! USA ($15-$20).

Additional Strategies

  • Target Seasonal Roles: Resorts (e.g., Vail, Aspen) and theme parks (e.g., Disney World) hire heavily for summer and winter, increasing H-2B chances.
  • Leverage Agencies: Alliance Abroad and Labor Finders pre-screen candidates, reducing application errors.
  • Build a Network: Connect with current H-2B workers on LinkedIn or expat groups for referrals, which 20% of employers prioritize.
  • Prepare for Interviews: Practice common questions (e.g., “Why do you want to work in the USA?”) and demonstrate enthusiasm for cleaning tasks.
  • Stay Informed: Monitor USCIS and DOL websites for H-2B cap updates, as supplemental visas may be added if demand persists.

Conclusion

Cleaning jobs in the USA with visa sponsorship offer foreign workers a viable entry into a robust industry in 2025. With 550,000 vacancies, wages of $28,000-$45,000, and 130,716 H-2B visas, roles at employers like Marriott, ABM Industries, and Merry Maids are within reach.

Start by exploring Indeed, leveraging agencies like Alliance Abroad, and preparing references.

Navigate the visa process with diligence, excel in cleaning tasks, and build a future in cities like Miami, Las Vegas, or Los Angeles. Apply early, verify employers, and seize this opportunity to launch your U.S. career in the cleaning industry.

Whether scrubbing floors in a New York skyscraper or tidying guest rooms in an Orlando resort, your role as a cleaner can be a stepping stone to stability and success in America.

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