Cleaning jobs are among the most consistently available employment opportunities in the United States, and they serve as an entry point for thousands of foreign workers who are seeking to start a better life abroad. From commercial buildings and hotels to residential homes and healthcare facilities, cleaning professionals play an essential role in maintaining hygiene, safety, and comfort across every part of American society. For immigrants, these jobs offer legal income, steady demand, and in some cases, visa sponsorship to live and work in the U.S. legally. Despite being labeled as low-skilled by immigration standards, the cleaning industry is broad and includes a variety of positions that can offer upward mobility, overtime pay, benefits, and even a path to permanent residency under certain immigration categories. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to find cleaning jobs in the United States that offer visa sponsorship in 2025, which states are hiring the most, the types of visas available, and how to apply successfully as a foreign worker
Why Cleaning Jobs Are in High Demand in the United States
The U.S. economy is built on a wide variety of service industries that depend heavily on reliable cleaning and janitorial services. With over 2 million cleaning professionals working across different sectors, the demand for cleaners is high and growing. The need for sanitation has increased after COVID-19, with strict protocols in place across schools, hospitals, offices, and public spaces. Employers find it increasingly difficult to retain domestic cleaning staff due to labor shortages, low interest in manual work, and the high turnover rate in entry-level service jobs. As a result, many cleaning companies and employers in hospitality, healthcare, and commercial real estate are turning to international recruitment and visa-sponsored workers to fill labor gaps legally and sustainably. The U.S. immigration system, while complex, includes several visa categories that allow for employment-based migration, especially for seasonal or non-agricultural labor, which includes many cleaning roles
Types of Cleaning Jobs That Hire Foreign Workers in the U.S.
Hotel and Hospitality Cleaning
Hotels, motels, and resorts across the United States rely on cleaning staff to maintain guest rooms, lobbies, bathrooms, kitchens, and recreational areas. Housekeepers, laundry attendants, and janitorial staff are typically employed year-round in major cities and seasonally in tourist destinations. This category offers the highest number of visa-sponsored cleaning jobs under temporary worker programs. Common employers include hotel chains, staffing agencies, and vacation resorts
Commercial Building Cleaning
Office buildings, banks, schools, and shopping malls require full-time cleaning crews for both day and night shifts. Workers may be hired directly by building management or through facility maintenance companies. Job titles include janitor, floor technician, and restroom cleaner. These roles often include health insurance, union membership, and long-term contracts
Residential Cleaning
Private homeowners, apartment complexes, and cleaning service providers regularly hire house cleaners, maids, and home sanitation workers. These roles may be part-time or full-time, and although they are harder to sponsor under work visa rules, some legitimate agencies help place international workers with proper contracts. Experience, references, and background checks are often required
Healthcare and Hospital Cleaning
Hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes have strict hygiene regulations and therefore hire trained cleaning staff with high standards for sanitation. These roles are more formal and may include training in the use of disinfectants, waste disposal, and infection control. Employers are usually large hospital systems or contractors and may offer better pay and benefits
Industrial and Warehouse Cleaning
Factories, food processing plants, and warehouses need cleaning teams for sanitation, equipment maintenance, and facility management. These jobs often involve operating cleaning machinery, working night shifts, and wearing protective gear. Some companies recruit foreign workers through approved agencies and offer full-time contracts with overtime pay
Visa Types That Allow Foreigners to Work in Cleaning Jobs in the U.S.
H-2B Non-Agricultural Temporary Worker Visa
The H-2B visa is the most common route for foreigners seeking cleaning jobs in the U.S. It allows employers to legally hire foreign workers for seasonal or peak-load positions in industries such as hospitality, janitorial services, and maintenance. To qualify, employers must prove that there are not enough U.S. workers available and that hiring foreign workers will not negatively affect domestic wages. Features of the H-2B visa include:
- Valid for up to 9 months (extendable to 3 years)
- Legal work authorization tied to the employer
- Hourly wage equal to or above U.S. minimum wage
- Free or subsidized housing in some cases
- Transportation to and from the job location may be covered
- Worker protection under U.S. labor law
Countries eligible for H-2B participation are listed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and updated yearly. Common source countries include Mexico, Jamaica, Guatemala, the Philippines, and South Africa
EB-3 Unskilled Worker Green Card
The EB-3 visa category allows foreign nationals to apply for permanent residency based on employment in low-skill jobs, including janitorial and housekeeping roles. Unlike temporary visas, this is a green card application and involves more paperwork, time, and employer sponsorship. Requirements include:
- Full-time job offer from a U.S. employer
- Approved PERM Labor Certification from the Department of Labor
- No minimum education level required
- Wait times can range from 1 to 5 years depending on nationality
- Eligible for permanent residency and eventual citizenship
This route is best for foreign workers who have already worked in the U.S. under a temporary visa or are being sponsored long-term by a consistent employer
How to Apply for Cleaning Jobs in the U.S. with Visa Sponsorship
Step 1: Identify Employers That Sponsor Visas
Search for cleaning companies, hotels, hospitals, and staffing agencies that have a history of hiring H-2B or EB-3 workers. Look for phrases like “H-2B eligible employer,” “visa sponsorship available,” or “foreign workers welcome.” Use platforms like:
- U.S. Department of Labor Seasonal Jobs website (seasonaljobs.dol.gov)
- Indeed.com and SimplyHired.com – Filter by visa keywords
- H2JobBoard.com – Dedicated to H-2B listings
- Facebook groups or forums for migrant workers
- Agencies in your country with U.S. embassy approval
Step 2: Prepare a U.S.-Style Resume
Even for cleaning roles, a simple resume is required. Include:
- Full name and contact details
- Prior experience in cleaning or labor jobs
- Any certifications (CPR, first aid, sanitation training)
- Basic English proficiency (optional but helpful)
- Two references from past jobs or community leaders
Keep the resume short and professional. A photo is not required unless the employer requests it
Step 3: Apply for the Job and Secure a Job Offer
Once you find a job opening, apply directly or through an agency. If selected, the employer must:
- File an H-2B petition or EB-3 sponsorship form
- Obtain an approved Labor Condition Application (LCA)
- Submit required documents to the U.S. immigration office
- Send you an official job offer and visa processing instructions
Do not pay illegal recruitment fees. Only work with licensed, transparent agencies that charge reasonable fees and provide written contracts
Step 4: Complete Visa Processing and Travel
After receiving your job offer and petition approval:
- Apply for the H-2B or immigrant visa at the nearest U.S. embassy
- Attend a visa interview and medical exam (if required)
- Receive a visa stamp and travel to the United States
- Start working according to the contract terms
- Follow all laws, maintain legal status, and save your earnings wisely
Expected Salary and Benefits for Cleaning Workers in the U.S.
Hourly Wages by Job Type
- Hotel Housekeeper: $14 – $19/hour
- Janitor or Custodian (Office Buildings): $15 – $21/hour
- Hospital Cleaner: $16 – $22/hour
- Warehouse/Industrial Cleaner: $17 – $23/hour
- Private Home Cleaner: $13 – $18/hour
Some roles offer weekly pay, while others pay bi-weekly. Overtime pay (1.5x) is mandatory for work beyond 40 hours/week
Benefits You May Receive
- Free housing or shared dormitories
- Free meals in hotel or staff facilities
- Paid sick days or vacation (depending on employer)
- Medical coverage for work-related injuries
- Transportation or travel reimbursement
- Legal support and translation services
- Access to worker protection programs through labor unions or NGOs
States in the U.S. Hiring the Most Cleaning Workers with Sponsorship
- Florida: Resorts, beach hotels, nursing homes
- Texas: Warehouses, hospitals, private homes
- New York: Luxury buildings, commercial cleaning, high-end hotels
- California: Office towers, healthcare facilities, private properties
- Nevada: Casinos, entertainment venues, hospitality
- Massachusetts: Colleges, hospitals, historic hotels
Jobs in these areas are competitive but offer higher pay and more stable employment
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Language Barriers
Most cleaning jobs do not require fluent English, but basic communication helps. Learn key phrases related to cleaning tasks, safety, and timekeeping. Free English classes may be available through your employer or local libraries
Physical Demands
Cleaning work is labor-intensive. Build physical endurance and learn safe lifting techniques. Employers provide training on how to use equipment and chemicals safely
Cultural Adjustment
Adapting to American culture may take time. Follow workplace rules, respect diversity, and ask for help when needed. Make friends with co-workers and use social media to stay connected with your home community
Visa Restrictions
Stick to the terms of your visa. Do not work for unauthorized employers or stay beyond your allowed time. Violating visa conditions can result in bans or deportation
Can Cleaning Jobs Lead to Permanent Residency?
Yes—some cleaning workers transition to long-term status through the following:
EB-3 Sponsorship
If your employer is willing to sponsor you permanently and file a green card petition, you may stay and work in the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident
Marriage to a U.S. Citizen
If you legally marry a U.S. citizen, you may apply for adjustment of status and work legally without a sponsor
Temporary to Permanent Pathways
After several years of consistent work and clean legal history, some temporary workers find better job offers or get sponsored in other employment categories
Final Thoughts: Start Your American Dream with a Legal Cleaning Job
Cleaning jobs in the United States may not be glamorous, but they are honest, stable, and accessible for immigrants seeking legal work abroad. With the right employer, a solid resume, and a valid visa, you can start earning immediately, gain experience, and build a better future for yourself and your family. Thousands of foreign workers have already taken this path—and with the demand growing in 2025, now is your chance to follow in their footsteps. Stay informed, avoid scams, and prepare carefully. If you take the right steps, a cleaning job in the U.S. could be the first chapter in your long-term success story