Working and living in the United States is a dream for many people around the world. However, the strict immigration laws and policies make it extremely difficult for foreigners to legally work and live in America. One of the viable options is to find an American employer willing to sponsor your work visa. The construction industry in the United States is constantly growing and facing labor shortage. As a result, many top construction firms are open to hiring talented foreigners and sponsoring their work visas.
This comprehensive guide provides all the important details about the best construction companies in America known to sponsor work visas for foreign job seekers. I have extensively researched various construction giants and compiled a list of top employers along with important details like visa sponsorship policies, job openings, application process, hiring requirements, work culture, job profiles, locations, salary, benefits and more. The goal is to educate potential job seekers from other countries about their visa sponsorship options in the US construction industry. I have also included frequently asked questions at the end to address common queries.
Let’s get started with exploring some of the most reputed construction firms offering work visa sponsorships to qualified foreign professionals.
Top Construction Companies Sponsoring Work Visas for Foreigners
1. Skanska USA
Founded in 1887, Skanska USA is one of the leading construction and development companies in the US, specializing in building, civil infrastructure and facilities services.
Visa Sponsorship
- Skanska sponsors H-1B, TN and green card for eligible foreign candidates.
- They have an experienced immigration team to guide employees through the entire visa process.
Jobs
Skanska is regularly hiring for positions like project engineers, project managers, superintendents, estimators, safety managers, BIM coordinators etc.
Application
Candidates must have a degree in relevant field and 3-10 years of experience depending on the role.
- Apply online by creating a profile on their career portal.
- Skanska reviews resumes regularly to identify top matches.
Work Culture
Skanska is known for its people-centric work culture, diversity and inclusion. They provide extensive on-job training, mentorship and growth opportunities.
Locations
Skanska has offices in major US cities like New York, Seattle, Los Angeles, Boston, Washington DC etc.
Salary & Benefits
Average base pay ranges from $75,000 to $150,000 depending on the role and experience. Skanska also offers an attractive benefits package including health insurance, 401k match, paid time off, tuition reimbursement etc.
2. Fluor Corporation
Founded in 1912, Fluor Corporation is a Fortune 500 engineering, procurement, construction, maintenance and project management company.
Visa Sponsorship
Fluor sponsors most work visas like H-1B, O-1, TN, E-3, L-1 and green cards for eligible foreign workers.
Jobs
They regularly hire candidates for roles like engineers, project managers, cost analysts, safety professionals, planning coordinators etc. across various business segments.
Application
Fluor looks for candidates with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering, construction management or other relevant field.
- Apply online by creating a profile on their career site.
- Fluor conducts on-campus recruitment at top universities too.
Work Culture
They offer a collaborative work environment, various leadership development programs, training and career progression opportunities.
Locations
Fluor has offices in over 50 countries including major cities across the US like Houston, Irving, San Francisco, Greenville etc.
Salary & Benefits
Starting pay ranges from $60,000 to $110,000 based on the role and location in the US. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, 401k matching, paid time off, tuition reimbursement and more.
3. Turner Construction Company
Founded in 1902, Turner Construction is one of the largest construction management firms in the US.
Visa Sponsorship
Turner sponsors H-1B, L-1, O-1, E-3 and PERM green card for eligible foreign nationals.
Jobs
They hire candidates for roles like project managers, superintendents, BIM specialists, estimators, schedulers on a continual basis.
Application
Turner seeks bachelor’s or master’s degree holders in fields like engineering, construction management etc. with 2-7 years of experience.
- Apply online by creating a profile on their career website.
- They also recruit through employee referrals and campus recruitment programs.
Work Culture
Turner is known for its supportive work culture, various mentorship programs, training initiatives and open-door policy.
Locations
They have offices in major US metro areas like New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Dallas, Washington DC etc.
Salary & Benefits
Average pay ranges from $60,000 to $150,000 based on the role and location. Benefits include health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, tuition reimbursement and more.
4. Hensel Phelps Construction Co.
Founded in 1937, Hensel Phelps is a premier general contractor for complex construction projects across the US.
Visa Sponsorship
Hensel Phelps proactively sponsors H-1B, TN, O-1A and green card visas for deserving foreign nationals.
Jobs
They hire for roles such as project managers, superintendents, BIM managers, estimators, mechanical engineers etc.
Application
Candidates must have a 4-year construction/engineering degree and 3+ years of relevant experience.
- Apply online or attend their career events to network and submit resume.
- Hensel Phelps reviews applications continually.
Work Culture
They promote sustainable practices, training, open communication and work-life balance in a collaborative environment.
Locations
Hensel Phelps has offices across major western US states like California, Colorado, Texas, Washington etc.
Salary & Benefits
Pay ranges from $60,000 to $150,000 based on the role and location. Benefits include health plans, 401k, paid time off, educational assistance and more.
5. Mortenson Construction
Mortenson Construction is a 100% employee-owned construction management firm founded in 1954.
Visa Sponsorship
Mortenson proactively sponsors H-1B, TN, O-1, E-3 and green card petitions for foreign job candidates.
Jobs
They hire for roles such as project managers, superintendents, estimators, BIM managers, finance specialists etc.
Application
Ideal candidates have a 4-year degree in construction/engineering field with 2-7 years of relevant experience.
- Apply online or directly at career fairs for ongoing roles.
- Mortenson reviews resumes weekly to identify top matches.
Work Culture
They promote Diversity, training initiatives, work-life balance, leadership development and community engagement.
Locations
Mortenson has offices across major US cities like Minneapolis, Chicago, Denver, Phoenix, Seattle and more.
Salary & Benefits
Pay ranges from $60,000 to $150,000 based on role and location in the US. Benefits include health plans, 401k matching, tuition reimbursement, paid time off and more.
Mid-sized and Regional Construction Firms Sponsoring Work Visas
In addition to the top construction giants, there are several mid-sized and regional firms that also sponsor work visas for foreign professionals. Here are some honorable mentions:
DPR Construction
Founded in 1990, DPR is a leading general contractor known for complex building projects across tech, healthcare and education sectors. They sponsor H-1B and green card visas. Average pay is $70,000- $130,000.
Gilbane Building Company
Gilbane is a 136 year old design-build firm working on mission critical projects. They sponsor H-1B, TN, E-3 and green card for eligible candidates. Pay ranges from $60,000 to $150,000.
Swinerton
Swinerton is a national engineering and construction firm serving various industries. They proactively sponsor H-1B, E-3, TN and green card petitions. Pay ranges from $60,000 to $120,000 based on experience.
Suffolk Construction
Founded in 1905, Suffolk is a leading general contractor offering visa sponsorship for foreign candidates. Average pay is $65,000 to $150,000 with relocation assistance.
Webcor Builders
Webcor is an experienced builder for complex building projects across western US. They sponsor H-1B, TN, green card petitions. Pay ranges from $65,000 to $120,000.
Balfour Beatty
Balfour Beatty sponsor H-1B, E-3 and green card visas for qualified foreign professionals. Average pay ranges from $60,000 to $150,000 depending on the role and location in the US.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about getting sponsored for a work visa in the US construction industry:
1. What are the required educational qualifications?
Most top construction companies prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree in engineering (civil, structural, mechanical etc.), construction management or other relevant field. Some advanced roles may require a master’s degree as well.
2. How much work experience is required?
The minimum work experience requirement varies based on the position and company but generally ranges from 2 to 7 years for most mid-level and senior roles. Some entry-level jobs may consider candidates with less than 2 years of experience as well on a case-by-case basis.
3. What types of work visas do construction companies sponsor?
The most common work visas sponsored are H-1B, TN, E-3, O-1 and green card through PERM labor certification. While H-1B and TN visas allow you to work temporarily, sponsoring for a permanent residency or green card shows the company’s long-term commitment.
4. How long is the visa processing time?
Standard processing times for different visas are – H-1B: 3-6 months, TN: 2-4 weeks, E-3: 2-3 months, O-1: 2-3 months and green card: 8-24 months depending on visa category and current processing times. Companies may also opt for premium processing to expedite certain cases.
5. What key skills are required besides technical expertise?
Apart from relevant technical and domain expertise, strong communication, leadership, management and problem-solving abilities are appreciated. Additionally, a willingness to relocate, experience in diverse projects and markets are viewed positively by recruiters.
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