California, Texas, and Florida have the largest foreign-born populations and tend to have strong demand for foreign workers in low-skill jobs, particularly in sectors like agriculture, construction, and hospitality. These states also experience persistent labor shortages and high turnover in entry-level positions, further increasing the demand for foreign labor.
Are you a foreign national looking for opportunities in the U.S. without a degree or specialized skills? The good news is, several U.S. states are actively hiring foreign workers for low-skill jobs, including roles in agriculture, hospitality, landscaping, and construction. These positions often come with visa sponsorship, through programs like H‑2A, H‑2B, and EB‑3, offering a fast track to employment—even if you don’t speak fluent English or hold formal qualifications.
This comprehensive 2025 guide explores the top U.S. states with the highest demand for low-skill foreign labor, highlights the types of jobs available, and explains how to apply.
Top States in the USA Hiring Foreigners for Low-Skill Jobs (2025 Guide) | Make $45,000–$60,000/Year.
Why These States Are Leading in Sponsorship Demand
Understanding the Visa Dynamics
- H‑2A visa is for agricultural work, allowing employers to bring in seasonal laborers. In FY 2022, the H‑2A program certified 211,254 seasonal positions—an increase from 181,451 in FY 2021.
- H‑2B visa covers non-agricultural work—including hospitality, landscaping, seafood processing, and construction. In FY 2023, over 215,000 H‑2B roles were certified—a 46 % increase since 2018 .
- Top states account for a large portion of these certifications, drawing tens of thousands of foreign workers each year.
Top States Hiring on H‑2A Visas (Agricultural Workers)
In FY 2022, the following states certified the most H‑2A positions:
- Texas – 21,220 certifications
- Florida – 19,053
- Colorado – 9,294
- North Carolina – 7,738
- Pennsylvania – 7,566
- Louisiana – 7,373
- Michigan – 6,931
- South Carolina – 6,392
- Ohio – 6,149
- Utah – 6,076
These states are farming powerhouses and require seasonal labor for crops like citrus, berries, and vegetables.
Why These States Rank High
- Texas & Florida: Produce giants (e.g., citrus, strawberries) rely heavily on migrant labor.
- Colorado & North Carolina: Grow vegetables, grapes, and sweet potatoes.
- Pennsylvania & Michigan: Known for apples and dairy farms.
- Utah & Ohio: Offer diverse agricultural work—from sugar beets to field crops.
Top States Hiring on H‑2B Visas (Non-Agricultural Roles)
As of 2023, the top 10 states for H‑2B certifications includemigration.military.africa+4zauniapply.com+4travel.motionalightapk.com+4en.wikipedia.org+4cis.org+4migration.military.africa+4:
- Texas
- Florida
- Colorado
- Louisiana
- North Carolina
- Virginia
- Massachusetts
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- Arizona
These states cater to non-agricultural sectors that rely on seasonal labor.
Key Industries by State
- Texas & Florida: Hospitality, tourism, landscaping
- Colorado & Massachusetts: Ski resorts, hotel staff
- Louisiana & South Carolina: Seafood processing, construction, festivals
- North Carolina & Virginia: Landscaping, forestry, maintenance
- Arizona: Resort, theme park, and landscaping jobs
High-Demand Low-Skill Jobs in These States
1. Agricultural Worker (H‑2A)
- Roles: Planting, harvesting, packing
- States: TX, FL, NC, CO
- Why apply: Jobs include free housing, transport, meals
2. Landscaping & Groundskeeping (H‑2B)
- Roles: Lawn mowing, tree trimming, landscape prep
- States: TX, FL, CO, AZ
- Benefits: Well-paid, seasonal, training available travel.motionalightapk.com+1reddit.com+1
3. Hospitality & Resort Staff (H‑2B)
- Roles: Housekeeping, waitstaff, valet, front desk
- States: FL, NV, CO, MA
- Perks: Tips, shared housing, free meals migration.military.africa+7reddit.com+7reddit.com+7
4. Seafood & Food Processing (H‑2B)
- Roles: Processing, packing, cleaning
- States: LA, AZ (seafood hubs)
- Conditions: Fast-paced, but high-demand roles cis.orgzauniapply.com+1travel.motionalightapk.com+1
5. Construction & Forestry (H‑2B)
- Roles: Laborers, site cleanup, conservation workers
- States: NC, VA, OR, WA
- Note: Forestry demand high under seasonal programs
How to Apply for Low-Skill Jobs in These States
Step 1 – Choose a State & Role
Use data-driven insights—like those above—to target the states with highest certifications.
Step 2 – Search Verified Employers
Explore government-approved listings on:
- SeasonalJobs.dol.gov
- MyVisaJobs.com
- Niche boards focused on H‑2A/H‑2B placements
Step 3 – Prepare & Apply
- Create a U.S.-style resume
- Show physical readiness and basic English
- Apply early; most jobs open in January–March for spring/summer seasons
Step 4 – Get Ready for Visa Processing
- Employer files Labor Certification
- Then I‑129 Petition for your visa
- Attend interview at U.S. Consulate
- Travel and start work after approval
Boost Your Success Odds
Target High-Demand States
Applying to top states—Texas, Florida, Colorado—gives you the best shot at placement.
Use Trusted Recruiters
Agencies specializing in H‑2A/H‑2B placements help you avoid scams and ensure legal compliance.
Start Early
High-demand positions often fill by early spring; planning and application timing is key.
If you’re a foreigner seeking entry-level work in the U.S., focus on Texas, Florida, Colorado, and other top states hiring heavily through H‑2A and H‑2B visas. These states offer the strongest demand, best benefits (housing, meals), and a clear path to legal employment. With the right preparation and timing, you can secure a job—even with no formal skills or U.S. experience.