$35,000 to Relocate to the USA via the Construction Visa Program

The USA is grappling with a skilled labor shortage in key infrastructure sectors, especially construction. Roads, bridges, housing developments, schools and hospitals are being built every day and the need for competent laborers is skyrocketing.

Breakdown of the $35,000 Offer: What’s Included

When employers advertise “$35,000 to relocate to the USA via the Construction Visa Program,” what exactly does that mean? This figure is not a direct cash handout – but a comprehensive package of financial support and job incentives that add up to this amount. Here’s what you can typically expect:

Relocation Allowance: Many companies offer between $5,000 and $10,000 to cover flights, baggage and local transport upon arrival in the U.S.
Sign-On Bonus: Employers might provide a one-time bonus of up to $5,000 to secure your commitment.
Monthly Housing Stipend or Free Housing: Some employers include free accommodation for the first 6-12 months or give you a monthly housing subsidy that can total up to $12,000/year.
Paid Training: A few programs include on-the-job training paid at an hourly rate, which is counted in your total compensation package.
Healthcare & Insurance: Medical benefits, even if basic, often come as part of the incentive.

Added together, these components make the $35,000 relocation promise real and tangible – especially for workers from developing nations where such benefits are rarely offered.

Types of Construction Jobs Available in the USA

The USA’s construction sector is wide and diverse, offering job roles that fit both skilled professionals and unskilled laborers. When you accept $35,000 to relocate to the USA via the Construction Visa Program, you’re not just getting a job – you’re stepping into a career path with room to grow.

Here are some of the most in-demand construction roles open to foreign workers under visa sponsorship:

General Laborers: These roles require little to no prior experience. Tasks involve site prep, material handling, basic equipment usage and cleanup.
Masons and Bricklayers: Workers with skills in concrete laying, brick setting and wall construction are heavily needed for both residential and commercial projects.
Carpenters: From framing buildings to installing cabinets, carpentry is a highly respected and well-paid trade.
Welders and Fabricators: Industrial construction sites demand certified welders to work on bridges, pipelines and skyscraper frameworks.
Equipment Operators: If you have experience operating bulldozers, cranes, backhoes or forklifts, this is a prime niche with excellent pay.
Roofers and Painters: Often seasonal, these jobs are ideal for H-2B visa holders and pay well during peak demand.
Plumbers and Electricians: These skilled positions often come with higher salaries and the potential to transition to permanent residency.

These roles are scattered across the U.S. and the employers hiring for them are eager to support international workers through visa programs.

Eligibility Criteria and Who Can Apply

Not everyone qualifies for the Construction Visa Program, but the good news is that the bar to entry is lower than most other U.S. visa pathways. To benefit from the $35,000 to relocate to the USA via the Construction Visa Program, here are the essential qualifications and criteria:

Age: Typically between 21 and 50 years old. Some exceptions may apply for those with specialty skills.
Health: You must pass a basic health check and sometimes a drug test, especially if operating machinery.
Language: Basic English proficiency is often required to follow safety instructions and communicate with team members.
Work Experience: While not always mandatory, having prior experience in construction greatly improves your chances. For certain skilled roles, proof of certification may be required.
Clean Criminal Record: You must be able to pass a police clearance from your country of origin.
Willingness to Relocate: You must commit to the entire duration of your contract, typically 6 months to 2 years.
Valid Passport: A basic requirement to process your U.S. visa.

Many applicants from countries such as Nigeria, India, the Philippines, Ghana and Eastern Europe meet these criteria easily. The application process favors those with work discipline and a serious intent to follow through on relocation commitments.

Top US States Hiring Foreign Construction Workers

As demand grows across the U.S., certain states are leading the charge in recruiting international talent through the Construction Visa Program.

These states are where you’re most likely to receive the full $35,000 relocation support or more:

Texas: With booming cities like Houston, Dallas and Austin, Texas has massive infrastructure projects and new housing developments needing workers fast.
Florida: Hurricanes and rapid urban development make Florida a construction hotspot, especially for roofers and restoration crews.
California: From earthquake-resistant buildings to tech campuses, construction never stops in this state.
Illinois: Particularly in Chicago, there’s a strong demand for skilled and unskilled workers in commercial and municipal construction.
Arizona and Nevada: With expanding cities and extreme climate demands, these states offer jobs in roadwork, roofing and HVAC installation.

These states not only have jobs but also support structures like immigrant-friendly communities, employer-sponsored housing and access to English language programs to help you adjust faster.

Companies Actively Recruiting With Visa Sponsorship

Several large contractors and staffing agencies are known for sponsoring international workers under the Construction Visa Program. When you see the offer of $35,000 to relocate to the USA, it often comes from employers such as:

Turner Construction Company
Kiewit Corporation
Bechtel
McCarthy Building Companies
Fluor Corporation
Labor Finders
PeopleReady Skilled Trades

These companies regularly file H-2B petitions and have a record of onboarding workers from outside the U.S. They often work with third-party recruiters or authorized visa agents in your home country. Always verify the legitimacy of any agency offering to connect you to these companies – real job offers will never ask for money upfront.

Application Process: Step-by-Step

Applying to relocate to the USA via the Construction Visa Program and receive up to $35,000 in relocation support is straightforward if you follow the steps correctly.

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Find a Job Offer: Use online platforms, verified recruitment agencies or direct applications to U.S. construction companies.
Employer Files H-2B Petition: Your U.S. employer must file a temporary labor certification with the Department of Labor and an I-129 form with USCIS.
Secure the Job Contract: You will receive a formal offer letter or contract detailing your salary, benefits, job role and relocation package.
Apply for the Visa: With your petition approved, you schedule a visa interview at the U.S. embassy in your country.
Attend the Interview: Carry all required documents – passport, job offer, police clearance and medical report.
Visa Approval and Flight Booking: Once approved, your employer or agency often arranges your travel.
Arrival and Orientation: Upon arrival, you may undergo training or orientation before starting work.

Throughout this process, transparency is critical. Any promises of $35,000 should be clearly stated in writing and verified with the employer or through an authorized immigration consultant.

Visa Process and Paperwork Explained

The visa most commonly used in the Construction Visa Program is the H-2B Visa, designed for temporary, non-agricultural jobs.

Here’s what the visa process involves:

Labor Certification (ETA-9142B): The U.S. employer must first prove there’s a labor shortage and that hiring a foreign worker won’t affect U.S. wages.
USCIS Petition (Form I-129): This is submitted once labor certification is approved.
Visa Application (DS-160): You fill out this online form and pay the visa fee (often reimbursed by the employer).
Interview at the Embassy: Bring all documentation and be ready to explain your purpose of travel and employment details.

This process can take 1 to 3 months depending on the season and demand. H-2B visas are issued in two cycles each year – spring and fall – so timing your application is key.

Salary Expectations and Career Growth

While the relocation incentive of $35,000 is appealing, the real goldmine lies in the wages you’ll earn once you start working. Most entry-level construction workers earn between $15 to $25 per hour, depending on location and experience. Skilled tradespeople can command $30 to $50 per hour.

Annual salaries range from $31,000 to over $70,000, not including overtime.
Room for promotion exists – foreman, site supervisor, project manager and more.
Upskilling options: You can earn certificates in heavy equipment operation, safety or even move toward a green card with long-term employment.

Combine that with the $35,000 in initial support and you’re looking at a financially transformative opportunity.

Living in the USA as a Construction Worker

Once you arrive, settling into life in the U.S. involves both excitement and adjustment. Most visa-sponsored workers find themselves in diverse communities where other immigrants have paved the way. Your cost of living will vary by state, but many construction workers enjoy:

Employer-sponsored or shared housing
Access to local transportation or carpool systems
Proximity to ethnic stores and cultural centers
Free or subsidized English language courses
A clear path to saving, investing and supporting family back home

Living and working in the U.S. under this program is often the first step to permanent residency, higher earnings and long-term stability.