H-2B Visa | EB-3 Green Card | Housing Assistance | Skilled Trades | Engineers | Project Managers

The United States is experiencing a historic construction boom, driven by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, residential housing demand, and renewable energy expansion. This has created critical labor shortages, with U.S. employers actively recruiting skilled foreign workers through visa sponsorship programs. Construction salaries now range from $80,000 to $150,000+ annually for skilled trades and professionals, with many positions including housing assistance, relocation bonuses, and pathways to permanent residency (Green Card). This guide covers top-paying roles, visa options, major employers, and how to apply.

Construction Salary Guide 2026

U.S. construction salaries vary by role, experience, location, and specialization. High-demand states like Texas, California, Florida, and New York offer premium wages.

Role	Salary (USD)	Requirements
Project Manager	$95,000 – $150,000	Degree + 5+ years experience
Civil Engineer	$85,000 – $130,000	PE license preferred
Construction Superintendent	$90,000 – $140,000	Site management experience
Electrician (Licensed)	$65,000 – $100,000	Journeyman/Master license
Welder (Certified)	$60,000 – $95,000	AWS certification
Plumber (Licensed)	$60,000 – $90,000	State licensing required
HVAC Technician	$55,000 – $85,000	EPA certification
Heavy Equipment Operator	$55,000 – $85,000	CDL + equipment certs
Carpenter (Journeyman)	$50,000 – $80,000	4+ years experience
Construction Laborer	$40,000 – $60,000	Entry-level, OSHA training

Additional compensation: Overtime pay (1.5x–2x hourly rate), per diem for travel projects ($50–$150/day), health insurance, 401(k) retirement plans, and relocation bonuses ($5,000–$15,000).

Visa Sponsorship Options for Construction Workers

U.S. employers use several visa categories to hire foreign construction workers. Understanding these options helps you target the right opportunities.

H-2B Temporary Non-Agricultural Worker Visa

Best for: Seasonal or project-based construction work

• Duration: Up to 1 year, extendable to 3 years maximum
• Requirement: Employer must obtain Temporary Labor Certification from DOL
• Cap: 66,000 visas per year (33,000 each half-year)
• Common roles: Carpenters, roofers, concrete workers, general laborers
• Green Card pathway: No direct pathway, but can transition to EB-3

H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa

Best for: Engineers, architects, project managers with bachelor’s degrees

• Duration: 3 years, extendable to 6 years
• Requirement: Bachelor’s degree in relevant field + job offer
• Cap: 85,000 visas per year (lottery system)
• Common roles: Civil engineers, structural engineers, construction managers, architects
• Green Card pathway: Yes, employer can sponsor EB-2/EB-3 while on H-1B

EB-3 Employment-Based Green Card

Best for: Workers seeking permanent residency

• Status: Permanent residency (Green Card)
• Categories: Skilled workers (2+ years training), professionals (bachelor’s degree), other workers
• Requirement: PERM Labor Certification + employer sponsorship
• Processing time: 1–3 years depending on country of origin
• Benefit: Live and work permanently in the USA; sponsor family members

L-1 Intracompany Transfer

Best for: Employees of multinational construction companies

• Requirement: 1 year employment with company abroad, transferring to U.S. office
• Duration: Up to 7 years (L-1A managers) or 5 years (L-1B specialists)
• Green Card pathway: Yes, L-1A has expedited EB-1C pathway

Top U.S. Construction Companies Offering Visa Sponsorship

These major U.S. construction firms regularly sponsor foreign workers and offer comprehensive relocation packages.

Bechtel Corporation

Sectors: Energy, infrastructure, civil, mining | HQ: Reston, Virginia

One of the world’s largest construction and engineering firms. Regularly sponsors civil engineers, project managers, and skilled trades for major infrastructure projects.

Fluor Corporation

Sectors: Oil & gas, chemicals, infrastructure, nuclear | HQ: Irving, Texas

Global engineering and construction company with extensive international hiring programs. Known for H-1B and EB-3 sponsorship.

Kiewit Corporation

Sectors: Transportation, water, power, building | HQ: Omaha, Nebraska

One of North America’s largest construction companies, focused on infrastructure. Sponsors engineers, estimators, and skilled trades.

Turner Construction

Sectors: Commercial buildings, healthcare, education | HQ: New York City

Leading builder of commercial buildings in the U.S. Sponsors project engineers, superintendents, and safety professionals.

Jacobs Engineering

Sectors: Infrastructure, environmental, aerospace | HQ: Dallas, Texas

Global professional services firm with strong visa sponsorship programs for engineers and technical specialists.

Other Major Employers

• Aecom, Skanska, PCL Construction, McCarthy Holdings
• Granite Construction, Whiting-Turner, Clark Construction
• DPR Construction, Mortenson, Hensel Phelps

Top Construction Roles with Visa Sponsorship

Professional/Engineering Roles

• Civil Engineer: $85K–$130K. Design and oversee infrastructure projects. PE license highly valued.
• Project Manager: $95K–$150K. Oversee budgets, timelines, and teams. Degree + 5+ years experience.
• Construction Superintendent: $90K–$140K. On-site management and safety compliance.
• Estimator/Quantity Surveyor: $75K–$110K. Cost analysis and bid preparation.
• Safety Manager: $80K–$120K. OSHA compliance and safety program management.

Skilled Trades

• Electrician: $65K–$100K. Commercial/industrial electrical systems. Journeyman license required.
• Welder: $60K–$95K. Structural and pipe welding. AWS certification preferred.
• Plumber/Pipefitter: $60K–$90K. Commercial plumbing systems. State license often required.
• HVAC Technician: $55K–$85K. Heating and cooling systems. EPA 608 certification required.
• Heavy Equipment Operator: $55K–$85K. Cranes, excavators, bulldozers. CDL + equipment certifications.
• Carpenter: $50K–$80K. Framing, finishing, formwork. 4+ years journeyman experience.

Housing & Relocation Benefits

Many U.S. construction employers provide comprehensive relocation packages to attract international talent. Common benefits include:

• Housing assistance: Free temporary housing (30–90 days), housing stipends ($500–$1,500/month), or company-provided accommodation near job sites
• Relocation bonus: One-time payment of $5,000–$15,000 to cover moving expenses
• Travel assistance: Flight tickets, airport pickup, initial transportation
• Per diem: $50–$150/day for food and incidentals on travel projects
• Visa fee coverage: Many employers pay visa application and legal fees
• Family support: Some employers assist with dependent visas (H-4 for H-1B holders)

How to Apply for Sponsored Construction Jobs

Step 1: Prepare Your Documents

• Resume: S. format (1–2 pages), achievements-focused, no photo
• Certifications: OSHA 10/30, trade licenses, equipment certifications, AWS/PE credentials
• Education: Degree certificates, transcripts (credential evaluation may be needed)
• References: Professional references from previous employers

Step 2: Search Job Boards

• com: Search ‘construction visa sponsorship’ or ‘H-2B construction’
• LinkedIn Jobs: Filter for ‘visa sponsorship’; connect with recruiters
• Company career pages: Apply directly to Bechtel, Fluor, Kiewit, Turner, etc.
• Construction job boards: com, iHireConstruction, BuildingGreen
• H-2B job listing: dol.gov (official DOL job orders)

Step 3: Apply and Interview

• Tailor resume and cover letter to each position
• Prepare for video interviews (Zoom/Teams)
• Discuss safety experience, certifications, and willingness to relocate
• Be prepared to explain your visa situation clearly

Step 4: Employer Files Visa Petition

• Employer obtains Labor Certification (if required)
• Employer files visa petition with USCIS
• You attend visa interview at U.S. consulate
• Receive visa and travel to the United States

Eligibility Requirements

• Experience: 2–5 years in construction (varies by role)
• Education: Degree for engineering/management roles; trade certification for skilled trades
• English: Conversational English required for safety communication
• Certifications: OSHA safety training, trade-specific licenses, equipment certifications
• Physical fitness: Ability to perform demanding physical work
• Clean record: No criminal history that would disqualify from visa

Avoiding Job Scams

Red Flags

• Requests for upfront payment for visa processing or job placement
• Job offers without interview or skills verification
• Unrealistic salary promises ($200K+ for entry-level work)
• Communication only through personal email (Gmail, Yahoo)
• Pressure to make quick decisions

Verification Steps

• Research the company thoroughly (LinkedIn, official website, BBB)
• Verify job listings on official company career pages
• Never pay for job offers or visa sponsorship
• Use official government resources (USCIS, DOL) for visa information

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the H-2B visa cap?

The H-2B visa has an annual cap of 66,000 (33,000 per half-year). Congress sometimes authorizes additional visas when demand exceeds supply. Apply early as positions fill quickly.

Can I get a Green Card through construction work?

Yes. The EB-3 visa category provides permanent residency for skilled workers (2+ years training) and professionals (bachelor’s degree). Employers must sponsor you through the PERM Labor Certification process.

Do I need U.S. certifications?

OSHA safety training is typically required and can be completed online. Trade-specific licenses (electrician, plumber) may require passing U.S. exams or having foreign credentials evaluated. Many employers provide training after hiring.

Which states have the most construction jobs?

Texas, California, Florida, New York, and Arizona have the highest construction employment. Texas leads in infrastructure and energy projects. California and Florida have strong residential construction sectors.

Can I bring my family?

H-1B holders can bring spouses (H-4 visa) and children. H-4 spouses may apply for work authorization (EAD). H-2B dependents (H-4) cannot work but can accompany you. EB-3 Green Card includes family members.

Start Your U.S. Construction Career

The U.S. construction industry offers exceptional opportunities for skilled foreign workers, with salaries ranging from $80,000 to $150,000+, visa sponsorship, housing assistance, and pathways to permanent residency. With historic investment in infrastructure and persistent labor shortages, 2026 presents an ideal window to pursue your American construction career.

Your Next Steps

1. Complete OSHA 10/30 safety training online
2. Gather certifications and trade licenses
3. Create U.S.-format resume highlighting achievements
4. Search major employers’ career pages for sponsored positions
5. Apply to multiple companies and follow up professionally
6. Prepare for video interviews discussing experience and safety

Your U.S. construction career starts with the right preparation. Begin your application today.