Hiring is steady in hotels, hospitals, airports, offices, schools, stadiums, and large residential complexes across the United States. Many of these employers need reliable cleaners, room attendants, janitors, custodians, laundry attendants, and floor techs. For qualified foreign applicants, some roles include visa sponsorship via H-2B (seasonal) or EB-3 (unskilled/permanent). This guide shows clear steps, real timelines, salary expectations, and safe application methods.
Why U.S. Cleaning Employers Sponsor Foreign Talent
- High demand and turnover: 24/7 operations in hotels and hospitals.
- Seasonal peaks: Resorts expand staffing in summer/winter with H-2B.
- Service quality: Brands invest in trained staff to keep ratings high.
- Growth paths: Cleaners can progress to lead, inspector, or manager roles.
Common Roles and Duties
- Housekeeper / Room Attendant: Rooms, bedding, supplies, guest requests.
- Janitor / Custodian: Floors, restrooms, hallways; event support.
- Laundry Attendant: Linens/uniforms, washers/dryers.
- Floor Tech: Strip/wax floors, carpet care, machines.
- Public Area Attendant: Lobbies, corridors, restrooms, stadium/airport areas.
- Hospital EVS Tech: Sanitization and hygiene standards.
- Night Cleaner: After-hours deep cleaning.
Eligibility Requirements (Quick Checklist)
General
- 18+ years; basic English for safety and instructions.
- Fit for lifting 10–25 kg; on-feet shifts.
- Background and reference checks.
Visa
- H-2B (seasonal): Employer files first; you complete consular steps.
- EB-3 (unskilled/permanent): PERM → I-140 → immigrant visa/adjustment.
Official sources: USCIS, DOL, H-2B Registry.
Salaries in 2025
| Role / Setting | Hourly Range (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel Housekeeper / Room Attendant | $15–$22 | Resorts and big cities may pay more; tips possible. |
| Hospital EVS / Cleaner | $16–$24 | Hygiene standards; differentials for night/weekend. |
| Office / Custodian | $15–$21 | Night shifts can pay slightly more. |
| Airport Cleaner / Public Areas | $16–$23 | Security badging may be required. |
| Floor Tech | $17–$25 | Machine experience adds value. |
| Laundry Attendant | $14–$20 | Hotels, hospitals, industrial laundries. |
| Lead / Supervisor | $19–$28 | More responsibility and scheduling. |
Best Places to Find Sponsorship
- Hotels & Resorts: FL, CA, NV, CO, UT, TX, IL conference hubs.
- Hospitals & Clinics: City systems and national chains.
- Airports & Vendors: Terminal/public area cleaning; check local rules.
- Universities & Schools: Dorms/classrooms/labs custodial teams.
- Corporate/Industrial Sites: Office parks, warehouses, logistics hubs.
Visa Types You’ll See
H-2B: Non-Agricultural, Seasonal
Typical summer (May–Sep) and winter (Nov–Mar) seasons. Employer petitions first, then you complete your consular process.
EB-3: Unskilled (Permanent)
Year-round roles with a sponsoring employer; longer timeline but can lead to permanent residency if approved.
Deadlines & Urgent Windows
- Summer hiring: Jan–Apr approvals; starts in May/June.
- Winter hiring: Aug–Oct approvals; starts in Nov/Dec.
- Watch for “hiring now”, “immediate start”, or “last-minute H-2B”. Always verify the employer and visa details.
Step-by-Step Application Plan
- Build a clean resume: Tools/chemicals used, safety (PPE/MSDS), shift flexibility, references.
- Find real openings: H-2B Registry, USAJOBS, official brand career pages.
- Check sponsorship details: Visa type, start date, pay, housing/transport.
- Apply to multiple roles: Track links, contacts, and dates in a simple sheet.
- Interview ready: Safety, quality checks, time management, customer care.
- Confirm offer in writing: Fees, housing, uniforms, overtime rules, onboarding steps.
- Follow official visa steps: Employer petition → consular appointment (H-2B) or PERM/I-140 (EB-3).
What Good Job Ads Include
- Company/vendor name, verifiable website and location.
- Shift schedule, start date, hourly pay + overtime policy.
- Clear duties and training; PPE and safety rules.
- Specified visa type if sponsoring (H-2B or EB-3).
- Housing/transport guidance if offered.
Interview Answers That Win Offers
- Safety: “I follow labels/SDS, use PPE, and set wet-floor signs to prevent slips.”
- Quality: “I complete checklists, sanitize high-touch points, report maintenance issues.”
- Teamwork: “I support peak check-in times and help new staff learn routines.”
- Service: “I greet politely, respect privacy, and respond fast to requests.”
Benefits You May See
- Paid training and uniforms.
- Overtime, night/weekend differentials.
- Health/dental plans (varies by employer).
- Resort housing or relocation help.
- Promotion paths to lead, inspector, supervisor.
Housing & Transport Tips
- Ask if employer housing is offered; confirm weekly cost and utilities.
- Secure shared rentals early in resort towns.
- Use official city transit pages to plan commutes.
- Never send deposits to unverified landlords or agents.
Compliance & Paperwork
- Keep copies of offers, contracts, and schedules.
- Know overtime/break rules and uniform care.
- Use OSHA-style practices for chemicals/equipment.
- H-2B travelers: carry passport, visa, and I-94 for trips.
- Know HR contacts for payroll and scheduling.
Red Flags to Avoid
- Vague employer, no website or physical address.
- Pressure to pay big “registration” fees to private agents.
- Requests to hold your passport.
- Contracts you can’t read or that remove your rights.
- “Guaranteed green card” claims without an employer.
How to Stand Out (No U.S. Experience? No Problem.)
- Show perfect attendance and reliability.
- List tools (mops, scrubbers, vacuums) and disinfectants you know.
- Add any safety or infection control training.
- Provide references and short success examples.
Apply Today (Official Links)
- H-2B Job Registry — seasonal, employer-filed roles
- USAJOBS — federal custodian openings
- USCIS — visa process, forms, timelines
FAQs
Can a cleaning job include visa sponsorship?
Yes. Seasonal resorts often use H-2B, and some employers sponsor EB-3 for permanent roles.
What’s the difference between H-2B and EB-3?
H-2B is temporary/seasonal; EB-3 is permanent and may lead to a green card if approved.
How much do cleaners earn?
Typical ranges are $15–$24 per hour, higher in big cities, hospitals, or resorts. Overtime adds more.
Do I need English?
Basic English helps with safety, radios, and checklists. Some teams are bilingual-friendly.
Are there “immediate start” roles?
Yes—near season start or when staff drop out. Act fast and verify details.
Conclusion
Cleaning and housekeeping roles in the USA offer steady work and real sponsorship options when employers need staff—especially in hotels, hospitals, airports, and seasonal resorts. Know your visa track (H-2B or EB-3), follow real deadlines, apply broadly, and keep documents safe. With the steps above, you can secure fair pay and build a strong career.