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 come with visa sponsorship through H-2B (seasonal) or EB-3 (unskilled/permanent) pathways. This guide gives you a clean, safe, and policy-compliant plan to land real jobs, compare salaries, understand timelines, and apply without stress.
Why U.S. Cleaning Employers Sponsor Foreign Talent
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High demand, consistent turnover: Hotels and hospitals run 24/7. Airports, universities, and corporate sites need daily cleaning.
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Seasonal peaks: Beach and ski towns expand staff for summer/winter. H-2B helps fill those short windows.
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Service quality: Brands protect guest ratings with trained staff and supervisors who keep rooms and facilities spotless.
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Growth paths: Many cleaners move up to lead, supervisor, or housekeeping manager roles.
Tip: When you see “visa sponsorship available,” read the job description carefully. Look for the visa type, location, season (if H-2B), and a clear onboarding plan.
Role Types You’ll See (and What They Do)
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Housekeeper / Room Attendant: Clean guest rooms, make beds, restock supplies, respond to guest requests.
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Janitor / Custodian (Office, School, Hospital): Clean floors, bathrooms, hallways; handle waste; support events.
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Laundry Attendant: Operate washers/dryers, manage linens and uniforms.
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Floor Tech: Strip/wax floors, operate floor machines, handle carpets.
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Public Area Attendant (Hotel, Airport, Stadium): Keep lobbies, restrooms, corridors, gates, and seating areas tidy.
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EVS (Environmental Services) Tech in Hospitals: Sanitization tasks with extra hygiene standards.
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Night Cleaner: After-hours deep cleaning in offices, retail, or venues.
Eligibility Requirements (Simple Checklist)
General Job Requirements
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Age: 18+
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Education: High school or equivalent (often preferred, not always required)
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Physical ability: Lift/carry supplies (10–25 kg), stand/walk for long periods
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Language: Basic English to follow instructions and safety signs (some roles are bilingual-friendly)
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Background checks: Many employers run standard checks and verify work history
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Customer service: Polite, reliable, good teamwork
Visa-Related Requirements
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H-2B (Non-agricultural, seasonal):
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Job must be temporary/seasonal.
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Employer files a labor certification and petition first.
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You apply at a U.S. consulate after approval.
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EB-3 (Other Workers / Unskilled):
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Permanent, full-time role with a sponsoring employer.
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Employer completes the PERM process and I-140 petition.
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Immigrant visa processing follows (or adjustment of status if eligible).
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Learn more on official sites: www.uscis.gov, www.dol.gov, and the H-2B job registry seasonaljobs.dol.gov.
Salary Ranges (2025 Planning Guide)
| Role / Setting | Typical Hourly Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel Housekeeper / Room Attendant | $15–$22 | Resort & big-city hotels often pay more, plus tips |
| Hospital EVS / Cleaner | $16–$24 | Hygiene standards and shifts can add pay differentials |
| Office / Custodian (Day or Night) | $15–$21 | Night shifts sometimes pay slightly higher |
| Airport Cleaner / Public Area Attendant | $16–$23 | Security badging may be required |
| Floor Tech (Stripping/Waxing/Carpets) | $17–$25 | Extra for experience on machines |
| Laundry Attendant | $14–$20 | Hotels, hospitals, and industrial laundries |
| Supervisor / Lead Housekeeper | $19–$28 | More responsibility = higher pay |
Add-ons that raise actual earnings:
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Union sites (some hospitals/airports)
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Large metro areas (NY, CA, WA, MA often higher)
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Resort seasonality (busy seasons can pay more)
Best Places to Find Sponsoring Employers
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Hotels & Resorts: Coastal towns (FL, CA), mountain resorts (CO, UT), Las Vegas (NV), big conference hubs (TX, IL).
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Hospitals & Clinics: National chains and large city hospital systems.
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Airports & Airlines Vendors: Public area cleaning vendors, aircraft cabin clean teams (where permitted).
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Universities & Schools: Custodial teams for dorms, classrooms, labs.
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Corporate & Industrial Sites: Office parks, warehouses, distribution centers.
You may see phrases like “H-2B seasonal cleaning,” “room attendant—visa sponsorship,” or “EB-3 entry-level.” Read details before applying.
Visas That Commonly Appear in Cleaning/Housekeeping
H-2B: Non-Agricultural, Seasonal
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For resorts, parks, coastal hotels, and seasonal venues.
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Typical season: Summer (May–Sep) or Winter (Nov–Mar), varies by state.
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The employer applies first. After approval, you complete consular processing.
EB-3: Unskilled / Other Workers (Permanent)
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For year-round roles where the employer wants long-term staff.
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Involves PERM labor certification, I-140 petition, and immigrant visa process.
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May take longer but leads to permanent residency (green card) if approved.
Always confirm the exact visa type in the job post or during recruiter calls.
Application Timelines & “Urgent” Windows
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Summer season hiring: Often Jan–Apr approvals; work may start May/June.
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Winter season hiring: Often Aug–Oct approvals; work may start Nov/Dec.
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Late postings: Some employers post “hiring now,” “immediate start,” or “last-minute H-2B” when staff drop out. Act fast, but verify.
Permanent (EB-3) windows:
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Rolling recruitment. Long processing timeline.
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Look for employers with a clear sponsorship track and legal support.
Where to confirm dates & caps:
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H-2B job registry: seasonaljobs.dol.gov
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Consulate appointment availability: Your local U.S. embassy/consulate website
Step-by-Step: How to Apply the Right Way
1) Build a simple, clean resume
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Name, contact, work history, cleaning tools/chemicals you know, safety knowledge (PPE, MSDS), shift flexibility, references.
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Add hospitality or healthcare terms if relevant: guest rooms, terminal cleaning, patient areas, disinfection logs.
2) Search real openings (start with official or trusted boards)
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seasonaljobs.dol.gov (H-2B registry)
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www.usajobs.gov (federal jobs—custodian roles exist)
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Major brand career pages (hotel groups, hospital systems, facility services vendors)
3) Read sponsorship lines carefully
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Look for visa type (H-2B vs EB-3), start dates, duration, housing or transport details, and pay.
4) Apply to multiple roles
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Do not wait for one company to reply.
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Keep a spreadsheet: company, role, location, pay, link, contact, date applied, status.
5) Prepare for interviews
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Practice short answers on teamwork, time management, handling chemicals, and guest interaction.
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Know how to talk about safety and infection control.
6) If offered sponsorship, confirm the process in writing
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Ask which visa, who pays government fees, any housing, uniform, transport, and overtime policy.
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Keep all emails and offer letters.
7) Handle your visa steps on official channels
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Employer petition, then consular processing (H-2B), or PERM/I-140 for EB-3.
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Follow instructions from the U.S. embassy/consulate site in your country.
What Good Job Ads Usually Include
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Employer or vendor name (verifiable)
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City/state, start date, shift hours
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Pay per hour (and overtime rules)
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Duties: cleaning rooms/areas, handling linen, floor equipment
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Training and PPE
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Visa type if sponsoring (H-2B or EB-3)
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Housing or transport info (if provided)
If a posting is unclear or pushes you to pay a “registration” or “agent” fee without details, walk away.
Interview & Offer: Strong Answers That Win Offers
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Safety focus: “I follow chemical labels and safety sheets, use PPE, and secure signs to prevent slips and falls.”
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Quality control: “I finish checklists, inspect high-touch points, and report maintenance issues.”
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Teamwork: “I support the team when peak check-ins happen and help new staff learn routines.”
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Guest/patient respect: “I greet politely, protect privacy, and handle requests quickly.”
Benefits Many Employers Offer
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Paid training and uniforms
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Overtime opportunities
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Shift differentials (nights/weekends)
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Health and dental plans (varies)
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Discounted staff housing (resorts) or help finding housing
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Internal promotions to lead, supervisor, or housekeeping manager
Housing & Transportation Tips
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Ask if employer-arranged housing is offered; confirm weekly cost and utilities.
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For resort towns, look for staff housing or shared rentals early.
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Use official city transit pages to map commute times.
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Never send deposits to private landlords you cannot verify.
Compliance & Paperwork (Stay Safe and Clear)
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Keep copies of your offer letter, contract, and schedule.
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Learn company rules on breaks, overtime, and uniform care.
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Follow OSHA-style safety practices on chemicals and equipment.
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For H-2B, carry your passport, visa, and I-94 printout while traveling.
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Ask HR who to contact about payroll, timesheets, or schedule changes.
Always rely on official information: www.uscis.gov, www.dol.gov, www.cbp.gov, and your U.S. embassy/consulate site.
Common Red Flags to Avoid
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Vague company names, no physical location, no website
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Pressure to pay large “application” fees to private agents
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Requests for your passport to be held by a private agent
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Contracts you cannot read or that remove your legal rights
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Promises of “guaranteed green card” without an employer
How to Stand Out (Even With No U.S. Experience)
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Show reliability: zero late shifts, clean attendance record
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List tools and chemicals you’ve used (mops, scrubbers, vacuums, disinfectants)
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Certifications (if any): infection control, first aid, hazard communication
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Mention customer reviews or supervisor references from prior roles
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Share a short note on time management during peak hours
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1) Can a cleaning job in the USA include visa sponsorship?
Yes. Many seasonal resort hotels and some large vendors use H-2B; certain employers sponsor EB-3 for permanent roles.
2) What is the difference between H-2B and EB-3?
H-2B is temporary/seasonal. EB-3 is for permanent, full-time roles and can lead to a green card if approved.
3) How much do cleaners earn in the USA?
Most roles range $15–$24/hour, higher in big cities, hospitals, or resorts. Overtime and night shifts can add more.
4) Do I need English?
Basic English is helpful for safety, radios, guest requests, and checklists. Some teams support bilingual staff.
5) Are there “immediate start” roles?
Yes—especially before peak seasons or when staff drop out. Apply fast, but verify the employer and visa details.
6) Can I bring my family?
Family options depend on the visa type and personal situation. Check official guidance on www.uscis.gov or speak to a qualified attorney for your case.
7) Should I use a lawyer or consultant?
Some applicants handle it themselves with the employer’s HR. Others prefer professional help. If you choose help, work with qualified providers and read agreements carefully.
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U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS): www.uscis.gov
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U.S. Department of Labor (DOL): www.dol.gov
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H-2B Job Registry (Official): seasonaljobs.dol.gov
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USAJOBS (Federal Jobs): www.usajobs.gov
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E-Verify (Employer Eligibility Program): www.e-verify.gov
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Find a U.S. Embassy/Consulate: www.usembassy.gov