Are you from another country and wish to work in America and make good money. If yes then you will be happy to know that warehouse jobs in USA are getting bigger and bigger every year. Big companys like Amazon, Walmart, Target and many more have huge storage places and shipping centers. All the online shopping people do need someone to pack boxes, move goods, and keep track of stuff. Because many Americans like office jobs more, there are not enough workers for these warehouse places. So they start looking outside USA for helpers.
In year 2025 this is a very good time for foreign workers. Warehouse jobs are easy to start, give stable pay, and sometimes even help you get a visa or maybe a Green Card to stay longer.
Why Warehouses Need Workers
The supply chain in USA is super huge. Every order that people buy online or every food item that goes to store has to pass from a warehouse first. E-commerce keeps growing more than 10 percent every year. During big shopping seasons like Black Friday or Christmas, there is even more need for pickers, packers, forklift drivers, loaders, and inventory helpers.
Many Americans don’t want to work night or heavy shift. That is why companys are ready to hire people from other countrys who can come for a season or maybe even for permanent work.
You Need the Right Visa First
If you are from outside USA you can not just come on a tourist visa and start working. That is illegal. You need a work visa. For warehouse jobs there are two main types:
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Temporary Work Visa – For short time or seasonal jobs.
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Permanent Work Visa – For long term job and maybe Green Card.
1. H-2B Visa
This is the most common visa for people who only want to work for some months in USA warehouses.
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What it is: A visa for non-farm jobs that need extra workers for busy seasons.
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How long: Usually up to 1 year but can be extended to 3 years.
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Good for: Pickers, packers, freight movers, package handlers during holiday rush.
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Limit: Only 66,000 H-2B visas are given each year. They get full very fast.
Example: A shipping center in New Jersey might hire 200 H-2B workers just for the holiday season to pack and move gifts.
2. EB-3 Visa
If you dream to stay in USA for many years or forever, then EB-3 is the way.
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What it is: A Green Card visa for “unskilled workers,” meaning you don’t need high education or long training.
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Best for: Permanent warehouse associate jobs like shipping clerk, material handler.
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Process: The employer must show no American is ready for the job by doing PERM Labor Certification.
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Time: It takes longer, sometimes 1 to 2 years, but you get a Green Card at the end.
How to Apply Step by Step
Getting a warehouse job in USA with visa is not like a normal job. There are some legal steps:
Step 1 – Find a Job Offer
Search on websites like Indeed, Glassdoor, SeasonalJobs.dol.gov, LinkedIn. Look for jobs that say “H-2B sponsorship” or “EB-3 visa provided.”
Step 2 – Employer Files Papers
For H-2B the boss files ETA Form 9142B with the Department of Labor.
For EB-3 the boss files PERM (ETA Form 9089) to prove no local worker is free.
Step 3 – Petition to USCIS
The employer then files Form I-129 (for H-2B) or Form I-140 (for EB-3).
Step 4 – Visa Interview
After approval, you go to U.S. embassy in your country for interview. Bring all documents, medical check, and background papers.
Step 5 – Travel and Start Job
Once visa is stamped, you can fly to USA and start work. Sometimes the employer helps with ticket or gives money back later.
Common Warehouse Jobs for Foreigners
These are the normal job names you might see:
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Picker/Packer – Take items from shelf and pack boxes.
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Material Handler – Move goods with pallet jack or forklift.
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Shipping Clerk – Prepare outgoing packages and labels.
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Inventory Helper – Count and record stock.
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Loader/Unloader – Load goods on trucks or remove them.
Most of these jobs give training, so you don’t need special school.
How Much Salary You Can Expect
Money depends on company, city, and job type. But USA law says they must pay fair wage. Here is average:
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Pickers/Packers: $15 – $18 per hour
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Forklift Operators: $17 – $22 per hour
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Clerks/Admin: $16 – $20 per hour
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Overtime: Usually paid 1.5 times hourly rate
That means you can earn around $2,500 to $3,500 per month, and maybe more in busy holiday times.
Tips to Beat the Competition
Many people apply for these jobs so you must stand out:
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Get Forklift License – OSHA forklift certificate is very useful.
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Learn Basic Computer Skills – Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) is a plus.
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Be Flexible – If you can work night or weekend shifts, you have more chance.
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Apply Early – H-2B spots fill fast. Start early before season starts.
Life as a Warehouse Worker
Working in a warehouse is not a soft office job. You may stand long hours, move heavy boxes, or work in cold or hot areas. But it is honest work and many people like it because pay is steady and overtime gives extra money.
Many warehouses work 24/7. You might have night shifts or rotating schedule. Good shoes and strong body help a lot.
FAQs
1. Is H-2B faster than EB-3?
Yes, H-2B is faster but it is only temporary. EB-3 is slow but can give you Green Card.
2. Do Amazon or Walmart sponsor visas?
Big companies often use staffing agencies. Smaller logistics firms are more likely to sponsor directly.
3. What is the minimum wage?
It depends on the state, but most start from around $15 per hour or higher.
4. Can I work with tourist visa?
No. Working on tourist visa is illegal. You need H-2B, EB-3 or other work visa.
5. I have OPT student work permit. Can I apply?
Yes. If you already have OPT it is easier because you can work while employer files sponsorship.
Conclusion
Getting a warehouse job in USA with visa is not impossible, but you need to be patient and follow the rules. The logistics industry in America keeps growing fast every year. That means more chances for foreign workers who are ready to work hard.
If you want short term seasonal work and quick money, the H-2B visa is best. If you dream of living in USA forever and maybe bring family later, then the EB-3 visa is the path.
