New York has become one of the most popular destinations for immigrants starting a new life in the United States. With its strong economy, wide range of industries, and diverse, welcoming communities, the Empire State offers endless opportunities to grow and succeed.
Immigrants are a vital part of New York’s workforce. As of 2023, they made up about 27.9% of all jobs in the state, which means nearly one in four workers is an immigrant. In New York City, immigrants represented around 44.3% of the labor force in 2023. Across the United States, foreign-born workers made up 19.2% of the total labor force in 2024, showing just how essential immigrant labor has become nationwide.
New York’s economy thrives thanks to this incredible diversity. Immigrants bring new skills, languages, and ideas that help businesses grow and keep the city moving forward. With such strong participation in the workforce, many employers across New York actively seek immigrant talent. Whether you are entering the job market for the first time or advancing your career, New York offers an environment where ambition and hard work open doors.
In this guide, we will explore why New York is a great place for immigrants to build a career, which industries offer the best opportunities, and which employers are hiring. You will also learn how to use MotaWord to boost your chances with fast, affordable translation and evaluation services. Let’s get right into it!
Best Industries for Immigrants in New York
New York offers a wide range of industries where immigrants can build meaningful careers. The city and state both rely heavily on immigrant workers across key sectors. With such strong participation, it’s clear that immigrants play a major role in shaping the state’s economy. The following five industries offer some of the best opportunities for immigrants to start or grow their careers.
1. Healthcare
The healthcare industry in New York offers steady demand for workers at all skill levels. Hospitals, clinics, and home health agencies are always hiring nurses, aides, and specialists. For immigrants, this sector provides stability and opportunities to serve diverse communities.
2. Hospitality
Hotels, restaurants, and tourism jobs make hospitality a great choice for immigrants in New York. With millions of visitors arriving each year, the demand for cooks, servers, housekeepers, and front-desk staff stays strong. Many employers offer flexible schedules and on-the-job training, helping newcomers build valuable experience. Hospitality remains one of the city’s largest immigrant job markets, including jobs for undocumented migrants.
3. Construction
Construction continues to be one of New York’s most active and essential industries. Immigrants can find jobs as laborers, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, and equipment operators. Employers in this sector often value hard work and reliability, making it easier for newcomers to grow. According to the New York Building Congress, construction employment in the state remains strong and continues to rely on immigrant workers.
4. Technology
New York’s tech sector keeps expanding, offering opportunities in software development, IT support, data analysis, and cybersecurity. Immigrants with technical skills or education can find work at major companies and innovative startups. New York’s tech industry is one of the most dynamic in the country and it continues to attract global talent.
5. Retail and Services
Retail and personal service jobs are among the most accessible for immigrants in New York. Roles like cashier, sales associate, and customer service representative help newcomers gain local experience and improve their English skills. Data from the American Immigration Council shows that immigrants make up a large share of New York’s retail and service workforce.
New York’s economy thrives because of immigrant energy, skills, and dedication. These five industries not only provide stable employment but also open the door to career growth and long-term success. With determination and the right resources, immigrants can build a rewarding future in New York’s vibrant job market.
Top Employers in New York Hiring Immigrants
New York is home to many world-class employers that welcome international talent and sponsor work visas. These companies rely on diverse perspectives to innovate and stay competitive in finance, technology, healthcare, education, and professional services. According to 2025 data, New York ranks among the top states for H-1B visa sponsorship, showing that employers here value global skills and expertise.
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Ernst & Young US LLP: One of the largest professional services firms in the world, EY offers careers in audit, tax, and consulting. The company’s New York office hires hundreds of international professionals every year. This company usually looks to fill positions such as Audit Senior, Tax Consultant, and Technology Risk Advisor.
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Google LLC: Google operates one of its largest U.S. campuses in New York City, employing thousands of engineers, designers, and business professionals. Immigrants with backgrounds in tech, analytics, or management often thrive here. This company usually looks to fill positions such as Software Engineer, Data Scientist, and Product Manager.
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Amazon.com Services LLC: Amazon continues to expand its New York presence with offices, fulfillment centers, and tech hubs. The company frequently sponsors visas for professionals in management, logistics, and analytics. This company usually looks to fill positions such as Program Manager, Data Scientist, and Operations Manager.
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Meta Platforms Inc: Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, employs a large international workforce in New York. Its Hudson Yards office focuses on engineering, design, and advertising technology. This company usually looks to fill positions such as Software Engineer, Product Designer, and Partner Engineer.
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JPMorgan Chase & Co: One of the largest financial institutions in the world, JPMorgan Chase is headquartered in New York City and hires international professionals in finance, tech, and business operations. This company usually looks to fill positions such as Investment Banking Analyst, Financial Analyst, and Software Engineer.
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Goldman Sachs & Co LLC: A global leader in investment banking and asset management, Goldman Sachs attracts professionals from around the world to its New York headquarters. This company usually looks to fill positions such as Analyst, Software Engineer, and Vice President.
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Columbia University: One of the nation’s top research universities, Columbia sponsors international faculty, researchers, and staff. The university values global collaboration and diverse perspectives in education. This company usually looks to fill positions such as Research Scientist, Lecturer, and Program Manager.
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Morgan Stanley Services Group Inc: A major financial services company based in New York, Morgan Stanley frequently sponsors international talent in business and technology departments. This company usually looks to fill positions such as Analyst, Software Developer, and Associate.
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Grandison Management Inc: A property management and real estate company in New York, Grandison Management hires foreign professionals for operations and facility management roles. This company usually looks to fill positions such as Property Manager, Facilities Coordinator, and Maintenance Supervisor.
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Bloomberg LP: A global leader in financial data, media, and technology headquartered in New York City, Bloomberg is known for its diverse workforce and strong visa sponsorship record. This company usually looks to fill positions such as Software Engineer, Data Analyst, and Product Manager.
Other strong employers that also sponsor immigrant talent include Bank of America, Cognizant Technology Solutions, Mount Sinai Health System, Citibank, and Deloitte. These organizations are known for inclusive hiring and programs that support global professionals.
If you are an immigrant seeking a career in New York, focus on companies that have strong visa sponsorship histories and international hiring practices. Below, we’ll share some of the most relevant tips you can apply to find a job as an immigrant in New York.
How to Get a Job as an Immigrant in New York
Finding a job in New York as an immigrant can be easier when you take the right steps. Here are some practical tips to help you navigate the job market and start your career successfully:
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Build your network. Many immigrants find their first jobs through personal connections or community organizations. Attend career fairs, networking events, and professional meetups to meet people in your industry.
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Connect with your community. Reach out to others from your home country or background who already live in New York. They can share experiences, job leads, and local advice to help you settle in faster.
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Use online job platforms. Search for opportunities on popular sites like Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor. You will find thousands of listings for both entry-level and professional roles across the city and state.
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Tailor your résumé and cover letter. Adjust your application for each position you apply to. Highlight your most relevant skills and experiences to show employers how you fit the job requirements.
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Work with local organizations. Many community centers and non-profits in New York help immigrants find work. They offer free résumé reviews, language classes, and job placement services.
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Practice your interview skills. Prepare for common interview questions and practice explaining your experience clearly. Confidence and preparation can help you make a strong impression.
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Be patient and persistent. Finding the right job may take time. Apply to multiple openings, follow up on applications, and keep improving your skills while you search.
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Start small and grow. Many immigrants begin in entry-level positions and move up through hard work and dedication. New York rewards determination, and every opportunity can lead to long-term success.
By staying proactive and open to learning, you can build a fulfilling career in New York. The city values ambition, effort, and diversity, qualities that immigrants bring to every workplace.
MotaWord: Translation and Academic Evaluation Services for Immigrants
Starting a new career in New York as an immigrant begins with the right documentation. Employers often need to review your education, certifications, and professional history before making a hiring decision. Clear, accurate translations of these documents show that your qualifications meet U.S. standards and help you make a strong impression.
At MotaWord, we make this process fast, simple, and affordable. Our global network of professional translators handles academic and professional documents every day. We combine advanced technology with expert human review to ensure accuracy and speed—so you can focus on your career goals instead of paperwork.
We also provide academic evaluation services for immigrants applying for jobs in New York. These evaluations help employers understand foreign degrees and credentials, which is especially important in fields like healthcare, education, engineering, and law. With these evaluations, your qualifications are presented clearly and professionally.
Employers in New York benefit from our certified translations and verified evaluations, too. By receiving accurate, well-organized documentation, they can process applications faster and make confident hiring decisions. This builds trust between employers and candidates while saving time for both sides.
Here’s how to get started with MotaWord:
- Visit our quote page.
- Upload your documents directly to our secure platform.
- Choose your service type: translation, academic evaluation, or both.
- Review your quote and confirm your order.
- Receive your completed documents quickly, fully prepared for job applications or licensing.
At MotaWord, our goal is to help immigrants in New York succeed by removing language and document barriers. With accurate translations and trusted evaluations, you can move forward with confidence and start the next chapter of your career.
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FAQ: Jobs for Immigrants in New York
1. What are the best jobs for immigrants in New York?
Some of the best jobs for immigrants are in healthcare, hospitality, construction, technology, and retail. These industries offer many roles for both skilled professionals and newcomers.
2. Which employers in New York sponsor work visas?
Large companies like Ernst & Young, Google, Amazon, Meta, JPMorgan Chase, and Goldman Sachs often sponsor work visas. Many hospitals, universities, and tech firms also hire international workers.
3. How can new immigrants in New York find jobs quickly?
Network with others in your field, join community groups, and use online job platforms to apply. Local organizations and job centers can also help you find openings and prepare for interviews.
4. Do I need perfect English for jobs for immigrants in New York?
No, perfect English is not required. Many jobs only need basic communication skills. You can improve your English over time while gaining work experience.
5. Are healthcare jobs good for immigrants in New York?
Yes, healthcare offers steady and rewarding work. Hospitals, clinics, and care facilities regularly hire immigrants for nursing, aide, and technician positions.
6. What resources help with jobs for new immigrants in New York?
Immigrants can find help through local resource centers, career programs, and state job services. These organizations provide free support, training, and job connections.
Start Your New Career in New York Today
New York remains one of the top destinations in the United States for immigrants to establish a career and a brighter future. The city’s diverse economy, welcoming communities, and active job market make it a land of opportunity for people from all backgrounds.
Immigrants play a key role in keeping New York’s industries strong — from healthcare and construction to technology and finance. Employers across the state recognize the value of global talent and are eager to hire workers with skills, determination, and fresh perspectives.
If you are ready to take the next step in your career, make sure your professional documents are accurate and ready to go. Using MotaWord’s fast and reliable translation and academic evaluation services can help you apply for jobs and licenses with confidence.
New York rewards hard work, persistence, and ambition. With the right preparation and a clear goal, you can start your new career here and become part of the city’s inspiring immigrant success story.
Best Industries for Immigrants in New York