Cleaning jobs in the United States are among the most consistently available and visa-sponsored employment opportunities for foreigners. From hospitals and hotels to offices, airports, schools, and residential buildings, the U.S. economy depends heavily on professional cleaners to maintain hygiene, safety, and operational standards.
Due to labor shortages, high turnover, and the physically demanding nature of cleaning work, many U.S. employers legally recruit foreign workers through visa sponsorship programs. For international job seekers looking for entry-level jobs in the USA with visa sponsorship, cleaning roles offer one of the most realistic and accessible pathways.
This guide explains cleaning job types, visa options, salaries, hiring sectors, requirements, and how to apply safely and legally.
Why the USA Actively Hires Foreign Cleaners
Several structural factors drive demand for foreign cleaning workers in the U.S.:
โข Rapid growth of hospitals, nursing homes, and healthcare facilities
โข Expansion of hotels, resorts, and tourism services
โข Increase in commercial offices, malls, and airports
โข Strict hygiene and sanitation standards post-pandemic
โข High turnover in physically demanding cleaning roles
โข Limited local workforce availability for night and shift work
Because many cleaning jobs do not require advanced degrees, they are commonly filled through government-approved visa sponsorship programs, making them suitable for foreigners with basic education and work experience.
Visa Options for Cleaning Jobs in USA
H-2B Temporary Non-Agricultural Visa
This is the most common visa for cleaning and janitorial jobs. It allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers for temporary, seasonal, or peak-load roles.
Common industries using H-2B cleaners:
โข Hotels and resorts
โข Cleaning contractors
โข Event venues
โข Airports
EB-3 Unskilled Worker Visa
The EB-3 visa allows U.S. employers to sponsor foreign workers for permanent residency (Green Card) for unskilled jobs, including cleaners and janitors, where labor shortages exist.
This visa is ideal for foreigners seeking long-term settlement in the U.S.
Types of Cleaning Jobs in USA With Visa Sponsorship
1. Hotel Cleaner / Housekeeper
Hotels across the U.S. constantly recruit foreign cleaners, especially in tourist destinations.
Typical responsibilities:
โข Cleaning guest rooms
โข Changing bed linens
โข Restocking toiletries
โข Maintaining hygiene standards
Visa options:
โข H-2B Visa
โข EB-3 Visa
Average salary:
$28,000 โ $42,000 per year
Why sponsorship is common:
Seasonal tourism creates staffing shortages that local labor alone cannot fill.
2. Hospital Cleaner / Environmental Services Worker
Hospitals require trained cleaners to maintain sterile environments.
Typical responsibilities:
โข Sanitizing patient rooms
โข Cleaning operating areas
โข Waste disposal and infection control
Visa options:
โข EB-3 Unskilled Worker Visa
Average salary:
$30,000 โ $45,000 per year
Advantage:
Hospital cleaning jobs are year-round and stable, making them attractive for long-term sponsorship.
3. Office and Commercial Cleaner
Commercial cleaning companies service offices, malls, and business complexes.
Typical responsibilities:
โข Floor cleaning
โข Trash removal
โข Night shift cleaning
Visa options:
โข H-2B Visa
โข EB-3 Visa
Average salary:
$28,000 โ $40,000 per year
Demand driver:
Corporate buildings require daily cleaning, often outside standard work hours.
4. Janitor (Schools and Universities)
Educational institutions employ cleaners for classrooms, dormitories, and facilities.
Typical responsibilities:
โข Classroom sanitation
โข Restroom cleaning
โข Campus maintenance
Visa options:
โข EB-3 Visa
Average salary:
$28,000 โ $42,000 per year
Additional benefits:
Many institutions offer health insurance and long-term employment.
5. Airport Cleaning Staff
Airports operate 24/7 and require large cleaning teams.
Typical responsibilities:
โข Terminal cleaning
โข Restroom sanitation
โข Waste management
Visa options:
โข EB-3 Visa
Average salary:
$30,000 โ $45,000 per year
Why itโs stable:
Airports require continuous operations regardless of season.
6. Residential Cleaning Worker
Residential cleaning services clean apartments, condos, and houses.
Typical responsibilities:
โข House cleaning
โข Laundry services
โข Surface sanitization
Visa options:
โข H-2B Visa
Average salary:
$15 โ $25 per hour
Why sponsorship exists:
Irregular hours and high demand make it difficult to rely solely on local workers.
7. Nursing Home and Assisted Living Cleaner
Elderly care facilities require strict sanitation standards.
Typical responsibilities:
โข Resident room cleaning
โข Laundry
โข Common area maintenance
Visa options:
โข EB-3 Visa
Average salary:
$27,000 โ $40,000 per year
Demand factor:
Aging population continues to increase demand for these roles.
8. Industrial Cleaner
Industrial cleaners work in factories, warehouses, and production plants.
Typical responsibilities:
โข Machinery area cleaning
โข Hazard control
โข Waste management
Visa options:
โข H-2B Visa
โข EB-3 Visa
Average salary:
$35,000 โ $50,000 per year
Higher pay reason:
Industrial environments require safety awareness and physical stamina.
9. Event and Stadium Cleaning Staff
Sports venues and event centers hire cleaners before and after events.
Typical responsibilities:
โข Venue cleanup
โข Waste disposal
โข Crowd area sanitation
Visa options:
โข H-2B Visa
Average salary:
$15 โ $30 per hour (event-based)
Why itโs popular:
High overtime opportunities during peak seasons.
10. Private Household Cleaner (Domestic Worker)
Some U.S. households legally sponsor cleaners through approved channels.
Typical responsibilities:
โข Home cleaning
โข Laundry
โข Light household duties
Visa options:
โข EB-3 Visa
โข Employer-sponsored domestic worker visa
Average salary:
$35,000 โ $60,000 per year
Important note:
Only licensed employers can legally sponsor domestic workers.
Requirements for Cleaning Jobs in USA
Most employers require:
โข Basic education
โข Physical fitness
โข Ability to follow instructions
โข Clean background check
โข Basic English communication skills
Formal education or certifications are usually not required.
How to Apply for Cleaning Jobs in USA With Visa Sponsorship
- Identify verified U.S. employers offering sponsorship
- Confirm visa type (H-2B or EB-3)
- Prepare a simple resume highlighting cleaning or labor experience
- Apply through official company websites or licensed recruiters
- Avoid agents demanding illegal fees or guaranteeing visas
Always verify offers through USCIS and U.S. Department of Labor resources.
Salary and Benefits Overview
Many cleaning jobs include:
โข Overtime pay
โข Health insurance
โข Paid leave
โข Free or subsidized accommodation (some employers)
โข Transportation support
These benefits significantly increase total compensation.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning jobs in the USA for foreigners with visa sponsorship offer a legal, practical, and reliable employment pathway. With thousands of openings each year and multiple visa options, cleaning roles remain among the most accessible U.S. jobs for international workers.
Success depends on applying through legitimate employers, meeting visa requirements, and avoiding shortcuts or fraudulent recruiters.