Secretary Jobs With Visa Sponsorship in the United States: Earn $22 per hour

It might be difficult to get employment abroad, particularly if you require sponsorship for your visa. A secretary position is a typical entry-level employment in the US that supports foreign workers’ visas.

US employers provide a range of support services for eligible applicants, such as temporary housing, visa sponsorship, and relocation aid.

You can apply immediately for a secretary position in the United States with a beginning salary of $22/hour, regardless of your country of origin—Europe, Asia, Africa, or any other.

After receiving a job offer, you must apply for a visa or work permit. This article covers everything you need to know about secretary employment in the United States, including the job description, available visas, and the application procedure.

What is a Secretary Job?

A secretary is an administrative professional who performs various tasks to support an organization’s management and colleagues. Some of their responsibilities include: 

• Reception: Greeting clients, customers, and visitors 
• Communication: Answering and directing phone calls, responding to inquiries, and writing emails, memos, and letters 
• Scheduling: Maintaining diaries, arranging appointments, and booking meeting rooms 
• Organization: Maintaining and organizing documents and paperwork, filing, and managing databases 
• Project support: Assisting supervisors and staff with company projects and tasks 
• Administrative tasks: Implementing new procedures and administrative systems, ordering and maintaining supplies, and documenting financial information 
• Correspondence: Handling correspondence, preparing and mailing outgoing correspondence, and coordinating mail-shots 
• Meetings: Organizing and servicing meetings, producing agendas, and taking minutes 
• Travel arrangements: Making and confirming travel arrangements 
• Confidential information: Maintaining confidential department files and records 

Why You Should Work in the US

Working in the USA comes with numerous advantages, which is why many international workers are attracted to the country. With high allowances, excellent healthcare, free education for children, and a healthy work-life balance, the United States offers a high quality of life.

Additionally, the country’s diverse and inclusive culture makes it a desirable destination for individuals from various backgrounds. There are also plenty of opportunities for foreign workers in the USA, and multinational companies in the USA are keen to hire international talent to fill various roles.

Salary of Secretary Jobs in the US

As of November 2024, the average annual salary for a secretary in the United States is $45,945, or about $22 per hour. However, the salary range for secretaries can vary greatly, with the lowest 10% earning less than $31,580 and the highest 10% earning more than $74,160. 

Factors that can affect a secretary’s salary include skill level, location, and years of experience. Some of the highest-paying secretary jobs include:

• Corporate Secretary: $49,500–$78,500 per year
• Secretary Specialist: $47,000–$61,500 per year
• Engineering Secretary: $37,500–$58,000 per year 

The top four industries for administrative secretaries in the United States are Aerospace and Defense, Healthcare, Education, and Government and Public Administration. All salaries are according to ZipRecruiter.

Key Responsibilities of Secretary in the US

Secretaries are typically the individuals who maintain and organize office tasks, implement procedures, and carry out additional administrative duties, depending on the nature of their employment.

For instance, the administrative tasks a secretary is responsible for can differ between industries such as law, private company sectors, and government entities.

However, a secretary may be responsible for several common duties that can include:

• Working in a receptionist capacity to greet clients, customers, and visitors
• Answering and directing phone calls
• Organizing documents and paperwork and maintaining a filing system
• Assisting supervisors and staff with company projects and tasks

While these responsibilities are often required of secretarial work, the essential duties a secretary may perform in their job can include more administrative tasks, depending on where they work.

Skills Required to Become a Secretary and Earn $22/hour in the US

Verbal and written communication: Professionals often use verbal and written communication in an office to complete numerous tasks, such as emailing clients or employees, answering phone calls, and greeting guests if working at the front of the office.

Computer and technical skills: You can complete a majority of administrative duties on a computer using the company’s applications or software systems. You must also know how to use other basic pieces of office equipment, like printers or scanners, to make copies for executives or employees regularly or to print off essential materials to file for later use and reference.

Typing and note-taking: Many administrative professionals must take notes during meetings. You should have impressive note-taking skills to quickly write down essential information and takeaways to relay to employees and executives.

Organization: As an administrative professional, a key responsibility may be to keep all files, company information, and documents sorted and organized. This allows you and other employees to quickly retrieve them and keeps the documents stored safely to prevent important company data from leaking.

Problem-solving and critical thinking: Executives may expect you to make critical company decisions efficiently. There may also be certain challenges the organization may undergo that require quick and logical solutions. It would be best if you used your problem-solving and critical thinking abilities to come up with innovative strategies that can improve the company’s performance and solve any company issues.

Attention to detail: Some executives may ask administrative professionals to review or proofread documents for them. You must have impressive attention to detail to spot any errors or inconsistencies in these materials before they’re sent to clients, stakeholders, or the public.

Customer service abilities: Executives may ask you to contact customers on their behalf to answer questions, schedule meetings, or relay important information. You must have a professional, patient, and courteous attitude when working with customers to ensure they maintain a positive relationship with the company.

Flexibility and adaptability: The office can be a fast-paced environment, so you’ll need to remain adaptable and able to function properly during high-pressure situations. Executives may have appointments or meetings to attend or tasks due at the last minute that they’ll expect you to finish, causing you to pause your current assignments and focus on new ones.

Time-management and multitasking: Executives may assign several tasks and projects at once that you’re expected to submit within tight deadlines. Consider adopting a task management system to effectively organize your assignments and their due dates to prioritize them accordingly.

Visa Options for Secretary Jobs in the US

For foreigners looking to work as a secretary in the USA, several visa options may be available. Here are the most common types:

• H-2B Visa: For non-agricultural seasonal work, which includes many positions in other sectors. This visa can last up to 3 years, with the possibility of extension. In addition, you must possess a valid job offer from a US employer, and the employer must demonstrate that there are no qualified US workers available for the position. The employer must also file a petition with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and obtain a labor certification from the Department of Labor.
• J-1 Visa: For cultural exchange programs that can include work-and-study programs. This visa is typically valid for 6 months to 1 year, and it must be part of an approved exchange program. In addition, the job should be related to the program’s cultural or educational goals. You can apply through a designated sponsor organization that will help facilitate the visa process.
• L-1 Visa: For intra-company transferees who work in managerial positions or have specialized knowledge. It is valid for up to 7 years for managers and executives and up to 5 years for those with specialized knowledge. You must have worked for the same employer abroad for at least one year within the last three years. Additionally, the US employer must file a petition with USCIS.
• O-1 Visa: This visa is for individuals with extraordinary ability or achievement in their field. It is valid for up to 3 years, with possible extensions. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of expertise and achievement. It often requires extensive documentation of achievements and a petition by the US employer.

How to Find Secretary Jobs with Visa Sponsorship in the US

• Online Job Boards: Websites like Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn often list secretary jobs with visa sponsorship. Use keywords such as “secretary visa sponsorship” or “jobs with visa support.”
• Company Websites: Many large companies and organizations have career pages where they list job openings and sponsorship opportunities.
• Recruitment Agencies: Some agencies specialize in placing foreign workers in US positions. They can be a valuable resource for finding jobs with visa sponsorship.
• Networking: Join industry groups on social media platforms or professional networking sites. Connecting with others in the industry can provide leads on available positions.

Application Process

• Research Employers: Look for companies known for hiring international staff and providing visa sponsorship. Ensure you verify that they have a history of successful sponsorship.
• Prepare Your Documents: You’ll need to gather documents like your passport, resume, and any relevant certificates or references. Ensure that your resume highlights experience relevant to the secretary position.
• Apply for Jobs: Submit your application through job boards, company websites, or recruitment agencies. Tailor your resume and cover letter to each position, emphasizing your suitability for the role.
• Interview Preparation: If you are invited for an interview, be ready to discuss your experience, why you want to work in the USA, and your understanding of the visa process. Practice common interview questions and explain how you can meet the job’s requirements.
• Visa Application: Once you receive a job offer, the employer will typically start the visa application process. This involves submitting necessary documents to US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and possibly attending an interview at a US embassy or consulate.

Costs and Considerations of Relocating to the USA

• Visa Fees: There are costs associated with visa applications, which can vary depending on the type of visa. The employer or the employee might cover these fees.
• Relocation Costs: Moving to a new country involves additional expenses, such as travel, accommodation, and initial living costs. Some employers may provide relocation assistance or stipends.
• Cultural Adjustment: Moving to a new country can be challenging. Be prepared for cultural differences and adapt to a new environment. Engaging with local communities or support groups can ease the transition.

Understanding the visa options, job responsibilities, and application processes can help you navigate this path effectively and earn up to $22/hour as a secretary with visa sponsorship in the USA.