{"id":4500,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:33","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/smallbusiness\/business-laws-and-regulations\/immigration-law-for-employers.html"},"modified":"2026-05-01T02:04:00","modified_gmt":"2026-05-01T07:04:00","slug":"immigration-law-for-employers","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/business-laws-and-regulations\/immigration-law-for-employers.html","title":{"rendered":"How To Hire Foreign Workers in the United States"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n

How To Hire Foreign Workers in the United States<\/h1>\n\n
\n
\n By Lyle Therese A. Hilotin-Lee, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Joseph Fawbush, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\n
\n

Editorial Note: We earn a commission from affiliate partner links on FindLaw. Commissions do not affect the editorial integrity of our legal content.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \n

\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

\n

U.S. employers<\/span> hiring <\/span>foreign workers<\/span> must follow federal rules on labor certification, work authorization<\/span>, and employment eligibility verification<\/span>. The Department of Labor<\/span> determines whether qualified U.S. workers<\/span> are available, while USCIS<\/span> reviews the foreign worker<\/span>\u2019s qualifications and petition. Employers must also verify every employee\u2019s right to work.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

In today\u2019s labor market, most businesses extend their boundaries beyond borders. Many U.S. employers<\/span> source global talent to support their growth and fill skill gaps. Hiring international workers can enhance our workforce and add valuable expertise. But it can also present unique legal challenges.<\/p>\n

This is why many employers get an attorney\u2019s help<\/a> to ensure they meet immigration and labor laws and keep their hiring process on track.<\/p>\n

This article outlines what employers should know about hiring <\/span>foreign workers<\/span> and navigating employment-based visas. This information will also help foreign employees understand their rights as immigrant workers in the U.S.<\/p>\n

The Role of the Department of Labor<\/span> in Immigration<\/h2>\n

The U.S. <\/span>Department of Labor<\/span><\/a> (DOL<\/span>) is a federal agency that ensures workers\u2019 well-being and enforces labor standards. It also administers federal laws<\/span> and governs:<\/p>\n