Employment and Healthcare Assistance for Newly Arrived Immigrants
Date of Information: 03/05/2025
Please check back soon as this page is actively under development.
Employment
If you’re a recent immigrant looking for a job, there are many resources available to help you with job searching, resume writing, networking, and understanding the job market. Here are some great places to start:
1. Government Resources
USAJobs – The official job site for the U.S. government, which often has positions available for immigrants with work authorization.
CareerOneStop – Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, this site provides job search assistance, training, and career exploration tools.
American Job Centers (AJC) – Offers free services, including job training, resume help, and job fairs.
2. Nonprofits & Community Organizations
Upwardly Global – Helps skilled immigrants and refugees find jobs in their field.
International Rescue Committee (IRC) – Provides career development support for refugees and immigrants.
World Education Services (WES) Global Talent Bridge – Helps immigrants transfer foreign credentials to the U.S.
3. Online Job Portals
Indeed – A popular job search engine with millions of postings.
LinkedIn – Great for networking and finding job opportunities.
Glassdoor – Offers job listings along with company reviews and salary insights.
4. Local Immigrant Support Centers
Many cities have immigrant support organizations that help with job placement, language training, and legal assistance. Search for:
Local Catholic Charities chapters
State or city workforce agencies (e.g., New York’s Workforce1, Chicago’s WorkNet)
5. Industry-Specific Resources
If you have experience in a specialized field, you may benefit from organizations that help immigrants enter their profession in the U.S.:
Doctors: ECFMG
Engineers: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE-USA)
Teachers: Teach For America
IT Professionals: CompTIA Tech Career Academy
6. Resume & Interview Help
Refugee Career Hub – Helps with resume writing and interview prep.
ESL and Job Readiness Classes – Offers free courses on workplace English and job applications.
Healthcare
Getting healthcare as a recent immigrant in the U.S. depends on your immigration status, income, and state of residence. Here’s a general guide to help you navigate your options:
1. Government Healthcare Programs
Some immigrants qualify for public healthcare programs, but eligibility varies:
Medicaid – Low-income immigrants may qualify, but many must wait five years after receiving lawful status. Some states, like California and New York, offer Medicaid to certain immigrants without a waiting period.
Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) – Provides low-cost healthcare for children in low-income families, often with fewer restrictions than Medicaid.
Medicare – Available to lawful permanent residents (green card holders) after working for 10 years in the U.S.
State-Specific Programs: Some states offer health coverage to recent immigrants regardless of status. Check with your state’s Medicaid office.
2. Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace ("Obamacare")
Lawfully present immigrants can buy health insurance through the ACA Marketplace (HealthCare.gov) and may qualify for subsidies based on income.
No waiting period for legal immigrants to apply.
3. Employer-Sponsored Health Insurance
If you have a job, check if your employer offers health insurance. Many companies provide affordable group plans, which may be cheaper than buying insurance on your own.
4. Community Health Centers
Federally funded Community Health Centers provide low-cost or free medical services, including check-ups, vaccinations, and urgent care, regardless of immigration status. Find a center near you: FindaHealthCenter.hrsa.gov
5. Short-Term or Private Health Insurance
If you don’t qualify for government programs or employer coverage, you can buy private insurance through companies like Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, or Oscar Health.
Short-term health insurance plans are available but often don’t cover pre-existing conditions.
6. Charity-Provided Healthcare
Several charitable organizations offer healthcare assistance to immigrants:
Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières - MSF USA) – Provides medical care to vulnerable populations, including undocumented immigrants.
Catholic Charities USA – Offers free or low-cost healthcare clinics in various states.
The Health Rights Initiative – Helps immigrants access medical care and navigate the healthcare system.
Migrant Clinicians Network – Provides health services and support for migrant workers and their families.
The Children’s Health Fund – Offers mobile medical units that provide healthcare to underserved communities, including immigrant children.
Local Free Clinics – Many cities have free or sliding-scale clinics for immigrants; check with NAFC (National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics).
7. Emergency Care
Under federal law (EMTALA), hospitals must provide emergency care regardless of immigration status or ability to pay.
