Resources for asylum seekers seeking employment in the U.S.

April 28, 2021

Asylum seekers with work permits and social security numbers can seek employment in the United States. There are many ways to find a job and you have important rights as workers in the U.S. Below you will find links to online job search tools for immigrants, employment guides, programs and resources about your rights as workers in the U.S., and a few organizations that provide direct support to asylum seekers applying for jobs.

If you have questions about how to obtain a work permit as an asylum seeker, go here.

Online search tools:

• FindHello is a mobile app and website that can help you search for jobs, and other resources, near you.

• Immigrant Welcome Center provides a searchable resource database including job, financial and education assistance.

Employment guides & programs:

• COVID-19 Emergency Services Guide for Job Seekers shares information about employment, managing finances, worker’s rights, and government benefits.
• Global Career Skills Program is a free skills training program for internationally trained immigrants and refugees that provides coaching, networking, skills training, and job placement opportunities.
• Career Resources for Immigrants is a curated collection of resources with information about the job search process including networking tools, industry guides, and job application resources.
• Immigrants Rising Entrepreneurship Group is a Facebook community for entrepreneurship and the immigrant experience.
• Immigrant Workers’ Rights During COVID-19 provides a list of frequently asked questions and answers related to safety and health on the job.
• National Immigration Law Center’s resources on workers’ rights provides links to resources, including employment eligibility verification and discrimination, and workers’ rights and safety.
• This information about opening a bank account in the U.S. can help you navigate the process to manage your income and establish good credit in a safe way.

Local organizations:

• Asylum Works provides employment and social services and community support for asylum seekers who live near Washington D.C.
• Catholic Charities of Washington D.C. and Catholic Charities of Arlington, Virginia provide employment training and job referrals, financial education and assistance, and employment assistance for immigrants who live near Washington, D.C. and Arlington, Virginia.
• MassHire One-Stop Career Centers offer employment and training services for job seekers in Massachusetts, including job search assistance, coaching, workshops, and access to networking groups.
• RIF Asylum Support provides asylum seekers in New York City a weekly job search club, support groups, and direct assistance to navigate education opportunities and financial assistance.
• CASA provides vocational training, networking, and entrepreneurial support to immigrants in Maryland and Pennsylvania.
• Twinist is a website collaboration between employers in Minnesota and new immigrants that provides job and career listings, a volunteer hub, and consulting services for new immigrants.

These lists all available resources and there are likely organizations local to you that can help you find a job and navigate the employment process in the United States. We recommend that you also contact a local social services organization to ask about the best resources in your area for job seekers. Visit ASAP’s Find Help Page for more ideas.

For more information and resources from the Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project (ASAP) visit our website.