1. Introduction
Remote work has become one of the fastest-growing employment trends across North America, creating new opportunities for foreign nationals seeking career growth abroad. As companies increasingly expand their global talent pipelines, more U.S. and Canadian employers now offer remote jobs with visa sponsorship, making it easier for international applicants to compete for skilled and entry-level roles. For immigrants looking to build a stable career, understanding how to get a remote job as an immigrant, where to find legitimate openings, and the types of visas available is essential. This article provides a detailed guide to help foreign workers navigate the process confidently.
In both the United States and Canada, the demand for remote professionals spans industries such as customer service, IT, digital marketing, administrative support, and healthcare coordination. Many immigrant workers prefer remote positions because they offer location flexibility, competitive salaries, and simpler onboarding processes compared to traditional in-office roles. As more companies adapt to global hiring models, the opportunities for international workers visa sponsorship, including LMIA-supported roles in Canada and employment-based visas in the U.S., continue to expand. This guide outlines the top employers, salary expectations, required skills, visa pathways, and the best strategies to apply for visa-sponsorship jobs in the USA and Canada.
2. Entry-Level Skills and Experience Required
Remote jobs for immigrants—whether entry-level or advanced—typically require a combination of soft skills, digital literacy, and communication abilities. Many employers now prioritize skills for remote jobs instead of traditional educational backgrounds. Below are the most common competencies:
Core Skills Needed
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Excellent communication skills (written and verbal)
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Time management and organization
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Basic computer proficiency
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Familiarity with digital tools such as Zoom, Slack, Google Workspace, CRM platforms
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Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
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Problem-solving and customer service abilities
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Multitasking and adaptability
Entry-Level Experience
While some positions require prior experience, many companies offer entry-level remote positions for immigrants, especially in:
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Customer support
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Data entry
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Social media assistance
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Virtual administrative roles
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Remote sales support
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Tech support trainee programs
Immigrants who possess international education, multilingual abilities, or global customer service experience often gain a significant advantage when applying.
3. Regions with the Highest Payment Structures
Remote work pay varies significantly based on regional market demand, employer location, and job complexity. Below are the top five regions in the U.S. and Canada offering the highest remote job salary rates:
Top 5 High-Paying Regions
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California, USA
Home to Silicon Valley, California offers some of the highest salaries for remote tech, digital marketing, healthcare admin, and customer support roles. High-paying remote jobs USA are especially concentrated around San Francisco and Los Angeles. -
New York, USA
New York companies pay premium rates for remote workers due to high industry competition and cost-of-living adjustments. Many financial, legal, and tech companies offer above-average pay. -
Washington State, USA
With major tech giants based here, remote employees often earn higher wages, especially in IT, software support, and cloud-based services. -
Ontario, Canada
Ontario is Canada’s largest economic hub, offering high salaries for remote jobs in tech, healthcare administration, education, customer support, and consulting. -
British Columbia, Canada
Vancouver’s growing tech and business ecosystem makes B.C. one of the best regions for high-paying remote jobs Canada, particularly in IT, creative industries, and customer care.
4. Salary Expectations for Immigrants
Below is an approximate comparison of average salaries for remote workers in the U.S. and Canada. Actual earnings may vary based on employer, skills, and visa category.
Approximate Remote Job Salary Table
| Job Category | USA Salary Range (USD/year) | Canada Salary Range (CAD/year) |
|---|---|---|
| Customer Service Representative | $32,000 – $50,000 | $38,000 – $55,000 |
| Virtual Administrative Assistant | $35,000 – $55,000 | $40,000 – $60,000 |
| IT Support / Helpdesk | $45,000 – $75,000 | $48,000 – $80,000 |
| Digital Marketing Assistant | $40,000 – $70,000 | $45,000 – $72,000 |
| Software Support / Remote Tech Roles | $60,000 – $120,000 | $65,000 – $125,000 |
Summary
Immigrants applying for remote job salary USA or remote job salary Canada can expect competitive pay, especially in tech-related fields. Entry-level remote roles still offer strong earning potential, and workers with specialized skills or experience can qualify for even higher-paying positions with visa sponsorship.
5. Companies Hiring Remote Workers in the USA and Canada
Below are top employers known for hiring foreign workers for remote positions, including those offering visa sponsorship jobs USA and Canada.
United States
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Amazon
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Roles: Customer support, HR support, operations, IT
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Requirements: Communication skills, basic computer literacy, stable internet
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Visa Options: H-1B, H-2B, and employment-based visas for skilled roles
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Google
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Roles: Remote tech support, digital marketing, cloud services
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Requirements: Tech skills, certifications, relevant experience
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Visa Options: H-1B, O-1, employment-based sponsorship
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Microsoft
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Roles: Technical support, customer care, engineering support
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Requirements: Strong tech background or training
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Visa Options: H-1B, skilled worker visas
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Concentrix
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Roles: Remote call centre, sales support, customer care
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Requirements: Customer service skills, headset, internet access
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Visa Options: Limited H-1B sponsorship for skilled roles
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Teleperformance USA
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Roles: Customer service, chat support, phone support
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Requirements: High school diploma, good communication
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Canada (LMIA-Friendly Employers)
These companies often support LMIA remote jobs for foreign workers.
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Shopify
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Roles: Remote customer care, technical support, engineering assistance
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Requirements: Digital literacy, communication
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TELUS International
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Roles: Online data analyst, customer support, AI training
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Requirements: Multilingual abilities, computer proficiency
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Sutherland Global
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Roles: Work-from-home customer support, IT support
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Requirements: Customer service background
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Rogers Communications
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Roles: Remote technical support, sales, customer care
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Requirements: Strong communication, internet access
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Bell Canada
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Roles: Remote sales, customer support, tech inquiries
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Requirements: Customer service experience, reliable internet
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6. Visa Types and Options for Remote Workers
United States Remote Work Visa Pathways
Although the U.S. does not offer a dedicated remote work visa USA, foreign workers can be sponsored under:
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H-1B visa – For skilled professional roles
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H-2B visa – For temporary non-agricultural roles
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O-1 visa – For individuals with exceptional skills
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EB-2/EB-3 employment visas – For long-term employment
Canada Remote Work Visa Pathways
Canada provides more flexibility for international remote employees, especially through:
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LMIA-supported work permits – Required for most employer-sponsored roles
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Global Talent Stream (GTS) – Fast-track visa for tech positions
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International Mobility Program (IMP) – LMIA-exempt for certain roles
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PGWP pathways for graduates
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Express Entry (for long-term residency)
Foreign applicants looking for remote work visa Canada options mainly rely on employer sponsorship through LMIA or IMP categories.
7. Where to Find Remote Work Job Opportunities
Immigrants searching for companies hiring foreign workers can find remote jobs on various trusted platforms:
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LinkedIn
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Indeed (USA & Canada)
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Glassdoor
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CareerBuilder
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ZipRecruiter
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Remote.co
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FlexJobs
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WeWorkRemotely
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JobBank Canada (for LMIA remote jobs)
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SimplyHired
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Upwork & Freelancer (contract options)
These platforms feature thousands of Canada remote jobs for immigrants and U.S. listings offering visa sponsorship.
8. How to Apply for Remote Work Jobs as an Immigrant in the USA and Canada
To improve your chances of securing a visa-sponsored remote job, follow these steps:
Step-by-step Application Guide
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Prepare an international-style résumé tailored to North American standards.
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Focus on highlighting skills for remote jobs—communication, digital literacy, customer service, and multitasking.
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Search for employers known for hiring foreign workers with visa sponsorship.
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Use job filters like “visa sponsorship”, “foreign worker”, or “LMIA available”.
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Apply directly through company career portals for higher credibility.
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Prepare for online interviews using Zoom, Google Meet, or Teams.
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Once you receive an offer, work with the employer to begin the visa sponsorship job USA Canada process.
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Submit required documents (passport, qualifications, police clearance, proof of funds, etc.).
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After visa approval, start remote onboarding and employment.