Cleaning Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship 2026: Complete Guide for International Workers – The U.S. cleaning industry employs over 3.5 million workers and continues growing, creating opportunities for international workers. From commercial janitorial services to residential housekeeping, cleaning positions remain in consistent demand across the country. This comprehensive guide provides accurate, updated information about cleaning jobs in the USA with visa sponsorship for foreign workers in 2026.
Why Cleaning Jobs Are Available
Industry Demand Factors
Growth Drivers:
- Post-pandemic heightened cleanliness standards
- An aging population is increasing home care needs
- Commercial real estate expansion
- Hospitality and tourism recovery
- Healthcare facility growth
- Two-income households needing home cleaning services
Labor Shortage:
- High turnover rates (40-60% annually)
- Physical demands deter some U.S. workers
- Aging domestic workforce
- Seasonal demand peaks (summer tourism, winter resorts)
Result: Legitimate opportunities for foreign workers, though visa sponsorship remains limited
Types of Cleaning Jobs
Residential Cleaning
Positions:
- Housekeepers
- Maid service workers
- Deep cleaning specialists
- Move-in/move-out cleaners
Duties:
- Vacuuming, mopping, dusting
- Bathroom and kitchen sanitization
- Laundry and ironing
- Organizing and light cooking (some positions)
Typical Work:
- 3-6 homes per day
- 2-4 hours per home
- Solo or team-based
Commercial Cleaning
Positions:
- Office janitors
- Retail store cleaners
- School custodians
- Healthcare facility cleaners
Duties:
- Floor care (sweeping, mopping, waxing)
- Restroom sanitization
- Trash removal and recycling
- Window cleaning
- Carpet cleaning
Typical Work:
- Evening/night shifts (7pm-6am)
- Large buildings or multiple locations
- Team-based operations
Specialized Cleaning
Positions:
- Hospital environmental services
- Industrial cleaning
- Window washing (high-rise)
- Carpet and upholstery specialists
- Post-construction cleanup
Requirements:
- Specific training or certifications
- Higher pay than general cleaning
- Some require OSHA safety training
Also See: Dishwasher Jobs in the USA with Visa Sponsorship: Reality Check
Real Cleaning Job Salaries (2026)
Hourly Wages by Position
Residential Cleaning:
- Entry-level housekeeper: $12-$18/hour
- Experienced housekeeper: $15-$22/hour
- Senior housekeeper (luxury homes): $18-$28/hour
- Self-employed cleaners: $25-$45/hour (independent contractors)
Commercial Cleaning:
- Janitor/custodian: $12-$17/hour
- Lead janitor: $15-$20/hour
- Floor care specialist: $16-$22/hour
- Supervisor: $18-$25/hour
Specialized Cleaning:
- Hospital environmental services: $14-$20/hour
- Industrial cleaner: $16-$24/hour
- High-rise window washer: $20-$35/hour
- Hazmat cleaner: $22-$38/hour
Annual Income Estimates
Full-Time Employment (40 hours/week):
- Low wage ($13/hour): $27,040/year
- Average wage ($16/hour): $33,280/year
- Higher wage ($20/hour): $41,600/year
With Overtime (50 hours/week common):
- Base $15/hour + 10 hours overtime ($22.50/hour): $37,440/year
- Base $18/hour + 10 hours overtime ($27/hour): $45,240/year
Geographic Variations
Highest Paying States:
- California: $15-$22/hour (state minimum $16)
- New York: $15-$21/hour
- Washington: $16-$22/hour (state minimum $16.28)
- Massachusetts: $15-$20/hour
- Connecticut: $15-$20/hour
Moderate Paying:
- Texas: $11-$16/hour
- Florida: $11-$15/hour
- Arizona: $12-$17/hour
- Georgia: $11-$15/hour
Major Cities (Higher Cost of Living):
- San Francisco: $18-$25/hour
- New York City: $16-$23/hour
- Seattle: $17-$22/hour
- Boston: $16-$21/hour
Benefits (When Provided):
- Health insurance: Rare for part-time; sometimes available full-time at large companies
- Paid time off: Usually minimal (5-10 days/year)
- Workers’ compensation: Required by law
Visa Options for Cleaning Workers
Critical Reality: Visa Sponsorship for Cleaning Jobs Is Rare
Why It’s Difficult:
- Low wages ($13-$18/hour) don’t justify sponsorship costs ($5,000-$15,000)
- High employee turnover makes the investment risky
- Abundant local labor supply in most areas
- Small cleaning companies lack resources/experience for sponsorship
- USCIS/DOL skeptical of “labor shortage” claims for entry-level cleaning
Annual Reality:
- H-2B cleaning workers: ~5,000-8,000 (mostly hospitality/resort cleaning)
- EB-3 green cards for cleaners: Fewer than 100 annually
- Most cleaning jobs do NOT offer visa sponsorship
Also See: Teaching Jobs in the USA with Visa Sponsorship: Complete Guide
H-2B Temporary Worker Visa (Limited Availability)
What It Is: Seasonal/temporary non-agricultural work visa
When Used for Cleaning:
- Resort hotels (seasonal tourism)
- Ski resort accommodations
- Beach/coastal hospitality
- Large event venues
- Seasonal rental properties
Eligibility:
- Employer proves temporary/seasonal need
- No qualified U.S. workers available
- Worker from eligible country
Duration:
- Up to 1 year initially
- Extensions possible (3 years maximum total)
Annual Cap: 66,000 total (all industries compete)
Process:
- Employer files temporary labor certification (2-4 months)
- USCIS petition filing (1-2 months)
- Worker visa application at embassy (2-4 weeks)
- Total time: 4-7 months
Costs:
- Employer: $4,000-$12,000 per worker
- Worker: $190 visa fee + $100-$300 medical exam
Who Actually Uses H-2B for Cleaning:
- Large hotel chains (Marriott, Hilton resort properties)
- Hospitality management companies
- Seasonal resort operators
- NOT typical cleaning companies or residential services
Limitations:
- Temporary only (no path to green card)
- Tied to specific employer
- Seasonal restrictions
- Very competitive to obtain
EB-3 Unskilled Worker Green Card (Extremely Rare)
What It Is: Permanent immigration for unskilled positions
Requirements:
- Permanent full-time job offer
- Employer conducts extensive U.S. worker recruitment (PERM process)
- Less than 2 years training required for job
- Employer willing to invest $10,000-$20,000 and wait 2-5 years
Process:
- PERM Labor Certification (6-18 months)
- I-140 Immigrant Petition (4-12 months)
- Green card processing (6-24 months)
- Total: 2-5 years
Reality for Cleaning Workers:
- Almost never happens
- Cleaning companies rarely commit to this process
- High cost versus low wage makes no business sense
- Fewer than 100 cleaners receive EB-3 annually
When It Might Happen:
- Long-term employee (5-10 years) with specialized skills
- Large facility management company
- Worker has become indispensable to operations
Other Options (Not Direct Cleaning Employment)
If You Already Have Work Authorization:
- Green card holders: Can work any job including cleaning
- EAD holders (through asylum, marriage, etc.): Can work cleaning jobs
- Spouse visas (H-4 EAD, L-2, etc.): May work if have authorization
Not Applicable:
- F-1 student visa: Cannot work off-campus cleaning jobs
- Tourist visa (B-2): Cannot work at all
- J-1 exchange: Limited to program activities
Realistic Pathways for International Workers
Path 1: Come to the U.S. Through Other Means First
Most Common Actual Scenario:
- Enter the U.S. through family immigration (spouse, parent, sibling)
- Obtain a green card or work authorization
- Once authorized to work, find a cleaning job
- No sponsorship needed
Or:
- Come as student (F-1)
- Marry U.S. citizen/permanent resident
- Apply for work authorization during green card process
- Work a cleaning job while waiting
Or:
- Apply for asylum (if eligible)
- Receive work authorization during the asylum process
- Work in the cleaning industry
Path 2: H-2B Through Specialized Recruiters (Seasonal)
If Seeking Temporary Work:
- Target resort areas (ski resorts, beach hotels)
- Work with international H-2B recruiters
- Expect seasonal work (4-9 months)
- Return home between seasons
- Not a path to permanent U.S. residence
Geographic Focus:
- Colorado (ski resorts)
- Montana (Glacier National Park area)
- Florida (beach resorts)
- Hawaii (hotels)
- Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket (summer)
Path 3: Acknowledge This May Not Be Viable
Honest Assessment: If your only option is cleaning work and you need visa sponsorship from abroad with no U.S. connections, obtaining a U.S. work visa is extremely unlikely. Consider:
- Other countries with easier pathways (Canada, Australia have clearer immigration for service workers)
- Building skills in your home country first
- Pursuing education that leads to higher-skilled work
- Exploring family-based immigration options
Also See: Construction Laborer Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship: Complete Guide
If You Have Work Authorization: Finding Cleaning Jobs
Job Search Resources
Online Job Boards:
- Indeed: www.indeed.com (search “housekeeper,” “janitor,” “cleaner”)
- Craigslist: Local “domestic gigs” section
- Care.com: Housekeeping section
- Housekeeper.com
- Indeed: www.indeed.com
Cleaning Companies:
- National chains: Merry Maids, Molly Maid, The Cleaning Authority, Jan-Pro
- Commercial services: ABM Industries, ISS Facility Services, C&W Services
- Local companies: Search “[city name] cleaning services”
Direct Approaches:
- Hotels and resorts (apply to housekeeping departments)
- Hospitals (environmental services)
- Schools and universities (custodial services)
- Shopping malls and retail centers
Staffing Agencies:
- Temp agencies often place cleaning workers
- Day labor centers in some cities
- Hospitality staffing services
Application Tips
Resume Essentials:
- Cleaning experience (even from home country)
- Physical stamina and reliability
- Attention to detail
- Ability to work independently
- Any relevant certifications (OSHA, etc.)
- Basic English (or willingness to learn)
Interview Preparation:
- Emphasize reliability and punctuality
- Show willingness to work flexible hours (evenings, weekends)
- Demonstrate understanding of cleaning products and safety
- Ask about the training provided
- Clarify pay rate, schedule, and benefits upfront
Requirements and Skills
Basic Requirements
Physical Ability:
- Lift 25-50 pounds regularly
- Stand, bend, and kneel for extended periods
- Repetitive motions (scrubbing, vacuuming, mopping)
- Good stamina for 6-8 hour shifts
No Formal Education Required:
- A high school diploma is not typically necessary
- Previous cleaning experience is helpful but often not required
- On-the-job training provided
Language:
- Basic English is helpful for instructions and safety
- Many cleaning crews are multilingual (Spanish is common)
- Fluency in English is required for most positions
Useful Certifications
OSHA Safety Training:
- 10-hour OSHA general industry course
- Cost: $30-$75 online
- Covers hazard communication, PPE, and bloodborne pathogens
- Increases employability
Specialized Training:
- Carpet cleaning certification
- Floor care specialist
- Green cleaning certification
- Infectious disease cleaning (COVID-enhanced demand)
Tools and Equipment
Usually Employer-Provided:
- Vacuum cleaners
- Mops, brooms, dusters
- Cleaning chemicals
- Protective equipment (gloves, masks)
- Uniforms (sometimes)
Sometimes Worker-Provided:
- Transportation to job sites
- Basic supplies for residential independent contractors
Working Conditions
Typical Schedules
Residential Cleaning:
- Daytime hours (8am-5pm)
- Monday-Friday common
- Part-time (20-30 hours) or full-time
- Travel between homes
Commercial Cleaning:
- Evening/overnight shifts (6pm-6am)
- When buildings are empty
- Full-time schedules common
- Some weekend work
Physical Demands
Expect:
- Repetitive motions (strain on back, knees, shoulders)
- Chemical exposure (cleaning products)
- Biological hazards (bodily fluids in healthcare settings)
- Standing for the entire shift
- Fast-paced work to meet quotas
Injury Risk:
- Slips and falls
- Chemical burns
- Back strain from lifting
- Repetitive stress injuries
Workers’ Compensation:
- All legitimate employers must carry insurance
- Covers medical costs and partial wages if injured on the job
- Report injuries immediately
Career Advancement
Progression Path:
- Cleaner → Lead Cleaner ($1-3/hour more)
- Lead → Supervisor ($3-6/hour more)
- Supervisor → Area Manager (salary $35,000-$50,000)
- Manager → Operations Director (salary $45,000-$70,000)
Or:
- Start your own cleaning business (self-employed)
- Independent contractor rates: $25-$50/hour
- Requires a business license, insurance, and marketing
Also See: Scholarship Opportunities in the USA: Complete Guide
Legal Rights and Protections
Your Rights as a Worker
Wage Protections:
- Must receive at least minimum wage (federal $7.25 or higher state minimum)
- Overtime pay (1.5x) for hours over 40/week
- Timely payment (cannot be delayed indefinitely)
- Pay stubs showing hours and deductions
Workplace Safety:
- Safe working conditions
- Proper training on chemical use
- Personal protective equipment provided
- Right to report unsafe conditions without retaliation
Anti-Discrimination:
- Cannot be discriminated against based on national origin, race, gender, or religion
- File an EEOC complaint if discrimination occurs
If Problems Arise
Wage Theft:
- Contact the state labor department
- File a complaint with the U.S. Department of Labor
- Consult an employment attorney
Workplace Injury:
- Report immediately to the employer
- Seek medical attention
- File workers’ compensation claim
- An employer cannot fire you for filing a claim
Immigration-Related Threats:
- An employer cannot threaten to report your immigration status to force you to accept illegal working conditions
- Contact legal aid organizations
- Know your rights regardless of status
Financial Considerations
Living on Cleaning Wages
Monthly Budget Example ($16/hour, 40 hours/week):
- Gross income: $2,773/month
- After taxes: ~$2,300/month take-home
Expenses:
- Rent (shared): $500-$1,000
- Food: $250-$400
- Transportation: $100-$300
- Phone: $40-$60
- Utilities: $50-$100 (often included in rent)
- Total: $940-$1,860/month
Savings potential: $400-$1,300/month with frugal living
Building Credit
For Future Financial Needs:
- Secured credit card: $200-$500 deposit
- On-time rent payments (use services that report to credit bureaus)
- Small personal loan, paid responsibly
- Build a credit score over 12-24 months
- Eventually qualify for car loans, apartment leases, and mortgages
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I really get a visa sponsorship for cleaning jobs? A: Extremely rare. Only seasonal resort cleaning through H-2B has a realistic possibility. Most cleaning jobs do not sponsor visas. You typically need work authorization through other means (family immigration, marriage, asylum, etc.).
Q: How much can I earn cleaning in the U.S.? A: $25,000-$40,000/year typically. Higher in expensive cities or with specialized skills. Self-employed cleaners can earn more but have irregular income.
Q: Do I need to speak English? A: Basic English is helpful but not always required. Many cleaning crews are multilingual. More English = better opportunities and advancement.
Q: Is cleaning work legal for immigrants? A: Yes, IF you have valid work authorization (green card, EAD, etc.). Working without authorization is illegal and has serious consequences.
Q: Can cleaning jobs lead to a green card? A: Extremely rarely through employment. Most immigrants in cleaning came through family immigration, then found cleaning work after arrival.
Q: What if I’m undocumented? A: This guide focuses on legal pathways. Working without authorization is illegal and risky. Consult an immigration attorney about possible paths to legal status.
Q: Are cleaning jobs safe? A: Generally, yes, with proper training and equipment. Follow safety protocols, use PPE, and report hazards. Workers’ compensation covers injuries.
DISCLAIMER
This guide provides general information current as of 2026, but does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Visa sponsorship for cleaning positions is extremely rare and should not be expected. Most cleaning jobs in the USA do not sponsor work visas. Immigration laws, visa regulations, and labor market conditions change regularly. Salary ranges are estimates based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data and vary significantly by location, employer, and experience. Working in the U.S. without proper authorization is illegal and carries serious consequences, including deportation and bars from future entry. Always verify your work authorization status through USCIS (www.uscis.gov) or a licensed immigration attorney before accepting employment. This information does not guarantee employment or visa approval.
Realistic Next Steps
If You Have Work Authorization Already:
- Search Indeed, Craigslist for local cleaning jobs
- Apply to 10-20 positions
- Prepare for interviews emphasizing reliability
- Start working and gain experience
If You Need Visa Sponsorship:
- Understand cleaning visa sponsorship is extremely rare
- Explore family-based immigration options
- Consider seasonal H-2B through resort recruiters (temporary only)
- Consult an immigration attorney about realistic pathways
- Consider other countries with clearer service worker immigration (Canada, Australia)
The U.S. cleaning industry offers work for those already authorized, but direct visa sponsorship from abroad for cleaning positions remains exceptionally rare in 2026.
