Immigrant Professionals
Are you an immigrant professional? If you worked as a doctor, engineer, or accountant in your home country, you may be wondering how to restart your career in the US. This page will explain the steps you can follow to work in your field again.
We are glad that you have brought your talents to the U.S. The next steps we advise you to take are:
- Get your diploma and credentials evaluated
- Understand the requirements for U.S. certification in your profession
- Learn about American business culture
- Improve your English (if necessary)
- Create a career plan for yourself
- Network with professionals in your field
Details on each of these steps are below:
Get your diploma and credentials evaluated
If you received your degree from a university outside the United States, you may need to have a credential evaluation organization determine the equivalent degree in the United States. Many companies will need to know if your degree matches their requirements. Listed below are of some of the reputable credential evaluation services you can use. Be aware that some organizations are not providing legitimate services. Use caution when choosing a service.
General
World Education Services
Bowling Green Station
P.O. Box 5087
New York, NY 10274-5087
Phone: 212-966-6311
Fax: 212-739-6100
Registered Nurses
Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools
3600 Market Street, Suite 400
Philadelphia, PA 19104-2651
Phone: 215-349-8767
Medical Doctors
Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates
3624 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104-2685
Phone: 215-386-5900
Fax: 215-386-9196
Understand the requirements for U.S. certification in your profession
Each profession has its own requirements. In the U.S., some are regulated at the federal (national) level, and others by the states. Depending on your profession, the Welcoming Center may have already developed a Career Guide:
The Welcoming Center is continuing to develop new guides, so if you do not see your profession listed, contact us.
If you do not live in Pennsylvania, contact your state licensing board for information.
Learn about American business culture
Even if you have worked for many years in your home country, it is valuable to understand American business culture. For general information, view How to Succeed in the Workplace: A Career Guide for the Immigrant Professional. This publication includes useful tips to help guide you through a professional job search in the United States.
Improve your English (if necessary)
To work as a professional in the U.S., it is necessary to have strong written and spoken English skills. We recommend that you take formal classes but also practice independently and with a conversation partner to improve your English. Online resources include:
Create a career plan for yourself
Typically it takes 3-5 years to reestablish a professional career in a new country. We recommend that you obtain a survival-level job while you transfer your credentials. Having American work experience on your resume is very important to U.S. employers.
To chart a realistic path for yourself, talk to others who have made a similar transition. Make a timeline showing tests and licensing exams you will need to pass, and calculating any costs associated with the process, such as having your diploma translated or taking the TOEFL. If you live in the Philadelphia area, we encourage you to contact the Welcoming Center’s employment specialists at 215-557-2626.
Network with professionals in your field
The key to networking is to build relationships with people in your professional field. Now the tough part: Where do you find professionals in your field? Begin your networking at the following places.
Local Professional Organizations (by Industry)
Visit the websites of local professional organizations to find conferences, lectures, and even job banks. These types of organizations are often national organizations, but not part of the government. Many times, they have local chapters that can be a resource for navigating the state certification processes.
- Pennsylvania Bio: www.pennsylvaniabio.org
- Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants: www.picpa.org
- Pennsylvania State Nurses Association: www.panurses.org
- Association of Information technology Professionals: www.aitp.org
Local Professional Organizations (by Ethnicity)
The following networks often host social events, professional workshops, and other occasions where you can meet professionals from your region of origin.
- National Association of Asian American Professionals: www.naaapphiladelphia.org
- Latino Professional Network: http://lpnetwork.net
- International Visitors Council: www.ivc.org
Regional Universities
Universities are a good place to find people who have the most up-to-date knowledge in your field as well as find lectures or events showcasing new research or data. Connecting with professors, graduate students, and even staff is a good way to tap into the current trends in your professional field. Many universities also have international student offices where you can find assistance and resources.
- University of Pennsylvania: www.upenn.edu
- Temple University: www.temple.edu
- St. Joseph’s www.sju.edu
- Drexel University: www.drexel.edu
- La Salle www.lasalle.edu
- Villanova University: www.villanova.edu
- Arcadia University: www.arcadia.edu
A Note About Work Authorization:
There are many different types of work authorization for immigrants in the U.S. The best-known is the green card, also known as legal permanent residence. However, there are dozens of other categories. Some employment statuses require that you stay with one employer, while other visas will allow you to change jobs easily. Make sure to talk to a qualified lawyer before making any decisions. If you have any doubts, contact the Welcoming Center to make an appointment at our free legal clinic, or search the American Immigration Law Association list of attorneys.
