The State of U.S. Manufacturing and Warehousing

American manufacturing has undergone a significant transformation over the past two decades. While offshoring reduced certain types of production jobs, the sector has rebounded strongly through automation, reshoring initiatives, and the explosive growth of e-commerce. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, manufacturing employs roughly 13 million workers nationwide, while transportation, warehousing, and logistics employs another 6.5 million. Together, these industries represent one of the largest employment sectors in the country.

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated many trends already underway — particularly the demand for warehouse and fulfillment center workers to support the surge in online shopping. Giants like Amazon, Walmart, Target, and FedEx dramatically expanded their distribution networks, creating hundreds of thousands of new positions. Meanwhile, a wave of retirements among baby-boom-era factory workers left gaps in skilled and semi-skilled manufacturing roles that domestic labor supply has not been able to fill quickly enough.

This persistent labor shortage, combined with an aging domestic workforce and a strong industrial output target, has pushed many employers to pursue international talent. Visa sponsorship — once relatively rare in blue-collar sectors — has become increasingly common as companies seek to maintain production capacity and meet customer demand.

Types of Visa Sponsorship Available for Factory and Warehouse Workers

H-2B Temporary Non-Agricultural Worker Visa

The H-2B visa is one of the most frequently used pathways for factory and warehouse workers seeking employment in the United States. It is designed for temporary or seasonal non-agricultural work and allows U.S. employers to hire foreign nationals when they can demonstrate that there are not enough domestic workers available for the positions.

H-2B visas are typically valid for up to one year, with the possibility of extensions up to three years in total. Employers must obtain a temporary labor certification from the Department of Labor (DOL) before sponsoring a worker under this category. The DOL requires proof that the employer recruited domestic workers without success. Annual caps apply to H-2B visas — currently set at 66,000 per fiscal year, though Congress has periodically authorized additional numbers to meet demand.

Factory roles commonly filled under H-2B sponsorship include assembly line workers, packaging technicians, machine operators, and quality control inspectors. Warehouse roles include order pickers, forklift operators, receiving clerks, and shipping and receiving associates.

H-1B Visa for Specialized Manufacturing Roles

While the H-1B is primarily associated with technology and finance, certain factory and industrial roles that require specialized knowledge or a bachelor’s degree can qualify. Industrial engineers, manufacturing process engineers, supply chain analysts, and quality assurance managers in highly technical manufacturing environments may be eligible for H-1B sponsorship.

The H-1B program is subject to an annual lottery cap of 85,000 visas (65,000 in the regular cap plus 20,000 for those with U.S. advanced degrees). Employers interested in sponsoring workers under H-1B must file a Labor Condition Application (LCA) with the DOL and submit a petition to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

EB-3 Employment-Based Green Card (Unskilled and Semi-Skilled Workers)

For workers seeking permanent residency, the EB-3 immigrant visa category is particularly relevant. It covers three sub-categories: professionals with a bachelor’s degree, skilled workers with at least two years of training or experience, and “other workers” in unskilled positions requiring less than two years of training or experience.

The EB-3 “other workers” sub-category is significant because it directly covers many factory and warehouse roles — positions that are labor-intensive but do not require advanced education. Employers sponsor candidates for permanent residence, which is a more substantial commitment than a temporary work visa but offers long-term stability for the worker. Processing times vary significantly by country of origin due to per-country caps, with workers from countries like India and China facing significantly longer waits. However, workers from most other countries may receive their green cards within a few years.

TN Visa for Canadian and Mexican Nationals

Under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), citizens of Canada and Mexico may qualify for TN (Trade NAFTA) status in certain professional categories. While this visa category does not broadly cover unskilled factory work, it does apply to industrial engineers, scientists, and technicians in specialized manufacturing roles. The TN visa is available at ports of entry without prior USCIS approval, making it one of the fastest pathways for qualifying Mexican and Canadian professionals.

O-1 Visa for Extraordinary Ability

In rare cases, highly accomplished professionals in advanced manufacturing — such as master craftspeople, specialized machinery experts, or production innovation leaders with documented exceptional ability — may qualify for an O-1 visa. This visa category requires extensive documentation of the applicant’s extraordinary achievements and is not commonly used in general factory and warehouse contexts, but it remains an option for individuals with outstanding credentials.

Where the Jobs Are: Top States and Cities for Factory and Warehouse Work

Factory and warehouse job opportunities are distributed unevenly across the United States, with certain regions historically tied to industrial output and others experiencing rapid growth driven by e-commerce and logistics expansion.

The Midwest Manufacturing Belt

The traditional heartland of American manufacturing spans states like Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania. These states have long histories of automotive, steel, chemical, and consumer goods production. Cities like Detroit, Cleveland, Columbus, Indianapolis, and Pittsburgh continue to host major manufacturing operations. The automotive sector alone — including traditional manufacturers like Ford, GM, and Stellantis as well as newer EV manufacturers like Rivian and multiple battery plant operations — employs tens of thousands of workers and has been actively recruiting internationally in recent years.

The Sun Belt and Southeast

The southeastern United States has experienced dramatic industrial growth, attracting foreign manufacturers who have established major production facilities in states like Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina. BMW operates a large assembly plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Mercedes-Benz has a significant facility in Alabama. Toyota and Volkswagen have plants in Texas and Tennessee. These international automakers, accustomed to sponsoring visas in their home countries, are often more familiar with international recruitment pipelines and open to sponsoring qualified foreign workers.

Texas, in particular, has become a major industrial hub due to its favorable business climate, lack of state income tax, and large port access through Houston. Warehousing and logistics operations concentrated around Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston employ enormous numbers of workers, with sponsorship opportunities growing alongside the region’s population boom.

The West Coast and Pacific Northwest

California, Washington, and Oregon host a combination of high-tech manufacturing, food processing, aerospace production, and logistics infrastructure tied to Pacific trade routes. The ports of Los Angeles, Long Beach, Seattle, and Portland funnel enormous volumes of goods that require warehouse processing and distribution. Amazon, in particular, has constructed a vast network of fulfillment centers throughout the Pacific Coast states, creating steady demand for warehouse workers at various skill levels.

Emerging Logistics Hubs

Several secondary and tertiary cities have emerged as major logistics centers due to their geographic positioning and lower cost of operations. Louisville, Kentucky, is home to a massive UPS hub and substantial warehouse concentration. Memphis, Tennessee, serves as a FedEx global operations center. Inland Empire region of California (Riverside and San Bernardino counties) is one of the largest warehouse clusters in North America. Allentown-Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, has become a major East Coast distribution hub. Each of these locations represents a significant market for warehouse employment with visa sponsorship potential.

Common Factory and Warehouse Roles with Visa Sponsorship

Assembly Line Worker

Assembly line workers are the backbone of manufacturing operations, responsible for putting together components to create finished goods. Roles can range from automotive assembly (installing parts on vehicles moving along a production line) to electronics assembly (carefully placing circuit boards and components) to food processing (preparing and packaging food products). These roles typically require physical stamina, attention to detail, and the ability to work at a consistent pace. Entry-level positions may not require prior experience, though some employers prefer candidates with previous manufacturing exposure. Wages generally range from $15 to $22 per hour depending on location and employer.

Forklift Operator

Certified forklift operators are in high demand across warehouses, distribution centers, and manufacturing facilities. Operators are responsible for moving pallets, loading and unloading trucks, organizing warehouse inventory, and supporting shipping and receiving operations. Most employers require or will provide OSHA-compliant forklift certification. This is one of the warehouse roles most commonly associated with visa sponsorship due to the ongoing shortage of certified operators. Pay typically ranges from $18 to $26 per hour, with higher wages in regions with strong union presence.

Machine Operator

Machine operators set up, monitor, and maintain industrial machinery used in production. Depending on the industry, this might involve CNC machining, injection molding, stamping, pressing, welding equipment, or packaging machinery. Many machine operator roles require some technical training, either from a vocational program or on-the-job experience with similar equipment. Employers in plastics, metals, and consumer goods manufacturing frequently seek qualified machine operators internationally. Compensation ranges from $17 to $28 per hour, with higher earnings for operators of specialized CNC equipment.

Quality Control Inspector

Quality control (QC) inspectors examine products during and after the manufacturing process to ensure they meet specifications and standards. They use a variety of measuring tools, conduct visual inspections, document defects, and report findings to production supervisors. QC roles often require strong attention to detail and some familiarity with inspection techniques, statistical process control, or industry-specific standards (such as ISO 9001). International candidates with prior QC experience in automotive, electronics, or food production are particularly sought after. Pay ranges from $18 to $30 per hour depending on the technical complexity of the inspection work.

Warehouse Associate / Order Picker

Warehouse associates perform a range of tasks including receiving incoming shipments, picking and packing customer orders, managing inventory, and preparing goods for outbound shipment. Order picking — retrieving items from shelves according to order specifications — is one of the most common warehouse roles. Large e-commerce fulfillment centers hire order pickers in large volumes and sometimes offer visa sponsorship through staffing agencies that partner with employers. Starting wages typically range from $15 to $20 per hour, with opportunities for overtime and shift differentials.

Production Supervisor / Line Lead

Production supervisors oversee teams of factory workers, managing day-to-day operations, ensuring safety compliance, monitoring quality, and coordinating with management on production targets. These roles typically require several years of prior manufacturing experience, often with a track record of leadership. International candidates with supervisory backgrounds in manufacturing are sometimes recruited directly for these positions, particularly for facilities operated by multinational corporations. Salaries for production supervisors typically range from $55,000 to $85,000 annually depending on the size and complexity of the operation.

Industrial Maintenance Technician

Maintenance technicians keep factory equipment running by performing preventive and corrective maintenance on machinery, electrical systems, and facility infrastructure. The ability to troubleshoot mechanical and electrical problems, read technical diagrams, and work safely with high-voltage equipment is essential. Given the specialized nature of these skills and the significant disruption caused by unplanned equipment downtime, maintenance technicians command above-average wages — typically $22 to $38 per hour — and are among the most sought-after workers in manufacturing settings. Employers frequently sponsor experienced maintenance technicians through both temporary and permanent visa categories.

CDL Truck Driver / Delivery Driver

While not technically factory or warehouse workers, Class A and Class B commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders who work in logistics and distribution are closely tied to warehouse operations. Many distribution companies that sponsor warehouse workers also sponsor CDL drivers, particularly for long-haul over-the-road (OTR) routes where domestic driver shortages are most severe. Foreign-licensed drivers can often obtain U.S. CDL credentials after demonstrating driving competence and passing written and road tests.

How to Find Factory and Warehouse Jobs with Visa Sponsorship

Major Job Boards and Platforms

Several online platforms specialize in or feature jobs that offer visa sponsorship. Indeed.com allows users to filter job listings by “Visa sponsorship available,” and a search for manufacturing or warehouse roles with this filter active frequently returns dozens to hundreds of listings. LinkedIn is another major platform where recruiters for large manufacturing companies and staffing agencies actively search for international candidates. MyVisaJobs.com is a specialized platform that tracks H-1B, H-2B, and other visa sponsorships by employer, providing historical data on which companies sponsor the most workers. USAJobs.gov lists federal government contractor positions, some of which may involve manufacturing support roles.

Staffing Agencies Specializing in Industrial Placement

A significant number of factory and warehouse jobs with visa sponsorship are filled not by direct employer hiring but through staffing agencies that specialize in industrial labor. Agencies such as Manpower, Adecco, Kelly Services, Randstad, and Robert Half (for higher-level industrial positions) frequently work with employers who need to fill positions quickly and are willing to sponsor qualified international candidates. Some agencies specialize specifically in international recruitment and are licensed to assist with the visa sponsorship process. Working with a reputable staffing agency can significantly streamline the process of connecting with sponsoring employers.

Employer Direct Applications

Large manufacturers and logistics companies with established international recruitment pipelines often have dedicated sections on their careers websites for sponsorship opportunities. Amazon, for example, has recruited workers internationally for its fulfillment centers. Major automotive manufacturers with U.S. operations — including Toyota, Honda, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai, and Kia — are known to sponsor workers from their home countries as well as from other nations. Food processing giants such as Tyson Foods, JBS USA, and Cargill have historically recruited internationally and may offer sponsorship for qualified candidates.

International Recruitment Fairs and Programs

Some U.S. employers and the government-affiliated agencies partner to host international job fairs or participate in overseas recruitment events. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Foreign Labor Certification programs facilitate formal recruitment of workers from abroad. Additionally, bilateral labor agreements between the U.S. and other countries sometimes create structured pathways for workers in specific sectors. Staying connected with U.S. embassy labor sections and official immigration information channels can alert prospective workers to these opportunities.

What to Expect: Wages, Benefits, and Working Conditions

Compensation Overview

Factory and warehouse wages in the United States are significantly higher in absolute terms than in most developing countries, though purchasing power differences must be taken into account. As of 2024, the federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour, but the vast majority of factory and warehouse employers pay substantially above this floor, particularly as labor competition has increased. Workers in high-demand regions like the Pacific Coast, New England, and major metropolitan areas typically earn $18 to $25 per hour for entry-level roles, while more skilled positions command $25 to $40 or more.

Overtime pay — 1.5 times the regular hourly wage for hours worked beyond 40 in a week — is required by federal law and is commonly available in busy warehouse and manufacturing environments. Many full-time industrial workers earn $45,000 to $65,000 per year including overtime, with experienced and skilled workers earning considerably more.

Benefits and Perquisites

Full-time factory and warehouse employees at larger companies typically receive a benefits package that includes health insurance (medical, dental, and vision), paid vacation and sick leave, retirement savings plans (such as a 401(k) with employer matching), and life insurance. Some employers also offer tuition reimbursement for workers pursuing further education, English language classes, and employee assistance programs. Employers who sponsor visas often provide relocation assistance, temporary housing support, and cultural orientation resources to help international workers settle into their new communities.

Physical Demands and Safety

It is important for prospective workers to understand that factory and warehouse jobs are physically demanding. Long periods of standing, repetitive motions, heavy lifting, exposure to noise and temperature extremes, and working in close coordination with heavy machinery or forklifts are common features of these environments. U.S. employers are required by OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) to maintain safe working conditions and provide appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). Workers have legal rights to report safety violations without retaliation.

Shift work is very common in manufacturing and warehouse settings, with many operations running 24 hours per day. Workers may be assigned to day, afternoon, or overnight shifts, and schedules may rotate. Some workers prefer night shifts due to higher shift differential pay, while others find the adjustment to non-traditional hours challenging.

Legal Rights of Sponsored Workers in the United States

Foreign workers employed in the United States on valid visas have significant legal protections. Regardless of immigration status, workers are entitled to minimum wage and overtime pay under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). OSHA protections apply equally to citizens and non-citizens. Workers may join unions if a union is present at their workplace, and they have the right to organize collectively under the National Labor Relations Act.

Sponsored workers should be aware of potential vulnerabilities. Unscrupulous employers or recruiters may attempt to charge excessive fees for visa sponsorship (a practice that is illegal under U.S. law and international labor standards), confiscate immigration documents, threaten deportation to discourage workers from reporting violations, or otherwise exploit the power imbalance created by visa dependency. Workers who believe their rights are being violated can contact the Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division, OSHA, or a nonprofit worker center for assistance. Many legal aid organizations offer free services to workers regardless of immigration status.

It is also worth noting that visa sponsorship typically ties a worker to a specific employer. If a worker wishes to change jobs, it generally requires finding a new sponsoring employer, or in some cases, a change of visa status. Understanding the terms and portability provisions of your specific visa category is important for long-term planning.

Preparing for a Successful Application

Documentation and Credentials

To compete successfully for factory or warehouse positions with visa sponsorship, prospective workers should gather relevant documentation before beginning their job search. This typically includes a current passport, copies of any vocational or technical certifications, prior employment records and references from previous employers, health and safety training certificates (such as forklift certification, OSHA 10 or 30 credentials, first aid/CPR certification), and any relevant educational transcripts. Having these documents organized and ready demonstrates professionalism and expedites the hiring process.

English Language Proficiency

While not all factory floor roles require advanced English proficiency, basic conversational English is important for safety, communication with supervisors, and integration into the workplace. Many employers offer English as a Second Language (ESL) classes for workers, and candidates who demonstrate initiative in developing their English skills are viewed favorably. Investing in language learning before applying will strengthen your candidacy and help you navigate daily life in the United States more effectively.

Understanding the Immigration Process

The U.S. immigration system is complex, and it is strongly advisable to work with or at least consult a licensed immigration attorney before making major decisions. A qualified attorney can evaluate your specific situation, explain which visa categories you may qualify for, and help you avoid common mistakes in the application process. The cost of a legal consultation is a worthwhile investment compared to the risk of errors that could result in visa denial or other complications. Be cautious of non-attorney “immigration consultants” or notarios, who are not legally authorized to provide immigration advice and whose guidance can cause serious harm.

Networking and Building Connections

Many jobs are filled through personal connections and referrals before they are ever advertised publicly. Building a professional network — both in your home country and through diaspora communities in the United States — can open doors that online job boards cannot. LinkedIn is a particularly valuable tool for connecting with recruiters and human resources professionals at target companies. Joining industry associations, attending virtual manufacturing and logistics career fairs, and engaging with online communities of international workers in your target sector can all generate leads and relationships that lead to job opportunities.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Factory and Warehouse Jobs in the U.S.

The long-term outlook for factory and warehouse employment in the United States is shaped by competing forces. Automation and robotics continue to change the nature of industrial work — some repetitive manual tasks are being replaced by machines, while new roles are emerging in robot operation, maintenance, and programming. Rather than wholesale elimination of jobs, the trend in most facilities is toward a higher-skill composition of the workforce, where workers who can operate alongside automated systems and troubleshoot technical problems are increasingly valuable.

Reshoring — the return of manufacturing operations to the United States from overseas — has accelerated significantly due to supply chain disruptions exposed by the pandemic, geopolitical tensions affecting international trade, new federal incentives under the CHIPS and Science Act and the Inflation Reduction Act, and rising labor costs in traditional offshore destinations. Industries like semiconductor fabrication, electric vehicle battery production, solar panel manufacturing, and pharmaceutical production are building out major new U.S. facilities, all of which will require substantial workforces.

E-commerce growth shows no signs of slowing, which means continued strong demand for warehouse and fulfillment workers. The ongoing expansion of same-day and next-day delivery expectations drives constant investment in logistics infrastructure, particularly in urban and suburban markets. Workers who can combine physical warehouse skills with familiarity of warehouse management systems (WMS), barcode scanning technology, and inventory software will be particularly well-positioned.

Immigration policy remains an important variable. U.S. policy on work visas shifts with political administrations, and prospective workers should stay informed about current regulations and any proposed changes. Industry advocacy groups representing manufacturing and logistics employers have consistently argued for expanded legal immigration pathways for working-class occupations, and there is bipartisan recognition that the workforce needs of the industrial sector cannot be met by domestic supply alone.

Conclusion

Factory and warehouse jobs in the United States with visa sponsorship represent a genuine and attainable opportunity for motivated workers around the world. The combination of persistent labor shortages, strong wages by international standards, comprehensive legal protections, and multiple visa pathways creates a favorable environment for international workers willing to invest in the application process.

Success requires careful preparation: gathering documentation, developing language skills, understanding the visa landscape, connecting with legitimate employers and recruiters, and working with qualified immigration professionals. The path is not without challenges, but for millions of foreign nationals who have made this journey before, factory and warehouse work in America has been the foundation of a new life — offering not just a paycheck, but stability, community, and the opportunity to build something lasting.

If you are considering pursuing this path, begin by researching employers in your target industry and region, connect with a licensed U.S. immigration attorney, update your professional credentials, and start building your network today. The jobs are there — and for the right candidate, so is the sponsorship.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration laws and policies change frequently. Always consult a licensed U.S. immigration attorney for guidance specific to your situation.

Factory and Warehouse Jobs in the U.S. With Visa Sponsorship Available Now