$75,000 Construction Jobs With Visa Sponsorship and Green Card in USA 2026

Unlike previous years, where sponsorship was largely reserved for tech or healthcare, the 2026 landscape is dominated by construction firms offering paths to both temporary work via the H-2B visa and permanent residency through the EB-3 Green Card category. Whether you are a heavy equipment operator, a skilled electrician, or a project coordinator, the demand for your expertise has never been higher, nor has the financial reward for relocating to the United States.

In this guide, we break down how to position yourself for these $75,000+ roles, which companies are actively sponsoring in 2026, and the exact steps you need to take to secure your future in the U.S. construction sector.

To secure a salary of $75,000 or more, you must target roles that require specialized technical skills or leadership responsibilities. In the 2026 U.S. construction market, “general labor” positions typically pay between $40,000 and $55,000. However, skilled trades are seeing massive wage premiums due to a critical shortage of certified professionals.

The following roles are currently the most lucrative for international workers seeking sponsorship:

• Elevator Installers and Repairers: Consistently at the top of the pay scale, these professionals earn a median salary of $102,420, with top earners exceeding $150,000. Because this is a highly regulated field with strict safety requirements, companies are increasingly willing to sponsor experienced technicians from abroad.

• Heavy Equipment Operators: Mastery of specialized machinery like tower cranes, large excavators, or graders can command salaries between $75,000 and $95,000. Crane operators, in particular, are in high demand for massive infrastructure and renewable energy projects.

• Commercial Electricians and Linemen: Power-line workers earn a median of $85,420, while master electricians overseeing commercial crews can easily surpass the $90,000 mark. With the U.S. shifting toward “smart” infrastructure and green energy, these roles are primary targets for H-1B and EB-3 sponsorship.

• Construction Superintendents and Project Managers: For those with leadership experience, these roles offer a direct path to high earnings. Superintendents often earn between $79,000 and $110,000, managing the day-to-day operations of a site, while Project Managers can see salaries ranging from $95,000 to $140,000.

2026 Salary Comparison Table

By focusing your application on these “High-Value” trades, you not only increase your earning potential but also make yourself a more attractive candidate for a company willing to invest in your visa or Green Card legal fees.

The H-2B vs. EB-3 Route: Choosing the Right Path to US Residency

Understanding the difference between the H-2B and EB-3 visa categories is the most critical step for any construction worker. While both can lead to a $75,000+ salary, they serve very different long-term goals. For 2026, the U.S. government has released a supplemental allocation of 64,716 additional H-2B visas to meet the massive demand in sectors like construction, making this a high-probability year for applicants.

H-2B: The Fast-Track Temporary Route

The H-2B visa is designed for “temporary non-agricultural” work. It is the fastest way to get into the U.S. to start earning.

• Duration: Typically granted for the length of a project (up to 1 year), but can be extended in 1-year increments for a maximum of 3 years.

• Speed: Processing can take as little as 3 to 6 months, making it ideal for immediate openings.

• Limitation: It is not a direct path to a Green Card. After 3 years, you must return to your home country for at least 3 months before you can re-apply.

• Family: Your spouse and children can join you on H-4 status, but they are generally not allowed to work.

EB-3: The Permanent Residency (Green Card) Route

The EB-3 visa is an employment-based “Permanent Resident” visa. This is the “Holy Grail” for international construction professionals.

• Duration: It is permanent. Once you arrive, you have a Green Card.

• Speed: This is a long-term play. In 2026, the average processing time from recruitment to Green Card is approximately 3 to 5 years.

• Requirement: Your employer must prove via the PERM Labor Certification that they could not find a qualified U.S. worker for the role.

• Family: Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 are eligible for their own Green Cards and can work and study freely in the U.S.

Which should you choose?

Pro-Tip for 2026: Many workers enter the U.S. on an H-2B visa to start working immediately and build a relationship with their employer. Once proven as a valuable asset, they then request the employer to sponsor them for a “change of status” to an EB-3 Green Card while they are still in the U.S.

Verified US Construction Companies Offering Sponsorship in 2026

Identifying the right employer is half the battle. In 2026, the demand for infrastructure and commercial development has pushed many major U.S. firms to expand their international recruitment. These companies frequently use the H-2B for seasonal peaks and the EB-3 for long-term skilled technical roles.

Top-Tier Firms with History of Sponsorship

Large-scale Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) companies are the most reliable sponsors because they have the legal departments necessary to handle complex visa paperwork.

• Bechtel Corporation: As the largest construction company in the U.S., Bechtel regularly sponsors specialized engineers and senior project leads. They are currently focusing on massive renewable energy and semiconductor plant projects.

• Fluor Corporation: Known for its global footprint, Fluor often recruits international talent for industrial and power projects. They provide robust support for H-1B and EB-3 candidates in technical management roles.

• Kiewit Corporation: A leader in infrastructure and heavy civil construction. Kiewit is a frequent user of skilled trade sponsorship for complex projects in the energy and transportation sectors.

• Turner Construction: While they focus heavily on commercial buildings, Turner has been active in sponsoring bilingual project coordinators and specialized MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) managers.

Identifying Seasonal and Regional Sponsors

Beyond the giants, many regional mid-sized companies specialize in H-2B sponsorship for seasonal work that can pay remarkably well with overtime.

• Discovery Land Company: Frequently hires for golf course construction and luxury residential development, offering H-2B eligibility for greenskeepers and specialized installers.

• Knife River Corporation: A major player in the Pacific Northwest and Mountain regions, they often look for heavy equipment operators and concrete specialists for road construction projects.

How to Verify a Sponsor (Pro-Tip)

Don’t just take an agent’s word for it. Use these official tools to verify if a company is actually approved by the government:

1. USCIS H-2B Employer Data Hub: This is a public database where you can search any company’s name to see how many visas they were approved for in previous years.

2. DOL Foreign Labor Recruiter List: For 2026, the Department of Labor maintains a list of verified recruiters and entities allowed to hire foreign workers.

2026 High-Sponsorship States

By targeting companies that have a documented history of filing LCA (Labor Condition Applications), you drastically reduce your risk of a visa denial.

Step-by-Step Guide: Transitioning from a Work Visa to a Green Card

Transitioning from a temporary status like the H-2B to a permanent EB-3 Green Card is a strategic move that many construction professionals use to secure their future. In 2026, the process is highly structured and requires careful coordination with your employer.

The beauty of this transition is that if you are already in the U.S. on a valid H-2B visa, you may be eligible for Adjustment of Status, allowing you to stay and work in the country while your Green Card is processed.

The 4-Stage Transition Process

Stage 1: Prevailing Wage Determination (PWD)

The first legal step is for your employer to request a Prevailing Wage from the Department of Labor (DOL). This ensures that your $75,000+ salary meets the standard for your specific role and geographic location. In 2026, this stage typically takes 6 to 7 months.

Stage 2: PERM Labor Certification

This is the most critical phase. Your employer must conduct a “good faith” recruitment process to prove that no qualified U.S. workers were available for the position.

• Recruitment Period: Usually lasts 6 to 10 weeks.

• DOL Review: The Department of Labor reviews the application (Form ETA-9089). Current 2026 processing times for PERM are averaging 15 to 16 months.

Stage 3: The I-140 Immigrant Petition

Once the PERM is approved, your employer files Form I-140 with USCIS. This officially “places your name in line” for a Green Card.

• Standard Processing: 6 to 10 months.

• Premium Processing: For a fee of $2,805, you can receive a decision in just 15 business days. This is highly recommended for workers whose H-2B status might be nearing expiration.

Stage 4: Adjustment of Status (Form I-485)

If your Priority Date (your place in line) is “current” according to the monthly Visa Bulletin, you file Form I-485.

• Stay in the U.S.: You do not need to leave the country.

• Work & Travel: You can apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and Advance Parole (Travel Document), giving you full freedom to work and travel while the final Green Card is printed.

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Summary of Timeline & Costs (2026 Estimates)

Critical Note for 2026: Always file your I-140 and I-485 as early as possible. If your H-2B visa expires while your I-485 is “pending,” you are generally allowed to remain in the U.S. legally under “Authorized Stay,” provided the application was filed while you were still in status.

Regional Hotspots: Best US States for Construction Jobs and Low Cost of Living

Earning a $75,000 salary is only half the equation; the true value of your paycheck depends on where you live. In 2026, a “geographic arbitrage” strategy is essential—finding states where construction demand is high enough to offer visa sponsorship and premium wages, but the cost of living remains manageable.

While coastal states like New York and California offer high nominal salaries (often exceeding $85,000), their extreme housing costs and high state taxes can quickly eat away at your savings. For international workers looking to maximize their eCPM (earning capacity per month), the following states are the 2026 “Gold Mines”:

1. Texas: The Infrastructure Titan

Texas leads the nation in construction job growth for 2026. Massive semiconductor plants in Austin and energy projects along the Gulf Coast have created a desperate need for skilled trades.

• Why it’s a hotspot: No state income tax and a massive volume of H-2B and EB-3 opportunities.

• Key Cities: Houston, Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth.

2. Ohio: The Industrial Renaissance

Thanks to the “Silicon Heartland” chip manufacturing boom, Ohio has jumped into the top tier for construction pay relative to cost.

• Why it’s a hotspot: Extremely affordable housing combined with “Intel-driven” wage spikes for electricians and pipefitters.

• Key Cities: Columbus, Cincinnati.

3. Florida: The Climate Resilience Leader

Florida continues to see explosive growth in both luxury residential and coastal infrastructure projects designed to combat rising sea levels.

• Why it’s a hotspot: High demand for specialized concrete workers and structural engineers, with no state income tax.

• Key Cities: Miami, Tampa, Orlando.

2026 Cost-Benefit Comparison

The “Sponsorship Sweet Spot”

For 2026, Illinois and Arizona have emerged as high-wage leaders that still offer a path to sponsorship. Arizona, in particular, is seeing a “construction gold rush” due to solar farm expansion and warehousing, with wages for heavy equipment operators frequently hitting the $80,000 mark.

How to Apply: Essential Certifications and Documentation for 2026

To actually secure a $75,000+ construction offer, you need to prove you are “job-ready” the moment you land. In 2026, U.S. employers are prioritizing candidates who already hold specific safety certifications and have their “Civil Documents” organized. This reduces their risk and speeds up your onboarding.

1. The “Golden Ticket”: OSHA 30-Hour Construction Training

Most high-paying U.S. job sites—especially those involving federal infrastructure—require workers to have an OSHA 30-Hour card.

• What it is: A comprehensive safety course covering hazard recognition and prevention.

• Why you need it: It proves to a sponsor that you won’t be a liability. Many 2026 sponsors will not even interview a candidate for a $75k supervisor or lead role without it.

• How to get it: You can take this course online from authorized providers (like 360training or OSHAcampus) before you even leave your home country.

2. Required Civil and Professional Documentation

When your employer files the Form I-129 (for H-2B) or Form I-140 (for EB-3), you must provide a clean, translated digital folder containing:

• Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay.

• Proof of Experience: Letters from past employers on official letterhead detailing your specific skills (e.g., “Operated Cat 320 Excavator for 5 years”). For EB-3 Skilled Workers, you must prove at least 2 years of experience.

• Educational Certificates: High school diplomas or trade school certifications. If applying for “Professional” roles, you’ll need a Credential Evaluation to prove your degree is equivalent to a U.S. Bachelor’s.

• Resume (U.S. Format): Focus on “quantifiable achievements” (e.g., “Managed a crew of 12 on a $2M project”) rather than just a list of duties.

3. The 2026 Visa Interview Prep

Once your petition is approved (Form I-797), you will attend an interview at the U.S. Embassy. You must bring:

• DS-160 Confirmation Page: The printout from your online visa application.

• Visa Fee Receipt: Currently $190 – $205 for most work visas in 2026.

• Evidence of Non-Immigrant Intent (For H-2B only): Proof of ties to your home country (property, family, or business) to show you plan to return after the contract ends.

• Medical Exam: Must be performed by an Embassy-approved physician.

4. Direct Application Strategy

Don’t wait for recruiters to find you. In 2026, the most successful applicants:

1. Search the USCIS Employer Data Hub for companies that sponsored in 2025.

2. Apply directly via the company’s “Careers” page.

3. Mention “I am seeking H-2B or EB-3 sponsorship and already have my OSHA 30” in the first line of the cover letter.

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Final Conclusion

The window for $75,000 construction jobs with Green Card sponsorship is wider in 2026 than it has been in a decade. By targeting high-demand skilled trades, choosing the right regional hotspot like Texas or Ohio, and arriving with your OSHA 30 in hand, you move from being a “job seeker” to a “high-value asset.”