The United States continues to experience a rising demand for elderly care workers, especially as its aging population grows at an unprecedented rate. By 2030, over 20% of the U.S. population will be aged 65 or older, creating millions of jobs for caregivers and healthcare assistants.
This demand is fueling opportunities for foreign workers who are willing to relocate under visa sponsorship programs. Elderly care jobs in the USA are not only stable but also high-paying, with average annual salaries ranging from $35,000 to $50,000 depending on location, employer, and level of experience.
For many immigrants, this career path provides both financial security and a clear immigration route through work visas. Employers in the United States are increasingly offering visa sponsorships to attract skilled and dedicated caregivers from abroad because of the shortage of local workers.
This trend opens doors for international applicants who want to build a long-term career in the healthcare support field while earning competitive salaries.
In 2025, the U.S. elderly care industry is projected to add more than 600,000 new jobs, making it one of the fastest-growing sectors. Many of these positions come with added benefits such as free training, health insurance, accommodation assistance, and relocation support.
For immigrants, this is an opportunity to secure employment while also gaining permanent residency prospects over time.
Whether you have prior experience in caregiving or you are seeking an entry-level position with training provided by the employer, the USA offers an array of opportunities.
With salaries reaching up to $50,000 annually, elderly care jobs are now recognized as one of the most accessible and rewarding immigration pathways for foreign workers in 2025.
Entry-level Skills and Experience Required
While elderly care is often considered an entry-level job in the United States, employers prefer candidates with certain skills that demonstrate their ability to provide compassionate and reliable support.
Immigrants applying for caregiver jobs do not always need a university degree, but employers usually ask for a high school diploma or equivalent. Some organizations provide on-the-job training, which makes it easier for applicants without prior healthcare experience to get started.
Key skills required include:
- Basic Communication Skills: Since caregivers interact directly with elderly clients, speaking clear English is essential.
- Empathy and Patience: These are the most valued traits in caregiving roles, ensuring comfort and emotional support for the elderly.
- Physical Stamina: Caregiving can involve assisting with mobility, lifting, or helping patients move around.
- Basic Medical Knowledge: Knowing how to administer first aid, check vital signs, or assist with prescribed medication is an advantage.
- Time Management: Caregivers must often manage multiple daily tasks such as feeding, bathing, and cleaning.
For foreign workers, prior caregiving experience in hospitals, nursing homes, or even family caregiving roles can increase employability. Some U.S. states require certifications like the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) license, but many employers are willing to sponsor training for qualified immigrants.
In 2025, many companies are open to hiring applicants with no prior U.S. work experience as long as they demonstrate commitment and willingness to learn.
For example, an entry-level caregiver with no prior certification can earn between $14 and $18 per hour, which adds up to $30,000–$37,000 annually. With experience and additional certifications, wages can climb above $22 per hour, reaching the $45,000–$50,000 salary range.
This flexibility makes elderly care one of the easiest jobs for immigrants to enter in the healthcare field, especially under visa sponsorship programs that cover training, certification, and placement.
Regions with the Highest Payment Structures
Elderly care salaries in the USA vary widely depending on the region. Some states face higher shortages of caregivers and therefore offer more competitive salaries and benefits to attract foreign workers.
Generally, states with a high cost of living tend to pay more, while rural areas may offer lower wages but provide free housing or food allowances to balance the pay gap.
The following regions are among the top-paying for caregivers in 2025:
- California: With a large aging population, California offers caregiver salaries ranging from $40,000 to $50,000 annually, especially in cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego. Hourly wages average $20–$25 per hour.
- New York: Elderly caregivers in New York, particularly in Manhattan and Long Island, earn between $38,000 and $48,000 per year. The demand is high due to the large elderly population.
- Texas: While Texas has a lower cost of living, caregiver salaries are competitive, averaging $36,000–$44,000 annually. Cities like Houston and Dallas have consistent demand for immigrant caregivers.
- Florida: Known as a retirement hub, Florida employs tens of thousands of caregivers every year. Average salaries range from $35,000 to $42,000, with job stability guaranteed due to the concentration of elderly residents.
- Illinois and Massachusetts: Both states report average caregiver salaries between $37,000 and $45,000, with employers often offering visa sponsorship packages.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national average hourly wage for caregivers in 2025 is projected at $19.45, translating to about $40,000 annually.
However, foreign caregivers who work overtime or provide specialized elderly care, such as dementia support or palliative care, can earn upwards of $50,000 per year.
For immigrants seeking to maximize their earnings, focusing on states like California, New York, and Massachusetts offers higher pay and better long-term career development opportunities.
Salary Expectations for Elderly Caregivers
Salary remains one of the main motivators for immigrants applying for elderly care jobs in the USA. The good news is that the sector provides steady income growth based on experience, training, and specialization.
Entry-level caregivers typically start at $14–$16 per hour, which equals an annual income of about $30,000–$34,000. With one to three years of experience, salaries rise to $18–$21 per hour, or about $37,000–$43,000 annually.
Experienced caregivers, especially those with certifications like CNA or Home Health Aide (HHA), can earn $45,000–$50,000 per year.
Employers in states with critical shortages often add incentives such as relocation bonuses, paid housing, and free meals. For example, some agencies in New York and California offer signing bonuses of up to $2,000 for foreign workers willing to relocate.
Salary expectations can also depend on the type of care required:
- Basic assistance (feeding, cleaning, companionship): $30,000–$38,000 annually
- Specialized elderly care (dementia, Alzheimer’s, or palliative care): $40,000–$50,000 annually
- Live-in caregiver positions: While these roles may pay slightly lower hourly wages, employers provide free accommodation and food, saving workers up to $10,000 annually in living costs.
The growth rate for elderly care wages in the USA is projected at 6% annually, which means immigrants entering the sector in 2025 can expect their salaries to rise steadily.
Moreover, the healthcare sector offers job stability unmatched by many other industries, making elderly care an attractive long-term employment path for immigrants seeking financial security and visa sponsorship.
Companies Hiring Elderly Caregivers in the USA
In 2025, several U.S. companies and healthcare organizations are actively hiring international caregivers and offering visa sponsorship to address the caregiver shortage.
These employers range from large nationwide agencies to state-funded nursing homes and private residential care providers. Many of them are particularly open to hiring foreign workers because of the growing demand for quality elderly care services.
Some of the top companies and organizations hiring caregivers in the USA include:
- Home Instead Senior Care: A global brand with offices across the United States, Home Instead is known for hiring both domestic and international caregivers. They frequently offer visa sponsorships for workers willing to relocate and provide in-house training.
- Comfort Keepers: With operations in more than 30 states, Comfort Keepers is recognized for offering long-term employment contracts, competitive salaries, and sometimes relocation support for immigrant workers.
- Visiting Angels: A widely respected care provider, Visiting Angels hires caregivers across major U.S. cities, with starting salaries often ranging between $35,000 and $45,000 annually.
- Brookdale Senior Living: As one of the largest senior living companies in the U.S., Brookdale hires thousands of caregivers yearly. Their positions often include health insurance, paid leave, and career development opportunities.
- Maxim Healthcare Services: This company specializes in home healthcare services and recruits caregivers with or without prior U.S. experience. They provide professional training and sponsor work visas for qualified immigrants.
Beyond these well-known employers, smaller private households and independent nursing homes also recruit immigrant caregivers. Many of these employers are listed on international recruitment platforms.
Salaries for immigrant caregivers hired by private families typically range from $36,000 to $42,000 annually, with free housing often included.
The increasing competition among employers for skilled caregivers means immigrants entering the U.S. job market in 2025 will have multiple options to choose from, with many employers competing by offering better pay, sponsorship packages, and long-term residency opportunities.
Visa Types and Options for Elderly Caregivers
For immigrants seeking elderly care jobs in the USA, visa sponsorship is one of the most crucial factors. The U.S. government has designed several visa pathways that employers use to hire foreign caregivers legally. Understanding these visa types is important for applicants who want to work and settle in the U.S.
Common Visa Options for Caregivers
- H-2B Visa: This temporary non-agricultural worker visa allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers for caregiving jobs when there are labor shortages. Contracts typically last 1–3 years, with extensions possible. Many caregiving agencies rely on H-2B visas to fill positions quickly.
- EB-3 Visa (Skilled/Other Workers): This immigrant visa is suitable for caregivers classified under “unskilled or other workers.” It allows immigrants to work permanently in the USA and eventually apply for a Green Card. Many U.S. nursing homes and care agencies use EB-3 sponsorship to hire caregivers abroad.
- J-1 Visa (Exchange Visitor): While not permanent, this visa is sometimes used for cultural exchange programs, where caregivers work in the U.S. temporarily before returning home.
- H-1C Visa (Nurses in Medically Underserved Areas): Although limited in number, this visa sometimes extends to caregivers in regions with critical healthcare worker shortages.
In 2025, the EB-3 visa remains the most secure pathway for immigrants who want permanent residency through caregiver jobs. Many agencies provide EB-3 visa sponsorship packages that cover immigration paperwork, legal fees, and relocation support.
Visa processing times can range between 8 months and 24 months, depending on the type of visa, the employer’s documentation, and the applicant’s country of origin. Successful applicants often benefit from employer assistance throughout the visa application process.
For immigrants, choosing the right visa type can mean the difference between a short-term contract and a permanent career in the U.S. eldercare industry.
Where to Find Elderly Care Jobs Opportunities
Immigrants searching for elderly care jobs in the USA must know where to look. Fortunately, in 2025, multiple platforms and resources provide verified listings of caregiver positions, including those offering visa sponsorship.
Top Platforms to Find Caregiver Jobs
- Indeed and Glassdoor: These global job boards list thousands of caregiver jobs across all U.S. states. Many postings specifically mention “visa sponsorship available.”
- Care: A specialized platform for caregiving roles, Care.com allows families and employers to post job offers for elderly care workers. It’s popular among private employers willing to sponsor foreign caregivers.
- MyCNAJobs: This site focuses on Certified Nursing Assistants and caregiver roles, offering direct connections to employers seeking immigrant caregivers.
- Agency Recruitment Sites: Many U.S.-based agencies have international recruitment programs. Websites like WorkAbroad.ph (for Filipinos), InternationalJobs, and HireCaregivers list openings for caregivers from Africa, Asia, and Europe.
- U.S. Embassy Job Listings: Some embassies publish caregiver recruitment drives organized by U.S. agencies seeking foreign workers.
Besides online resources, caregiver job opportunities can also be found through international recruitment fairs and local immigration agencies in applicants’ home countries. These agencies often work directly with U.S. employers to screen and select foreign candidates.
In 2025, job seekers should also explore LinkedIn, where many U.S. healthcare companies publish openings. Directly applying to companies like Home Instead, Comfort Keepers, or Brookdale Senior Living increases the chances of receiving interview invitations and visa sponsorship offers.
How to Apply for Elderly Care Jobs as an Immigrant in the USA
Applying for caregiver jobs as an immigrant requires careful preparation to meet employer requirements and U.S. immigration standards. Most companies prefer applicants who demonstrate both caregiving skills and reliability.
Steps to Apply
- Prepare a Professional Resume: Highlight any prior caregiving experience, including family caregiving roles, and list certifications such as CNA or HHA if available.
- Apply through Verified Platforms: Use job boards like Indeed or Care.com and apply only to postings that clearly mention visa sponsorship.
- Interview Preparation: Employers often conduct video interviews. Be ready to discuss your caregiving experience, availability, and willingness to relocate.
- Documentation: Keep your educational certificates, work references, and passport ready. Employers usually require these documents before starting the visa sponsorship process.
- Medical and Background Checks: Caregivers working with the elderly must pass background checks and, in some cases, health screenings to ensure they can handle the physical demands of the job.
- Visa Sponsorship Agreement: Once hired, the employer initiates the visa application process. Applicants must ensure the contract clearly states pay rate, benefits, and length of employment.
Applicants with prior experience or certification often move faster through the recruitment process. However, entry-level applicants are still welcomed in many states where caregiver shortages are severe.
By following the right steps and applying through trusted agencies, immigrants can secure stable employment and earn up to $50,000 annually while also gaining long-term residency opportunities in the United States.