Many international job seekers and entrepreneurs look for combined opportunities in the United States where they can obtain visa sponsorship for employment and also access funding—grants or loans—to support relocation, training, or business setup. Although there is no specific “$38,000 Presidential Grant” program by that exact name, there are U.S. federal and state grant or loan programs and job pathways that effectively provide funding or subsidized support of similar amounts. Meanwhile, certain employers offer visa sponsorship for roles that start at or near a USD $38,000 annual compensation level. This article explores how to identify and pursue USA job opportunities offering visa sponsorship around $38K salary, and where to find grant or loan programs that can help cover costs related to relocation, training, or small-business ventures linked to that employment.
1. Clarifying “Presidential Grant” and Available Funding Programs
1.1 What “Presidential Grant” Might Refer To
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There is no single federal scheme officially named “Presidential Grant” offering USD $38,000 directly to individuals for jobs. However, the term is sometimes used colloquially to refer to federal grant programs promoted by the U.S. government (e.g., grants.gov listings) or special initiatives endorsed at a high level.
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Many federal grants are awarded to organizations, nonprofits, educational institutions, or small businesses rather than directly to job seekers. Yet, through these programs, individuals may benefit indirectly (for example, via workforce development initiatives or scholarships).
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Therefore, when seeking “grant” support around USD $38,000, consider relevant federal or state grants, workforce training funds, educational scholarships, or small-business grants that may total similar amounts.
1.2 Federal Grant Portals
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grants.gov: The central repository for federal grant opportunities. Individuals rarely apply directly here for personal grants, but some workforce development or training grants may fund tuition or certification programs.
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Plain URL: grants.gov
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USA.gov – Grants: General information about government grants for various purposes.
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Plain URL: usa.gov/grants
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Department of Labor (DOL) Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA): State-level workforce agencies may use WIOA funds to cover training costs for in-demand occupations. While amounts vary, combined training support and stipends may approximate or exceed USD $5,000–$10,000, but rarely the full USD $38,000. However, they reduce personal out-of-pocket costs when pursuing a job that pays around USD $38K.
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Plain URL: dol.gov/agencies/eta/wioa
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Small Business Grants (for entrepreneurs): If the visa opportunity is tied to business creation (e.g., certain investor visas), small-business grants may help cover startup costs. Programs vary by state and industry.
1.3 Loan Programs
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Federal Student Loans: For training or degree programs that prepare you for a sponsored job (e.g., vocational certificates, associate degrees). Loan amounts can total USD $10,000–$38,000 depending on program and eligibility. Use studentaid.gov to learn about federal loans.
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Plain URL: studentaid.gov
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Small Business Loans: If pursuing an entrepreneur visa or if an employer encourages starting a related small venture (e.g., in hospitality or services), SBA loans may cover tens of thousands of dollars. SBA 7(a) or microloan programs can support startup capital.
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Plain URL: sba.gov
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State/Local Loan or Grant Programs: Some states offer incentives or low-interest loans for workers relocating to address skill shortages in certain sectors.
Disclaimer: Always verify eligibility, terms, and conditions on official sites. This information is general and may change over time.
2. Visa Sponsorship Job Opportunities Around USD $38,000
2.1 Common Visa Categories with Entry-Level or Mid-Level Salaries
Several U.S. employment-based visas may sponsor workers in roles with starting salaries near USD $38,000 per year. Actual salaries depend on occupation, region, and employer size.
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H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa:
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Requires a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a specialized field. Entry-level salaries for some positions (e.g., junior analysts, certain engineering roles in lower-cost regions) can start around USD $50,000–$60,000; USD $38K would be below typical H-1B prevailing wage, so most H-1B roles exceed USD $60K.
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Therefore, H-1B rarely aligns exactly with USD $38K; more senior or niche roles pay higher.
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H-2B Non-Agricultural Temporary Worker Visa:
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For temporary non-agricultural work (e.g., hospitality, landscaping, amusement parks). Seasonal or short-term positions sometimes pay hourly wages that annualize near USD $30,000–$38,000. Employers must obtain a temporary labor certification and sponsor worker.
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Example: Entry-level hospitality roles in tourist areas may pay minimum wage or slightly above; annual equivalent for full-time seasonal work could be near USD $25,000–$35,000, depending on hours and location.
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H-2A Agricultural Worker Visa:
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For temporary agricultural work. Wages are set by Department of Labor; hourly rates vary by region. Annualized earnings may approach USD $30,000–$35,000 for full-season work. Employers provide visa sponsorship, housing, and transportation.
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Plain URL for details: uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/h-2a-temporary-agricultural-workers
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J-1 Exchange Visitor (Trainee or Intern):
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Some internship or training programs may include visa sponsorship and stipend levels that approximate USD $30,000–$40,000 annual equivalent. These programs often include educational or cultural exchange components.
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Income may come as stipend or salary; eligibility depends on program sponsor.
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Other Work Visas (E-2, L-1):
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E-2 Investor Visa: Requires substantial investment; salary is not the focus.
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L-1 Intracompany Transfer: For employees of multinational companies; salaries typically higher than USD $38K.
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Thus, the most likely categories aligning with near-USD $38,000 earnings plus sponsorship are H-2A (agriculture) or H-2B (seasonal non-agricultural). For skilled roles under H-1B, prevailing wages exceed USD $38K, making that figure less relevant.
2.2 Example Sectors and Roles
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Seasonal Hospitality and Tourism: Hotels, resorts, amusement parks in tourist destinations may hire under H-2B for roles like front-desk associate, housekeeping, or food service. Hourly wages often meet minimum or prevailing seasonal rates; working full-time for several months can annualize near USD $30–38K.
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Landscaping and Groundskeeping: Maintenance crews for parks, golf courses, or municipalities under H-2B; wages vary but can approximate annual USD $30K for full-season engagement.
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Agricultural Work: H-2A positions include crop planting, harvesting, and processing. Employers typically cover housing and transport; hourly wages set by DOL, and full-season work can annualize near USD $30–35K.
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Intern/Trainee Programs (J-1): Specific training programs in specialized fields (e.g., hospitality management, technical fields) provide structured training plus stipend. Annual equivalent depends on program; some may reach near USD $38,000.
Note: Always check prevailing wage requirements for the visa category, as employers must offer at least that wage.
3. Combining Funding Programs with Visa-Sponsored Jobs
3.1 Covering Relocation and Living Costs
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If a job pays around USD $38,000 annually, initial relocation costs (visa fees, travel, first months’ living expenses) can be a financial burden. Some funding options include:
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Personal Savings or Loans: Federal student loans if pursuing related training, or personal loans if creditworthy.
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Employer Assistance: Some employers provide relocation stipends or cover visa application fees. Clarify this in the job offer.
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Workforce Development Grants: In certain U.S. states, local workforce agencies may offer training grants or stipends; these rarely cover relocation but can lower training costs.
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Scholarships or Training Grants: If the job requires a certificate or short academic program, you might use federal student aid (studentaid.gov) or private scholarships to reduce education costs.
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3.2 Starting a Small Business in Parallel
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Some visa categories (e.g., certain investor visas) permit starting a business. If you aim to run a small enterprise alongside or following an initial sponsored job:
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Small Business Grants/Loans: Through sba.gov, state economic development agencies, or private foundations. Funding amounts vary; sometimes small grants up to USD $10,000–$25,000, loans up to USD $50,000 or more.
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Business Plan Competitions or Incubator Programs: Some programs offer seed funding (~USD $5,000–$20,000) and mentorship.
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Caution: Combining a sponsored job with business activities must comply with visa terms; consult immigration counsel.
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3.3 Funding Training or Certifications
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If a visa-sponsored job requires specific certifications (e.g., certain technical roles, hospitality management certificates):
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Federal Student Aid: studentaid.gov provides information on eligibility for federal loans or Pell Grants (for degree programs).
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Workforce Grants: Some states or industry associations subsidize certification programs for in-demand skills.
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Employer-Sponsored Training: Employers may pay for or reimburse certification costs.
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4. How to Identify and Apply for These Opportunities
4.1 Research Visa-Sponsored Job Openings
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USCIS and DOL Resources: Understand visa categories and prevailing wage requirements:
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uscis.gov for visa details
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dol.gov/agencies/eta for labor certification processes
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Plain URLs: uscis.gov; dol.gov/agencies/eta
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Job Boards and Recruitment Agencies: Some agencies specialize in recruiting H-2A or H-2B workers abroad. Search for “H-2A farm jobs USA sponsor”, “H-2B hospitality jobs USA sponsor”, or “J-1 internship USA sponsor”.
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Employer Websites: Larger farms, hospitality chains, or landscaping companies sometimes post “visa sponsorship available” in job descriptions.
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Cultural Exchange Program Sponsors: For J-1 roles, browse designated sponsor organizations listed on Department of State site:
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Plain URL: state.gov
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Networking and Forums: Online communities of past H-2A/H-2B workers share leads and reputable recruiters.
4.2 Evaluate Job Offers and Funding Assistance
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Verify Employer Credibility: Check that the employer has a valid temporary labor certification or is an approved J-1 sponsor. Avoid offers without proper paperwork.
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Clarify Salary and Benefits: Confirm the offered wage meets or exceeds the required prevailing wage. Ask whether housing, meals, or transport are provided or subsidized.
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Ask About Relocation or Training Support: Some employers may assist with visa fees or initial accommodation costs. Document these terms in writing.
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Check Funding Programs: If you need additional funds (e.g., for training or relocation), research relevant grant or loan programs early. Prepare applications and documentation ahead of time.
4.3 Prepare Documentation
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Educational or Experience Proof: For J-1 internships or specialized roles, gather transcripts, certificates, or references.
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Medical Examinations: Some visa categories require health checks; budget and schedule these promptly.
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Financial Proof: Show you can cover initial expenses not paid by employer. If relying on a loan, secure pre-approval where possible.
5. Risks and Considerations
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No Guarantee of “$38,000 Presidential Grant”: Since no fixed USD $38,000 grant exists under that name, treat any reference to a “$38,000 Presidential Grant” with caution. Always verify grant program legitimacy via official portals (grants.gov, usa.gov).
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Visa Compliance: Strictly follow visa terms. For H-2A/H-2B roles, work only for the sponsoring employer in the approved location and timeframe. Unauthorized work jeopardizes status.
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Cost-Benefit Analysis: A job paying around USD $38,000 may leave limited surplus after living costs, especially if relocation costs are high. Seek any employer-provided housing or stipends to improve net savings.
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Funding Program Eligibility: Grants and loans have eligibility criteria (e.g., citizenship/residency status, educational prerequisites, business viability). Research early and apply through official channels. Beware of scams claiming “grant for visa workers” without credible backing.
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Financial Obligations: Loans must be repaid; understand interest rates and repayment terms. Do not over-leverage expecting guaranteed job continuity.
6. Maximizing Success
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Plan Early: Start researching visa requirements, funding options, and job openings several months before intended start date.
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Leverage Official Resources: Use government websites for up-to-date information on visa processes and grant/loan programs.
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Build a Support Network: Connect with community organizations, past visa holders, or mentors who have navigated similar paths.
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Enhance Skills: If targeting roles that pay near USD $38,000 but require specific skills (e.g., machinery operation, hospitality management), seek training grants or short courses to boost employability.
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Document Everything: Keep copies of job offers, labor certifications, visa applications, and any funding award letters to avoid misunderstandings.
7. Conclusion
While there is no singular “$38,000 Presidential Grant” directly funding visa-sponsored jobs, it is possible to combine job opportunities in the U.S. offering visa sponsorship (notably under H-2A, H-2B, or J-1 categories) with funding or financial support through grants, loans, or employer assistance that amount to similar sums. By researching visa categories, prevailing wages, and legitimate grant or loan programs, you can reduce financial barriers to relocating or training. Always verify information via official portals (grants.gov, usa.gov, uscis.gov, dol.gov), confirm employer legitimacy, and plan carefully to ensure compliance and financial viability.
If you secure an H-2A/H-2B position paying near USD $30,000–$38,000 annually, and combine that with training grants or relocation assistance, you can make the transition more manageable. Remember to approach any “grant” claims skeptically unless backed by recognized government sources.