How to Get a Pharmacy Technician Job in the USA

Interested in learning how to get a Pharmacy Technician job in the USA? Unfortunately, it can be quite daunting, especially if you're a foreigner who wishes to work in the US. The pharmacy technician job is one of the most sensitive in the health industry. Pharmacy technicians will be working directly with and assisting the pharmacist in dispensing medications to people. Therefore, pharmacy technician applicants are thoroughly screened to ensure that they are competent and qualified to serve in that position.

As a foreign pharmacy technician who wishes to work in the USA, the process of getting hired can be a bit challenging. However, with the right knowledge and guidance, you can get hired by companies in the USA with more ease.

In this guide, we will be revealing to you everything you need to know about getting a job as a pharmacy technician in the USA, especially as a foreigner; starting from how to get a job, how to apply, to how to process your work visa as a foreigner.

So grab a cup of popcorn, take a seat, and relax as I take you on a journey. Without further Ado, let's dive in…

How And Where to Find a Pharmacy Technician Job in The USA

One of the first things that comes to mind is how and where to find a pharmacy technician job in the USA. As a foreigner who is seeking a job, you don't have to wait for information. You can search and look for information yourself. That is why you should surf the net often for job updates. You can register on platforms such as Indeed, Careerbuilder and LinkedIn and other job-finding platforms to see the latest job postings in the USA.

Employment agencies and/or recruiters in this specific niche can be of assistance as well if you cannot find the job you're looking for online. You can also join the family here at Pharm Techs Only!™ and be one of the many who come to the Pharm Tech Hub for their one-stop-shop for career advancement. Make sure to check out our website to keep up with all the latest updates. www.pharmactechsonly.com    

Moving on, let's look at how to apply for pharmacy jobs in the USA.

How to Apply for a Pharmacy Technician job in the USA

After doing your job search, the next thing for you to do is to start sending applications. This is one of the most crucial parts, because if done incorrectly, your chances diminish and not landing a job after several attempts can be disheartening and frustrating at the same time. As a means of avoiding such situations, here are the things you should do before applying for an opening.

Create a Great Resume:

Having a well-crafted resume that highlights your skills, expertise, credentials and experience is very crucial before applying for any job. Your resume should do the speaking for you even before you speak. As an added bonus to your printed resume, do not forget to include a video snippet of yourself utilizing Pharm Techs Only!™‘s V-Glimpse™. V-Glimpse™ is a tool only available on our website where technicians can record and upload a video introducing themselves and provide any work related info they would like. We like to put a name with a face and make your resumes come to life for your future employer. Take time with this as these videos and your resume are the first impression for an employer.

*Grab a copy of our E-BOOK Job Seeker's Best Friend, The Complete Resume Writing and Caree Guide Book to assist you.

Write a Compelling Cover Letter:

A cover letter is just as important as your resume. Ensure you draft a cover letter that is geared toward each job, and make sure you don't copy and paste a template. Write a compelling cover letter stating how you will use your skills, knowledge, and expertise to function in the position and contribute to the company.

Always Check the Job Description:

One of the reasons why some people are unable to land a job is that they never pay attention to the job descriptions and the requirements. They just send out applications to any job that comes their way and I'm sure you don't want to be like that.  Before sending a resume and cover letter, make sure you pay attention to the job requirements and determine if you are a good fit for each job.

Once you have successfully written your resume and cover letter and are sure that you meet all the requirements of the job, you're good to go. Send your resume and cover letter and make sure you follow-up as well.

If you are a good fit for the hiring company, they may contact you for an interview.

However, according to research, most companies that hire foreigners to work with them usually have a hidden tracking system to investigate and monitor the applicant.

Now, let's look at some of the basic requirements you need as a foreigner to work in the US.

Requirements for Working in the USA as a Pharmacy Technician

As a foreigner seeking employment in the US, you should consider the following basic requirements:

Level of Experience:

Your experience level as a pharmacy technician, any credentials you may have and the length of time you've worked in the field puts you ahead of other applicants.

Visa and Passport:

You must have a valid passport from your country as well as a US work visa. *We will discuss this further below*

Education:

 Your level of education and certifications are also very important.

Do you have a High School diploma or equivalent?

 Are you a certified pharmacy technician?

 Have you been registered with the regulatory bodies in your country?

*Confirm with the state’s board/council you are applying to as each state in the USA has different requirements.

Language proficiency:

As a foreigner who intends to work in the US, it is imperative you are able to speak and communicate effectively in English. As a result, foreigners who wish to travel to the US and work are usually asked to take exams like IELTS OR TOEFL to test their English Language proficiency.

How to Get a Work Visa

Foreigners who wish to work in the USA usually seek positions that come with visa sponsorship. However, not all positions come with a sponsored visa, but if you're lucky enough to get an offer from a company with visa sponsorship, that means all the costs of your visa processing and traveling will be paid by the company.

Tips to finding a US employer that will sponsor a foreigner new hire:

1.       Research companies: Look for companies in your industry that have a history of sponsoring work visas for foreign employees. You can search online job boards, company websites, and industry associations to find potential employers.

2.       Focus on larger companies: Larger companies typically have more resources and experience in sponsoring foreign employees, so they may be more likely to sponsor your work visa.

3.       Consider your skillset: If you have specialized skills or expertise, you may have a better chance of finding a company that is willing to sponsor your work visa.

4.       Network: Use professional networking sites like LinkedIn and Pharm Techs Only!™ to connect with people in your industry and ask for referrals or advice on finding a company that sponsors work visas.

5.       Consult an immigration lawyer: An immigration lawyer can help you understand the visa application process and advise you on the best course of action for your specific situation.

Similarly, there are people who process their US visa with their own money and once they arrive, they reach out to employment agencies to help them get a job.

Now, we must look at US visas and differentiate between the different types of. This will enable you to identify which one is meant for a foreigner who wishes to work in the US.

Types of Visa

H-1B visa: This type of visa is for foreigners who wish to work in the US. It is the most common Visa and it's usually called a US Work visa. A minimum of a 3-year license is typically granted, but it can always be extended.

J-1 visa: This type of visa is meant for foreigners who are students, scholars, or researchers who wish to come to the US for research purposes.

L-1 visa: This visa is for foreigners who have been transferred to work in the US office by the same company where they were originally working.

H-4 visa: This visa is meant for a spouse or dependent on the holder of an H-1B visa. An H-4 visa will be issued to your family if you have a work visa in the US and want to move with them.

Moving forward, let's look at the steps involved in getting a work visa in the US.

Steps On How to Get a Work Visa in the USA

Yes, this is one of the most significant parts of getting a pharmacy technician job in the US because if done incorrectly, it can result in visa denial. As a forewarning, you should strictly follow all instructions and guidelines.

Step 1: Filing a petition and getting Labor certification from the US Department Of Labor.

Citizens, lawful residents, and employers in the United States are required to file a petition and fill out forms like the I-130 petition with the United States citizenship and immigration office. Most times hiring companies file the petition form on your behalf and get a labor certificate for you from the department of labor.

Step 2: National visa center (NVC) processing center

Upon approval of your petition by the United States citizenship and immigration service (USCIS), the next step is the transfer of your cash to the NVC for further processing. Once the NVC receives your case, they will open a case for you in their system and send you a welcome letter. In the welcome letter, you will be provided with information to enable you to log in to the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) where you will be able to follow up on your case, receive messages, and check your status.

Step 3: Payment of fees.

The next thing to do is to pay all the necessary fees. After receiving the welcome mail from the NVC, you're expected to pay two processing fees which are the Visa application processing fee and the affidavit of support fee.

* The visa application processing fee and the affidavit of support fee are both required fees when applying for a U.S. visa. The amount of these fees varies depending on the type of visa you are applying for and the U.S. embassy or consulate where you are submitting your application.

As of February 2023, the visa application processing fee for a nonimmigrant visa ranges from $160 to $265, depending on the type of visa. For example, the fee for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa is $160, while the fee for an H-1B work visa is $190.

The affidavit of support fee is required for certain types of immigrant visas, such as family-based and employment-based visas. As of February 2023, the fee is $120 per applicant.

It's important to note that these fees are subject to change, so it's best to check the U.S. Department of State's website or contact the embassy or consulate where you plan to apply for the most up-to-date information on visa application fees.

You will have to log into CEAC to make the payment. You will need a bank routing number and an account from a US-based bank to make the payment.

Step 4:  Affidavit of Support

After successfully paying the processing fee, before you can proceed, you will need to provide an affidavit of support. This is a document signed by an individual accepting the financial responsibility of the applicant coming to live in the US. The individual fills out form I-864 and provides all necessary financial documents. If the sponsor can't finance the applicant, there is a provision for joint sponsorship. In other words, two people can agree to finance the applicant jointly.

Step 5:  Submission of the Finance Documents.

The next step is for the sponsor who filled out Form 1-864 to provide all the necessary financial documents and evidence.

The following is a list of financial documents you may need to submit:

1.       Federal income tax returns for the most recent tax year, including all supporting schedules and W-2 forms

2.       Form 1099 (if applicable)

3.       Proof of current employment, such as a letter from your employer or pay stubs

4.       Bank statements and other financial records to demonstrate your assets, such as stocks, bonds, and real estate

5.       Proof of any other income, such as Social Security or retirement benefits, rental income, or child support payments

6.       Proof of any debts, such as mortgages, loans, or credit card balances

7.       Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status

8.       A copy of the intending immigrant's birth certificate and passport

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It's important to note that the financial documents required may vary depending on your specific circumstances and the visa category you are applying for. It's recommended that you review the instructions for Form I-864 carefully and consult with an immigration attorney or accredited representative if you have any questions or concerns about the financial documentation required for your case.

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Moving on… the next step is to…

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Step 6: Start your online application

After paying the processing fee and providing an affidavit of support, the next step is to proceed with your online application and fill out the application form called DS-260. Log in to CEAC and click the start now button to proceed.

The DS-260, also known as the Online Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application, is a form that must be completed by foreign nationals who are applying for an immigrant visa to the United States. The DS-260 is submitted electronically to the U.S. Department of State and is used to collect biographical and background information about the intending immigrant and their family members who are applying for visas.

Here is a list of some of the information you will be required to provide on the DS-260:

1.       Personal information, such as your full name, date of birth, and place of birth

2.       Passport information, including the passport number, issue date, and expiration date

3.       Contact information, such as your current address and phone number

4.       Employment and education history

5.       Information about your spouse and any children who will be accompanying you to the United States

6.       Information about your previous travel to the United States

7.       Background information, such as criminal history, past immigration violations, and involvement in terrorism or other unlawful activities

8.       Details about the immigrant visa category you are applying for, such as family-based or employment-based immigration

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It's important to note that the DS-260 is a lengthy and detailed form, and it's recommended that you review the instructions carefully and take your time when completing it. You should also consult with an immigration attorney or accredited representative if you have any questions or concerns about the DS-260 or the immigrant visa application process.

Step 7:  Provision of Your Civil Documents

After completing all your DS-260 forms, the next thing to do is have all your civil documents intact. Civil documents are the documents issued by authorities in a country to back up your visa application.

Such documents include your birth certificate, court or prison records, marriage certificates, military records, police certificates, and so on.

Step 8: Submit Your Civil Documents

Once you have all your civil documents intact, the next thing to do is to submit the documents by logging into CEAC. Do not send the documents through mail to NVC, unless you're specifically directed to do so.

You're expected to scan the documents and log in to CAEC to submit them. After submitting your documents, you will receive an email from NVC to either inform you to make corrections if needed or that you have successfully uploaded your documents.

Step 9: Preparing For The Interview

NVC will schedule you for an interview and send a letter to you and your sponsor. However, you must undergo a medical examination and complete all forms prior to the scheduled date.

It is advisable to ensure you have all the required documents ready before that date.

Once you have completed all the medical examination forms and have all the required documents, you're good to go.

Step 10: Proceed with the interview.

After preparing for the interview, what's the next step? Yes, you're right, going to the interview is the next step. However, before appearing for an interview, ensure you have carefully read through all the instructions. Then, go with your appointment letter by NVC to the US embassy or consulate where a consular officer will interview and decide whether or not you're eligible for the visa.

If you have submitted all the required documents and you haven't violated any rules, you're more likely to be granted a visa. However, don't sell your properties, and resign from your current job until you have been granted a visa.

Wrapping up

Obtaining a pharmacy technician job in the USA may appear to be a daunting task, but possessing a solid educational background, relevant experience, and proper credentials, coupled with sending persuasive application letters to prospective employers, can be the key to success. With persistence and patience, a job offer is likely to come your way, and with a little luck, it may be from a company that provides visa sponsorship, easing the immigration process.

Furthermore, following the visa processing guidelines outlined above can empower you to apply for a visa independently, move to the US, and start exploring opportunities for pharmacy technician employment.

***FOR EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS AND VISA INFO FOR CANADA PLEASE SEE OUR NEXT BLOG TITLED "HOW TO WORK IN CANADA AS A PHARMACY TECHNICIAN".

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