EITCertified but hitting a "Green Card" wall. Any advice?
Hey everyone,
I’m a Civil Engineering graduate with over 3 years of experience and I’ve been job hunting in California for over a year now with no luck. I am an asylum seeker with a valid Work Permit (EAD), so I have the full legal right to work and I don’t need any company sponsorship. To prove my knowledge of U.S. codes and standards, I’ve already passed the EIT and earned my ICC Residential Building Inspector certification, and I’m currently working on the Commercial building cert.
The issue is that I’ve had several interviews where they told me they couldn’t hire me simply because I don't have a Green Card. I’m having a hard time understanding why this is a dealbreaker when I already have legal work authorization and don't require sponsorship. I’m willing to relocate anywhere in the country for the right role, but I just can’t seem to get past this wall. Has anyone else faced this or have any advice on what I can do to overcome this situation?