The United States offers a robust job market for qualified professionals across the globe, and among the most in-demand fields is accounting, particularly Certified Public Accountant (CPA) roles. For immigrants with the right skills and credentials, CPA jobs in the USA not only offer competitive salaries and professional growth but also often come with visa sponsorship opportunities.
In this blog post, we will explore everything immigrants need to know about CPA jobs in the USA, the process of becoming a CPA, visa sponsorship pathways, and where to find these jobs in 2025.
Who is a CPA?
A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a licensed accounting professional authorized to provide audit, tax, consulting, and financial advisory services to individuals, businesses, and government entities. CPAs are recognized for their ethical standards and specialized financial knowledge, which makes them highly valued in the U.S. job market.
Why CPA Jobs are in High Demand in the USA
- Economic Regulation and Compliance: With the complex U.S. tax laws and strict financial reporting standards, businesses constantly require professionals who can ensure compliance.
- Retirement of Older Professionals: Many senior CPAs are retiring, creating vacancies for skilled professionals.
- Global Business Expansion: As U.S. companies expand globally, they need accountants with international backgrounds and perspectives, creating an opportunity for immigrants.
Can Immigrants Work as CPAs in the USA?
Yes, immigrants can become CPAs in the United States, but there are steps involved:
- Education: You typically need at least 150 semester hours of college coursework (equivalent to a master’s degree in accounting or a related field).
- Uniform CPA Exam: You must pass the Uniform CPA Examination, administered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).
- Experience: Most states require 1–2 years of supervised accounting experience.
- Ethics Exam: Some states require passing an ethics exam.
- State Licensing: CPA licenses are issued by individual U.S. states, each with slightly different requirements.
For immigrants seeking CPA jobs in the U.S., visa sponsorship is a critical factor. The most common visa pathways include:
1. H-1B Visa
- Designed for foreign professionals in specialty occupations, including accounting.
- Requires employer sponsorship.
- Competitive and quota-based; early application is important.
2. TN Visa (for Canadian and Mexican Citizens)
- Available under the USMCA (formerly NAFTA).
- Allows citizens of Canada and Mexico to work in the U.S. as accountants, among other professions.
3. Green Card (PERM Process)
- Long-term solution through employment-based immigration.
- Employers can sponsor CPAs for permanent residency through the EB-2 or EB-3 visa categories.
Top Employers Offering CPA Jobs with Visa Sponsorship
Several major firms in the U.S. are known to sponsor CPAs from overseas:
- Big Four Accounting Firms: Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG regularly hire foreign nationals and offer visa sponsorship.
- Fortune 500 Companies: Multinational corporations like Amazon, Google, JPMorgan Chase, and Johnson & Johnson often hire in-house CPAs.
- Government Contractors and Nonprofits: Some may offer visa-sponsored roles, especially in compliance, grants management, or auditing.
Where to Find CPA Jobs with Visa Sponsorship
Here are top platforms and resources for job seekers:
- LinkedIn Jobs – Use filters to search for jobs with “visa sponsorship.”
- Indeed.com – Add “visa sponsorship” or “H-1B” in the search bar.
- MyVisaJobs.com – Lists employers who have sponsored foreign workers in the past.
- Big Four Career Portals – Visit career pages of Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG.
- Glassdoor & SimplyHired – Use them to find company reviews and posted job opportunities.
- Entry-level CPA: $55,000 – $70,000 per year
- Mid-level CPA: $75,000 – $100,000 per year
- Senior CPA/Manager: $100,000 – $150,000+
- CPA with Specialization (Tax/Audit/Forensic): Can exceed $180,000 annually
Major cities like New York, San Francisco, and Chicago often offer higher salaries to match the cost of living.
Benefits of Working as a CPA in the USA
- Global Career Recognition: A U.S. CPA license is respected globally and can open doors in international finance.
- Job Stability: Accountants are needed across every industry.
- Career Advancement: Many CPAs go on to become CFOs, financial controllers, or partners at firms.
- Professional Network: Being a CPA gives access to exclusive networks like the AICPA and state societies.
Tips for Immigrants Seeking CPA Jobs in the U.S.
- Get Credential Evaluation: Have your foreign education evaluated to U.S. standards by services like NASBA or WES.
- Start CPA Licensing Early: Begin the application and exam preparation before arriving in the U.S., if possible.
- Highlight International Experience: Emphasize your cross-border financial knowledge and multilingual abilities.
- Stay Compliant with Visa Rules: Make sure your job role, employer, and visa type are aligned legally.
- Use Professional Networks: Join LinkedIn groups or forums for international accountants and immigrants in finance.
Conclusion
CPA jobs in the USA offer a viable and rewarding career path for immigrants, especially those willing to meet the licensing requirements and seek out visa-sponsored roles. With strong demand across industries and a clear process for entry, becoming a CPA in the U.S. is a smart investment for your future.
If you’re an aspiring international accountant, now is the time to explore your options, prepare for the CPA exam, and connect with potential sponsors.