Starting a new life in a new country can feel like jumping into deep water without knowing how to swim. When I moved to the United States with my family, I had years of experience in my area, big dreams, and a strong work ethic—but I didn’t have one essential skill: fluent English.
That made finding jobs for immigrants harder than I ever imagined. Like many newcomers, I had to be creative, flexible, and resilient. I quickly realized that my path wouldn’t begin in an office or with a resumé—it would begin in my car, with a delivery app in hand.
In this article, I’ll share:
- Language Barriers and the First Steps
- Jobs for Immigrants Without English Fluency
- DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Other Delivery Apps
- Walmart and Restaurant Jobs: A Comparison
- Flexibility vs. Stability: What Matters Most?
- The Physical and Mental Toll of Delivery Work
- Financial Planning: My Personal Spreadsheet
- Final Thoughts: You Are Not Alone
Whether you’re a newcomer yourself or just curious about what this journey looks like from the inside, I hope my experience helps you feel less alone and more prepared.
1. Language Barriers and the First Steps
One of the biggest obstacles for immigrants is the language barrier. Not speaking fluent English can affect your confidence and limit your job options significantly. It can also make interviews difficult and customer-facing roles stressful.
At first, I applied for jobs in restaurants and grocery stores, but I quickly realized I was at a disadvantage. Either they didn’t call me back, or they expected full-time availability for minimum wage.
That’s when someone suggested delivery apps as an option.
2. Jobs for Immigrants Without English Fluency
There are several jobs for immigrants that don’t require perfect English. These roles are often physical or app-based and allow you to work independently. Some of the most common include:
- Delivery driver (DoorDash, Uber Eats, Instacart)
- Warehouse worker (Amazon, UPS)
- Janitorial or cleaning services
- Construction or landscaping
- Restaurant kitchen staff
These jobs may not be glamorous, but they are accessible. You can start working quickly, often within days, especially with delivery apps.
3. Jobs for Immigrants Using DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Other Delivery Apps
These apps changed everything for me. Here’s how it works:
- Sign-up is fast (background check, driver’s license, car).
- You choose your hours.
- You get paid weekly or even daily with instant cash-out.
How Much Can You Make?
Earnings vary by location, demand, and how many hours you work. On average, I made:
- $100–$150/day working 6–8 hours
- That’s about $2,000–$3,000/month, sometimes more
You can also earn tips and bonuses. The flexibility was perfect for someone like me, still learning English and managing a household with children.
4. Comparing Jobs for Immigrants: Walmart vs Restaurant vs Delivery
While delivery offers freedom, it’s important to compare it to more traditional jobs.
| Job Type | Average Pay | Schedule | Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DoorDash/Uber | $15–$20/hr | Flexible | Driver’s license, car | No boss, no English required |
| Walmart Cashier | $14–$16/hr | Fixed (shifts) | Basic English, training | More stable, employee perks |
| Restaurant Busser | $12–$15/hr | Night/weekend | Some English | Tips can increase income |
Each option has its pros and cons. Delivery gives you flexibility, while retail jobs offer structure and benefits like health insurance or discounts.
However, it’s important to know that all these jobs—whether driving, working at Walmart, or in a restaurant—require legal authorization to work in the U.S. If you’re on a visa or still waiting for documentation, make sure to check your status and what you’re legally allowed to do. Working without authorization can bring serious consequences.
5. Flexibility vs. Stability: What Matters Most?
As an immigrant, especially with children, flexibility was more important for me than a steady schedule. I could work when my kids were at school or when my partner was home. I didn’t need to worry about sick days or finding childcare for every hour.
However, the downside is lack of benefits—no health insurance, no sick pay, and income can vary a lot depending on the weather, holidays, or demand.
It’s a tradeoff many immigrants have to evaluate: freedom versus security.
6. The Physical and Mental Toll of Delivery Work
Let’s be honest: delivery work isn’t easy.
You spend hours behind the wheel, sitting too long or rushing to meet delivery windows. The physical strain builds up, especially when you’re doing it day after day. And in big states like Texas, distances are no joke—where I live, I often have to drive at least 130 miles just to make $100. That’s a lot of gas, a lot of time, and a lot of wear and tear on your car.
It’s not just physical, either. There’s mental fatigue too: constantly navigating, checking multiple apps, waiting in parking lots with no orders, and dealing with traffic. The delivery platforms also track your acceptance and cancellation rates, and if you decline too many orders, you can lose access to better opportunities. That adds pressure to accept almost everything, even when it doesn’t make sense financially.
Sometimes, you don’t feel seen or respected—just another driver in the system. But even with all that, I took pride in the work. It was honest. It gave me independence when I needed it most. And for many immigrants starting over, that kind of autonomy can be the first big step toward rebuilding a life.Still, I took pride in the work. It was honest. It gave me independence when I needed it most.
7. Financial Planning: My Personal Spreadsheet
One of the most powerful tools I use is a simple financial tracking spreadsheet. It helps me stay organized and avoid surprises at the end of the month.
I track:
- Daily earnings
- Mileage and gas
- Personal expenses
- Savings goals
👉 Click here to open the spreadsheet
This helped me understand exactly how much I was making—and keeping. It also gave me confidence to plan for bigger goals like taking English classes or saving for a new car.
8. Final Thoughts: You Are Not Alone
Looking for jobs for immigrants in the U.S. can feel lonely and overwhelming. But you are not alone.
If you’re starting from scratch, delivery apps can be a great temporary solution. They offer flexibility, quick access to income, and time to improve your English or revalidate your profession from your home country.
Take it step by step. Learn the language slowly. Build a routine. Track your income. You’re doing something incredibly brave—and that matters.
