Security Guard Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Security guard positions can be sponsored through H-2B visas for temporary event security and seasonal needs, or EB-3 Other Workers for permanent roles at large security companies. H-1B visa is generally not viable for standard guard positions, though corporate security management roles requiring a degree could qualify. The largest employers in this space, Allied Universal, Securitas, and G4S (now part of Allied), hire tens of thousands of guards but rarely sponsor for entry-level positions. Most states require a security guard license or registration, and armed security positions often have citizenship or residency requirements that rule out visa holders. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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$45,511.00 - $46,104.00 Annually
Location
Detroit, Michigan, MI
Job Type
Certified-Regular Civil Service
Job Number
202616322019GSDdb
Department
General Services
Opening Date
08/28/2026
Closing Date
9/4/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Bargaining Unit
1630-AFSCME NonSupervisory Local 214 (DDOT Clerical)
Description
GENERAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT - SECURITY DIVISION
SENIOR SERVICE GUARD
Under general supervision, supervise a group of employees engaged in providing security and protective services on municipal property.
Examples of Duties
- Supervise and organize the activities of a group of employees and contractual staff engaged in municipal property protection work, including, but not limited to, the patrolling of grounds of building and parks, performing rounds, monitoring CCTV to prevent vandalism, illegal acts, and disorderly conduct.
- Schedule regular and emergency work assignments.
- Respond to and resolve the more unusual circumstances.
- Interpret departmental policies, rules, regulations and City ordinances as they apply in unusual instances.
- Summon and assist police authorities, and provide written incident report when necessary.
- Inform staff members of changes in departmental rules and of new City ordinances affecting security work activities.
- Instruct subordinates in the proper execution of their duties.
- Monitor personal appearance of subordinates.
- Review work performance and records and identify situations requiring special attention.
- Detect and report irregularities or special situations.
- Obtain information related to cases of vandalism, illegal activity, or immoral behavior on or about municipal facilities in conjunction with members of the police force.
- Secures evidence for court cases.
- Recommend to superiors the methods and means of handling and resolving situations.
- Maintain time and activity records.
- Individually perform the duties of the work group as required.
- Assist in writing and/or updating security procedures.
Minimum Qualifications
Qualifications (required):
- High school diploma or G.E.D. (General Education Development) equivalent.
- Three (3) years of experience as a guard in an industrial, commercial, penal, recreational, or military establishment, which must include one (1) year of experience in a supervisory capacity.
Licensing and Certifications
- Valid State of Michigan Operator License required.
- First Aid training is preferred.
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training is preferred.
- Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) training preferred.
Equivalency
Equivalent combinations of education and experience that provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be evaluated on an individual basis.
Supplemental Information
Evaluation Plan
- Interview: 70%
- Evaluation of Training, Experience & Personal Qualifications: 30%
- Total of Interview and Evaluation T.E.P: 100%
LRD: 08/13/2024
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Knowledge of security methods and protection problems.
- Knowledge of departmental rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
- Skill in observation.
- Skill in supervising the security activities of a work group.
- Skill in physical agility.
- Ability to detect irregular situations.
- Ability to act independently and with discretion in diffusing tense and hostile situations.
- Ability to interact effectively with the public and others with tact and diplomacy.
- Ability to perform duties in stressful situations.
- Ability to interpret and disarm fire panels and other alarms.
The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to the class. Incumbents may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification. Specific job duties may vary from position to position. The City of Detroit is an Equal Opportunity Employer. No applicant for employment shall be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or other criteria prohibited by City, State, or Federal law.
EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
The City of Detroit offers a competitive and comprehensive employee benefit package. We pride ourselves on the longevity of our employees. Part of the reason for the low turnover rate is the exceptional benefit package listed below. Benefits include, but are not limited to the following:
HEALTH
- Medical - Eligible for hospital, surgical, and prescription drug benefits.
- Dental
- Vision
INSURANCE
- Life Insurance - Optional group insurance available to employee and their family. The City pays 60% of premium for first $12,500 of employee life insurance. Employee may purchase, at own expense, life insurance for spouse and each dependent.
- Long-Term Disability Insurance (Income Protection Plan) - The City offers disability insurance through payroll deductions for persons who become disabled and who are not yet eligible for a service retirement.
PAID TIME OFF
- Sick Leave
- Vacation
- Holidays
OTHER LEAVE BENEFITS
The City also has the following paid and unpaid leaves; funeral leave, Family and Medical Leave, jury duty, military duty leave, unpaid personal leave.
RETIREMENT BENEFITS
City Employees Retirement System
As a regular City employee you automatically become a member of the General Retirement System. This entitles you to a retirement allowance after:
- Completion of thirty (30) years of service;
- At age sixty (60) if you have at least ten (10) years of service, or
- At age sixty-five (65) with eight (8) years of service.
- In the event of disability, other eligibility rules apply;
- An early, actuarially reduced, retirement is offered after you have attained at least twenty-five (25) years of service;
- Employees are vested after ten (10) years of service, regardless of age.
ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES - Employees have many opportunities for growth and career advancement throughout all City departments and divisions.
Have a successful career with the City of Detroit. Always remember that you are a part of a team with a common Vision of delivering excellent service to the citizens of the City of Detroit.
Salary
$45,511.00 - $46,104.00 Annually
Location
Detroit, Michigan, MI
Job Type
Certified-Regular Civil Service
Job Number
202616322019GSDdb
Department
General Services
Opening Date
08/28/2026
Closing Date
9/4/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Bargaining Unit
1630-AFSCME NonSupervisory Local 214 (DDOT Clerical)
Description
GENERAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT - SECURITY DIVISION
SENIOR SERVICE GUARD
Under general supervision, supervise a group of employees engaged in providing security and protective services on municipal property.
Examples of Duties
- Supervise and organize the activities of a group of employees and contractual staff engaged in municipal property protection work, including, but not limited to, the patrolling of grounds of building and parks, performing rounds, monitoring CCTV to prevent vandalism, illegal acts, and disorderly conduct.
- Schedule regular and emergency work assignments.
- Respond to and resolve the more unusual circumstances.
- Interpret departmental policies, rules, regulations and City ordinances as they apply in unusual instances.
- Summon and assist police authorities, and provide written incident report when necessary.
- Inform staff members of changes in departmental rules and of new City ordinances affecting security work activities.
- Instruct subordinates in the proper execution of their duties.
- Monitor personal appearance of subordinates.
- Review work performance and records and identify situations requiring special attention.
- Detect and report irregularities or special situations.
- Obtain information related to cases of vandalism, illegal activity, or immoral behavior on or about municipal facilities in conjunction with members of the police force.
- Secures evidence for court cases.
- Recommend to superiors the methods and means of handling and resolving situations.
- Maintain time and activity records.
- Individually perform the duties of the work group as required.
- Assist in writing and/or updating security procedures.
Minimum Qualifications
Qualifications (required):
- High school diploma or G.E.D. (General Education Development) equivalent.
- Three (3) years of experience as a guard in an industrial, commercial, penal, recreational, or military establishment, which must include one (1) year of experience in a supervisory capacity.
Licensing and Certifications
- Valid State of Michigan Operator License required.
- First Aid training is preferred.
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training is preferred.
- Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) training preferred.
Equivalency
Equivalent combinations of education and experience that provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be evaluated on an individual basis.
Supplemental Information
Evaluation Plan
- Interview: 70%
- Evaluation of Training, Experience & Personal Qualifications: 30%
- Total of Interview and Evaluation T.E.P: 100%
LRD: 08/13/2024
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Knowledge of security methods and protection problems.
- Knowledge of departmental rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
- Skill in observation.
- Skill in supervising the security activities of a work group.
- Skill in physical agility.
- Ability to detect irregular situations.
- Ability to act independently and with discretion in diffusing tense and hostile situations.
- Ability to interact effectively with the public and others with tact and diplomacy.
- Ability to perform duties in stressful situations.
- Ability to interpret and disarm fire panels and other alarms.
The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to the class. Incumbents may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification. Specific job duties may vary from position to position. The City of Detroit is an Equal Opportunity Employer. No applicant for employment shall be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or other criteria prohibited by City, State, or Federal law.
EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
The City of Detroit offers a competitive and comprehensive employee benefit package. We pride ourselves on the longevity of our employees. Part of the reason for the low turnover rate is the exceptional benefit package listed below. Benefits include, but are not limited to the following:
HEALTH
- Medical - Eligible for hospital, surgical, and prescription drug benefits.
- Dental
- Vision
INSURANCE
- Life Insurance - Optional group insurance available to employee and their family. The City pays 60% of premium for first $12,500 of employee life insurance. Employee may purchase, at own expense, life insurance for spouse and each dependent.
- Long-Term Disability Insurance (Income Protection Plan) - The City offers disability insurance through payroll deductions for persons who become disabled and who are not yet eligible for a service retirement.
PAID TIME OFF
- Sick Leave
- Vacation
- Holidays
OTHER LEAVE BENEFITS
The City also has the following paid and unpaid leaves; funeral leave, Family and Medical Leave, jury duty, military duty leave, unpaid personal leave.
RETIREMENT BENEFITS
City Employees Retirement System
As a regular City employee you automatically become a member of the General Retirement System. This entitles you to a retirement allowance after:
- Completion of thirty (30) years of service;
- At age sixty (60) if you have at least ten (10) years of service, or
- At age sixty-five (65) with eight (8) years of service.
- In the event of disability, other eligibility rules apply;
- An early, actuarially reduced, retirement is offered after you have attained at least twenty-five (25) years of service;
- Employees are vested after ten (10) years of service, regardless of age.
ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES - Employees have many opportunities for growth and career advancement throughout all City departments and divisions.
Have a successful career with the City of Detroit. Always remember that you are a part of a team with a common Vision of delivering excellent service to the citizens of the City of Detroit.
See all 976+ Security Guard Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Security Guard roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Security Guard Jobs
Target event security companies for H-2B opportunities
Companies that provide security for concerts, festivals, sports events, and conventions hire seasonal guards and sometimes use H-2B visas. Firms like Contemporary Services Corporation (CSC), Monterey Security, and AEG's security division staff major events across the country. Focus on large venues and event-heavy cities like Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New York, and Nashville. Apply well before peak event season (typically spring through fall) since H-2B petitions need months of lead time.
Pursue security industry certifications
Certifications from ASIS International, like the Certified Protection Professional (CPP) or Physical Security Professional (PSP), significantly elevate your profile above a basic security guard. These credentials demonstrate specialized knowledge in security management, risk assessment, and physical security design. Employers sponsoring for higher-level security positions look for these certifications as evidence of expertise. The certifications also help justify classifying your role as something more specialized than entry-level guard work.
Focus on corporate campus security at large companies
Tech companies, financial institutions, and pharmaceutical companies maintain their own security teams for corporate campuses and facilities. These employers pay better than contract security firms and are more likely to sponsor for permanent positions. Companies like Google, Apple, JPMorgan, and Pfizer have dedicated security operations that include surveillance monitoring, access control management, and executive protection. Getting a foot in the door at a major corporation gives you access to their immigration support infrastructure.
Consider security operations center (SOC) roles
SOC analyst positions involve monitoring surveillance cameras, managing access control systems, responding to alarms, and analyzing security incidents. These roles are more technical than standing guard duty and have stronger arguments for visa sponsorship because they require training in specific security management software. Building skills in CCTV systems, access control platforms like Lenel or CCURE, and incident management software makes you a candidate for these better-paying and more sponsorship-friendly positions.
Get your state security guard license lined up early
Research the licensing requirements in your target state before applying for jobs. California requires a Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) Guard Card, New York requires a Security Guard Registration, and each state has its own process. Some states allow you to start training and testing before you have work authorization. Having your license or registration in progress shows employers you're serious and reduces the time between sponsorship approval and being able to work.
Move toward security management for better visa options
Entry-level guard positions are the hardest to sponsor, but security management roles with degree requirements open up H-1B possibilities. If you start in a guard role through H-2B or other authorization, focus on advancing to shift supervisor, site manager, or security director positions. A bachelor's or master's degree in criminal justice, homeland security, or security management makes these promotions also serve your immigration goals. Companies like Allied Universal and Securitas have internal career ladders that can take you from guard to management within a few years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can security guards get H-1B visas in the U.S.?
Standard security guard positions don't qualify for H-1B visa because they don't require a bachelor's degree. However, corporate security management, security consulting, and cybersecurity roles at large companies can qualify if the position genuinely requires a specialized degree. If you have a degree in criminal justice, security management, or a related field and are targeting an analytical or management security role, H-1B becomes more realistic. For frontline guard positions, focus on H-2B or EB-3 instead.
Do large security companies like Allied Universal sponsor visas?
Allied Universal and Securitas employ hundreds of thousands of guards nationwide, but sponsorship for entry-level guard positions is very rare. These companies occasionally sponsor for specialized roles like security operations center analysts, investigations managers, or regional directors where a specific degree is required. The high turnover rate in security guard positions makes employers reluctant to invest in sponsorship for frontline roles. Your best bet is getting hired first through other work authorization and then pursuing sponsorship after proving your value in a specialized position.
How to find Security Guard jobs with visa sponsorship?
To find Security Guard jobs with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate, which specializes in connecting international candidates with sponsored opportunities. Focus your search on large security firms, airports, hospitals, and government contractors that frequently sponsor H-2B or EB-3 visas for security personnel. These employers often have ongoing staffing needs and established sponsorship programs for qualified international security professionals.
Can I work as an armed security guard on a visa?
This is where it gets complicated. Many states restrict armed security positions to U.S. citizens or permanent residents because they require concealed carry permits or special firearms licenses. Even states that allow visa holders to get security guard licenses may not permit them to carry firearms on duty. Unarmed security positions are more accessible for visa holders. If you're set on armed security, you'll likely need to obtain a green card first before qualifying.
What kind of security jobs are most realistic for visa sponsorship?
Event security during peak seasons like concerts, festivals, and sports events is the most realistic path for H-2B sponsorship. Large venue management companies and event security firms hire seasonal guards and have filed H-2B petitions. For permanent positions, corporate campus security at large tech companies or financial institutions occasionally sponsors through EB-3. Security operations center (SOC) analyst roles, which involve monitoring surveillance and alarm systems, are more technical and have stronger sponsorship cases.
Do I need a security guard license to work in the U.S.?
Most states require security guards to be registered or licensed, and the requirements vary significantly. Some states like California and New York have comprehensive training and licensing programs (Guard Card, BSIS registration), while others have minimal requirements. You'll typically need a background check, and some states require specific training hours. Your employer usually helps navigate the licensing process, but check your target state's requirements in advance. Having a security license from your home country won't transfer, but it demonstrates relevant experience.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Security Guard jobs?
When a U.S. employer sponsors a foreign worker for a work visa, they are legally required to pay at least the "prevailing wage" — the average wage paid to workers in the same occupation, in the same geographic area, with similar experience. This is set by the Department of Labor to prevent employers from hiring foreign workers at below-market rates. The prevailing wage varies significantly by role, location, and experience level — for example, a security guard in California will have a different prevailing wage than the same role in a smaller state. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search tool.