Introduction 

Have you ever dreamed of living and working in the United States but did not know how to obtain a visa? Storekeeper jobs offered by major retailers across the country provide an excellent opportunity to legally work and live in the US through visa sponsorship. 

What is a training visa?

A training visa, also known as an H-3 visa, allows foreign workers to receive on-the-job training in specialty occupations that require theoretical and technical expertise in specialized fields. One of the major eligibility requirements for an H-3 visa is that the position must involve training that cannot be obtained in the applicant’s home country. For storekeeper roles, major retailers argue that they have developed proprietary systems for inventory management, customer service, loss prevention, and other operational aspects that are valuable to teach foreign workers firsthand in the US.

The training visa is nonimmigrant, meaning it allows temporary stay and employment in the US only for the duration of the training program outlined in the visa petition filed by the sponsoring employer. Most training programs for storekeepers last 6-24 months, after which the visa must be extended, or the worker will need to depart the US or change to a different nonimmigrant status. However, during the training period, H-3 visa holders can legally live and work full-time in the US and even bring spouses and children (H-4 status).

Top retailers offering storekeeper training visa programs

Some of the largest corporate employers that sponsor H-3 visas for storekeeper roles include:

Walmart

As the world’s largest company by revenue, Walmart operates over 11,000 stores nationwide under 55 different banners. They have been actively recruiting international workers through the H-3 visa program for positions like store associate, cashier, stocker, and customer service representative at their Supercenters, Neighborhood Markets, and Sam’s Club locations. Walmart provides comprehensive on-the-job training in areas such as merchandise handling, customer service skills, cash register operations, and store protocols.

Target

With over 1,900 stores across the US, Target is a major player in the retail industry and relies on its H-3 visa program to hire stockers, cashiers, and asset protection associates around the country. Target selects candidates to attend their Store Team Member Academy to learn all aspects of store operations, team collaboration, guest service, theft deterrence, and more through hands-on classroom and in-store training.

CVS Health

As one of the nation’s largest pharmacy chains with over 10,000 retail locations, CVS is a major healthcare provider and employs store associates, cashiers, and shift supervisors through the H-3 training program at their CVS Pharmacy and CVS Caremark stores across various states. The on-site training program covers product knowledge, customer care, inventory management, scheduling, compliance procedures, and daily store tasks.

Lowe’s

The home improvement retailer Lowe’s uses the H-3 visa to hire stockers, cashiers, and sales associates for over 2,200 stores across the US. Their Store Fundamentals Training program covers all duties and best practices for daily store operations, customer service excellence, department management, safety protocols, company policies, and new product knowledge through hands-on demonstrations.

Dollar General

With over 16,000 small-box retail stores concentrated in rural communities, Dollar General has a major presence in underserved market areas across 44 states. They recruit international workers through the H-3 program for entry-level manager trainee and assistant store manager roles to help lead and oversee store operations at the grassroots level. On-site training includes financial controls, loss prevention, merchandising strategies, administrative responsibilities, and employee supervision.

Applying for a storekeeper training visa

To qualify for a storekeeper H-3 visa through one of the major retail employer programs outlined above, the basic eligibility requirements are:

• Have a valid passport from an eligible country with authorization to work in the US
• Meet educational/experience qualifications for the position
• Have communication skills to actively participate in training
• Pass a background check and medical exam
• Have sufficient financial resources
• Have a confirmed job offer from a qualifying US employer-sponsor

The application process involves these main steps:

• Research available storekeeper roles and identify employers of interest based on location preferences. Most post openings on their career websites.
• Meet minimum qualifications for roles and submit application/resume directly to employers. Consider including a cover letter emphasizing transferable skills and training potential.
• If selected for an interview, emphasize your motivation, work ethic, flexibility to relocate, and capacity to succeed in an intensive on-the-job training program.
• Upon receiving a tentative job offer, the employer will work with an immigration attorney to file an H-3 visa petition with the USCIS, which includes a job description, wages, training plan, and attestations.
• Schedule visa interview at the nearest US consulate and present required documents including passport, job offer, application forms, photos, and fees.
• If approved, the consulate will mail/email an H-3 approval notice to begin traveling, working, and training in the US. The employer will provide relocation assistance.

The entire process typically takes 4-8 months from initial application to commencing work in the United States. Meeting all eligibility factors upfront can help maximize the chances of approval. Be prepared for likely follow-up questions or requests for additional evidence from the consulate during the visa interview or from USCIS during petition adjudication. Close coordination with the employer sponsor is necessary throughout.

Trainee duties and responsibilities

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While duties may vary slightly depending on the specific retail location and role, storekeepers in training can generally expect to learn how to perform some core responsibilities within their first 3-6 months on the job. Supervisors will provide structured guidance, mentoring, and performance feedback regularly during this period:

• Stock shelves and replenish inventory within departments, such as grocery, houseware, hardware, etc. This involves receiving truck deliveries, sorting goods, rotating stock, and face-out displays.
• Maintaining a clean, organized, and presentable sales floor by straightening shelves, dusting, sweeping, and spot cleaning as needed.
• Operating cash registers and self-checkout lanes, including scanning items, taking payments, issuing receipts, bagging purchases, and handling returns/exchanges.
• Greeting customers, answering basic questions, and providing directions in-store. Learning customer service skills like active listening, troubleshooting, and de-escalation techniques.
• Monitoring inventory levels and assisting with cycle counts, price changes, and audits to ensure accuracy. It may involve basic data entry tasks.
• Adhering to company loss prevention protocols like designated cash procedures, inspection of purchases, and responding to potential theft incidents.
• Following all health, safety, and compliance policies regarding hazardous materials, injuries, emergencies, documentation, etc.
• Multi-tasking and prioritizing a variety of duties simultaneously to maintain store flow and meet operational needs throughout shifts.

After demonstrating proficiency in core responsibilities over 6-12 months, trainees can expect to gain certification or promotion to a permanent non-supervisory storekeeper role with added duties and responsibilities. The support and structured program is designed to develop new skills smoothly through practice and ongoing support.

Salary, benefits, and typical work hours

Compensation for retail storekeepers in training will vary based on several factors like location, cost of living, specific role responsibilities, and employer, but here are some general pay ranges to expect:

• Starting hourly wage: $11-15/hour
• Average hourly pay after 6-12 months: $12-17/hour
• Potential overtime eligibility (time-and-a-half pay rate)
• Completion incentives like a $500-$1000 bonus upon certification

In addition to competitive pay, most major retail employers offer a wide benefits package to storekeeper trainees including:

• Eligibility for health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid sick leave and holidays
• Life insurance and disability coverage
• Retirement savings plans (401k matching)
• Affordable stock purchase programs
• Employee discounts across all company brands
• Paid time off accrual of 8-16 hours per month
• Training certifications and career advancement opportunities

Storekeepers can expect to work a combination of daytime, evening, and weekend shifts depending on store business hours. Full-time statuses usually require 32-40 hours per week, but flexibility is appreciated. Shifts are often 6-8 hours, including holidays and some Saturdays to help with traffic. Rotating schedules helps trainees experience all aspects of operations. Averaging 30-36 hours per week is common during training periods, with the potential for more hours after certification.

Housing and relocation support

Obtaining safe, affordable housing near the store location is an important part of the initial transition process to the United States. Thankfully, retail employers provide useful tools and assistance:

• Relocation stipends of $1,500-$3,000 are paid in installments during the first few months.
• Search tools on employer websites with rental listings submitted by current employees and vetted properties near stores.
• Temporary furnished or partially furnished corporate housing options are available for 30-90 days in some major metro areas at discounted rates to allow time for permanent arrangements. Utilities are often included.
• Host programs pair new trainees with longer-term colleagues locally who can provide temporary lodging, transport, and cultural orientation during the apartment hunting process.
• Maps and guides to locate family-friendly and safe neighborhoods with reasonable rents near public transportation routes to the store. Commute times under 30 minutes are preferable.
• Rental agent referrals in various markets. Employers may also negotiate corporate rates and application/deposit fee discounts with property management companies.
• Explanations of the leasing process including applications, background checks, utilities setup, and other protocols in local housing markets. Guarantors are sometimes an option if credit history is still developing.

With these resources available, most full-time storekeeper trainees are able to secure quality shared housing accommodations between $500-$1000 per month depending on location factors. Rents primarily cover an apartment, townhome or bedroom within a roommate arrangement. This allows trainees to adjust comfortably to their new community and job responsibilities.

APPLY HERE

Are you interested in starting an exciting new chapter through a storekeeper training program with one of the major retailers profiled above? They are actively recruiting international candidates for opportunities nationwide.

To get started, review the current openings available through these direct employer application portals:

• Walmart store jobs: www.walmartcareers.com
• CVS pharmacy positions: www.cvshealth.com/careers

When applying, be sure to highlight any relevant qualifications, emphasize your customer service mindset, commitment to learning new skills, and flexibility to relocate. Following up after a few weeks if not contacted can also demonstrate initiative.

If selected for an interview, fully research the company values and emphasize how you can succeed in a fast-paced training program environment. With dedication to the process and careful preparation, these retail sponsorship programs afford a unique platform to launch your US career.