How to Work in the U.S. As a Foreign-Educated Barber or Cosmetologist

A career in barbering or cosmetology is often interesting and rewarding, and many international residents may be interested in bringing their barber or cosmetology practice to the United States. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists this profession as making a median annual salary of $39,680 with fast job growth expected.

Our guide gives you essential information on becoming a foreign-educated barber or cosmetologist in the U.S., and we answer important questions such as:

• What Is the Process for Working in the U.S. As a Foreign-Educated Barber or Cosmetologist?
• How Much Does It Cost to Work as a Foreign-Educated Barber or Cosmetologist in the U.S.?
• How Long Does It Take To Work as a Foreign-Educated Barber or Cosmetologist in the U.S.?
• Are There Any Restrictions to Working as a Foreign-Educated Barber or Cosmetologist in the U.S.?
• What Are the State-Specific Requirements for Foreign-Educated Barbers or Cosmetologists?
• What Are the Immigration Requirements for Foreign-Educated Barbers or Cosmetologists?
• Where Can I Get a Certified Translation?

What Is the Process for Working in the U.S. As a Foreign-Educated Barber or Cosmetologist?

Working in the U.S. as a foreign-educated barber or cosmetologist requires the completion of several important steps that include obtaining state licensing, a U.S.-based job, and meeting United States immigration requirements.

1. Research the specific requirements for barbers or cosmetologists in the state that you wish to work in. States have varying requirements when it comes to how many practical work and education hours are required before licenses are awarded in addition to testing and license application procedures. Some states may also require different licenses for the various types of cosmetology work you perform; it’s important to learn the exact requirements you need to meet so you can ensure your education and work experience are up-to-date. Quickly access specific state barbering and cosmetology requirements through this directory of state cosmetology boards.
   
2. Once you have ensured that you meet specific state licensing requirements, you will most likely need to obtain a credential evaluation for your foreign education. A credential evaluation helps prove to U.S.-based employers and state barber or cosmetology boards that you have met all of the basic requirements to be eligible for a license in that state.The best way to obtain a credential evaluation is to secure a certified translation of your diplomas, certificates, employment records, and academic transcripts and then submit them to a credential evaluation agency selected through the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or the Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE). Both of these organizations provide access to credential evaluation services that are dedicated to upholding fair evaluations of foreign credentials and high standards.
3. Check with the board of barbering or cosmetology in the state that you are interested in to see whether or not you need to pass an exam before you can be licensed. At the same time, you may want to pass the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). These tests typically are not required for working in the U.S. as a foreign-educated barber or cosmetologist, but they are a helpful way to prove to U.S. employers and state boards that you are capable of working in the United States without issues; these test scores may also help give you an edge over other foreign candidates when it comes to seeking employment.
   
4. Start applying for jobs in the United States and secure a U.S.-based employer. This will be necessary as you apply for a visa or an employment-based green card to legally immigrate to the United States for work. Most barbers or cosmetologists will need to apply for the O-1 visa for individuals with extraordinary ability or achievement or the EB-3 green card application for employment-based skilled workers.

After you have proved your foreign education meets U.S. state licensing requirements for barbers or cosmetologists, taken any applicable exams or met state-specific requirements, secured a U.S.-based job, and applied for a visa or green card, you are set to work in the United States as a foreign-educated barber or cosmetologist.

Make sure that you pay attention to any continuing education requirements to keep your license active in your state. You should also contact an immigration lawyer if you have questions about immigrating to the U.S. as a barber or cosmetologist.

How Much Does It Cost to Work as a Foreign-Educated Barber or Cosmetologist in the U.S.?

Becoming a foreign-educated barber or cosmetologist in the U.S. is not the most inexpensive process, but it is an investment into your future. Not including the cost of obtaining a barbering or cosmetology education, the total cost of this process can range from from $1,000 to $4,000 or more. This cost estimate includes any credential evaluations or certified translations you need to obtain, visa or green card applications which may range between $460 and $1,840, additional processing and application fees, state licensing fees which range between $50 and $100 per license, and any testing fees for required exams.

How Long Does It Take To Work as a Foreign-Educated Barber or Cosmetologist in the U.S.?

It can take several years, not including the time it takes to gain your barbering or cosmetology education and practical experience. Studying for exams such as the TOEFL or IELTS, any required state license exams, and receiving a visa or green card take between 1 and 3 years to complete, even if you complete steps consecutively.

After you’ve met all state licensing requirements and obtained a U.S.-based job, it may take between 3 and 24 months or longer for your visa or green card to be awarded; the specific length depends on your individual situation and the type of visa or green card you have applied for.

Are There Any Restrictions to Working as a Foreign-Educated Barber or Cosmetologist in the U.S.?

Once you meet all of the basic requirements of obtaining a barbering or cosmetology license in the U.S., you’ve secured a U.S-based job, and you’ve applied for your visa or green card, you will have no restrictions to working in the United States.

That being said, you will need to make sure you pay attention to any continuing education requirements that are needed to renew your licenses in the specific state you are working in; depending on the state you are working in, exams, continuing education, and renewal fees may be required every few years.

What Are the State-Specific Requirements for Foreign-Educated Barbers or Cosmetologists?

State-specific requirements vary. Some states require examinations to be taken before licenses are awarded while others require you to obtain different licenses for each type of cosmetology or barbering you wish to practice, such as hair stylist licenses, nail technician certifications, and esthetician licenses.

You should also note that many states require continuing education credits to be obtained in order to renew your licenses every few years; there may be fees associated with this process. To learn about the specific state requirements in the state that you wish to work in, use the directory of state boards on the National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology’s website.

What Are the Immigration Requirements for Foreign-Educated Barbers or Cosmetologists?

Foreign-educated barbers or cosmetologists will need to meet specific immigration requirements to bring their practice to the United States. In most cases, individuals will need to apply for an O-1 visa for individuals with extraordinary ability or achievement. However, the EB-3 green card application for employment-based skilled workers may also be an option.

Be sure to read over the eligibility requirements for both of these immigration possibilities; if you need more help figuring out the best way to immigrate to the U.S. for your specific situation, don’t hesitate to contact a United States immigration lawyer for assistance.

Where Can I Get a Certified Translation?

Certified translations are an essential part of the process when it comes to immigrating to the United States and working as a barber or cosmetologist. You’ll need any diplomas, certifications, academic transcripts, and other credentials obtained outside of the U.S. to be translated into English before credential evaluations and other applications can be completed. Certified translations are also important when it comes to obtaining visas to work in the United States.

You can get a certified translation of all of your important documents through our online store. We translate items such as:

• Diplomas
• Academic transcripts
• Business licenses and certifications
• Resumes and employment records
• Birth certificates

Order Your Certified Translation