BDV wants you to feel prepared to face some possible cultural adjustments as you begin work with your sponsor. This resource is meant to be a broad overview; it is not meant to tell you exactly what your job will be like. We want you to be aware of some general things you might face, based on the information we have received from other clients.

Here are 5 important points to consider when it comes to your expectations of the atmosphere and environment of your workplace.

1) Remember that you are only responsible for yourself.
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You are not responsible for the conduct of your coworkers. For example: you may see colleagues taking multiple breaks at various times or doing different duties. Regardless, you should do only what your supervisor has asked of you. Your situation is unique because of your immigration case. It is important that you show your sponsor that you have a strong work ethic. This will give them every reason to trust you and the EB-3 process. If your fellow coworkers try to change a rule or ask you to do something outside of your normal duties, you should verify with your supervisor before following their guidance. For the most part, you should only receive guidance and direction from your supervisor.
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2) Allow your sponsor’s management to supervise your fellow workers.
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If you see a fellow co-worker do something against the rules, and they do not get in trouble for it, that does not mean it is ok for you to do the same. It also does not necessarily mean that you should tell your supervisor about it. Based on your job duties, you are not expected to advise or supervise your coworkers. You are only expected to complete your own duties, and it is up to your manager to choose if they will address those issues. If you have an issue with your direct management, you can bring this to your sponsor’s HR (Human Resources) department.

3) Cultural knowledge will vary among coworkers; have realistic expectations.
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The people you work with may not understand your cultural background or know the details of your education. Your colleagues may not have the same cultural or educational background as you. Some BDV sponsors are in rural areas; local workers may not have encountered someone from outside the US. You may be the first person they have worked with from another country. Some of your American coworkers will be interested in learning about your background, while others may not. It is important to not take disinterest personally or offensively. Remember that other employees may not have been introduced to the EB-3 program or have a full understanding of immigration processes in general.
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4) You may not agree with everything that happens at work.
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At work, you may see, hear, or observe things you disagree with. Some situations may not entirely match your values or morals. The important thing is to continue with your duties as assigned. If these disagreeable situations do not directly impact your job duties, they are not for you to address.

However, if you face anything blatantly disrespectful, personally discriminatory, or safety-related, you should bring this to your manager. Then, if you need to escalate the issue, you should report it to Human Resources at work. It is HR’s responsibility to address these kinds of problems and create a safe environment for you to work in.

5) BDV is here for you.
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Contact us if you have any questions. Visit your profile on our website, and reach out via the Chat function. We want to see all our clients succeed in their EB-3 job, and we want our sponsors to have a positive experience with the EB-3 program as well. Remember to embrace the experience with a willing attitude and choose to let go of disappointments and small annoyances. Keep the big picture in mind: this is your opportunity to gain a green card! Keep an open mind, share your culture, and learn from others as you interact at work. You’ve gotten this far, and you can do it!