How to Get a Job in USA as a Nigerian Student

How to Get a Job n Canada as a Nigerian Student

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Introduction

So many Nigerian students are interested in getting a job in USA, because of the benefits attached to it. However, the process involved in getting a job in the USA as a Nigerian student can seem long and tiring. Nigerian students who wish to work in the USA must obtain a valid work visa and the rules and regulations around the visa.

Also, note that work visas in the USA require you to have a confirmed offer of employment from an eligible US employer. Nonetheless, you might find that many companies are reluctant to sponsor an international student. This is because of its processes being too expensive and long and the possibility of the hire not working out.

However, if you are interested in the ways you can get a job in the USA as a Nigerian student without a hassle, this article is for you. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to get a job in the USA as a Nigerian student and the requirements for a work visa in the USA.

How to Get a Job in USA as a Nigerian Student

Below is a guide on how you can get a job in the USA from Nigeria without hassles:

Step 1: Search for Jobs Online

You can begin your job search and application process from Nigeria by searching online for jobs available in the United States. If you have a certain qualification or degree in a specific field, try to look for jobs within that field to ensure you meet all education requirements. You can also search for jobs within an industry where you already have experience to ensure you meet all requirements.

Step 2: Meet with a Recruiting Agency

One way to get a job in the USA as a Nigerian student is to utilize the help of recruitment agencies. You can also follow the process of reaching out to recruiting agencies while conducting your job search. This option is helpful as it will provide you with 100% assurance and help you find the type of job that matches your skills and goals.

Recruiting agencies take away the pain of having to source for jobs, as they already have a list of open positions in every state. These professionals act as middlemen between you and the company’s hiring manager, allowing you time to prepare your application materials.

Step 3: Write a Great Cover Letter

To get a job in USA as a Nigerian student, you need to write a unique cover letter. While your goal is to convince the employer to interview you, an effective cover letter complements your resume by making it easy for the employer to see how your background, skills, interests, and education connect to the position.

When writing your cover letter, try to include a personal introduction, an expression of interest in the role, and explanations of your qualifications and abilities.

Step 4: Build Your Resume

Once you have decided on the type of job you want in the USA, gather up open positions, and review them carefully for keywords. These keywords highlight the skills and experience. The prospective employer hopes to find a candidate.

So, when you are writing your resume, try to include these keywords in your skills, qualifications, and accomplishments. Also, include a work experience section to ensure your work resume appeals to the employer. It is necessary to have a perfectly written resume that can portray you as a professional fit for the job. And if your resume is successful telling them so, the purpose is served.

Step 5: Educational Qualifications

The USA employers highly value quality education. Hence, another step to getting the job of your dreams in the United States will be to get the proper educational qualifications required for the position you are interested in.

If you are applying for a specialized occupation like health, engineer, or teacher you have to be specialized in your field of work. Although the minimum qualification could be a bachelor’s degree, having a master’s degree in your field will give a boost to the probability of getting a good job.

Step 6: Stay Positive and Persistent

Spending days in the job search process without getting good results can be extremely frustrating, and hearing constant rejection or ghosting can make it hard to stay motivated. However, it is normal. So make sure you do not give up, stay positive, and try to fight every negative thought. Be motivated, positive, and optimistic, and keep pushing forward while believing in yourself until you find what you are looking for. Also, learn how to answer interview questions confidently.

Step 7: Focus on Websites that are Hiring International Students

Another great way to find jobs in the United States from Nigeria is to keep an eye on websites that actively hires international students. Here are a few great websites you can check for job hunting:

These are a few sites that hire international students actively. If you do not find a job that suits you, you may start freelancing or do some short-term consulting to find jobs that match your field of study and level of experience.

Step 8: Location

It is vital to understand that some states in the U.S. have better job opportunities for international students than others. States like California, New York, Colorado, Florida, and Texas have larger companies that are accustomed to hiring international students. So, it may be effective to direct your search efforts to such states.

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Step 9: Networking

Maintaining a professional network is another important step while looking for a job in the USA. Having a good Network could help you get consistent and updated information regarding open positions.

You can depend on your family, friends, or even colleagues and ask them to pass on any updates regarding open positions. Make sure you maintain a healthy and stable network to get updated information regularly.

Step 10: Attend All Interviews

During your job hunt, if a company wishes to interview you, don’t doubt yourself. However, before the interview, make sure you research the company’s vision, mission, and job description. This way, during the interview, you will be able to highlight your strengths and explain your interests in choosing the company and job. Always maintain a calm and confident posture during the interview process.

Step 11: Apply For a Work Visa

Before you can work in the USA, you typically need a work visa, also known as a work permit. This is a type of employment authorization that all employees and citizens in the United States need to prove they can legally work in the country. USA work visas are typically processed between two to nine months and can used for 1 to 2 years before you need to renew or replace it.

Step 12: Regular Follow Up

After all the process of finding, applying and interviewing for job positions, you need to follow up. Following up shows how interested and engaged you are in the process.

What It Is Like To Work in the USA?

Typically, in the US, workers work a traditional 9 am to 5 pm day or 40-hour week. However, in reality, employees often work longer than these. Some end up working 12 hours a day, especially if they are employed in the medical profession.

Also, eleven days of annual leave is standard in the United States. However, some U.S. workers get as little as eight paid holiday days a year, which is well below other countries’ average. Most employers offer paid leave in the USA, including public holidays such as Independence Day, New Year’s Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.

Employers in the USA often offer a wide range of benefits to their employees, including health insurance, retirement plans, sick leave, and other perks. The availability of these benefits can vary widely based on the type of employer and industry.

What are the Requirements for a USA Work Visa as a Nigerian Student?

As a Nigerian student who wants to work in the USA, you must first apply for a visa from the US Department of State (DOS), consulate, or US embassy. Also, there are three conditions that a USA work visa applicant must fulfill before being eligible to apply for the visa. The embassy can deny your application if you do not fulfill these conditions:

1. Have a Job Offer in the USA

You can only apply for a work visa after you receive a job offer in the USA. So searching and applying for a job and accepting an offer is your first requirement for getting a USA work visa.

2. Approved Petition by the USA Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

This means that, if you have a job offer letter from any USA company, you must file a petition for the USCIS, which needs to be approved by the USCIS.

3. Labor Certification Approved by the Department Of Labor (DOL)

Work visas like H-1B, H-1B1, H-2A, and H-2B require your employer to get an approval certification from the Department of Labor (DOL) before the visa interview. The US government requires this certification as proof that US employers need foreign workers.

Conclusion

Working in the USA as a Nigerian student will provide you with several opportunities. Therefore, you must be consistent with job hunting and also meet up with the requirements of the job offers. More so, this article has provided a guide and tips on how to get a job in the USA as a Nigerian student. We hope it serves as a helpful guide to you.