How to Get a Job in USA from Africa

It is no longer news that Africans are migrating to the US in droves in search of greener pastures. Not only do non-skilled individuals move to the US to start a new life but also professionals like doctors and engineers are setting up camp in the North American country.

If you’re like many other Africans (Nigerians, Ghanaians, Kenyans, etc.) looking to enjoy the endless opportunities in the US and build a viable career, this article will help you get started.

How to Get a Job in the USA: The Steps Involved

To get a job in the US from anywhere in Africa, follow the steps below:

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Search for available jobs based on your skill: If you want to get a job very fast, you need to have a skill that is in high demand. You can use Google, Craigslist, LinkedIn, Facebook, and other sources to search for jobs.

Look for companies that offer sponsorships: You will need a company that will sponsor you if you want to work in the US. Companies like Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Accenture, Deloitte, and Infosys do provide offer sponsorships to foreigners.

Get a work visa: A regular visa (tourist or visit) won’t allow you to work and earn money in the US. If you want to get employed and earn, you will have to get a work visa.  The H-1B is the most preferred option. You might be required to possess some form of academic qualification to be offered this visa type.

Start working: With your job hunt being successful and your visa at hand, you can head over to the US and start a new career.

High-demand Jobs in The USA for Immigrants

There are many opportunities available to Africans that want to get a job in the US. However, not all will come with juicy offers and wages. The positions listed below pay the best but will require some level of skill.

Software developer

This is one of the biggest positions in the US as of the 21st century. The IT industry drives a good part of the US States economy so the demand is high for the likes of web designers, engineers, and developers. While there are a good number of software developers in the US, there are offers for developers from other countries.

The job offer is versatile depending on the part of software development you specialize in. You might not need a degree to qualify, however, high-end software development jobs will require a degree of some sort. In such cases, you will have to provide a bachelor’s degree in computer science or related fields to quality. Software developers can earn between $70 – $90 hour and $100,000 – $130,000 a year.

Babysitter

You’re more likely to get a job as a babysitter in the US if you stay within a neighborhood where Africans predominate. Around these areas, you will find several families willing to pay you a decent amount per hour to watch their kids. This could translate to $1,500 per month.

You might be required to do more than just watch the kids. You will have to walk them, feed them and organize a schedule. This skill does not require any degree but you will have to possess excellent English skills.

Cleaner

You will have to sign a contract with a cleaning agency to get a job as a cleaner in private houses and offices. While the job is tiresome, the pay is decent depending on the city.

Courier

You could work as an Amazon courier to deliver packages to consumers. This job might not require any certificate, but you will have to possess excellent English-speaking skills.