₦airaland Forum

noble21:
I have been practicing within the telecom space in Nigeria for over 16years. My major skills are Optical transmission engineering(DWDM, OTN, Subsea cable operations) and IP Networking.

I am planning to relocate to USA soon with an immigrant visa/Green card. While waiting for my visa, please i need some advise on how to prepare myself towards getting a good job when i arrive. What are the key certifications i should have? Should i start submitting job applications now before i arrive USA? How do i make the job search? How do i build my CV to USA labor market standard/requirement?

Thanks in advance for the help. I am a family man with children, all of us are expected to travel. I really want to prepare ahead of time to enable me meet up to our bills.

I showed interest in this specific topic because I was in this same scenario around March this year and moved mid-July to the US with experience in manufacturing space and I'm willing to help with some pointers and share my journey & outlook. I had some success based on the steps I followed and willing to share.

This is a major discussion point that requires more than just typing and probably a detailed discussion. I will share some nuggets below and will recommend we set-up a ZOOM or TEAMS call to elaborate and provide some basic guides (based on my humble, current and limited knowledge which you can further build on). I'm happy to share more with you

1. You need to understand what roles you are considering when you get to the US and check some associated LinkedIn profiles to evaluate what skills and certification those individuals have (you can try and find Nigerian & African with such profile which can help further)
2. Quickly start closing the gaps on the certifications if any ASAP with the right focus and speed.
3. You need to redesign your resume to match the American format and also develop a cover letter along side. This is a key step as American resume is different.
4. I definitely suggest you start looking for suited jobs by setting up your Linked profile with location to the US and start getting job alerts which gives you idea of what is available and what matches your need.
5. I started applying before landing though I have to use a "pseudo" US phone number & address on my resume. These contact details are mandatory on your resume and cover letter. I actually got 3 feedback from recruiters but cannot proceed as I'm not available yet.
6. I was also running my resume through ATS (in parallel) to further optimize and correct the resume as I progress.
7. I would recommend that you set-up on other job site aside LinkedIn, consider Indeed, Glassdoor, etc
8. There are also visibility improvement which you need to start demonstrating on LinkedIn starting from NOW.
9. Based on the multiple roles consideration (from step 1), you might try to have diverse resumes which might vary based on different job required.
10. Do a job market evaluation to identify the top companies & employers that fits your plans and start following and focusing on them. But don't limit on them only.

There is so much to share and the reason I suggest a discussion as a better option.

Other few considerations

Do you have an international educational or work experience as reflected on your resume?
Have you concluded on your location within the US? I would also suggest you need to demonstrate flexibility of location to help expand your search and chances.
There might be a need to get a proven/recommended person to evaluate all the above steps and give the resume & cover letter a professional touch. This is optional though.

Overall I'm not an HR person, neither do I have recruiting experience but just sharing from my last 6-9 months of navigating experience.

Thank so Much for your well detailed information shared. Very very insightful, i am very grateful. It really gave me direction. Please i am available for the zoom call. Please i will send you an email to align for a call schedule at your convenient time. My email is noblelink4u@yahoo.com

ManuTee:
I showed interest in this specific topic because I was in this same scenario around March this year and moved mid-July to the US with experience in manufacturing space and I'm willing to help with some pointers and share my journey & outlook. I had some success based on the steps I followed and willing to share.

This is a major discussion point that requires more than just typing and probably a detailed discussion. I will share some nuggets below and will recommend we set-up a ZOOM or TEAMS call to elaborate and provide some basic guides (based on my humble, current and limited knowledge which you can further build on). I'm happy to share more with you

1. You need to understand what roles you are considering when you get to the US and check some associated LinkedIn profiles to evaluate what skills and certification those individuals have (you can try and find Nigerian & African with such profile which can help further)
2. Quickly start closing the gaps on the certifications if any ASAP with the right focus and speed.
3. You need to redesign your resume to match the American format and also develop a cover letter along side. This is a key step as American resume is different.
4. I definitely suggest you start looking for suited jobs by setting up your Linked profile with location to the US and start getting job alerts which gives you idea of what is available and what matches your need.
5. I started applying before landing though I have to use a "pseudo" US phone number & address on my resume. These contact details are mandatory on your resume and cover letter. I actually got 3 feedback from recruiters but cannot proceed as I'm not available yet.
6. I was also running my resume through ATS (in parallel) to further optimize and correct the resume as I progress.
7. I would recommend that you set-up on other job site aside LinkedIn, consider Indeed, Glassdoor, etc
8. There are also visibility improvement which you need to start demonstrating on LinkedIn starting from NOW.
9. Based on the multiple roles consideration (from step 1), you might try to have diverse resumes which might vary based on different job required.
10. Do a job market evaluation to identify the top companies & employers that fits your plans and start following and focusing on them. But don't limit on them only.

There is so much to share and the reason I suggest a discussion as a better option.

Other few considerations

Do you have an international educational or work experience as reflected on your resume?
Have you concluded on your location within the US? I would also suggest you need to demonstrate flexibility of location to help expand your search and chances.
There might be a need to get a proven/recommended person to evaluate all the above steps and give the resume & cover letter a professional touch. This is optional though.

Overall I'm not an HR person, neither do I have recruiting experience but just sharing from my last 6-9 months of navigating experience.

Hello,
Does taxi driving job pay well? or is there any soft job recommendation?
Thank you

Greetings friends. Please I need advise. I got my immigrant visa (F41) this December, and I'll be travelling soon. My petitioner stays in California, but I want a place with cheaper cost of living in the surrounding states (Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, etc).
Which area is better suited for a new immigrant to settle with wife, for work opportunities as a Psychologist and business-oriented person, safety and security etc.
Or any other suggested states?

IamDivine:
Greetings friends. Please I need advise. I got my immigrant visa (F41) this December, and I'll be travelling soon. My petitioner stays in California, but I want a place with cheaper cost of living in the surrounding states (Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, etc).
Which area is better suited for a new immigrant to settle with wife, for work opportunities as a Psychologist and business-oriented person, safety and security etc.
Or any other suggested states?

Id say don't get too hung up on cost of living.
States like Cali maybe more expensive however their average salaries are way higher.

Business is not restricted to any state, the market for that business idea is more important than the state you live in.

First land in Cali because you'll need soft landing.
If you want to work as a psychologist then look for what certs you need to do that in your state. Remember you might still spend your first couple of months recertifying and understanding the work culture.

America is really large so the city in the state is probably more important than the state. Cities in one state can be like night and day.

Since you're coming with family consider other factors like community, accessibility. Cos this US driving na like breathing. Lol

Zihno:
An invitation letter doesn’t do much. Work visas from outside the US may be possible to get but I understand they are difficult too. Typically, you’d need a job offer from a US employer who’s qualified to and interested in filing for you. Also, depending on your qualifications and experience, you can also self petition for some classes of visas that allow you work in the US. The easiest would be to get an L1 visa if you currently work with an employer with an office in the US. If not, you can look into getting a student visa and exploring your options.

Please, how possible can one convert an L1 visa to being a Green Card holder?

Deeegbee:
Please, how possible can one convert an L1 visa to being a Green Card holder?

I have no idea.

IamDivine:
Greetings friends. Please I need advise. I got my immigrant visa (F41) this December, and I'll be travelling soon. My petitioner stays in California, but I want a place with cheaper cost of living in the surrounding states (Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, etc).
Which area is better suited for a new immigrant to settle with wife, for work opportunities as a Psychologist and business-oriented person, safety and security etc.
Or any other suggested states?

I was wondering how many years it took to process ur F41 visa?

Okunrimeta:
If you have the full name of the person and the state/city or zip code the person lives, you may be able to find some information via this link

https://www.fastpeoplesearch.com/

search the name and see what info is in the public

Is this Valentine?

Hi everyone please for those who came to the US with their F2 and kids
Can you advice on what to do to secure a job for F2 and any other advice you can render to make things easier..

Taal17:
Id say don't get too hung up on cost of living.
States like Cali maybe more expensive however their average salaries are way higher.

Business is not restricted to any state, the market for that business idea is more important than the state you live in.

First land in Cali because you'll need soft landing.
If you want to work as a psychologist then look for what certs you need to do that in your state. Remember you might still spend your first couple of months recertifying and understanding the work culture.

America is really large so the city in the state is probably more important than the state. Cities in one state can be like night and day.

Since you're coming with family consider other factors like community, accessibility. Cos this US driving na like breathing. Lol

Thanks a lot @Taal17

Alakoriomo:
I was wondering how many years it took to process ur F41 visa?

17years ONLY

IamDivine:
17years ONLY

Wait, are you for real or just joking? Please be honest

Alakoriomo:
Wait, are you for real or just joking? Please be honest

very possible, for F4

Taal17:
very possible, for F4

Ahah omo. That means this guy has been on it since 2006 wow. Whats the purpose then if u have to wait till u are 50 to go to America? By that age most people are already settled in their life and they are looking forward to retire home

IamDivine:
17years ONLY

Was wondering how old are you now

You know quite well F2 cannot work in the US but you are bent on putting you and your family on immigration troubles, i advise admin to delete this question. Did you inform the embassy you will be seeking employment during your F2 interview?

Lagzyl1:
Hi everyone please for those who came to the US with their F2 and kids
Can you advice on what to do to secure a job for F2 and any other advice you can render to make things easier..

There is no advice to give. F2 visa holders are NOT permitted to work.

Lagzyl1:
Hi everyone please for those who came to the US with their F2 and kids
Can you advice on what to do to secure a job for F2 and any other advice you can render to make things easier..

Pls I need Okunrimeta contact or any nairalander in Houston Tx. It's important.Sent him DM he has not responded

Krakum:
Pls I need Okunrimeta contact or any nairalander in Houston Tx. It's important.Sent him DM he has not responded

Hi, I responded to your prompt.
Really wish Nairaland can allow dms on this interface for single point of access instead of via emails.
Happy New Year folks.

Deeegbee:
Please, how possible can one convert an L1 visa to being a Green Card holder?

1. Research into the EB categories of green cards. There is a thread on this in Nairaland.

2. If you are single, you can find love and marry a permanent resident or a citizen.

Helpout12345:
1. Research into the EB categories of green cards. There is a thread on this in Nairaland.

2. If you are single, you can find love and marry a permanent resident or a citizen.

I don’t want to opt for option 2.

I will do my research on the EB categories. Though I am based in Canada. I learnt of the TN visa route but I am working on meeting the eligibility.

Don't know if this is allowed here but I am truly sorry. Please I really need assistance or advice to help me finance my last semester as a master's student in the US, I'm in dire need of my tuition fees amounting to $8000 for the spring 2025 semester as things didn't go as planned, I will appreciate any help, resources or advice you could offer me to allow me graduate in May. I can provide my proof of enrollment if required, thanks.

Faith063:
Don't know if this is allowed here but I am truly sorry. Please I really need assistance or advice to help me finance my last semester as a master's student in the US, I'm in dire need of my tuition fees amounting to $8000 for the spring 2025 semester as things didn't go as planned, I will appreciate any help, resources or advice you could offer me to allow me graduate in May. I can provide my proof of enrollment if required, thanks.

Can you apply for student loans?
I guess you are eligible for OPT so you can pay back over time.

Do you have access to credit through your credit cards? As a student banks should offer credit cards.

Does your uni have any scholarship even the 500, 1000, type where you typically have to write an essay etc. it will help in paying back what ever loans you may have to take.

This is pretty common to do. My uncle got his GC this way although it was a long time ago. Some Indians get their GC this way too. Your company will have to petition for you though in most or all cases if you are not doing NIW. Look up the USCIS site and see which EB pathway is applicable to you.

quote author=Deeegbee post=133428163]


Please, how possible can one convert an L1 visa to being a Green Card holder?[/quote]

.

Taal17:
Can you apply for student loans?
I guess you are eligible for OPT so you can pay back over time.

Do you have access to credit through your credit cards? As a student banks should offer credit cards.

Does your uni have any scholarship even the 500, 1000, type where you typically have to write an essay etc. it will help in paying back what ever loans you may have to take.

My student loan got declined and can't reapply until 90 days, that's why I'm looking for alternative means. Please if you have some link to these scholarships that's general and not school specific, I will appreciate as my school does not offer such

Faith063:
My student loan got declined and can't reapply until 90 days, that's why I'm looking for alternative means. Please if you have some link to these scholarships that's general and not school specific, I will appreciate as my school does not offer such

I don't know, scholarships would local to your state or city and we don't know that.

Speak with financial Aid office, maybe they can work out something install mental for you.

Taal17:
I don't know, scholarships would local to your state or city and we don't know that.

Speak with financial Aid office, maybe they can work out something install mental for you.

I'm in Texas

ManuTee:
Moving to Dallas in January based on job relocation, specifically Duncanville and Arlington.

Any connect will be appreciated to help knowing the do's and dont's.

Arlington and Duncanville area are "averagely OK" areas. Duncanville has a large black population, and Arlington has a large Nigerian population.

You will find a lot of Nigerian stores in those places, especially Arlington.

Bossman:
There is no advice to give. F2 visa holders are NOT permitted to work.

I am not sure it is right to state it the way you did as you can explain they are not allowed to work for pay but can volunteer to keep them busy.