How to Get a Job in USA from Ghana – The ONLY Guide You Need to Get Job as Ghanaians From USA

If you want to learn How to Get a Job in USA from Ghana, you just found the right article to get acquainted with the processes required. A lot of Ghanaians have a dream to work in the US, but the truth is finding work in the US is different from finding a job in Ghana.

It is important to get familiar with the American job market to understand the hiring of top companies and prospective organizations before applying for work in the USA.

Some of the booming sectors in the US include Education, service, and health sectors.  Other popular sectors include the TIMES market. TIMES represents Telecommunication, Information Technology, Multimedia, Entertainments, and Security Services market.

This article will give you detailed information on how to find a work in the USA, the various requirements, and the process.

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REQUIREMENTS TO WORK IN THE USA

You need to meet essential requirements to get a job in the US from Ghana. Keep reading to learn more.

• EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

One of the requirements to get a job in the US from Ghana is quality education. They value top-notch educational qualifications. It becomes easier to attract better opportunities in the US with a degree from a reputable university and relevant work experience.

The USA highly values quality education. Hence, the first thing will be to get the proper educational qualifications required for the work you are interested in.

Although the minimum qualification could be a bachelor’s degree, having a master’s in your field will boost the probability of getting a good job.

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• FLUENCY IN ENGLISH

A strong command of the English language is a requirement to get a job in the US from Ghana. Employers in the USA prefer to hire individuals who demonstrate fluent English and the ability to read and write in their official language.

To demonstrate your English competency, you must clear one of the English Language Proficiency Tests like IELTS or TOEFL in order to work in USA.

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• RELEVANT WORK EXPERIENCE

In addition to your degree and English competency, you need to have relevant work experience to get some job in the US from Ghana. If you do not have an undergraduate, you can qualify for several jobs based on job-related work experience. You can qualify for jobs at the GS-2 level with a high school diploma alone, if you are a beginner who wants to work in the US.

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• MEET THE VISA REQUIREMENTS

If you want to pursue job opportunities in the USA as a Ghanaian, you need to understand the intricacies of work visas and permits. It is required to obtain a permit to live and work in the USA.

You need to have a valid work visa or a green card so that you can access the opportunities in the American job market

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Visa Requirements

Below are some visa requirements you need to be able to work in the US:

• If you apply for a work visa to work in USA, you should have a sponsor.
• If you are applying through an immigration agency, you must have the company documents.
• When applying for an H-1B Visa, a non-immigrant visa, one needs transcripts and relevant degree certificates.
• TOEFL/IELTS scorecard to show English proficiency.
• A job letter from a USA company

Once you find potential job roles to work in USA, you can apply for them. The next step is to tailor your resume to highlight the skills and qualifications needed for the job. The work culture in the USA is open, with proper communication and direct feedback.

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Types of US Work Visa

There are different types of work visas for the USA.  It is essential to know them before applying for a work visa in the USA. The types of visa categories available are described below:

• J-1 Exchange Visitor Program: The J-1 exchange program allows professionals and students to experience American culture and gain work experience. The duration is about 18 months in the USA. This is given to nonimmigrants travelling to the USA as part of an officially approved exchange program in the arts, education, or sciences.

• The L-1 Visa: The L-1 visa is an intra-company transfer USA. visa. It allows a company in the USA to transfer an employee from its foreign offices into the USA. The duration of this is five years.

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There are two types of L-1 visas:

1. L-1-A visa: The L-1-A Visa is specifically for managers and executives. It is for those who are transferring to their US branch.
2. L-1-B visa: The L-1-B Visa is for employees eligible to transfer into the US branch of their office.

• The H-1B Visa: The H-1B Visa is a temporary work permit that allows foreign nationals to work in the USA in any specialty occupation such as Architect, Physician, or Lawyer. The employee needs to be educated and specialised in the field of work. H1B visa is generally valid for three years and can usually be extended for up to six years.

• The H-2B Visa: The H-2B nonimmigrant visa program allows employers to hire foreign workers to perform temporary nonagricultural work, which may be one-time, seasonal, peak load, or intermittent.

• The O-1 Temporary Visa: The O-1 Temporary Visa is for individuals with extraordinary abilities or skills in science, arts, athletics, education, business, and motion pictures. To get this visa, you will have to demonstrate your ability in the field. It is also a temporary visa that allows you to come to the USA and continue to perform extraordinary work in the area.

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Since now you know about the various work visas provided by the government of the USA, you have to learn the basic differences between an immigrant and a non-immigrant visa.

• Non-immigrant visa: The non-immigrant visa is for professionals looking to temporarily stay in the USA for internships, summer work, business, holiday, or education purposes. Those with non-immigrant visas can’t work without a US work permit. The US Work Permit is the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) that you obtain after your visa is approved.

• Immigrant visa: The immigrant visa is for professionals who are permanently looking for residency to work and live in the USA. When they enter the country, permanent residence visa holders must also obtain a Green Card, a permanent resident status.

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STEP-BY-STEP PROCEDURES TO GET A JOB IN THE USA

1. Applying for a job in the USA

To work in the USA, your first step is to do proper research and assess your skill set to identify your opportunities. Keep updated on the job calls and ensure you meet all the prerequisites, such as educational qualification and training, before starting your journey.

You can navigate some job search platforms to discover wide range of job vacancies across various sectors. Job search platforms like LinkedIn have become invaluable tools for job seekers.

You can also leverage on your connections to know about job openings in the US. Networking plays a crucial role in the American job market. It can lead to valuable insights and potential job referrals.  Attend industry events, conferences, and workshops to connect with professionals who share similar interests.

2. Compelling Resume and Cover Letter

A job application process to the USA is incomplete without a good resume and a cover letter. Tailor these documents according to the job and the company you are applying to work in USA.

Identify the skills in the job description and highlight those in your resume and cover letter to increase your chances of being interviewed.

Your resume should be chronological written. After your personal details such as name, email address, phone number, etc, you should include your education background, career goals, work experience and skillsets.

• Career goal
• Education
• Experience
• Skill sets
• Certifications

3. Regular Follow-up

Following up displays your eagerness to work and professionalism to the employer. It could boost your chance of being invited for an interview as soon as possible. Once you apply for work in USA, inquire about the current status of your application consistently.

4. Attend the Interview

Before the interview, you must research the company’s vision, mission, and job expectations. During the interview, highlight your strengths and explain why you desire to work with them. Make your points clear and concise. Always remain calm and professional throughout the process.

5. Securing a US Visa

Once you get a job offer from a US employee for work in USA, you can apply for a visa. There are many categories and types of visas available for the US as discussed above, so it is important to choose the right one while applying.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 

What are the benefits of working in USA?

People often aim to work in the USA to pursue a better life with benefits and opportunities. Some of the reasons for working in the US include a multicultural environment, vast opportunities, potential for earning high, more healthcare benefits, and better living conditions.

What are some of the most in-demand degrees to secure a job in the USA?

The top three in-demand degrees in the USA that increase your chances of getting a job are Engineering, Medicine, and Business Administration. Engineering includes many specializations, such as electrical, structural, mechanical, and computer science. The role of a physician is well-paid in the USA: A business administration degree has a global scope with great career opportunities in the USA with world-renowned multinational companies like Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, Google, and Facebook.

Which are the best states to work in USA?

Massachusetts, California, New Jersey, and Washington are the best states to work in the USA. These states provide better opportunities with higher minimum wage rates of ~$15 (~₹1,240) per hour. These states are also known for hosting good educational institutions.

Can I work in USA after completing my studies in Ghana?

Yes, you can work in USA after completing your studies in Ghana. In order to get work in USA, first, you will have to apply for a job that suits your qualifications. Once you clear the job interview and receive an offer letter, you can apply for a work visa in the USA.

Can I get a work visa after completing my studies in USA?

Yes, you can work in USA after completing your studies. There are three types of student visas for international students in the USA, F1 Visa, M1 Visa, and J1 Visa. These visas permit students to stay in the US for a limited time after completing their studies. To get temporary work based on your field of study, you can opt for an F1 Visa. This could allow you to stay another year in the USA.

What are some of the popular jobs in the USA?

The popular job sectors where you can easily get a job include the Service, health, IT, and Research and Development sectors

Is the average salary for foreign nationals the same in the USA?

Yes, the average salary of foreign nationals remains the same as native workers in the USA. The USA Minimum Wage system assures that all workers in the country receive the same basic payment, irrespective of race or ethnicity. However, your skills and levels of experience determine the salary you receive.

Can Ghana citizens work in the USA?

Yes, Ghana citizens can work in the USA. Being a foreign national, you must initially clear the visa requirements. This includes bagging a job offer and then applying for a work permit. You can opt for your work visa depending on the nature and duration of your work.

Final Thoughts:

The work culture in the USA is open, with proper communication and direct feedback. Maintain a healthy, job-oriented mindset, which could help you to flourish in your pursuit to get a job in the US.

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