How To Get Remote Jobs In The US From Nigeria

Getting a remote job in the US while living in Nigeria isn’t just a dream anymore — it’s actually happening for thousands of professionals across tech, marketing, customer support, design, writing, and many other fields.

I know because I’ve seen it firsthand. With the rise of remote work, many US companies are open to hiring skilled people from anywhere in the world, and Nigerians are standing out for the right reasons — talent, resilience, and drive.

But let’s be honest. It’s not always easy. You might be wondering where to even start, how to get companies to notice you, or what you need to land one of these jobs. That’s what I’ll break down here — step by step, without fluff or complicated jargon.

Let’s talk about how you can get a remote job in the US from Nigeria.

1. Understand What US Companies Are Looking For

Most US companies hiring remotely are not doing you a favor. They want real value. That’s good news, because it means if you have the right skills, you stand a chance.

What they usually look for:

Strong communication skills in English
Ability to work independently
Proven experience in your field
Good time management
Tech-savviness (being comfortable with tools like Zoom, Slack, Trello, GitHub, Notion, etc.)

If you can show that you have these, you’re already ahead of the crowd.

2. Pick The Right Field

Some industries are much easier to get remote jobs in than others. Here are a few where Nigerians are doing well:

Software Development (Frontend, Backend, Mobile, DevOps)
Design (UI/UX, Product Design, Graphics)
Digital Marketing (SEO, Paid Ads, Content, Email Marketing)
Customer Support & Virtual Assistance
Writing & Editing
Data Analysis & Data Science

If you’re in one of these areas, great. If not, think about how your skills might be transferable, or how you can upskill.

3. Build q Strong Online Presence

This part matters a lot more than many people think. Here’s what you should focus on:

LinkedIn Profile

Use a clean, professional photo.
Your headline should be clear. Something like “Frontend Developer | React | 3+ Years Experience” is better than just “Software Engineer.”
Fill out your experience properly. Use bullet points and show what results you achieved.

Portfolio (for creatives and tech people)

Use sites like GitHub, Behance, or Dribbble, depending on your field.
Show real work. Side projects, freelance jobs, open-source contributions — they all count.

Personal Website (optional, but powerful)

Tools like Carrd or Notion can help you set one up quickly.

4. Start Applying – But Smartly

Blindly applying to hundreds of jobs won’t work. Here’s a better way:

Freelance Platforms That Can Lead To Full-Time Work

Upwork
Fiverr
Toptal (very selective)
PeoplePerHour

If you’re not getting replies, tweak your resume or application. Don’t send the same generic message to everyone.

5. Craft A Strong Resume + Cover Letter

For US remote jobs, your resume should:

Be short (1 page for most roles)
Be results-oriented (focus on achievements, not just tasks)
Avoid Nigerian slang or abbreviations that US employers won’t understand
Be in PDF format

Tools like Enhancv or NovoResume can help you build one easily.

Your cover letter should speak directly to the job and show you understand the company’s needs. Don’t just talk about yourself — talk about how you can help them.

6. Network Your Way In

Sometimes it’s not about what you know, but who knows you.

Here’s how to start networking without being awkward:

Comment meaningfully on LinkedIn posts in your field.
Send DMs to people working in companies you’re interested in. Don’t beg for a job. Ask a smart question, or share something valuable.
Join communities — like TechCabal, DevCareer, or niche Slack groups related to your field.

Opportunities often come through people, not job boards.

7. Understand Time Zones & Payment

Most US companies will expect you to overlap with their work hours. This might mean working in the evenings (Nigerian time). Be open to it.

For payment:

Use Payoneer or Wise to receive international payments.
Avoid PayPal for now — it’s not fully functional for receiving money in Nigeria.

8. Be Prepared For Interviews

Most interviews will happen on Zoom or Google Meet. Practice speaking clearly and confidently. You don’t need an American accent — just be clear and professional.

If you’re applying for tech roles, you might be given technical tests (on platforms like HackerRank or Codility). Practice beforehand.

Use tools like Interviewing.io or Pramp for mock interviews.

9. Red Flags To Avoid

Be careful with:

Fake companies offering jobs that require “training fees”
Companies that ask for personal documents too early
Jobs that sound too good to be true

If something feels off, trust your gut and double-check.

10. Keep Improving

Even if you don’t land a job immediately, keep learning and improving. Use free and paid platforms like:

The more skilled and visible you are, the higher your chances.

FAQs

Can I get a US remote job without a degree?

Yes. Many companies care more about skills and experience than formal education. Having a strong portfolio matters more.

Do I need a US work visa?

No. If you’re working remotely and getting paid abroad, you don’t need a visa. But always follow Nigerian tax laws and international regulations.

How long does it take to land a job?

It varies. Some people get lucky in weeks, others take months. Focus on building your profile, networking, and staying consistent.

What about internet and electricity issues?

It’s something you’ll need to plan for. Invest in reliable internet (e.g. fiber or MiFi backups), a power bank or inverter, and have a plan B for outages.

Final Thoughts

There’s no magic formula, but getting a remote job in the US from Nigeria is possible. You just need the right skills, a solid online presence, and the determination to keep showing up — even when you don’t get replies right away.

Thousands of Nigerians are working remotely for companies in the US today. If they can do it, so can you.

So what’s stopping you from sending out your first remote job application today?