Skilled Immigrant Certification Program

Program Overview

ABN’s Skilled Immigrant Certification Program supports work-authorized skilled immigrants who are ready to continue their careers in Massachusetts. Our program verifies your English proficiency, education, work history, and professional skills while preparing you with the tools and training employers expect.

Support Received 

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Confirm work authorization and degree equivalency.

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Strengthen English, digital skills, and project management skills.

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Create US-ready resumes, cover letters, and LinkedIn profiles.

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Practice interviewing and build confidence with career advisors.

Attend job fairs and networking events from our employer partners.

Program Stages

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Apply & Join a Cohort: Get matched with a supportive peer group.

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Language Assessment: Get support for meeting a professional English standard.

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Verify Credentials: ABN confirms work authorization, degree equivalency, and work history.

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Build Skills: Strengthen English, digital skills, and workplace essential skills.

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Learn Project Management: Complete a project management course and capstone project with real projects from our employer partners.

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Career Readiness: Tailor resumes, cover letters, and LinkedIn profiles, and practice interviews, with support from experienced advisors.

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Earn Certification: Receive the ABN Certification Report, proving to employers that you are ready and qualified to succeed in the US workplace.

Program Eligibility

The Skilled Immigrant Certification Program is designed for skilled immigrants who are ready to take the next step in their US career journey.

You are eligible if you:

  • Are work-authorized in the United States.
  • Hold an international college degree or equivalent professional training.
  • Have professional work experience outside the US in your field of study or a related industry.
  • Are currently living and seeking employment in Massachusetts in your professional field.
  • Have intermediate to advanced English proficiency (participants who need additional support may be referred to English training partners).

How To Apply

This program is here to help you prove your qualifications, strengthen your skills, and connect with employers who value your talent. Apply now to join this program. Questions can be directed to Krithi Vachaspati, Program Manager, at krithi@africanbn.org.

Our Career Advisors

Our team is made up of volunteer career advisors committed to supporting the skilled immigrant population in Massachusetts.

Idizinho Vaz has more than seven years of experience in the financial services industry. Currently, he’s a Partner at New York Life. He believes that volunteering with African Bridge Network has not only allowed him to give back but has also enriched his understanding of the importance of collective efforts in creating lasting change. Together, we’re building bridges to a brighter, more inclusive future.

Nesly Peña is a skilled researcher and analyst with a focus on workforce development, education, and the advancement of equitable systems. With a background in economics and public and social policy, she has a strong foundation in mixed-methods research, program evaluation, and survey analysis. Her work is guided by a commitment to inclusion and systems-level change, particularly around the integration of immigrant communities into education and the labor market.

Imane Laamlaoui Roussel is a well-versed program director with a demonstrated history in the finance industry. Imane worked 17 years in international and fast paced environments where she helped organizations build sustainable business along with diverse, cohesive, and performing teams. Passionate about empowering people and committed to achieving global goals, she harnesses her expertise to act for positive impact and contribute to meaningful organization’s missions.

Marcus Anum is a Product Manager and Data Analyst with a track record of driving success in the fin-tech, consulting, and oil & energy industries. He is enthusiastic about integrating cutting-edge AI and machine learning technologies into product development. Expertise includes market research, user-centric design, agile methodologies, and cross-functional team leadership, ensuring seamless collaboration between development, marketing, and sales teams for delivering customer-centric products.

Omotoyosi (Toyosi) Saint-Cyr is a Project Manager with over eight years of experience leading successful social impact initiatives in public health, education, and workforce development across the US and internationally. Passionate about leveraging data to create sustainable solutions, she holds a Master’s in Sustainable International Development and enjoys traveling. Toyosi is also a licensed Realtor in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, helping individuals and families navigate their real estate journeys with confidence.

As a career advisor with a Master’s in Food Science and a Diploma in Business Management, Olga Faraniuk brings a unique blend of academic knowledge and extensive professional experience in business management, accounting, and bookkeeping. She is passionate about helping professionals—especially immigrants and international graduates—navigate the complexities of the US job market.

Bharghavi Amuru has a Master’s degree in both Food Science and Health Management and Leadership from Northeastern University. As an immigrant, Bharhhavi understands the challenges skilled immigrants face when navigating a new country, breaking into the job market, and restarting their careers. She is honored to contribute her time to ABN’s noble cause, supporting skilled immigrants on their journey.