Entry Level J-1 Visa Jobs
Entry level J-1 visa roles are structured differently from standard employment: sponsors coordinate directly with your program category, whether you're coming in as a trainee or intern. That built-in structure means more employers are open to J-1 holders at the entry level than you'd find with other work visas.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Anticipated SPED Teacher (PreK-3)
Job Number: P177231
Posting Date: Nov 2, 2026, 3:40:59 PM
Primary Location: Far South Side-630 East 131st Street (Ira Aldridge Elem)
Salary Range: $64,469.94 to $82,839.39
ABOUT CPS: We are an urban district on the rise. The support and resources we provide to our staff enables them to make the greatest difference where it’s needed most. Be a part of the change. Our mission is to provide a high quality public education for every child, in every neighborhood, that prepares each for success in college, career and civic life.
Position Title: Diverse Learners Teacher
Under the supervision of the school principal, teachers are responsible for the instruction, progress, tracking, and discipline of all students in assigned classes, and performs other duties as assigned and required.
Specialty Functions:
- A valid teaching license issued by the Illinois State Board of Education, endorsed in LBS1
- Set goals for the individualized education plan that are achievable and comparable to a student's peers in accordance with the State of Illinois IEP guidelines
- Work collaboratively with case managers, counselors, and general education teachers to determine instructional and social needs of students that ensure success while also participating on the multidisciplinary team to promote students' wellbeing
Essential Functions:
Within the context of the CPS Framework for Teaching, all teachers should utilize a continuous improvement process that refines his or her teaching practice. Each teacher should...
- Demonstrate a deep understanding of content, pedagogy, and student knowledge, in order to select learning objectives and design coherent instruction and assessments
- Create an environment for effective student learning and growth by establishing a respectful classroom culture with strong management of student behaviors and classroom procedures that promotes and appreciates the cultural, racial, and linguistic diversity of students
- Respond to the needs of all students by designing engaging classroom instruction with appropriately challenging questions, communication and discussion techniques, and instructionally aligned assessments
- Exhibit excellent oral and written communication skills, strong interpersonal skills, and exercise sound, professional judgment especially in interactions with administration, colleagues, families, and students
- Prioritize student safety through consistent implementation of the Student Code of Conduct and school wide systems of management and discipline
- Personalize student learning through mastery and innovative use of curriculum supplements and technology resources, as available
- Advocate for the district’s vision and commit to our district’s common themes of equity, cultural competence, high expectations, developmental appropriateness, attention to individual students (including those with special needs), appropriate use of technology, and student assumption of responsibility
Minimum Qualifications & Requirements:
- A bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution of higher education
- Completion of the CPS online application and teaching profile at cps.edu/teach
- A valid teaching license issued by the Illinois State Board of Education, with the appropriate endorsement(s) for the role - information on obtaining a valid teacher license can be found at isbe.net/licensure
Physical Requirements:
- Light Work: Exerting up to twenty (20) pounds of force occasionally, or up to ten (10) pounds of force frequently, or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.
Employment Expectations:
- As a condition of employment with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), an employee must be an actual resident of the City of Chicago or be willing to become a resident within six months of the date of his/her employment with Chicago Public Schools. For certain high-needs positions, exemptions to this policy may be available.
- All new hires must satisfactorily complete all CPS onboarding requirements which include, but are not limited to, passing a tuberculosis test, drug test and state and federal criminal background checks. CPS is a drug and alcohol free workplace.
It is the policy of the Board to prohibit unlawful discrimination, harassment and retaliation on the basis of any classifications protected by the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution of the State of Illinois and applicable federal, state or local laws or ordinances, including but not limited to discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex (including pregnancy discrimination), gender identity/expression, age, religion, disability, national origin or sexual orientation. Concerns or Inquiries should be made to the Equal Opportunity Compliance Office Administrator at (773) 553-1013. Inquiries concerning the application of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and related regulations concerning sex discrimination also should be referred to the CPS Equal Opportunity Compliance Office (773) 553-1195.
Benefits:
Health & Wellness: Your Care, Your Choice
CPS is committed to providing comprehensive health coverage to our employees and their eligible dependents. You'll have access to a variety of choices to best fit your needs:
- Medical Plan Options
- Pharmacy
- Dental
- Vision
- Behavioral Health & EAP
- Employee Wellness Program
Financial Security: Planning for Today and Tomorrow
We understand the importance of financial stability, which is why CPS offers strong retirement and savings options:
- Basic Life Insurance
- Life and Disability Insurance
- Pension Plans
- Supplemental Retirement Plans (403(b) and 457(b))
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
- Spot Pet Insurance
Work-Life Balance: Supporting Your Personal and Professional Life
CPS values the well-being of its employees and offers competitive paid time off policies:
- Paid Leave
- Sick Leave
- Vacation Days
- Parental Leaves
- Short-Term Disability
- Religious Holidays
- Leaves
Reference the Chicago Public Schools: A Comprehensive Benefits Overview or the benefits handbook for comprehensive details.
INTRODUCTION
Anticipated SPED Teacher (PreK-3)
Job Number: P177231
Posting Date: Nov 2, 2026, 3:40:59 PM
Primary Location: Far South Side-630 East 131st Street (Ira Aldridge Elem)
Salary Range: $64,469.94 to $82,839.39
ABOUT CPS: We are an urban district on the rise. The support and resources we provide to our staff enables them to make the greatest difference where it’s needed most. Be a part of the change. Our mission is to provide a high quality public education for every child, in every neighborhood, that prepares each for success in college, career and civic life.
Position Title: Diverse Learners Teacher
Under the supervision of the school principal, teachers are responsible for the instruction, progress, tracking, and discipline of all students in assigned classes, and performs other duties as assigned and required.
Specialty Functions:
- A valid teaching license issued by the Illinois State Board of Education, endorsed in LBS1
- Set goals for the individualized education plan that are achievable and comparable to a student's peers in accordance with the State of Illinois IEP guidelines
- Work collaboratively with case managers, counselors, and general education teachers to determine instructional and social needs of students that ensure success while also participating on the multidisciplinary team to promote students' wellbeing
Essential Functions:
Within the context of the CPS Framework for Teaching, all teachers should utilize a continuous improvement process that refines his or her teaching practice. Each teacher should...
- Demonstrate a deep understanding of content, pedagogy, and student knowledge, in order to select learning objectives and design coherent instruction and assessments
- Create an environment for effective student learning and growth by establishing a respectful classroom culture with strong management of student behaviors and classroom procedures that promotes and appreciates the cultural, racial, and linguistic diversity of students
- Respond to the needs of all students by designing engaging classroom instruction with appropriately challenging questions, communication and discussion techniques, and instructionally aligned assessments
- Exhibit excellent oral and written communication skills, strong interpersonal skills, and exercise sound, professional judgment especially in interactions with administration, colleagues, families, and students
- Prioritize student safety through consistent implementation of the Student Code of Conduct and school wide systems of management and discipline
- Personalize student learning through mastery and innovative use of curriculum supplements and technology resources, as available
- Advocate for the district’s vision and commit to our district’s common themes of equity, cultural competence, high expectations, developmental appropriateness, attention to individual students (including those with special needs), appropriate use of technology, and student assumption of responsibility
Minimum Qualifications & Requirements:
- A bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution of higher education
- Completion of the CPS online application and teaching profile at cps.edu/teach
- A valid teaching license issued by the Illinois State Board of Education, with the appropriate endorsement(s) for the role - information on obtaining a valid teacher license can be found at isbe.net/licensure
Physical Requirements:
- Light Work: Exerting up to twenty (20) pounds of force occasionally, or up to ten (10) pounds of force frequently, or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.
Employment Expectations:
- As a condition of employment with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), an employee must be an actual resident of the City of Chicago or be willing to become a resident within six months of the date of his/her employment with Chicago Public Schools. For certain high-needs positions, exemptions to this policy may be available.
- All new hires must satisfactorily complete all CPS onboarding requirements which include, but are not limited to, passing a tuberculosis test, drug test and state and federal criminal background checks. CPS is a drug and alcohol free workplace.
It is the policy of the Board to prohibit unlawful discrimination, harassment and retaliation on the basis of any classifications protected by the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution of the State of Illinois and applicable federal, state or local laws or ordinances, including but not limited to discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex (including pregnancy discrimination), gender identity/expression, age, religion, disability, national origin or sexual orientation. Concerns or Inquiries should be made to the Equal Opportunity Compliance Office Administrator at (773) 553-1013. Inquiries concerning the application of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and related regulations concerning sex discrimination also should be referred to the CPS Equal Opportunity Compliance Office (773) 553-1195.
Benefits:
Health & Wellness: Your Care, Your Choice
CPS is committed to providing comprehensive health coverage to our employees and their eligible dependents. You'll have access to a variety of choices to best fit your needs:
- Medical Plan Options
- Pharmacy
- Dental
- Vision
- Behavioral Health & EAP
- Employee Wellness Program
Financial Security: Planning for Today and Tomorrow
We understand the importance of financial stability, which is why CPS offers strong retirement and savings options:
- Basic Life Insurance
- Life and Disability Insurance
- Pension Plans
- Supplemental Retirement Plans (403(b) and 457(b))
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
- Spot Pet Insurance
Work-Life Balance: Supporting Your Personal and Professional Life
CPS values the well-being of its employees and offers competitive paid time off policies:
- Paid Leave
- Sick Leave
- Vacation Days
- Parental Leaves
- Short-Term Disability
- Religious Holidays
- Leaves
Reference the Chicago Public Schools: A Comprehensive Benefits Overview or the benefits handbook for comprehensive details.
See all 2,449+ Entry Level J-1 Visa Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Entry Level J-1 Visa Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding J-1 Visa Jobs
Match your program category before applying
J-1 intern and trainee categories have different eligibility rules. Trainees need at least one year of post-degree work experience or five years in the field. Applying to the wrong category wastes time and can disqualify you before the employer reviews your credentials.
Find employers with designated sponsor relationships
Not every employer can sponsor a J-1 directly. They must work through a USCIS-designated exchange sponsor organization. Prioritize companies that already list an Exchange Visitor Program sponsor, since starting that relationship from scratch adds weeks to your timeline.
Search Migrate Mate for J-1 verified listings
Use Migrate Mate to filter entry level roles by employers with confirmed J-1 sponsorship history. That narrows your list to companies already familiar with the sponsor structure, so you're not explaining the program from scratch in early conversations.
Build a training plan before your first interview
Your sponsor requires a signed Training or Internship Placement Plan (DS-7002) before issuing your DS-2019. Arriving at interviews with a draft plan outline signals readiness and accelerates the sponsor filing timeline once an offer is made.
Confirm the 30-day window before your start date
You can enter the U.S. no earlier than 30 days before your program start date listed on the DS-2019. Employers sometimes assume you can start immediately after a visa stamp. Clarify this early so your onboarding date reflects the actual legal entry window.
Understand the 30-day grace period at program end
After your J-1 program ends, you have a 30-day grace period to depart or change status. Employers may offer to extend or convert your role, but that requires a new DS-2019 or a separate petition. Don't assume continued employment automatically extends your authorized stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find entry level jobs that offer J-1 sponsorship?
Migrate Mate lets you filter specifically for employers with J-1 sponsorship history, which saves you from cold-applying to companies that have never worked with an Exchange Visitor Program sponsor. At the entry level, hospitality, engineering, finance, and research roles are common J-1 categories, but availability depends on your specific program type and the designated sponsor your employer works through.
Can my employer sponsor my J-1 visa directly?
No. J-1 visas require a USCIS-designated exchange sponsor organization to issue your DS-2019 and manage program compliance. Your employer partners with that sponsor, but cannot act as one independently. Before accepting an offer, confirm the company already has a relationship with a designated sponsor, or that they're willing to establish one.
What is the difference between a J-1 intern and a J-1 trainee at the entry level?
J-1 interns must be currently enrolled in, or have graduated within 12 months from, a post-secondary academic program. J-1 trainees must have either a degree plus one year of relevant work experience outside the U.S., or five years of full-time experience in the field. Entry level applicants fresh from graduation typically qualify as interns, not trainees, so applying under the wrong category is a common early mistake.
Is there a cap on how many J-1 visas are issued each year?
The J-1 Exchange Visitor Program does not have a fixed annual numerical cap the way H-1B visa does. However, some occupational categories and sponsor organizations have program-specific limits or quotas set by USCIS. Availability is also constrained by how many designated sponsor organizations operate in your field, which can effectively limit how many positions are open at any given time.
What happens if my entry level J-1 role ends before the program date on my DS-2019?
If your employment ends early, your sponsor must report the termination to SEVIS, which changes your record status and starts your 30-day grace period immediately. You won't automatically receive the full grace period remaining on your DS-2019. If you're looking to transition to a new role or sponsor, that process needs to start before the employment ends, not after.