Principal Green Card Jobs
Principal roles in U.S. school districts and educational organizations qualify for employment-based green card sponsorship through the PERM labor certification process. Employers file on your behalf, and EB-2 or EB-3 classification depends on whether your role requires an advanced degree or a standard four-year credential with relevant experience.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Do you want to help engineer what's next?
Simpson Gumpertz & Heger (SGH) is a national engineering firm committed to delivering holistic advice for our clients' most complex challenges. We leverage our collective and diverse experience, technical expertise, and industry knowledge of structures and building enclosures, advanced analysis, performance & code consulting, and applied science & research to deliver unrivaled, comprehensive solutions that drive superior performance. With 800 employees in offices nationwide, SGH's industry-leading teams constantly seek to advance the meaning of what's possible.
What makes careers at SGH so special?
The only way to advance is to question and explore. Every member of the SGH team is both a learner and an educator, committed to advancing ourselves, our teams, and our industry. Together we are creating a community that never settles for what is but always seeks what could be.
There are many reasons to love SGH:
- Our Work: Our clients trust us to bring clarity and deliver outstanding solutions for their most complex projects.
- Our People: We are bold thinkers and compassionate teammates, committed to lifelong learning and professional growth.
- Our Commitment: We live with integrity and embrace an obligation to give back to our professions and communities.
- Our Contribution: We offer a comprehensive and rich compensation and benefits package with company-paid and voluntary programs to help build healthy lifestyles, strong relationships, and future prosperity.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
We want someone passionate about engineering, business generation, client relationships, problem solving, and people management.
We are seeking a Principal who is passionate about technical excellence, people leadership, and advancing SGH's long-term success. The Principal-level role represents a senior leadership position within SGH. This individual independently leads complex, high-risk projects; generates and sustains significant external work; strengthens key client relationships; mentors staff; and contributes meaningfully to SGH's strategic growth and reputation. This person must maintain professional relationships and involvement (associations, committees, etc.) in their field of technical expertise. Essential duties include climbing ladders and scaffolds, working at significant heights, and traveling by car, train/subway, and air to multiple job sites. This is a primarily in-office position located in Los Angeles, CA, with the potential for flexible working hours.
What You'll Be Doing
- Lead and direct complex, high-profile projects involving new design and the evaluation, investigation, and repair of existing buildings, serving as Principal-in-Charge where appropriate.
- Independently manage significant project portfolios, ensuring sound judgment in project selection, contracting, scope definition, risk management, billing oversight, and fee collection.
- Generate, execute, and sustain external work consistent with Principal-level expectations, demonstrating strong business acumen and market presence.
- Pursue and develop new markets, clients, or practice areas that expand SGH's technical breadth and strategic reach.
- Serve as a trusted advisor and primary client contact on major engagements, building long-term relationships aligned with SGH's values and professional standards.
- Exercise sound judgment in evaluating opportunities and safeguarding SGH's reputation in the marketplace.
- Provide senior technical leadership in the investigation and remediation of complex building envelope malfunctions and failures.
- Direct and oversee design and construction-phase services, including consultation to engineers, architects, contractors, and construction administration support.
- Lead multidisciplinary teams across divisions, offices, and practice areas, fostering collaboration and an all-SGH mindset.
- Mentor, develop, and create growth opportunities for staff across reporting lines, conducting meaningful performance feedback and supporting professional advancement.
- Perform peer reviews of plans, specifications, proposals, and technical deliverables to ensure excellence and consistency with SGH's standards.
- Support litigation, claims, and expert services efforts by providing authoritative technical insight and professional judgment when required.
- Demonstrate strong leadership presence through industry involvement, including publications, professional societies, speaking engagements, and committee participation that enhances SGH's visibility and reputation.
- Actively promote all SGH professional services and engage the best SGH expertise to serve clients effectively.
- Demonstrate commitment to SGH's long-term success, including participation in firm leadership initiatives and shareholding consistent with firm policy.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, or Architectural Engineering (advanced degree preferred) with 15+ years of experience in an architectural/engineering or construction management environment.
- Professional Engineer (P.E.) or Registered Architect (RA) required (as applicable to discipline) in the state of California.
- Demonstrated multi-year experience independently directing complex projects and serving as Principal-in-Charge or equivalent leadership role.
- Proven record of generating and sustaining significant external work and independently attracting clients.
- Established professional reputation as a first-rate provider in the marketplace, respected by clients and industry peers.
- Strong business judgment, risk awareness, and strategic decision-making capability.
- Demonstrated leadership ability, including mentoring and developing staff across multiple teams and offices.
- Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills; ability to serve as lead author and reviewer of complex technical documents and proposals.
- Commitment to ethical practice, quality assurance/quality control procedures, and safeguarding SGH's professional reputation.
- Ability to travel to project sites as required and maintain an acceptable Motor Vehicle Report.
SGH is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal opportunities to all job applicants and employees. We consider all qualified applicants and encourage individuals with disabilities and protected veterans to apply. If the application system is not accessible to you, or you need a reasonable accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email jobs@sgh.com or call 781-907-9000 and ask for Human Resources.
INTRODUCTION
Do you want to help engineer what's next?
Simpson Gumpertz & Heger (SGH) is a national engineering firm committed to delivering holistic advice for our clients' most complex challenges. We leverage our collective and diverse experience, technical expertise, and industry knowledge of structures and building enclosures, advanced analysis, performance & code consulting, and applied science & research to deliver unrivaled, comprehensive solutions that drive superior performance. With 800 employees in offices nationwide, SGH's industry-leading teams constantly seek to advance the meaning of what's possible.
What makes careers at SGH so special?
The only way to advance is to question and explore. Every member of the SGH team is both a learner and an educator, committed to advancing ourselves, our teams, and our industry. Together we are creating a community that never settles for what is but always seeks what could be.
There are many reasons to love SGH:
- Our Work: Our clients trust us to bring clarity and deliver outstanding solutions for their most complex projects.
- Our People: We are bold thinkers and compassionate teammates, committed to lifelong learning and professional growth.
- Our Commitment: We live with integrity and embrace an obligation to give back to our professions and communities.
- Our Contribution: We offer a comprehensive and rich compensation and benefits package with company-paid and voluntary programs to help build healthy lifestyles, strong relationships, and future prosperity.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
We want someone passionate about engineering, business generation, client relationships, problem solving, and people management.
We are seeking a Principal who is passionate about technical excellence, people leadership, and advancing SGH's long-term success. The Principal-level role represents a senior leadership position within SGH. This individual independently leads complex, high-risk projects; generates and sustains significant external work; strengthens key client relationships; mentors staff; and contributes meaningfully to SGH's strategic growth and reputation. This person must maintain professional relationships and involvement (associations, committees, etc.) in their field of technical expertise. Essential duties include climbing ladders and scaffolds, working at significant heights, and traveling by car, train/subway, and air to multiple job sites. This is a primarily in-office position located in Los Angeles, CA, with the potential for flexible working hours.
What You'll Be Doing
- Lead and direct complex, high-profile projects involving new design and the evaluation, investigation, and repair of existing buildings, serving as Principal-in-Charge where appropriate.
- Independently manage significant project portfolios, ensuring sound judgment in project selection, contracting, scope definition, risk management, billing oversight, and fee collection.
- Generate, execute, and sustain external work consistent with Principal-level expectations, demonstrating strong business acumen and market presence.
- Pursue and develop new markets, clients, or practice areas that expand SGH's technical breadth and strategic reach.
- Serve as a trusted advisor and primary client contact on major engagements, building long-term relationships aligned with SGH's values and professional standards.
- Exercise sound judgment in evaluating opportunities and safeguarding SGH's reputation in the marketplace.
- Provide senior technical leadership in the investigation and remediation of complex building envelope malfunctions and failures.
- Direct and oversee design and construction-phase services, including consultation to engineers, architects, contractors, and construction administration support.
- Lead multidisciplinary teams across divisions, offices, and practice areas, fostering collaboration and an all-SGH mindset.
- Mentor, develop, and create growth opportunities for staff across reporting lines, conducting meaningful performance feedback and supporting professional advancement.
- Perform peer reviews of plans, specifications, proposals, and technical deliverables to ensure excellence and consistency with SGH's standards.
- Support litigation, claims, and expert services efforts by providing authoritative technical insight and professional judgment when required.
- Demonstrate strong leadership presence through industry involvement, including publications, professional societies, speaking engagements, and committee participation that enhances SGH's visibility and reputation.
- Actively promote all SGH professional services and engage the best SGH expertise to serve clients effectively.
- Demonstrate commitment to SGH's long-term success, including participation in firm leadership initiatives and shareholding consistent with firm policy.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, or Architectural Engineering (advanced degree preferred) with 15+ years of experience in an architectural/engineering or construction management environment.
- Professional Engineer (P.E.) or Registered Architect (RA) required (as applicable to discipline) in the state of California.
- Demonstrated multi-year experience independently directing complex projects and serving as Principal-in-Charge or equivalent leadership role.
- Proven record of generating and sustaining significant external work and independently attracting clients.
- Established professional reputation as a first-rate provider in the marketplace, respected by clients and industry peers.
- Strong business judgment, risk awareness, and strategic decision-making capability.
- Demonstrated leadership ability, including mentoring and developing staff across multiple teams and offices.
- Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills; ability to serve as lead author and reviewer of complex technical documents and proposals.
- Commitment to ethical practice, quality assurance/quality control procedures, and safeguarding SGH's professional reputation.
- Ability to travel to project sites as required and maintain an acceptable Motor Vehicle Report.
SGH is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal opportunities to all job applicants and employees. We consider all qualified applicants and encourage individuals with disabilities and protected veterans to apply. If the application system is not accessible to you, or you need a reasonable accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email jobs@sgh.com or call 781-907-9000 and ask for Human Resources.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Green Card Sponsorship in Principal
Translate your credentials before applying
Foreign teaching licenses, administrative certifications, and graduate degrees need official evaluation by a NACES-approved credential evaluator before PERM filing begins. Having equivalency documentation ready prevents delays when your sponsoring employer submits the labor certification.
Target districts with PERM filing history
Search Migrate Mate to identify school districts and charter networks that have previously sponsored Principal roles through the PERM process. Employers with a filing record have existing legal counsel and internal HR workflows, making sponsorship a realistic conversation.
Understand how EB-3 classification affects your timeline
Most Principal positions require a bachelor's degree plus experience, placing them in EB-3. For most countries except India and China, EB-3 priority dates are current or near-current, meaning your green card process can move faster than many professionals expect.
Verify your role qualifies as a specialty occupation
Pull the O*NET profile for Education Administrators, Elementary and Secondary School to confirm your job duties align with the standard definition. PERM filings must document that the position normally requires a specific degree field, not just any bachelor's credential.
Negotiate sponsorship commitment before accepting an offer
Ask the hiring district to confirm in writing that they'll initiate PERM within 90 days of your start date. Principals often change roles due to district restructuring, and a documented commitment protects you if leadership turnover delays the filing.
Use the OFLC Wage Search to benchmark your offered salary
DOL requires your employer to pay at least the prevailing wage for your location and job level during PERM. Run the OFLC Wage Search yourself before your offer letter is finalized so you can flag any shortfall before it creates a PERM deficiency.
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Find Principal JobsPrincipal Green Card Sponsorship: Frequently Asked Questions
Can a U.S. school district sponsor a Principal for a green card?
Yes. Public and private school districts regularly file PERM labor certifications for Principal positions. The employer submits the application to DOL, demonstrating no qualified U.S. workers were available. Once PERM is certified, the district files an I-140 petition with USCIS, and you pursue adjustment of status or consular processing for lawful permanent residency.
How does green card sponsorship differ from H-1B sponsorship for a Principal role?
H-1B is a temporary work visa with an annual cap and a lottery for most applicants. A PERM-based green card leads to permanent residency with no annual quota at the EB-3 level for most nationalities. The process takes longer, typically two to four years, but the outcome is lawful permanent resident status rather than a visa you must renew.
Does a Principal role qualify for EB-2 or EB-3 classification?
Most Principal positions qualify under EB-3 because they require a bachelor's degree in education or a related field plus administrative experience. EB-2 applies if the role formally requires a master's degree or equivalent, which some districts specify for senior leadership positions. Your employer's attorney determines the correct classification based on the actual job requirements documented in the PERM application.
Where can I find school districts that sponsor Principal roles for green cards?
Migrate Mate lets you search Principal job listings filtered by employers with employment-based green card sponsorship history. Targeting districts that have previously filed PERM applications significantly improves your chances, since those employers already understand the process and have legal infrastructure in place to support your case.
What happens to my green card case if I change districts before PERM is approved?
If you leave the sponsoring district before the I-140 is approved, the PERM petition is generally abandoned and the process restarts with any new employer. Once an I-140 is approved and your priority date is current, AC21 portability rules allow you to change to a similar role without losing your place in the queue, provided your I-485 has been pending for at least 180 days.
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