Green Card Program Specialist Jobs
Program Specialist roles in federal agencies, nonprofits, and large organizations regularly qualify for EB-2 and EB-3 green card sponsorship through the PERM labor certification process. Employers document that no qualified U.S. worker is available before filing your I-140 petition, putting you on a path to permanent residency rather than repeated visa renewals.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
The Capabilities, Analysis and Development (CAD) division of Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) has an outstanding opportunity for a Journeyman Program Evaluation Specialist to support a multi-disciplinary team providing data analysis, business intelligence, operations research, and decision support across the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) mission space. As a Journeyman Program Evaluation Specialist, you will independently design and conduct evaluations supporting DHS S&T’s portfolio of research, technology development, and operational capability programs. This role advances the Directorate’s evidence-building requirements, supports annual evaluation plans, and collaborates with program managers to ensure that investments generate measurable outcomes for DHS mission components.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead evaluation design for select S&T programs in alignment with the Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act (Evidence Act) and DHS Evaluation Policy 102-06.
- Develop evaluation questions, methodologies, data collection instruments, and analysis plans.
- Conduct mixed-methods analyses (statistical analysis, qualitative coding, case studies, cost-effectiveness assessments).
- Develop performance metrics tailored to RDT&E programs and technology transition pathways.
- Produce high-quality evaluation reports, briefings, dashboards, and data visualizations for leadership.
- Work with program managers to identify evidence gaps and shape learning agendas.
- Provide recommendations that inform investment decisions, project prioritization, and program improvement.
- Manage contractor support and coordinate with research partners, laboratories, and DHS operational components.
- Ensure ethical, privacy, and security compliance related to DHS-sensitive data and operational information.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Demonstrated experience designing and conducting program or policy evaluations.
- Misty be a US Citizen.
- Bachelors degree with 5-7 years of experience.
- Strong data analysis skills and familiarity with evaluation software or tools.
- Ability to translate complex findings into actionable recommendations.
- Experience with stakeholder engagement in a technical or operational environment.
- Ability to work with multidisciplinary teams.
- Flexibility to know when other methods may be appropriate.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Masters degree or PhD with 3-5 years of experience.
- Knowledge of DHS S&T mission areas, federal RDT&E lifecycles, and technology transition metrics.
- Experience developing evaluation plans required under the Evidence Act (annual evaluation plans, capacity assessments, program reviews).
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work will be remote with occasional travel to client site and potential evaluation sites. Client offices are at DHS’ St. Elizabeth campus in Washington, D.C.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
Pay Ranges: From $100,000.00 - $133,000.00 per year based on years of experience, degree and any special skills and knowledge that you may bring to the position. We mostly reserve the upper half of our compensation bands for internal growth. During all call with one of our recruiters or hiring managers, they can further clarify the salary range and total compensation. ARA offers competitive benefits that address our employees’ needs now and in the future. Learn more about each of our benefits at https://www.ara.com/benefits/
COMPANY INFORMATION
Applied Research Associates, Inc. is an employee-owned international research and engineering company recognized for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. The company, founded in Albuquerque, NM, in 1979, currently employs over 1200 professionals. ARA offices throughout the United States and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense technologies, civil technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement. The corporation also provides sophisticated technical products for environmental site characterization, pavement analysis, and robotics.
At ARA, employees are our greatest assets. The corporation realizes that employee ownership fosters greater creativity and initiative along with higher performance and customer satisfaction levels. ARA gives its employees the tools, training, and opportunities to take more active roles as owners. The culture is challenging; innovation and experimentation are the norm. Employees are eligible for contributions which not only add to the company’s success, but also their own through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). The motto, “Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit” sums up the ARA experience. For additional information and an opportunity to join this unique workplace, please visit our website at www.ara.com.
Please apply at www.careers.ara.com for the Journeyman Program Evaluation Specialist position.
Experience
5 - 7 years: Relevant work experience
Education
Bachelors or better
PREFERRED
Doctor of Philosophy or better
Masters or better
BEHAVIORS
- Thought Provoking: Capable of making others think deeply on a subject
- Team Player: Works well as a member of a group
- Innovative: Consistently introduces new ideas and demonstrates original thinking
- Functional Expert: Considered a thought leader on a subject
- Enthusiastic: Shows intense and eager enjoyment and interest
- Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well
- Dedicated: Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity
MOTIVATIONS
- Self-Starter: Inspired to perform without outside help
- Growth Opportunities: Inspired to perform well by the chance to take on more responsibility
- Goal Completion: Inspired to perform well by the completion of tasks
- Entrepreneurial Spirit: Inspired to perform well by an ability to drive new ventures within the business
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
INTRODUCTION
The Capabilities, Analysis and Development (CAD) division of Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) has an outstanding opportunity for a Journeyman Program Evaluation Specialist to support a multi-disciplinary team providing data analysis, business intelligence, operations research, and decision support across the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) mission space. As a Journeyman Program Evaluation Specialist, you will independently design and conduct evaluations supporting DHS S&T’s portfolio of research, technology development, and operational capability programs. This role advances the Directorate’s evidence-building requirements, supports annual evaluation plans, and collaborates with program managers to ensure that investments generate measurable outcomes for DHS mission components.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead evaluation design for select S&T programs in alignment with the Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act (Evidence Act) and DHS Evaluation Policy 102-06.
- Develop evaluation questions, methodologies, data collection instruments, and analysis plans.
- Conduct mixed-methods analyses (statistical analysis, qualitative coding, case studies, cost-effectiveness assessments).
- Develop performance metrics tailored to RDT&E programs and technology transition pathways.
- Produce high-quality evaluation reports, briefings, dashboards, and data visualizations for leadership.
- Work with program managers to identify evidence gaps and shape learning agendas.
- Provide recommendations that inform investment decisions, project prioritization, and program improvement.
- Manage contractor support and coordinate with research partners, laboratories, and DHS operational components.
- Ensure ethical, privacy, and security compliance related to DHS-sensitive data and operational information.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Demonstrated experience designing and conducting program or policy evaluations.
- Misty be a US Citizen.
- Bachelors degree with 5-7 years of experience.
- Strong data analysis skills and familiarity with evaluation software or tools.
- Ability to translate complex findings into actionable recommendations.
- Experience with stakeholder engagement in a technical or operational environment.
- Ability to work with multidisciplinary teams.
- Flexibility to know when other methods may be appropriate.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Masters degree or PhD with 3-5 years of experience.
- Knowledge of DHS S&T mission areas, federal RDT&E lifecycles, and technology transition metrics.
- Experience developing evaluation plans required under the Evidence Act (annual evaluation plans, capacity assessments, program reviews).
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work will be remote with occasional travel to client site and potential evaluation sites. Client offices are at DHS’ St. Elizabeth campus in Washington, D.C.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
Pay Ranges: From $100,000.00 - $133,000.00 per year based on years of experience, degree and any special skills and knowledge that you may bring to the position. We mostly reserve the upper half of our compensation bands for internal growth. During all call with one of our recruiters or hiring managers, they can further clarify the salary range and total compensation. ARA offers competitive benefits that address our employees’ needs now and in the future. Learn more about each of our benefits at https://www.ara.com/benefits/
COMPANY INFORMATION
Applied Research Associates, Inc. is an employee-owned international research and engineering company recognized for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. The company, founded in Albuquerque, NM, in 1979, currently employs over 1200 professionals. ARA offices throughout the United States and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense technologies, civil technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement. The corporation also provides sophisticated technical products for environmental site characterization, pavement analysis, and robotics.
At ARA, employees are our greatest assets. The corporation realizes that employee ownership fosters greater creativity and initiative along with higher performance and customer satisfaction levels. ARA gives its employees the tools, training, and opportunities to take more active roles as owners. The culture is challenging; innovation and experimentation are the norm. Employees are eligible for contributions which not only add to the company’s success, but also their own through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). The motto, “Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit” sums up the ARA experience. For additional information and an opportunity to join this unique workplace, please visit our website at www.ara.com.
Please apply at www.careers.ara.com for the Journeyman Program Evaluation Specialist position.
Experience
5 - 7 years: Relevant work experience
Education
Bachelors or better
PREFERRED
Doctor of Philosophy or better
Masters or better
BEHAVIORS
- Thought Provoking: Capable of making others think deeply on a subject
- Team Player: Works well as a member of a group
- Innovative: Consistently introduces new ideas and demonstrates original thinking
- Functional Expert: Considered a thought leader on a subject
- Enthusiastic: Shows intense and eager enjoyment and interest
- Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well
- Dedicated: Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity
MOTIVATIONS
- Self-Starter: Inspired to perform without outside help
- Growth Opportunities: Inspired to perform well by the chance to take on more responsibility
- Goal Completion: Inspired to perform well by the completion of tasks
- Entrepreneurial Spirit: Inspired to perform well by an ability to drive new ventures within the business
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Green Card Sponsorship as a Program Specialist
Align your credentials to PERM requirements early
PERM requires your employer to define a minimum education and experience threshold before filing. Make sure your degree field and job duties align precisely, because credentials you acquire after the PERM is filed cannot retroactively strengthen your case.
Target agencies with active PERM filing history
Federal contractors, large nonprofits, and government-adjacent organizations file PERM applications far more frequently than private firms for Program Specialist roles. Search DOL disclosure data to identify employers who have sponsored this exact job title before.
Use Migrate Mate to filter green card sponsoring employers
Migrate Mate surfaces employers with verified EB-2 and EB-3 filing history for Program Specialist positions, so you're applying to organizations that have already navigated PERM for this role rather than ones you'd need to convince from scratch.
Confirm specialty occupation fit before accepting an offer
EB-2 requires a role normally requiring an advanced degree. If a posting lists a bachelor's as sufficient, you may only qualify for EB-3. Clarify with the employer which category they intend to sponsor before you start the PERM process together.
Negotiate PERM initiation timing in your offer letter
PERM can take 12 to 18 months before your I-140 is even filed. Ask employers to commit to a PERM start date in writing during the offer stage so there's no ambiguity about when permanent residency proceedings actually begin.
Verify your prevailing wage tier using OFLC Wage Search
PERM filings fail when offered wages fall below the DOL's prevailing wage for the occupation and location. Run your job title and zip code through OFLC Wage Search before your employer files to catch any wage compliance issues early.
Green Card Program Specialist: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Program Specialist roles typically qualify for EB-2 or EB-3 sponsorship?
Most Program Specialist positions qualify under EB-3 as skilled workers requiring at least a bachelor's degree. Roles demanding a master's degree or roles where the employer can demonstrate the position normally requires an advanced degree may qualify under EB-2. The PERM labor certification filing defines which category applies, based on the actual minimum requirements the employer sets for the position.
How does green card sponsorship differ from H-1B sponsorship for this role?
H-1B visa is a temporary status with a two- to three-year duration and an annual lottery, while EB-2 and EB-3 green card sponsorship leads to permanent residency with no recurring lottery. PERM takes longer upfront, typically 18 to 24 months before I-485 filing, but there is no annual cap for most nationalities at the EB-3 level, so your wait is driven by the labor certification process rather than a lottery outcome.
What is the PERM labor certification process for a Program Specialist position?
Your employer files an Application for Permanent Employment Certification with DOL, demonstrating through a formal recruitment process that no qualified U.S. worker was available for the role. DOL certifies the application, typically within six to eighteen months for regular processing. The certified PERM is then the foundation for your I-140 immigrant petition, filed with USCIS, before you can apply for adjustment of status or an immigrant visa.
How can I find employers who have already sponsored Program Specialist roles for green cards?
Migrate Mate filters employers by verified EB-2 and EB-3 filing history, so you can identify organizations that have completed PERM for Program Specialist positions rather than approaching employers with no sponsorship experience. Targeting proven sponsors significantly shortens your path from offer to petition, since the employer already understands the process and has legal resources in place.
Can I change employers after my green card process has started?
Yes, but the rules depend on how far along your case is. If your I-140 has been approved and your priority date is current or within 180 days of I-485 filing, job portability under AC21 lets you change to a similar role without restarting PERM. If you leave before I-140 approval, your employer typically withdraws the petition and you'd need to begin the process again with a new sponsor.