Green Card Travel Specialist Jobs
Travel Specialist green card sponsorship follows the EB-2 or EB-3 employment-based path, requiring your employer to complete PERM labor certification with the Department of Labor before filing an I-140 immigrant petition. Roles coordinating corporate travel programs, managing vendor contracts, or advising international itineraries regularly qualify under EB-3 skilled worker or EB-2 advanced-degree categories.
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Get Access To All JobsAbout Kirkland & Ellis
At Kirkland & Ellis, we don’t just meet the standard for legal excellence — we set it. Our culture is built on teamwork, ingenuity and an unwavering commitment to continuous growth. We tackle the most sophisticated legal challenges with bold ideas and innovative solutions, powered by the exceptional experience and ambition of our 7,000+ people, including 4,000+ attorneys, across 24 offices worldwide. Our dedicated professionals share our lawyers’ commitment to excellence and show up each day to do meaningful work that helps drive global business, investment and innovation forward.
What You’ll Do
Are you a detail-oriented events professional who thrives on creating exceptional experiences and managing high-profile events from concept through completion?
Kirkland & Ellis is seeking a Travel, Meetings & Events Specialist within the Travel, Meetings & Events (TME) team of the Firm’s Marketing & Business Development (MBD) Department in Chicago. In this role, you’ll plan and execute a wide range of internal and external events, including seminars, conferences, client dinners, receptions, retreats and virtual programs.
Reporting to the Senior TME Manager, you’ll partner with attorneys, MBD professionals, and other internal stakeholders to lead events from strategy and planning through execution while establishing and implementing best practices. The MBD team operates from a team-first mindset and values honesty, diligence, collaboration and open communication.
This is an exciting opportunity for a proactive, solutions-oriented professional who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment, navigating complex challenges, and building trusted partnerships across the Firm.
- Event Planning & Execution: Lead the successful planning, coordination and delivery of internal and external meetings and events from inception through post-event reporting.
- Project Management: Manage timelines, logistics, stakeholder communications and event deliverables while balancing multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Stakeholder Partnership: Collaborate with attorneys, MBD professionals, Office Administration, Talent teams and other internal partners to align event goals and execution.
- Venue Sourcing & Contracting: Support site selection, develop requests for proposals (RFPs) and assist with vendor and venue contract negotiations.
- Registration Management: Coordinate registration processes, RSVP tracking, attendee communications and post-event attendance reporting using Cvent and other tools.
- Logistics Coordination: Manage food and beverage, audiovisual services, technology, transportation, giveaways, signage, nametags and other event requirements.
- On-Site Event Support: Serve as a lead on-site resource, overseeing registration, vendor coordination, event flow and troubleshooting to ensure a seamless attendee experience.
- Budget & Financial Management: Prepare cost estimates, monitor event expenses, reconcile budgets, process invoices and support cost-effective event delivery.
- Reporting & Analysis: Develop post-event recaps, attendance reports, budget summaries and insights to measure event success and support future planning.
- Continuous Improvement: Help establish and implement best practices that enhance event quality, efficiency and stakeholder satisfaction.
What You’ll Bring
- Bachelor’s degree required with CMP (Certified Meeting Planner) or CSEP (Certified Special Events Professional) designation a plus; 8+ years of experience in event planning.
- Event Management Expertise: Demonstrated success managing complex events, coordinating logistics and delivering exceptional attendee experiences.
- Contract Negotiation Skills: Experience negotiating and managing contracts, vendor relationships, budgets and event-related risk while balancing business objectives and cost considerations.
- Project Management Strength: Strong organizational and project management skills, including the ability to prioritize competing demands, manage multiple initiatives simultaneously and execute with exceptional attention to detail.
- Communication & Relationship Building: Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact professionally with senior attorneys, clients, staff and guests of the Firm.
- Initiative, Problem Solving & Judgment: Demonstrated ability to take initiative, navigate ambiguity, anticipate challenges, evaluate options, exercise sound judgment and make informed decisions while independently driving priorities forward in high-pressure, deadline-driven scenarios.
- Client Service Focus: Excellent client service orientation and relationship-building skills, with the ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Professional Presence: Demonstrated executive presence, business acumen, diplomacy and discretion when handling sensitive business matters and interacting with senior stakeholders.
- Industry Knowledge: Knowledge of hospitality, hotel sourcing, travel and meeting management practices, industry trends and supplier networks.
- Technical Proficiency: Solid command of MS Office Suite, including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel and SharePoint; experience using Cvent.
If you’re passionate about delivering exceptional events, building trusted partnerships and driving memorable experiences in a high-performing environment in this Travel, Meetings & Events Specialist role, we’d love to hear from you!
Compensation
The base salary range below represents the low and high end of the salary range for this position in Chicago. This range may differ based on your geographic location and cost of living considerations. At Kirkland & Ellis, we consider compensation more than just a base salary. We offer an exceptional range of flexible benefits including comprehensive healthcare, paid time off, and retirement. We also offer personal support and tailored learning and development opportunities all designed to help you realize your full potential both in life and at work.
Compensation Range:
Chicago: $88,000 - $109,000
How to Apply
Thank you for your interest in Kirkland & Ellis LLP. To complete an application and submit your resume, please click "Apply Now."
Don't meet every job requirement? That's okay! If you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't perfectly fit every qualification, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right person for this role or others at Kirkland.
Equal Employment Opportunity
All employment decisions, including the recruiting, hiring, placement, training availability, promotion, compensation, evaluation, disciplinary actions, and termination of employment (if necessary) are made without regard to the employee’s race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy or childbirth, personal appearance, family responsibilities, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity, political affiliation, source of income, place of residence, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military veteran status, unfavorable discharge from military service, physical or mental disability, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.
LI-Hybrid #LI-KK1
About Kirkland & Ellis
At Kirkland & Ellis, we don’t just meet the standard for legal excellence — we set it. Our culture is built on teamwork, ingenuity and an unwavering commitment to continuous growth. We tackle the most sophisticated legal challenges with bold ideas and innovative solutions, powered by the exceptional experience and ambition of our 7,000+ people, including 4,000+ attorneys, across 24 offices worldwide. Our dedicated professionals share our lawyers’ commitment to excellence and show up each day to do meaningful work that helps drive global business, investment and innovation forward.
What You’ll Do
Are you a detail-oriented events professional who thrives on creating exceptional experiences and managing high-profile events from concept through completion?
Kirkland & Ellis is seeking a Travel, Meetings & Events Specialist within the Travel, Meetings & Events (TME) team of the Firm’s Marketing & Business Development (MBD) Department in Chicago. In this role, you’ll plan and execute a wide range of internal and external events, including seminars, conferences, client dinners, receptions, retreats and virtual programs.
Reporting to the Senior TME Manager, you’ll partner with attorneys, MBD professionals, and other internal stakeholders to lead events from strategy and planning through execution while establishing and implementing best practices. The MBD team operates from a team-first mindset and values honesty, diligence, collaboration and open communication.
This is an exciting opportunity for a proactive, solutions-oriented professional who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment, navigating complex challenges, and building trusted partnerships across the Firm.
- Event Planning & Execution: Lead the successful planning, coordination and delivery of internal and external meetings and events from inception through post-event reporting.
- Project Management: Manage timelines, logistics, stakeholder communications and event deliverables while balancing multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Stakeholder Partnership: Collaborate with attorneys, MBD professionals, Office Administration, Talent teams and other internal partners to align event goals and execution.
- Venue Sourcing & Contracting: Support site selection, develop requests for proposals (RFPs) and assist with vendor and venue contract negotiations.
- Registration Management: Coordinate registration processes, RSVP tracking, attendee communications and post-event attendance reporting using Cvent and other tools.
- Logistics Coordination: Manage food and beverage, audiovisual services, technology, transportation, giveaways, signage, nametags and other event requirements.
- On-Site Event Support: Serve as a lead on-site resource, overseeing registration, vendor coordination, event flow and troubleshooting to ensure a seamless attendee experience.
- Budget & Financial Management: Prepare cost estimates, monitor event expenses, reconcile budgets, process invoices and support cost-effective event delivery.
- Reporting & Analysis: Develop post-event recaps, attendance reports, budget summaries and insights to measure event success and support future planning.
- Continuous Improvement: Help establish and implement best practices that enhance event quality, efficiency and stakeholder satisfaction.
What You’ll Bring
- Bachelor’s degree required with CMP (Certified Meeting Planner) or CSEP (Certified Special Events Professional) designation a plus; 8+ years of experience in event planning.
- Event Management Expertise: Demonstrated success managing complex events, coordinating logistics and delivering exceptional attendee experiences.
- Contract Negotiation Skills: Experience negotiating and managing contracts, vendor relationships, budgets and event-related risk while balancing business objectives and cost considerations.
- Project Management Strength: Strong organizational and project management skills, including the ability to prioritize competing demands, manage multiple initiatives simultaneously and execute with exceptional attention to detail.
- Communication & Relationship Building: Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact professionally with senior attorneys, clients, staff and guests of the Firm.
- Initiative, Problem Solving & Judgment: Demonstrated ability to take initiative, navigate ambiguity, anticipate challenges, evaluate options, exercise sound judgment and make informed decisions while independently driving priorities forward in high-pressure, deadline-driven scenarios.
- Client Service Focus: Excellent client service orientation and relationship-building skills, with the ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Professional Presence: Demonstrated executive presence, business acumen, diplomacy and discretion when handling sensitive business matters and interacting with senior stakeholders.
- Industry Knowledge: Knowledge of hospitality, hotel sourcing, travel and meeting management practices, industry trends and supplier networks.
- Technical Proficiency: Solid command of MS Office Suite, including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel and SharePoint; experience using Cvent.
If you’re passionate about delivering exceptional events, building trusted partnerships and driving memorable experiences in a high-performing environment in this Travel, Meetings & Events Specialist role, we’d love to hear from you!
Compensation
The base salary range below represents the low and high end of the salary range for this position in Chicago. This range may differ based on your geographic location and cost of living considerations. At Kirkland & Ellis, we consider compensation more than just a base salary. We offer an exceptional range of flexible benefits including comprehensive healthcare, paid time off, and retirement. We also offer personal support and tailored learning and development opportunities all designed to help you realize your full potential both in life and at work.
Compensation Range:
Chicago: $88,000 - $109,000
How to Apply
Thank you for your interest in Kirkland & Ellis LLP. To complete an application and submit your resume, please click "Apply Now."
Don't meet every job requirement? That's okay! If you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't perfectly fit every qualification, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right person for this role or others at Kirkland.
Equal Employment Opportunity
All employment decisions, including the recruiting, hiring, placement, training availability, promotion, compensation, evaluation, disciplinary actions, and termination of employment (if necessary) are made without regard to the employee’s race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy or childbirth, personal appearance, family responsibilities, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity, political affiliation, source of income, place of residence, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military veteran status, unfavorable discharge from military service, physical or mental disability, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.
LI-Hybrid #LI-KK1
See all Green Card Travel Specialist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Green Card Travel Specialist Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Green Card Sponsorship as a Travel Specialist
Document your specialized travel industry credentials
Gather certifications like Certified Travel Associate or Global Travel Professional before your employer files PERM. DOL's prevailing wage determination weighs job duties heavily, so a credentials portfolio that maps directly to your posted position strengthens the labor certification record.
Search verified green card sponsors on Migrate Mate
Filter for Travel Specialist roles at employers with confirmed EB-2 and EB-3 filing histories using Migrate Mate. Targeting companies that have already completed PERM for similar roles cuts the time you spend vetting employers who lack the HR infrastructure to sponsor permanent residency.
Target corporate travel departments over leisure agencies
Large corporations with dedicated travel management teams are far more likely to have established green card sponsorship processes than boutique leisure agencies. Focus your applications on Fortune 500 procurement or travel operations departments, global consulting firms, and multinational hotel groups.
Verify your role qualifies under the correct EB category
Use O*NET to confirm your specific duties align with the Travel Specialist occupation profile before your employer posts the PERM recruitment ads. If your position requires a bachelor's degree plus five years of progressive experience but no graduate degree, EB-3 professional may fit better than EB-2.
Ask employers about their PERM recruitment timeline upfront
PERM requires a mandatory recruitment test, including job postings, before DOL certifies the application. Ask hiring managers during offer negotiations whether they use outside immigration counsel and how long previous PERM filings for similar roles took, so you can plan your timeline accordingly.
Preserve your priority date if you change employers
Once your original I-140 is approved, your priority date can transfer to a new employer's I-140 petition. If your I-485 has been pending 180 days or more, AC21 portability lets you change to a same or similar Travel Specialist role without restarting the entire green card process.
Green Card Travel Specialist: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Travel Specialist role qualify for EB-2 or EB-3 green card sponsorship?
Most Travel Specialist positions qualify under EB-3 as either professionals with a bachelor's degree or skilled workers with at least two years of experience. If your role requires an advanced degree or a bachelor's degree plus five years of progressive experience, your employer may be able to sponsor you under EB-2 instead. USCIS evaluates the actual job duties posted in the PERM application, not your personal credentials alone.
How is green card sponsorship different from H-1B sponsorship for a Travel Specialist?
Green card sponsorship leads to lawful permanent residence, while H-1B visa is a temporary work status. For Travel Specialists, green card sponsorship requires your employer to complete PERM labor certification with the Department of Labor, advertising the position to demonstrate no qualified U.S. workers are available. There is no lottery, but per-country annual limits mean nationals of high-demand countries can face significant priority-date backlogs before their I-485 can be filed or approved.
How do I find employers willing to sponsor a Travel Specialist for a green card?
Migrate Mate lists U.S. employers with verified employment-based green card filing histories, searchable by role and location, so you can focus on companies that have already sponsored Travel Specialists or similar roles. This is more reliable than applying broadly and discovering late in negotiations that an employer has never navigated the PERM process.
What does the PERM labor certification process involve for a Travel Specialist position?
Your employer files PERM with the Department of Labor to certify that no qualified U.S. workers are available for the posted Travel Specialist role. This requires a prevailing wage determination using the OFLC Wage Search, followed by a mandatory recruitment campaign including job postings. Only after DOL certifies the application can your employer file the I-140 immigrant petition with USCIS on your behalf.
Can I change Travel Specialist jobs after my green card sponsorship has started?
It depends on how far along your case is. If your I-485 adjustment of status application has been pending for at least 180 days and your I-140 is approved, AC21 portability allows you to move to a same or similar Travel Specialist occupation without restarting the process. Before that threshold, changing employers typically means your current employer's PERM and I-140 become void and your new employer must restart from the beginning.