H-1B Visa Program Assistant Jobs
Program Assistant roles qualify for H-1B sponsorship when the position requires at least a bachelor's degree in a specific field such as public administration, communications, or a related discipline. Many universities, nonprofits, and federal contractors sponsor H-1B holders for these roles, and the 85,000-slot annual cap means timing your search around the April lottery window matters.
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Get Access To All JobsProgram Assistant, IS-0344-06
OPEN DATE: April 29, 2026
CLOSING DATE: May 13, 2026 (This job will close once 150 applications are received which may be sooner than the closing date.)
POSITION TYPE: Trust Fund
APPOINTMENT TYPE: Permanent
SCHEDULE: Full Time
DUTY LOCATION: Washington, DC
Position sensitivity and risk:
Non-Sensitive/Low Risk
Who May Apply:
Open to all qualified applicants
This position is being hired at the grade IS-6 with promotion potential to grade IS-7. Promotion to the next higher grade, up to IS-7, may occur at management’s discretion upon the supervisor’s recommendation, subject to the availability of funds, classification requirements, satisfactory performance, and the employee's qualifications.
What are Trust Fund Positions?
Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian. They are paid for from a variety of sources, including the Smithsonian endowment, revenue from our business activities, donations, grants and contracts. Trust employees are not part of the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal status. The salary ranges for trust positions are generally the same as for federal positions and in many cases trust and federal employees work side by side. Trust employees have their own benefit program, which may include Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (Child Care), Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care).
Conditions of Employment
Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation for position designated.
Complete a Probationary Period.
Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States. Proof of eligibility to work in U.S. is not required to apply.
* Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.
Overview
The Smithsonian Institution’s (SI) Office of Academic Appointments and Internships (OAAI) is seeking a Program Assistant to contribute to the coordination of internship and fellowship experiences by supporting the recruitment, onboarding, and oversight of fellows and interns (academic appointees) throughout the Smithsonian. This position contributes to the comprehensive, intentional, and transformative experience of all interns and fellows. This collaborates with a wide variety of staff throughout the Smithsonian and communicates daily with both internal and external stakeholders, including university partners and the general public. OAAI is a Smithsonian central office that oversees the management and administration of all academic appointments, in addition to supporting the academic and career enhancement of interns and fellows through enrichment programming/events.
MAJOR DUTIES
Assist the program manager with programmatic and administrative activities related to reviewing and processing internship and fellowship applications, including conducting follow-up with both applicants and SI staff for any incomplete or inaccurate submissions.
Prepare and disseminate award letters for selected interns/fellows and enter corresponding data tracking information throughout the onboarding process.
Collaborate with OAAI’s financial team for the processing of stipends to ensure interns/fellows receive payments in a timely manner.
Provide information and respond to inquiries from the general public, applicants, current interns/fellows, community partners, and institutional staff via email, phone, and other means of communication.
Collaborate with other SI departments on a variety of onboarding and administrative requirements, including ensuring accurate procedures and processing of documentation for interns and fellows who are non-U.S. citizens.
Assist with placing interns in opportunities throughout the Smithsonian.
Run reports and conduct data analysis and evaluation on internship and fellowship statistics for departmental and Institution-wide reports.
Assist with facilitation of enrichment programming, activities, and events for interns, fellows, and alumni.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Required Skills and Abilities
Experience in working with internship/fellowship programs in a museum and/or university setting
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel), automated systems, data analysis and evaluation
Excellent communication, interpersonal, presentation, and customer service skills
Extreme attention to detail, time management, and organizational skills
Strong ability to meet regular deadlines, multitask, and work in a fast-paced environment
Experience working with people from a variety of backgrounds
* Passionate about the social, academic, and career enhancement of interns and fellows
Desired Skills and Abilities
Strong technical skills
Familiarity DocuSign, SharePoint, and web design software
* Experience working with scholarly research programs, academic programs, and career programs
Education completed outside the United States must be deemed equivalent to higher education programs of U.S. Institutions by an organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and should be included as part of your application package.
Any false statement in your application may result in rejection of your application and may also result in termination after employment begins.
Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery."
Resumes should include a description of your paid and non-paid work experience that is related to this job; starting and ending dates of job (month and year); and average number of hours worked per week.
What To Expect Next: Once the vacancy announcement closes, a review of your resume will be compared against the qualification and experience requirements related to this job. After review of applicant resumes is complete, qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager.
Relocation expenses are not paid.
The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact HubbardTG@si.edu. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. To learn more, please review the Smithsonian’s Accommodation Procedures.
The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
About Smithsonian Institution
Founded in 1846, the Smithsonian is the world’s largest museum and research complex of 21 museums and galleries, the National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, and 14 education and research facilities. There are more than 6,500 Smithsonian employees, including approximately 500 scientists. The total number of objects, works of art and specimens at the Smithsonian is estimated at more than 157 million.
Apply Now
Application Deadline
May 11, 2026
Department
Office of Academic Appointments & Internships
Employment Type
Full Time
Location
Washington, DC
Workplace type
Onsite
Compensation
$51,957 - $58,884 / year
Program Assistant, IS-0344-06
OPEN DATE: April 29, 2026
CLOSING DATE: May 13, 2026 (This job will close once 150 applications are received which may be sooner than the closing date.)
POSITION TYPE: Trust Fund
APPOINTMENT TYPE: Permanent
SCHEDULE: Full Time
DUTY LOCATION: Washington, DC
Position sensitivity and risk:
Non-Sensitive/Low Risk
Who May Apply:
Open to all qualified applicants
This position is being hired at the grade IS-6 with promotion potential to grade IS-7. Promotion to the next higher grade, up to IS-7, may occur at management’s discretion upon the supervisor’s recommendation, subject to the availability of funds, classification requirements, satisfactory performance, and the employee's qualifications.
What are Trust Fund Positions?
Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian. They are paid for from a variety of sources, including the Smithsonian endowment, revenue from our business activities, donations, grants and contracts. Trust employees are not part of the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal status. The salary ranges for trust positions are generally the same as for federal positions and in many cases trust and federal employees work side by side. Trust employees have their own benefit program, which may include Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (Child Care), Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care).
Conditions of Employment
Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation for position designated.
Complete a Probationary Period.
Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States. Proof of eligibility to work in U.S. is not required to apply.
* Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.
Overview
The Smithsonian Institution’s (SI) Office of Academic Appointments and Internships (OAAI) is seeking a Program Assistant to contribute to the coordination of internship and fellowship experiences by supporting the recruitment, onboarding, and oversight of fellows and interns (academic appointees) throughout the Smithsonian. This position contributes to the comprehensive, intentional, and transformative experience of all interns and fellows. This collaborates with a wide variety of staff throughout the Smithsonian and communicates daily with both internal and external stakeholders, including university partners and the general public. OAAI is a Smithsonian central office that oversees the management and administration of all academic appointments, in addition to supporting the academic and career enhancement of interns and fellows through enrichment programming/events.
MAJOR DUTIES
Assist the program manager with programmatic and administrative activities related to reviewing and processing internship and fellowship applications, including conducting follow-up with both applicants and SI staff for any incomplete or inaccurate submissions.
Prepare and disseminate award letters for selected interns/fellows and enter corresponding data tracking information throughout the onboarding process.
Collaborate with OAAI’s financial team for the processing of stipends to ensure interns/fellows receive payments in a timely manner.
Provide information and respond to inquiries from the general public, applicants, current interns/fellows, community partners, and institutional staff via email, phone, and other means of communication.
Collaborate with other SI departments on a variety of onboarding and administrative requirements, including ensuring accurate procedures and processing of documentation for interns and fellows who are non-U.S. citizens.
Assist with placing interns in opportunities throughout the Smithsonian.
Run reports and conduct data analysis and evaluation on internship and fellowship statistics for departmental and Institution-wide reports.
Assist with facilitation of enrichment programming, activities, and events for interns, fellows, and alumni.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Required Skills and Abilities
Experience in working with internship/fellowship programs in a museum and/or university setting
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel), automated systems, data analysis and evaluation
Excellent communication, interpersonal, presentation, and customer service skills
Extreme attention to detail, time management, and organizational skills
Strong ability to meet regular deadlines, multitask, and work in a fast-paced environment
Experience working with people from a variety of backgrounds
* Passionate about the social, academic, and career enhancement of interns and fellows
Desired Skills and Abilities
Strong technical skills
Familiarity DocuSign, SharePoint, and web design software
* Experience working with scholarly research programs, academic programs, and career programs
Education completed outside the United States must be deemed equivalent to higher education programs of U.S. Institutions by an organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and should be included as part of your application package.
Any false statement in your application may result in rejection of your application and may also result in termination after employment begins.
Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery."
Resumes should include a description of your paid and non-paid work experience that is related to this job; starting and ending dates of job (month and year); and average number of hours worked per week.
What To Expect Next: Once the vacancy announcement closes, a review of your resume will be compared against the qualification and experience requirements related to this job. After review of applicant resumes is complete, qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager.
Relocation expenses are not paid.
The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact HubbardTG@si.edu. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. To learn more, please review the Smithsonian’s Accommodation Procedures.
The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
About Smithsonian Institution
Founded in 1846, the Smithsonian is the world’s largest museum and research complex of 21 museums and galleries, the National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, and 14 education and research facilities. There are more than 6,500 Smithsonian employees, including approximately 500 scientists. The total number of objects, works of art and specimens at the Smithsonian is estimated at more than 157 million.
Apply Now
Application Deadline
May 11, 2026
Department
Office of Academic Appointments & Internships
Employment Type
Full Time
Location
Washington, DC
Workplace type
Onsite
Compensation
$51,957 - $58,884 / year
See all 3,534+ Program Assistant jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Program Assistant roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship as a Program Assistant
Match your degree to the role description
Program Assistant positions only qualify as H-1B specialty occupations if the job requires a specific degree field. Review the O*NET profile for this occupation and confirm your employer's job description ties the role to your exact academic background, not a general bachelor's requirement.
Target cap-exempt employers first
Universities, nonprofit research institutions, and government-affiliated organizations are cap-exempt H-1B employers. Applying to these organizations lets you start any time of year without waiting for the annual April lottery registration window.
Search verified H-1B sponsors on Migrate Mate
Pull up Program Assistant roles on Migrate Mate to see which employers have active H-1B Labor Condition Application filings for this job title. That filing history confirms an employer has sponsored this role before, not just that they're open to it.
Verify prevailing wage before salary negotiations
Your employer must pay at least the DOL prevailing wage for your role and location. Use the OFLC Wage Search to look up the Level I through Level IV wage for the Program Assistant SOC code in your metro area before your offer conversation.
Confirm your employer is E-Verify enrolled
Federal contractors and certain state employers are legally required to use E-Verify, which also signals readiness to handle work authorization verification. Ask HR whether the organization is enrolled before accepting an offer, since unenrolled employers can delay your onboarding.
Account for LCA timing in your start date
Your employer must file and receive a certified Labor Condition Application from DOL before submitting your I-129 petition to USCIS. DOL typically certifies LCAs within seven business days, but build at least two weeks of buffer into your proposed start date.
Program Assistant jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Program Assistant JobsProgram Assistant H-1B Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Program Assistant role qualify as an H-1B specialty occupation?
It depends on how the employer defines the position. A Program Assistant role qualifies as an H-1B specialty occupation only if the job requires a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific field directly related to the duties. Positions that list a degree as preferred rather than required, or that accept any degree field, are unlikely to meet the specialty occupation standard USCIS applies.
Which types of employers commonly sponsor H-1B visas for Program Assistants?
Universities, federal agencies, nonprofits with government contracts, think tanks, and international organizations are the most consistent sponsors for Program Assistant roles. These employers are often cap-exempt, meaning they can file H-1B petitions year-round without entering the annual lottery. You can browse Program Assistant openings at verified H-1B sponsors on Migrate Mate to identify which organizations have filed for this role before.
Can my employer file an H-1B for a Program Assistant role mid-year, outside the lottery?
Yes, if your employer is cap-exempt. Institutions of higher education, nonprofit research organizations, and government research entities are not subject to the annual H-1B cap, so they can petition USCIS at any time of year. If your employer is a for-profit company without a cap-exempt affiliation, they must participate in the April lottery registration process and can only begin employment on October 1 of that fiscal year.
What documents should I prepare before asking an employer to sponsor my H-1B as a Program Assistant?
Gather your academic transcripts, degree certificates, and any credential evaluations if your degree is from outside the U.S. You'll also want a detailed employment verification letter from any previous roles that demonstrate relevant experience. Your employer's legal counsel will need these to draft the I-129 petition and substantiate that the Program Assistant position qualifies as a specialty occupation under USCIS standards.
How does the H-1B prevailing wage requirement apply to Program Assistant positions?
DOL requires your employer to pay you at least the prevailing wage for the Program Assistant occupation in your specific work location, which varies by metro area and experience level. The wage is set at one of four levels based on your duties and qualifications. You can look up the applicable wage for your location using the OFLC Wage Search before finalizing your offer to ensure the compensation your employer proposes meets the legal threshold.
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