H-1B Visa Program Assistant Jobs
Program Assistant roles qualify for H-1B visa 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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Job Type: Officer of Administration
Regular/Temporary: Temporary
Hours Per Week: 20
Salary Range: $36.43 - $36.43
The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.
Position Summary
The State Pre-College Enrichment Program (S-PREP) is a free academic and college preparation program for 7th–12th grade students in New York City. Its mission is to increase the number of students pursuing careers in healthcare and STEM. The program offers academic enrichment courses, career development workshops, college advisement, and educational field trips.
The S-PREP Program Assistant will support the planning, coordination, and execution of the 2026 Summer S-PREP program. This role is ideal for a detail-oriented, organized, and motivated individual interested in STEM education, student support, and program administration. The Program Assistant will work closely with the S-PREP Program Admin to ensure smooth operations, assist with communications, and help deliver high-quality programming to students. The Program Assistant will provide administrative support during the week and serve as right-hand support to the S-PREP Program Admin.
Responsibilities
Administrative & Program Support:
- Provide administrative support for program planning and logistics.
- Maintain organized program and course files.
- Monitor and manage the program inbox, answering inquiries, and routing messages appropriately.
- Schedule college tours and additional meetings with program partners.
- Coordinate guest speakers for workshops, ensuring students gain exposure to CUIMC physicians and professionals.
- Support the creation of program flyers and communication materials.
- Assist with supply ordering and vendor coordination.
- Assist with supporting students’ college applications.
- Assist with student/program evaluation.
- Assist with advisement sessions and planning service-learning opportunities for students.
- Communicate with instructors, facilitators, and staff regarding student needs and program updates.
Program Execution:
- Serve as support during program delivery and act as on-site lead when Program Administrators are unavailable.
- Provide classroom coverage if preceptors/facilitators are absent.
- Support student check-in, workshop facilitation, and general event execution.
- Help troubleshoot day-of logistics to ensure smooth programming.
Program Event Support:
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Assist with preparation and execution of all key events:
-
Orientation
- Summer College Tours
- Service-Learning Projects
- Closing Ceremony
- General Program Prep
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Program Evaluation
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Additional duties as assigned
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree or the equivalent in education and experience required.
Other Requirements
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Experience working with youth programs, staff, and faculty in a professional setting.
- Experience in program administration, student support, or event planning preferred.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and/or other productivity tools.
- Available during the 2026 Summer Program.
Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran
Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.
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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.
H-1B Visa Program Assistant: 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.