H-1B Visa Yoga Teacher Jobs
Yoga Teacher roles can qualify for H-1B visa sponsorship when the position requires a bachelor's degree or higher in a directly related field, such as kinesiology, exercise science, or yoga studies. Studios, wellness centers, and universities are the most active sponsors. Finding employers who have filed Labor Condition Applications for this occupation is the critical first step.
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Group Exercise Yoga Instructor
Location:
Job ID: 87722
JOB POSTING
This is a continuous recruitment. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis; interviews conducted and hires made as needed. This job opening will remain OPEN until filled. We're accepting applications after Initial Review Date (IRD).
HOW TO APPLY
For full consideration, applicants should attach their resume and cover letter when applying for a job opening. For guidance related to the application process or if you are experiencing difficulties when applying, please review the Applicant Resources on our website.
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INITIAL REVIEW DATE (IRD)
UC Santa Cruz jobs are posted until filled. All application materials submitted by 11:59 pm on the IRD will be routed to the hiring team for consideration. NOTE: Applicants who miss the IRD are still encouraged to apply; their materials will still be forwarded for consideration if requested by the hiring team. Application materials cannot be accepted outside of the jobs portal. Applications cannot be edited on an applicant's behalf. For more information about the IRD and the applicant review process, view this link.
The IRD for this job is: 08-10-2026
ABOUT UC SANTA CRUZ
UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. It's known as an unconventional place where innovation and experimentation is part of the campus's DNA. That playful, bold spirit still thrives today, all on a campus renowned as among the most beautiful in the world.
DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW
The Athletics & Recreation Department's mission at UC Santa Cruz is to provide a wide variety of professional programs and physical activities that promote and enhance community, academic success, leadership, lifelong wellness, and experiential learning. Our goal is to enrich the educational courses experience by encouraging comprehensive health & wellness through physical activity, building community, and cultivating leadership. The programs provided by Athletics & Recreation are designed to serve UC Santa Cruz Banana Slug students, faculty, staff, retirees, alumni, and local community members.
More information can be found at: https://goslugs.com
JOB SUMMARY
Under the general supervision of the Assistant Director of Recreation for Fitness & Wellness, the Group Exercise Yoga Instructor is responsible for safely and effectively leading group exercise yoga classes for UCSC students and Slug Recreation members. The instructor may teach other group exercise classes as needed. The incumbent assists in program administration, manages class-related facilities and equipment, provides excellent customer service, participates in program marketing efforts, and completes occasional training and continuing education requirements. The Group Exercise Yoga Instructor assists in the instruction of non-credited recreational or sports activities for participants of all ages. The incumbent develops knowledge, skills and experience in recreational sports activities.
APPOINTMENT INFORMATION
Budgeted Salary: By Agreement $36-$54 per class-session. Salary commensurate with skills, qualifications and experience.
Under California law, the University of California, Santa Cruz is required to post a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. The salary shown above is the budgeted amount the University reasonably expects to pay and the salary extended should not exceed this posted amount.
Benefits Level Eligibility: This position is not eligible for benefits
Schedule Information:
- Part-time, Variable
- Percentage of Time: By Agreement 6 Hours per Week
- Days of the Week: Mon-Fri, Weekends as needed
- Shift Includes: Day, Evening & Weekend
Employee Classification: Limited appointment
Job End Date: 06/30/2026, with the possibility of extension
Work Location: UC Santa Cruz Main Campus
Union Representation: Non-Represented
Job Code Classification: RECR PRG LEADER 2 BYA (004133)
Travel: Never or Rarely
JOB DUTIES
70% - Exercise Leadership
- Design, choreograph, and lead group exercise classes in class-formats for which relevant certifications are held, according to current industry standards for safety and effectiveness, including proper warm-ups, cooldowns, and exercise/movement progressions.
- Teach, demonstrate, and promote proper safe and effective class-specific exercise techniques and forms.
- Arrive on-site at the classroom, in time to complete the full set-up and preparation of the classroom and equipment by no later than 5 minutes before the class's scheduled start-time.
- Facilitate pre-class participant check-in procedures prior to the start of each class session.
- Begin and end class sessions punctually (i.e. at their scheduled and advertised start and end times).
- Provide thorough introductions and instructions to participants prior to the beginning of each class session.
- Maintain a welcoming, positive, encouraging, inclusive, and non-intimidating classroom atmosphere.
- Select and play appropriate music (no explicit lyrics or potentially offensive/device/controversial subject matter) at appropriate volume-levels (<90db).
- Provide participants with safe, appropriate, and effective exercise modifications when needed or requested.
- Frequently update and modify class design, choreography, and music.
15% - Program Administration
- Attend all required staff meetings and trainings, including annual all-staff training in mid-September, quarterly one-on-one check-in meetings with supervisor, and annual one-on-one performance-review in July.
- Complete and submit quarterly self-evaluations and/or peer-evaluations.
- Read and respond to all communications from supervisor and co-workers in a timely manner.
- Promote, enforce, and adhere to all program and facility policies (i.e. class capacity limits, late-admission restrictions, facility access requirements, membership requirements, etc.).
5% - Facility & Equipment Management
- Return equipment and supplies to their proper condition, storage-space, and organization prior to the end of each class session's room reservation.
- Return classrooms to clean, organized, and secure condition after each session.
- Report any unsafe facility and/or equipment conditions or repair-needs immediately.
- Learn and consistently exercise proper use and care of facilities and equipment.
- Instruct participants on, and ensure they exercise the proper use and care of facilities and equipment.
5% - Customer Service
- Greet participants warmly, enthusiastically, and by name (smiling, eye contact, etc.).
- Communicate participant issues, concerns, and feedback to supervisor immediately.
- Accurately answer questions regarding admission fees, sales procedures, class schedules, facility locations/layouts, and program information sources.
5% - Marketing
- Make pre- and/or post-class announcements regarding program information (i.e. new policies, schedule changes, upcoming promotions, etc.).
- Participate in annual CORNUCOPIA promotional event in late-September.
- Participate in demonstration classes when available.
- Update biographical and class-description information on website when appropriate.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- High school diploma or equivalent certification and/or equivalent experience and/or training.
- Ability to lead safe, effective, and enjoyable group exercise classes in one or more exercise formats offered by our Athletics & Recreation FitLife program (examples: Cardio Kickboxing, Core Conditioning, HIIT/Bootcamp, Indoor Cycling, Mat Pilates, TRX, Zumba, Yoga, or comparable).
- Minimum of 3 months of experience leading and/or co-leading group exercise classes with adult participants.
- Ability to effectively relate to and be sensitive to the needs of a diverse population of participants in regards to age, ethnicity, sexual-orientation, physical ability, and exercise experience.
- Ability to communicate effectively, professionally, and courteously with a diverse group of individuals.
- Excellent time management skills that will ensure punctuality to all work-related events.
- Ability to maintain appearance and conduct suitable for working in a professional athletic environment.
- Highly effective verbal and written communication skills in the English language.
- Active listening skills.
- Creative thinking skills.
- Demonstrated ability to take initiative.
- Ability to exercise sound judgment and employ reasoning skills.
- Client service minded with the ability to adapt to the needs of clients.
- Ability to effectively use computer-based communication, scheduling, and productivity services such as web-browsers, Gmail, Google Calendars, Google Docs, and Google Sheets.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- College degree in a related field (Kinesiology, Physical Education, or comparable).
- Possess a currently-valid professional certification or degree from 2 or more of the following categories:
- A Group Exercise/Fitness Instructor certification from an NCCA-accredited provider (example: ACE, ACSM, AFAA, NAFTA, NETA, or comparable).
- A 200hr Yoga Instructor certification from a Yoga Alliance-recognized school/agency.
- A current format-specific group instruction certification or license from a nationally-recognized fitness organization (examples: Zumba, Pilates, Indoor Cycling, Cardio Kickboxing, TRX, Barre, or comparable).
- Knowledge of campus policies and procedures.
- Minimum of 1 year of experience consistently (at least once per week) leading group exercise classes with a wide diversity of participants.
- Ability to speak Spanish fluently.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
- Selected candidate will be required to pass a pre-employment criminal history background check.
- Selected candidate must pass the employment misconduct disclosure process.
- Must possess a current professional certification from 1 or more of the following categories:
- A Group Exercise/Fitness Instructor certification from an NCCA-accredited provider (example: ACE, ACSM, AFAA, NAFTA, NATA, or comparable).
- A 200hr Yoga Instructor certification from a Yoga Alliance-recognized school/agency.
- A current format-specific group instruction certification or license from a nationally-recognized fitness organization (examples: Zumba, Pilates, Indoor Cycling, Cardio Kickboxing, TRX, Barre, or comparable).
- Must possess CPR/First Aid/AED certification or have the ability to obtain it within 60-calendar days of hire.
- Ability to safely perform the physical requirements necessary to move light to moderate objects up to 60 lbs., with or without accommodation.
- The selected candidate will be required to work all scheduled hours on-site.
- Ability to work a variable schedule including evenings and weekends.
- Clery Act: This position has been identified as a Campus Security Authority (CSA); required to report crimes, incidents, and disciplinary referral statistics as required by the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (20 USC § 1092(f)).
- Ability to maintain appearance and conduct suitable for working in a professional setting.
- Will be required to wear a University provided uniform.
- Selected candidate will be required to complete training within established time frames as directed including UC compliance training.
- The University of California has implemented a Vaccination Policy covering all employees. Employees, including new hires, are required to comply with any applicable policies relating to the University of California vaccine program.
- Per the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), this position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter. The selected candidate will be required to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect as defined by CANRA and will be required to sign a Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse prior to commencing employment. CANRA Penal Codes, and related definitions, requirements, and responsibilities may be obtained here.
- Exercise the utmost discretion in managing sensitive information learned in the course of performing their duties. Sensitive information includes but is not limited to employee and student records, health and patient records, financial data, strategic plans, proprietary information and any other sensitive or non-public information learned during the course and scope of employment. Understands that sensitive information should be shared on a limited basis and actively takes steps to limit access to sensitive information to individuals who have legitimate business need to know. Ensure that sensitive information is properly safeguarded. Follow all organizational policies and laws on data protection and privacy. This includes secure handling of physical and digital records and proper usage of IT systems to prevent data leaks. The unauthorized or improper disclosure of confidential work-related information obtained from any source on any work-related matter is a violation of these expectations.
MISCONDUCT DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENT
As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.
"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:
- UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
- UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
- Abusive Conduct in the Workplace
SAFETY STATEMENT
All UCSC employees must understand and follow job safety procedures, attend required health and safety training, proactively promote safety at work, and promptly report actual and potential accidents and injuries.
NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY
In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (the Clery Act), the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (ASFSR) is available at: https://chancellor.ucsc.edu/annual-security-reports/. This report is published by October 1st of each year and includes current institutional policies and procedures concerning campus safety and security; fire safety and evacuation policies; sexual misconduct and relationship violence reporting and response protocols; and crime and fire statistics for the three previous calendar years. A paper copy of the ASFSR is available upon request by contacting the UCSC Police Department at 114 Carriage House Rd., Santa Cruz, CA 95064, or by calling 831-459-2231 Ext. 1.
EEO/AA
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.
It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.
APPLICANTS ARE REQUIRED TO USE THE UCSC ON-LINE PROCESS
View full job description and access on-line application:
To ensure review of application materials by the hiring unit, they must be submitted on or before the initial review date (IRD) via the Staff Employment Opportunities web site; A computer is available at the UC Santa Cruz Staff Human Resources Office located at Scotts Valley Center. The Scotts Valley Center is located at 100 Enterprise Way, Suite E100, Scotts Valley, CA 95066. To learn more or to request disability accommodations, call 831-459-2009. Hearing impaired are encouraged to use the California Relay Service at 800-735-2922. UC Santa Cruz is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. UC Santa Cruz is committed to excellence through diversity and strives to establish a climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for the contributions of all students and employees.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship as a Yoga Teacher
Verify your degree supports specialty occupation
USCIS requires your degree to directly relate to the yoga teaching role, not just to wellness broadly. A kinesiology, exercise science, or yoga therapy degree holds up stronger than a general humanities degree when your employer files the I-129.
Target universities and corporate wellness programs
University recreation departments and large corporate wellness programs file H-1B petitions far more reliably than independent studios. Search Migrate Mate to filter Yoga Teacher roles by employers with verified H-1B LCA filing history.
Check prevailing wage before accepting an offer
Your employer must pay at least the DOL prevailing wage for your occupation and work location. Run the OFLC Wage Search for SOC code 25-2059 or 39-9099 before your offer stage so you can spot underpaying employers early.
Get credentials evaluated if your degree is foreign
If your yoga or movement-science degree is from outside the U.S., obtain a credential evaluation from a NACES-member organization before your employer files. USCIS scrutinizes foreign three-year degrees closely for specialty occupation eligibility.
Confirm the employer files petitions directly, not through a staffing agency
Yoga Teachers placed through third-party wellness staffing firms face additional H-1B scrutiny around employer-employee control. Roles where the studio or institution is the direct petitioner have a cleaner filing path with USCIS.
File premium processing if your OPT deadline is close
Standard H-1B adjudication can take several months. If your OPT or STEM OPT end date is within 90 days of your intended start date, ask your employer to elect premium processing to keep your authorization continuous.
H-1B Visa Yoga Teacher: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Yoga Teacher role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
It can, but it isn't automatic. USCIS requires the position to normally require at least a bachelor's degree in a specific related field. A role framed around yoga therapy, movement science, or integrative health, backed by a relevant degree, qualifies more reliably than a general instructor position where any degree is accepted.
Which types of employers are most likely to sponsor H-1B visas for Yoga Teachers?
Universities with recreation or kinesiology programs, hospital wellness departments, and large corporate wellness platforms are the most consistent H-1B sponsors for this occupation. Independent yoga studios rarely file H-1B petitions because the specialty occupation argument is harder to sustain without a formal degree requirement attached to the role. Use Migrate Mate to find employers with verified H-1B filing history in this field.
How does prevailing wage work for Yoga Teacher H-1B petitions?
Your employer files a Labor Condition Application with the DOL certifying they'll pay at least the prevailing wage for your occupation and location. Yoga Teacher roles typically fall under SOC codes 25-2059 or 39-9099 depending on the setting, and wages differ significantly by geography. Check the OFLC Wage Search to understand what the DOL will require for your specific city before finalizing your offer.
Can I switch Yoga Teacher jobs on an H-1B without losing my status?
Yes, through H-1B portability under AC21. If your new employer files an H-1B transfer petition while your current petition is still valid, you can start the new role once the petition is received by USCIS. The new position must also qualify as a specialty occupation, so confirm your new employer can substantiate the degree requirement for the role.
Does O*NET classify Yoga Teacher as a specialty occupation job zone?
O*NET places most yoga instruction roles in Job Zone 3 or 4, which corresponds to medium-to-high preparation and some degree requirement. The classification supports a specialty occupation argument but isn't conclusive on its own. Your employer's petition must document that the specific position requires a directly related bachelor's degree, not just that yoga teaching in general involves some formal training.