Instructional Assistant Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Virginia
Virginia's instructional assistant jobs span K-12 school districts like Fairfax County Public Schools and Prince William County Schools, plus universities such as George Mason and Virginia Tech. Northern Virginia's dense population and diverse student needs drive consistent hiring, making it one of the more active states for international candidates pursuing sponsorship in education support roles.
See All Instructional Assistant JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 139+ Instructional Assistant Jobs in Virginia with Visa Sponsorship jobs


Have you applied for this role?


Have you applied for this role?


Have you applied for this role?


Have you applied for this role?


Have you applied for this role?
See all 139+ Instructional Assistant Jobs in Virginia with Visa Sponsorship
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Instructional Assistant Jobs in Virginia with Visa Sponsorship.
Get Access To All Jobs
Position Title: Special Education Instructional Assistant
Pay Grade: 6
Period of Employment: 9.5 months
Description Approved/ Revised: 06/2024
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Supervised by and/or Reports to: Classroom Teacher, Department Supervisor, Building Administrators
General Responsibilities:
Assists student(s) who requires modifications and accommodations to gain access to a free and appropriate public education as directed by the classroom instructor.
Essential Duties:
- Assists with the supervision of the student(s) both inside the classroom and outside of the classroom.
- Provides care and supervision of the student(s) at all times.
- Escorts the student(s) when required.
- Locates and prepares materials for daily class work.
- Supports the teacher with classroom clerical tasks.
- Provides instruction to the student(s) under the supervision and direction of the classroom teacher.
- Observes and manages student(s) behavior, collaborates with the teacher on behavior plans and their implementation.
- Guides student(s) integrated into general education classes and assists general education teachers.
- Performs bus duty by assisting student(s) on and off the bus.
- Carries out personal care duties for the student(s) as necessary.
- Maintains trainings and certifications such as CPR, Safety Care, and any specific training related to the specific needs of the student(s).
- Executes duties related to specialized diets (grinding, pureeing, feeding).
- Lifts, positions, and places student(s) in specialized adaptive equipment as trained by the physical therapist or occupational therapist.
- Uses the tenants of “Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports” (PBIS) to ensure students are safe, respectful, and responsible.
- Educates self and implements any medical action plans established for student safety with appropriate training from the school nurse.
- Maintains trainings and certifications such as CPR and Safety Care, and any additional training related to the specific needs of a student.
- Delivers emergency treatments as needed.
- Utilizes universal precautions when body fluids are present.
- Works cooperatively with substitute teachers in providing instruction and assistance with students.
- Assists or supervises school-sponsored activities during the school day.
- Launders soiled clothing when necessary.
- Aids student during seizures or other medical incidents.
- Moves with the assigned student from building to building, as the student matriculates through the school system.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Requisite Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Knowledge of working with all students – especially those with special needs.
- Broad knowledge of the practices, methods, and techniques used in classroom teaching and management.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Ability to follow directions given by classroom teacher.
- Exercises patience with students and staff.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to monitor for student safety.
- Ability to interact with students, staff, and parents.
- Ability to work independently with students towards IEP goals under the guidance of the teacher.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality.
- Ability to lift and assist students as needed.
- Serve as role model.
Requisite Education and Experience:
- Must possess a minimum of 60 college credit hours; or an Associate’s Degree or higher; or have successfully passed the Para Pro Assessment.
- Experience in an educational setting and/or prior teaching/instructional experience preferred.
Physical Requirements:
Must have the use of sensory skills in order to effectively communicate and interact with other employees and the public through the use of the telephone and personal contact as normally defined by the ability to see, read, talk, hear, handle or feel objects and controls. Physical capability to effectively use and operate various items of office related equipment, such as, but not limited to: a personal computer, calculator, copier, and fax machine. Some climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, or repetitive motions required.
Manassas City Public Schools (MCPS) does not discriminate in employment nor in the provision of educational programs, services and activities on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by law.
This job description is intended to accurately reflect the position activities and requirements. It is neither intended to be, nor should it be construed as, an all-inclusive list of the responsibilities, skills, or working conditions associated with the position. The administration reserves the right to modify, assign, or remove duties as necessary.

Position Title: Special Education Instructional Assistant
Pay Grade: 6
Period of Employment: 9.5 months
Description Approved/ Revised: 06/2024
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Supervised by and/or Reports to: Classroom Teacher, Department Supervisor, Building Administrators
General Responsibilities:
Assists student(s) who requires modifications and accommodations to gain access to a free and appropriate public education as directed by the classroom instructor.
Essential Duties:
- Assists with the supervision of the student(s) both inside the classroom and outside of the classroom.
- Provides care and supervision of the student(s) at all times.
- Escorts the student(s) when required.
- Locates and prepares materials for daily class work.
- Supports the teacher with classroom clerical tasks.
- Provides instruction to the student(s) under the supervision and direction of the classroom teacher.
- Observes and manages student(s) behavior, collaborates with the teacher on behavior plans and their implementation.
- Guides student(s) integrated into general education classes and assists general education teachers.
- Performs bus duty by assisting student(s) on and off the bus.
- Carries out personal care duties for the student(s) as necessary.
- Maintains trainings and certifications such as CPR, Safety Care, and any specific training related to the specific needs of the student(s).
- Executes duties related to specialized diets (grinding, pureeing, feeding).
- Lifts, positions, and places student(s) in specialized adaptive equipment as trained by the physical therapist or occupational therapist.
- Uses the tenants of “Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports” (PBIS) to ensure students are safe, respectful, and responsible.
- Educates self and implements any medical action plans established for student safety with appropriate training from the school nurse.
- Maintains trainings and certifications such as CPR and Safety Care, and any additional training related to the specific needs of a student.
- Delivers emergency treatments as needed.
- Utilizes universal precautions when body fluids are present.
- Works cooperatively with substitute teachers in providing instruction and assistance with students.
- Assists or supervises school-sponsored activities during the school day.
- Launders soiled clothing when necessary.
- Aids student during seizures or other medical incidents.
- Moves with the assigned student from building to building, as the student matriculates through the school system.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Requisite Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Knowledge of working with all students – especially those with special needs.
- Broad knowledge of the practices, methods, and techniques used in classroom teaching and management.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Ability to follow directions given by classroom teacher.
- Exercises patience with students and staff.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to monitor for student safety.
- Ability to interact with students, staff, and parents.
- Ability to work independently with students towards IEP goals under the guidance of the teacher.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality.
- Ability to lift and assist students as needed.
- Serve as role model.
Requisite Education and Experience:
- Must possess a minimum of 60 college credit hours; or an Associate’s Degree or higher; or have successfully passed the Para Pro Assessment.
- Experience in an educational setting and/or prior teaching/instructional experience preferred.
Physical Requirements:
Must have the use of sensory skills in order to effectively communicate and interact with other employees and the public through the use of the telephone and personal contact as normally defined by the ability to see, read, talk, hear, handle or feel objects and controls. Physical capability to effectively use and operate various items of office related equipment, such as, but not limited to: a personal computer, calculator, copier, and fax machine. Some climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, or repetitive motions required.
Manassas City Public Schools (MCPS) does not discriminate in employment nor in the provision of educational programs, services and activities on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by law.
This job description is intended to accurately reflect the position activities and requirements. It is neither intended to be, nor should it be construed as, an all-inclusive list of the responsibilities, skills, or working conditions associated with the position. The administration reserves the right to modify, assign, or remove duties as necessary.
Instructional Assistant Job Roles in Virginia
See all 139+ Instructional Assistant Jobs in Virginia
Sign up for free to filter by visa type, set job alerts, and find employers with verified sponsorship history.
Search Instructional Assistant Jobs in VirginiaInstructional Assistant Jobs in Virginia: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies and school districts sponsor visas for instructional assistants in Virginia?
Fairfax County Public Schools, Arlington Public Schools, and Prince William County Schools are among Virginia's largest employers of instructional assistants and have histories of supporting international hires. Some private schools and universities, including George Mason University and Virginia Commonwealth University, also hire instructional support staff and may offer sponsorship depending on the role's qualifications and the candidate's visa category.
Which visa types are most common for instructional assistant roles in Virginia?
H-1B is the most common work visa for instructional assistants in Virginia, but it requires the role to qualify as a specialty occupation, which typically means a position requiring at least a bachelor's degree in a specific field. Some roles at universities may qualify under J-1 exchange visitor programs. TN visas are available to Canadian and Mexican nationals in qualifying education roles. Eligibility depends on the specific position requirements the employer defines.
Which cities in Virginia have the most instructional assistant sponsorship jobs?
Northern Virginia, particularly cities like Fairfax, Arlington, and Alexandria, concentrates the highest volume of instructional assistant openings due to the region's large, diverse K-12 school systems. Richmond and its surrounding Chesterfield and Henrico counties also offer consistent hiring through large public school districts. Blacksburg and Charlottesville see demand tied to Virginia Tech and the University of Virginia, respectively, where instructional support roles sometimes arise.
How to find instructional assistant visa sponsorship jobs in Virginia?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically by visa sponsorship availability, making it easier to identify instructional assistant roles in Virginia where employers are open to sponsoring international candidates. Rather than sorting through general postings, you can browse roles verified for sponsorship across Northern Virginia school districts, Richmond-area institutions, and university settings, saving significant time in your search.
Are there any Virginia-specific considerations for instructional assistants seeking visa sponsorship?
Virginia's instructional assistant positions in public K-12 settings are often classified as paraprofessional roles, and whether they qualify for H-1B sponsorship depends heavily on how the employer defines the degree requirement for the position. Virginia's Northern region employers tend to have more experience navigating international hiring than rural districts. Candidates with specialized credentials, such as special education certifications or bilingual endorsements, may find their profiles align more clearly with specialty occupation standards.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored instructional assistant jobs in Virginia?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.
See which instructional assistant employers are hiring and sponsoring visas in Virginia right now.
Search Instructional Assistant Jobs in Virginia