Administrative Assistant Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Administrative assistant roles rarely get visa sponsorship in the U.S. because employers generally can't demonstrate that the position requires a bachelor's degree, which is a core H-1B visa requirement. Most immigration attorneys won't even file these petitions since denial rates are extremely high. Your best bet is finding sponsorship through a different, more specialized role and transitioning internally. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Get Access To All JobsOpening Type:
Business Professionals
Location:
Palo Alto
San Francisco
Wilson Sonsini is the premier legal advisor to technology, life sciences, and other growth enterprises worldwide. We represent companies at every stage of development, from entrepreneurial start-ups to multibillion-dollar global corporations, as well as the venture firms, private equity firms, and investment banks that finance and advise them. The firm has approximately 1,100 attorneys in 17 offices: 13 in the U.S., two in China, and two in Europe. Our broad spectrum of practices and entrepreneurial spirit allow exceptional opportunities for professional achievement and career growth.
The firm is seeking a motivated administrative professional to join our Administrative Resource Team (ART) providing core administrative support to legal departments throughout the firm. The ART serves as a central support hub for attorneys, legal professionals, and executive assistants delivering a broad range of administrative support services requiring a candidate with strong customer service, administrative, and organizational skills. This is an excellent entry level opportunity that could lead to a longer-term career at the firm supporting attorney practices.
This role is available as a hybrid work schedule, and the in-office schedule will be 3 days/week. Must be available to work a 7.5-hour shift scheduled within our operating hours of 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM Pacific Time.
Job Responsibilities
- Utilizing a centralized data base, retrieve assignments from legal professionals and perform tasks as requested; update requestors regarding receipt and status of tasks/projects and consistently meet agreed upon deadlines
- Time-entry support
- Prepare and submit business expense reports
- Travel arrangements (Coordinating with internal travel agency)
- Arrange for payment of vendor invoices or checks to be drawn and charged to appropriate client/matter numbers
- Confirm status of vendor payments
- Provide file management assistance utilizing firm document management system (Netdocs)
- Create, revise and edit documents using MS suite and PDF programs
- General research (non-legal)
- Consistently deliver exceptional customer service to internal clients
- Proactively keep abreast of firm resources, contacts, and subject-matter experts to provide alternative solutions when necessary
- Navigation assistance for new attorneys regarding resources and contacts within the firm
- Additional practice-specific support services as needed
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Display well-developed and professional interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact and communicate effectively with employees at all organizational levels of the firm
- Demonstrate the ability to take initiative and work both independently and in a team environment with a customer service focus
- Ability to effectively prioritize multiple tasks, and produce accurate work product in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment
- Demonstrate strong attention to detail, outstanding organizational skills, and the ability to manage time effectively
- Demonstrate strong problem-solving skills, initiative, good judgment, and excellent follow-up skills
- Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, including strong grammar, spelling, and punctuation
- Possess the ability to handle confidential, sensitive, and proprietary information with appropriate discretion
- Must be a self-starter who can work independently with minimal supervision
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and collaborate well in a team setting
- Flexible attitude and the ability to deal well with changing assignments and priorities
- Determine most appropriate technology to accomplish a given task and seek ways to utilize technology to improve efficiency
- Proactive in seeking innovative ways to help others and the ART program
Qualifications
- High school diploma required; bachelor’s degree preferred
- 3+ years of previous administrative support experience in a law firm or professional services environment preferred
- Strong computer skills, proficiency with MS Office Suite (Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel) PDF programs, and the ability to learn new software applications quickly
The primary location for this job posting is in Palo Alto, but other locations may be listed. The actual base pay offered will depend upon a variety of factors, including but not limited to the selected candidate’s qualifications, years of relevant experience, level of education, professional certifications and licenses, and work location. The anticipated pay range for this position is as follows:
Palo Alto, San Francisco: $31.82 – $43.05 per hour.
The compensation for this position may include overtime and a discretionary year-end merit bonus based on performance. We offer a highly competitive salary and benefits package.
Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).
Opening Type:
Business Professionals
Location:
Palo Alto
San Francisco
Wilson Sonsini is the premier legal advisor to technology, life sciences, and other growth enterprises worldwide. We represent companies at every stage of development, from entrepreneurial start-ups to multibillion-dollar global corporations, as well as the venture firms, private equity firms, and investment banks that finance and advise them. The firm has approximately 1,100 attorneys in 17 offices: 13 in the U.S., two in China, and two in Europe. Our broad spectrum of practices and entrepreneurial spirit allow exceptional opportunities for professional achievement and career growth.
The firm is seeking a motivated administrative professional to join our Administrative Resource Team (ART) providing core administrative support to legal departments throughout the firm. The ART serves as a central support hub for attorneys, legal professionals, and executive assistants delivering a broad range of administrative support services requiring a candidate with strong customer service, administrative, and organizational skills. This is an excellent entry level opportunity that could lead to a longer-term career at the firm supporting attorney practices.
This role is available as a hybrid work schedule, and the in-office schedule will be 3 days/week. Must be available to work a 7.5-hour shift scheduled within our operating hours of 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM Pacific Time.
Job Responsibilities
- Utilizing a centralized data base, retrieve assignments from legal professionals and perform tasks as requested; update requestors regarding receipt and status of tasks/projects and consistently meet agreed upon deadlines
- Time-entry support
- Prepare and submit business expense reports
- Travel arrangements (Coordinating with internal travel agency)
- Arrange for payment of vendor invoices or checks to be drawn and charged to appropriate client/matter numbers
- Confirm status of vendor payments
- Provide file management assistance utilizing firm document management system (Netdocs)
- Create, revise and edit documents using MS suite and PDF programs
- General research (non-legal)
- Consistently deliver exceptional customer service to internal clients
- Proactively keep abreast of firm resources, contacts, and subject-matter experts to provide alternative solutions when necessary
- Navigation assistance for new attorneys regarding resources and contacts within the firm
- Additional practice-specific support services as needed
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Display well-developed and professional interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact and communicate effectively with employees at all organizational levels of the firm
- Demonstrate the ability to take initiative and work both independently and in a team environment with a customer service focus
- Ability to effectively prioritize multiple tasks, and produce accurate work product in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment
- Demonstrate strong attention to detail, outstanding organizational skills, and the ability to manage time effectively
- Demonstrate strong problem-solving skills, initiative, good judgment, and excellent follow-up skills
- Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, including strong grammar, spelling, and punctuation
- Possess the ability to handle confidential, sensitive, and proprietary information with appropriate discretion
- Must be a self-starter who can work independently with minimal supervision
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and collaborate well in a team setting
- Flexible attitude and the ability to deal well with changing assignments and priorities
- Determine most appropriate technology to accomplish a given task and seek ways to utilize technology to improve efficiency
- Proactive in seeking innovative ways to help others and the ART program
Qualifications
- High school diploma required; bachelor’s degree preferred
- 3+ years of previous administrative support experience in a law firm or professional services environment preferred
- Strong computer skills, proficiency with MS Office Suite (Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel) PDF programs, and the ability to learn new software applications quickly
The primary location for this job posting is in Palo Alto, but other locations may be listed. The actual base pay offered will depend upon a variety of factors, including but not limited to the selected candidate’s qualifications, years of relevant experience, level of education, professional certifications and licenses, and work location. The anticipated pay range for this position is as follows:
Palo Alto, San Francisco: $31.82 – $43.05 per hour.
The compensation for this position may include overtime and a discretionary year-end merit bonus based on performance. We offer a highly competitive salary and benefits package.
Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).
See all 27,632+ Administrative Assistant Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as an Administrative Assistant
Specialize in an industry to strengthen your sponsorship case
A general administrative assistant role is difficult to sponsor, but an administrative professional with deep expertise in healthcare compliance, legal operations, or financial services has a stronger argument for specialty occupation classification. Target industries where administrative roles require specific certifications or technical knowledge that goes beyond general office skills.
Reframe your role around specialized functions
Position yourself as a project coordinator, operations specialist, or executive operations analyst rather than a general administrative assistant. Employers and immigration attorneys can more easily argue that a role requiring project management, data analysis, or strategic coordination meets the H-1B specialty occupation threshold.
Pursue certifications that demonstrate specialized expertise
Credentials like the Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) designation, Project Management Professional (PMP), or industry-specific certifications can help differentiate your profile. These credentials provide evidence that the role requires a body of specialized knowledge beyond basic office administration.
Target universities and nonprofit organizations
Administrative roles at accredited universities and qualifying nonprofit research organizations may be H-1B cap-exempt, meaning no lottery is required. These employers can file H-1B petitions year-round, which significantly improves your chances compared to the competitive annual lottery process.
Consider the J-1 trainee program as a stepping stone
The J-1 trainee visa allows professionals with relevant experience to work in the U.S. for up to 18 months in a structured training program. This can provide a pathway to demonstrate your value to a U.S. employer who may then consider H-1B sponsorship for a more specialized role.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it realistic to get visa sponsorship for an administrative assistant role?
H-1B visa sponsorship for administrative assistant positions is challenging because USCIS often finds these roles do not meet the specialty occupation standard. The agency has historically denied H-1B petitions for administrative roles, arguing that a bachelor's degree in a specific field is not a normal minimum requirement. However, specialized administrative roles in technical industries or those requiring advanced skills may have a stronger case.
What visa options exist for administrative professionals besides H-1B?
The J-1 visa trainee or intern visa can provide temporary work authorization for administrative professionals gaining specialized training. Some administrative roles at hotels and resorts may qualify for H-2B visa temporary worker visas if they are seasonal or peak-load positions. For Canadian and Mexican citizens, the TN visa may be an option if the role can be classified under a qualifying profession like management consultant.
How can I make an administrative assistant position more competitive for sponsorship?
Employers can strengthen a sponsorship case by documenting how the role requires specialized knowledge, such as proficiency in specific enterprise software, industry regulatory knowledge, or bilingual capabilities essential to business operations. Framing the position as a project coordinator or operations specialist rather than a general administrative role can also help. Having a degree directly related to the industry the role supports adds further weight to the petition.
Do any industries sponsor administrative assistants more readily?
Healthcare systems, law firms, and financial institutions sometimes sponsor administrative professionals when the role requires industry-specific expertise, such as medical terminology, legal procedures, or financial compliance knowledge. These specialized requirements make it easier to argue the position qualifies as a specialty occupation. Government contractors and universities may also offer pathways, as some positions at nonprofits and higher education institutions are H-1B cap-exempt.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Administrative Assistant jobs?
When a U.S. employer sponsors a foreign worker for a work visa, they are legally required to pay at least the "prevailing wage" — the average wage paid to workers in the same occupation, in the same geographic area, with similar experience. This is set by the Department of Labor to prevent employers from hiring foreign workers at below-market rates. The prevailing wage varies significantly by role, location, and experience level — for example, a administrative assistant in Texas will have a different prevailing wage than the same role in a smaller state. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search.
How to find Administrative Assistant jobs with visa sponsorship?
To find Administrative Assistant jobs with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate, which specializes in connecting international candidates with sponsoring employers. Focus your search on large corporations, healthcare systems, educational institutions, and government contractors that frequently sponsor H-1B, TN visa, and other work visas for administrative roles. These organizations often have established sponsorship programs and need skilled administrative support staff.