Associate Instructor Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Associate Instructor roles at U.S. universities and community colleges regularly qualify for H-1B visa sponsorship as specialty occupations requiring a relevant graduate degree. Many institutions are cap-exempt, which means no lottery and faster USCIS processing. International candidates with teaching experience and a master's or doctoral degree are well-positioned to secure sponsorship.
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Get Access To All JobsJob Title: Associate Instructor
Working Title: Associate Instructor
Career Progression Track: A00
FLSA Code: Administrative
Patient Sensitive Job Code?: No
Type: Non Benefited Staff / Student
Temporary?: Yes
Standard Hours per Week: 10
Full Time or Part Time?: Part Time
Shift: Day
Work Schedule Summary:
Part-time, semester-based appointment. Teach assigned courses according to the published class schedule, which may include daytime, evening, weekend, online, or distance classes. Be present for all scheduled class sessions and maintain regular communication with students. Hold a minimum of 1–2 office hours per week (or as required by the College). Dedicate additional time outside of class for lesson preparation, grading, student support, and course administration. Attend required faculty orientation, training sessions, and professional development activities as assigned. Schedule may vary each semester based on enrollment, departmental needs, and course assignments.
VP Area: Academic Affairs
Department: 00166 - CSW - ACADEMICS
Location: Campus
City: Salt Lake City, UT
Type of Recruitment: External Posting
Close Date: 05/02/2027
Job Summary:
The College of Social Work is seeking an instructor to teach one to two courses in the BSW and/or MSW programs per semester. While instructors ordinarily teach only one course per semester, this may vary depending on the program’s needs.
The courses taught in the BSW program range from Introduction to Social Work; HBSE; Social Determinants of Health; Micro-, Mezzo-, and Macro Social Work Practice; Research and Evaluation; Applied Social Work Statistics; Social Welfare Policy; to Substance Use Counseling.
The courses taught in the MSW program range from HBSE; DSM; Micro-, Mezzo-, and Macro Social Work Practice; Research and Evaluation; Social Welfare Policy; to clinical modalities and specialized electives (DBT, CBT, ACT).
Classes are available to students in a variety of forms including in-person campus, asynchronous online-based, and live distance (Zoom). Most classes are in-person campus-based classes held/conducted one day a week at the main University of Utah campus in Salt Lake City. Online classes are held/conducted/facilitated asynchronously throughout the week via the University of Utah online system (Canvas). Live distance classes are held/conducted/facilitated one day a week at distance partner campus sites and via Zoom.
This is a one-semester assignment with possible teaching assignments in future semesters based on College needs, space, and instructor course evaluations.
An MSW with two years of practice experience relevant to the course topic, or a PhD in social work or a related field is preferred. Applicants without an MSW and two years of practice experience will be limited to teaching “non-practice” (e.g., HBSE; Social Determinants of Health; Research and Evaluation; and Applied Social Work Statistics) related courses.
Responsibilities:
The Associate Instructor will be expected to:
- Attend an orientation meeting with cognizant curriculum leader;
- Teach each class session;
- Use Canvas according to College guidelines and expectations;
- Assess the extent to which each student has met learning objectives;
- Assign grades to each student; Implement College and program policies;
- Keep program staff informed of student progress and issues that arise;
- Meet with other instructors who teach the same class on a regular basis;
- Maintain regular office hours either in person or by phone or video conference.
Minimum Qualifications:
Preferences:
Teaching experience at the college undergraduate or graduate-level is preferred, though the College is able to provide some training and guidance to those without it.
Additional Information:
The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.
This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.
The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.
Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.
To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX (OEO). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at the: University of Utah Non-Discrimination page.
Online reports may be submitted at https://oeo.utah.edu
This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.
Job Title: Associate Instructor
Working Title: Associate Instructor
Career Progression Track: A00
FLSA Code: Administrative
Patient Sensitive Job Code?: No
Type: Non Benefited Staff / Student
Temporary?: Yes
Standard Hours per Week: 10
Full Time or Part Time?: Part Time
Shift: Day
Work Schedule Summary:
Part-time, semester-based appointment. Teach assigned courses according to the published class schedule, which may include daytime, evening, weekend, online, or distance classes. Be present for all scheduled class sessions and maintain regular communication with students. Hold a minimum of 1–2 office hours per week (or as required by the College). Dedicate additional time outside of class for lesson preparation, grading, student support, and course administration. Attend required faculty orientation, training sessions, and professional development activities as assigned. Schedule may vary each semester based on enrollment, departmental needs, and course assignments.
VP Area: Academic Affairs
Department: 00166 - CSW - ACADEMICS
Location: Campus
City: Salt Lake City, UT
Type of Recruitment: External Posting
Close Date: 05/02/2027
Job Summary:
The College of Social Work is seeking an instructor to teach one to two courses in the BSW and/or MSW programs per semester. While instructors ordinarily teach only one course per semester, this may vary depending on the program’s needs.
The courses taught in the BSW program range from Introduction to Social Work; HBSE; Social Determinants of Health; Micro-, Mezzo-, and Macro Social Work Practice; Research and Evaluation; Applied Social Work Statistics; Social Welfare Policy; to Substance Use Counseling.
The courses taught in the MSW program range from HBSE; DSM; Micro-, Mezzo-, and Macro Social Work Practice; Research and Evaluation; Social Welfare Policy; to clinical modalities and specialized electives (DBT, CBT, ACT).
Classes are available to students in a variety of forms including in-person campus, asynchronous online-based, and live distance (Zoom). Most classes are in-person campus-based classes held/conducted one day a week at the main University of Utah campus in Salt Lake City. Online classes are held/conducted/facilitated asynchronously throughout the week via the University of Utah online system (Canvas). Live distance classes are held/conducted/facilitated one day a week at distance partner campus sites and via Zoom.
This is a one-semester assignment with possible teaching assignments in future semesters based on College needs, space, and instructor course evaluations.
An MSW with two years of practice experience relevant to the course topic, or a PhD in social work or a related field is preferred. Applicants without an MSW and two years of practice experience will be limited to teaching “non-practice” (e.g., HBSE; Social Determinants of Health; Research and Evaluation; and Applied Social Work Statistics) related courses.
Responsibilities:
The Associate Instructor will be expected to:
- Attend an orientation meeting with cognizant curriculum leader;
- Teach each class session;
- Use Canvas according to College guidelines and expectations;
- Assess the extent to which each student has met learning objectives;
- Assign grades to each student; Implement College and program policies;
- Keep program staff informed of student progress and issues that arise;
- Meet with other instructors who teach the same class on a regular basis;
- Maintain regular office hours either in person or by phone or video conference.
Minimum Qualifications:
Preferences:
Teaching experience at the college undergraduate or graduate-level is preferred, though the College is able to provide some training and guidance to those without it.
Additional Information:
The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.
This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.
The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.
Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.
To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX (OEO). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at the: University of Utah Non-Discrimination page.
Online reports may be submitted at https://oeo.utah.edu
This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.
See all 4,785+ Associate Instructor Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Associate Instructor roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Associate Instructor Jobs
Verify your degree meets specialty occupation standards
H-1B eligibility for Associate Instructor roles hinges on a direct connection between your degree field and your teaching subject. A master's in chemistry teaching composition courses creates a mismatch USCIS will flag. Document the alignment explicitly in your CV and cover materials.
Target cap-exempt institutions first
Universities, community colleges, and nonprofit research institutions attached to higher education are H-1B cap-exempt. That means your employer files directly with USCIS year-round, skipping the annual lottery entirely. Filter your search to these institution types from the start.
Search verified sponsoring employers on Migrate Mate
Many Associate Instructor postings don't advertise sponsorship upfront. Migrate Mate lists employers with confirmed LCA filing history for instructional roles, so you spend time applying to institutions that have actually sponsored candidates in your field rather than guessing.
Get your foreign transcripts evaluated before applying
If your degree is from outside the U.S., USCIS requires a credential evaluation from a NACES-approved service to confirm it's equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's or master's. Order this early because evaluations can take several weeks and departments often want them alongside your application.
Confirm your wage offer clears the prevailing wage
Your employer's LCA must certify that your compensation meets the DOL prevailing wage for the role and location. Run the OFLC Wage Search for your job title and metro area before you receive an offer so you can flag any gap during salary negotiation.
Clarify H-1B portability rules when changing departments
If you're already in H-1B status and move to a new university or even a different department within the same institution that constitutes a material change, your employer must file an amended or new I-129 petition with USCIS before or when you begin the new role.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an Associate Instructor role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
Yes, in most cases. USCIS treats instructional roles that require a specific bachelor's degree or higher in a directly related field as specialty occupations. The key is demonstrating that your degree field matches your teaching subject. A general education or unrelated degree weakens the case, while a discipline-specific graduate degree in the subject you teach strengthens it considerably.
Which visa types are realistic for international candidates applying to Associate Instructor jobs?
H-1B is the most common path for Associate Instructors at degree-granting institutions, especially because many universities and community colleges are cap-exempt and can file year-round. J-1 visa is another option through a designated exchange visitor sponsor, though it comes with a potential two-year home-residency requirement. TN visa is available to Canadian and Mexican nationals if the instructional role fits a qualifying USMCA profession category.
How do I find Associate Instructor roles where employers are open to sponsoring?
Migrate Mate lists Associate Instructor and related instructional positions at employers with verified LCA filing history, so you can focus on institutions that have actively sponsored candidates rather than those that only occasionally do. Filtering by role and location helps you identify where sponsorship activity is most consistent.
Does a three-year bachelor's degree from outside the U.S. satisfy H-1B specialty occupation requirements?
It depends on the credential evaluation. USCIS looks at whether the foreign degree is equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's in a specific field. A three-year degree from countries like Australia, India, or the UK is often accepted by NACES-approved evaluators as equivalent, particularly if paired with relevant postgraduate qualifications. The evaluation report becomes a key document in your employer's I-129 petition.
Can an Associate Instructor on OPT or STEM OPT use that authorization while waiting for H-1B sponsorship?
Yes. If you're an F-1 student who has completed a qualifying degree, OPT lets you work for up to 12 months, and a STEM OPT extension adds 24 more months if your degree is in a STEM-designated field and your employer is E-Verify enrolled. Many Associate Instructors use this window to build teaching experience while their employer pursues H-1B sponsorship.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Associate Instructor jobs?
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.