College Counselor Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
College counselor roles at universities and K-12 schools can qualify for H-1B visa sponsorship when the position requires a master's degree in counseling, education, or a related field. Many higher-ed employers are cap-exempt, which removes the lottery barrier entirely and makes sponsorship more straightforward for qualified candidates.
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Candidates must be fully authorized to work in the United States.
Savannah Classical Academy Charter School is a Locally Authorized K-12 Public Charter school and operates autonomously from the county school system.
SCA IS GROWING!
Savannah Classical Academy (SCA) is seeking highly skilled candidates for this position. Ideally, the selected candidate’s employment will begin this school year and will work with the current administrative team for the remainder of the school year to ensure a smooth transition to the 2027-2028 school year.
Why Choose SCA?
SCA is a high performing CHARTER school with proven successful instructional practices that have consistently yielded high student achievement outcomes. SCA students best the local school system and the state of Georgia on all accountability measures. The working and learning environments are supportive and well-structured with an abundance of instructional resources supplied for staff and students. Students are held to high standards both academically and behaviorally, which creates the best conditions for distraction-free classrooms. SCA IS AN EXCELLENT PLACE TO WORK.
Click here to learn more - About Savannah Classical Academy
Complete our online application and send resume with letter of introduction to SCA's CEO - Barry K. Lollis, recruiter@scasav.org
Work Year: 219 Days
Salary: Teacher salary scale
Reports To: CEO
Position Summary
SCA has approximately eighty-two high school students, and forty eighth grade students. The Secondary College & Career Counselor provides comprehensive guidance to students in grades 8–12 to support their academic, post-secondary, and career readiness. Due to the small size of SCA this role provides top level support to students. Successful candidates will have excellent communication skills, expertise in Georgia graduation requirements, career planning models, dual enrollment processes, college entrance guidance, military and workforce pathways, and state-specific post-secondary options. The college and career counselor will meet frequently with students and families to ensure students are well planned and prepared for post-secondary options, collaborate with instructional and administrative staff, and deliver structured lessons that promote student leadership development, and informed decision-making.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
College, Career & Post-Secondary Planning
- Guide students in creating and revising Individual Graduation Plans (IGPs) in alignment with Georgia DOE requirements.
- Provide individualized support for college readiness, including college search, admissions planning, financial aid (FAFSA, GSFC programs), scholarships, and application processes.
- Educate students on career pathways, employability skills, and workforce training options, including technical colleges, apprenticeships, and military careers.
- Facilitate and chaperone exposure to post-secondary opportunities through fairs, college visits, industry tours, and guest speakers.
Dual Enrollment Coordination
- Serve as the primary school liaison for Georgia Dual Enrollment programs.
- Advise students and parents on eligibility, course selection, credit transfer, and program expectations.
- Maintain communication with partnered colleges and ensure compliance with state regulations and deadlines.
- Monitor student progress and support students enrolled in college courses.
Student Leadership & Development
- Develop and implement programming that builds leadership, self-advocacy, and academic ownership.
- Provide classroom lessons and workshops on topics such as career exploration, financial literacy, goal-setting, and post-secondary planning.
- Support student clubs, leadership initiatives, and mentorship opportunities that promote readiness for life after high school.
Student & Parent Engagement
- Meet regularly with students and parents to review academic progress, discuss post-secondary goals, and adjust graduation plans as needed.
- Host parent workshops, evening informational sessions, and orientation events focused on college admissions, dual enrollment, and career pathways.
- Provide consistent communication regarding deadlines, opportunities, and academic planning.
- Provide and review grade level expectations and goals with students and parents for meeting post-secondary readiness.
Data, Records & Compliance
- Maintain accurate documentation of student graduation plans, counseling sessions, and program participation.
- Analyze student data related to graduation progress, pathway completion, dual enrollment participation, and post-secondary enrollment.
- Collaborate with school leadership to ensure alignment with state regulations, accreditation standards, and district goals.
- Assist in scheduling, transcript reviews, and evaluation of credits for new and transferring students.
Collaboration & Schoolwide Support
- Work closely with administrators, teachers, and counselors to support students’ academic and behavioral success.
- Participate in school leadership teams, MTSS/RTI meetings, and other committees as assigned.
- Support school events such as testing administration, registration, advising events, and graduation ceremonies.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Master’s degree in School Counseling or related field required.
- Valid Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) certification in School Counseling.
- Knowledge of Georgia graduation requirements, HOPE programs, GSFC policies, and state Dual Enrollment regulations.
- Experience supporting students and families with college admissions, FAFSA, scholarship navigation, and career exploration.
- Strong interpersonal, presentation, and communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities, maintain detailed records, and build strong relationships with students, parents, and post-secondary partners.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with Naviance, Georgia Career Information System (GCIS), or other college/career readiness platforms.
- Prior experience coordinating Dual Enrollment programs.
- Background in workforce development, career technical education (CTE), or leadership development programming.
Physical Demands & Working Conditions
- Fast-paced school environment requiring regular meetings, classroom instruction, and family engagement.
- Some evening events required (e.g., parent nights, workshops, college fairs).
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT
The work calendar is published annually. Work hours may vary depending on the needs of the organization. Minimum eight-hour day Monday-Friday. Start time is 7:15 AM daily.
NON-ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
A responsibility is considered to be “non-essential” (for the purposes of compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act) if:
- it is shared between multiple incumbents in the job; or
- it could be performed by an employee in another job within the workgroup.
Note the responsibility number from the list in the “Duties and Responsibilities” section for those responsibilities that could be considered “non-essential” based on this definition.
Certain limited aspects of General Duties and Responsibilities items referenced in Section 1 (b) and (d) might be considered “non-essential” in a specific situation. Any request for accommodation must be reviewed on an “individual case” basis.
PHYSICAL AND SENSORY DEMANDS
Most jobs in the District have physical and sensory demands that can be described by one of the two categories noted below. For jobs that require more physical or sensory effort, please list the requirements in this section. The category applicable for this position is listed below.
OFFICE Employees in this category are normally exposed to a typical environment. The employee has some control over the length of time sitting, standing, or ambulating. There are occasions that require the lifting or pulling of equipment or supplies, as well as bending, stooping, or stretching. There is frequent use of computers, telephone, and other standard office equipment, which includes reading, listening, writing, or speaking. There are few exceptional physical or sensory demands.
Secondary College & Career Counselor
Candidates must be fully authorized to work in the United States.
Savannah Classical Academy Charter School is a Locally Authorized K-12 Public Charter school and operates autonomously from the county school system.
SCA IS GROWING!
Savannah Classical Academy (SCA) is seeking highly skilled candidates for this position. Ideally, the selected candidate’s employment will begin this school year and will work with the current administrative team for the remainder of the school year to ensure a smooth transition to the 2027-2028 school year.
Why Choose SCA?
SCA is a high performing CHARTER school with proven successful instructional practices that have consistently yielded high student achievement outcomes. SCA students best the local school system and the state of Georgia on all accountability measures. The working and learning environments are supportive and well-structured with an abundance of instructional resources supplied for staff and students. Students are held to high standards both academically and behaviorally, which creates the best conditions for distraction-free classrooms. SCA IS AN EXCELLENT PLACE TO WORK.
Click here to learn more - About Savannah Classical Academy
Complete our online application and send resume with letter of introduction to SCA's CEO - Barry K. Lollis, recruiter@scasav.org
Work Year: 219 Days
Salary: Teacher salary scale
Reports To: CEO
Position Summary
SCA has approximately eighty-two high school students, and forty eighth grade students. The Secondary College & Career Counselor provides comprehensive guidance to students in grades 8–12 to support their academic, post-secondary, and career readiness. Due to the small size of SCA this role provides top level support to students. Successful candidates will have excellent communication skills, expertise in Georgia graduation requirements, career planning models, dual enrollment processes, college entrance guidance, military and workforce pathways, and state-specific post-secondary options. The college and career counselor will meet frequently with students and families to ensure students are well planned and prepared for post-secondary options, collaborate with instructional and administrative staff, and deliver structured lessons that promote student leadership development, and informed decision-making.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
College, Career & Post-Secondary Planning
- Guide students in creating and revising Individual Graduation Plans (IGPs) in alignment with Georgia DOE requirements.
- Provide individualized support for college readiness, including college search, admissions planning, financial aid (FAFSA, GSFC programs), scholarships, and application processes.
- Educate students on career pathways, employability skills, and workforce training options, including technical colleges, apprenticeships, and military careers.
- Facilitate and chaperone exposure to post-secondary opportunities through fairs, college visits, industry tours, and guest speakers.
Dual Enrollment Coordination
- Serve as the primary school liaison for Georgia Dual Enrollment programs.
- Advise students and parents on eligibility, course selection, credit transfer, and program expectations.
- Maintain communication with partnered colleges and ensure compliance with state regulations and deadlines.
- Monitor student progress and support students enrolled in college courses.
Student Leadership & Development
- Develop and implement programming that builds leadership, self-advocacy, and academic ownership.
- Provide classroom lessons and workshops on topics such as career exploration, financial literacy, goal-setting, and post-secondary planning.
- Support student clubs, leadership initiatives, and mentorship opportunities that promote readiness for life after high school.
Student & Parent Engagement
- Meet regularly with students and parents to review academic progress, discuss post-secondary goals, and adjust graduation plans as needed.
- Host parent workshops, evening informational sessions, and orientation events focused on college admissions, dual enrollment, and career pathways.
- Provide consistent communication regarding deadlines, opportunities, and academic planning.
- Provide and review grade level expectations and goals with students and parents for meeting post-secondary readiness.
Data, Records & Compliance
- Maintain accurate documentation of student graduation plans, counseling sessions, and program participation.
- Analyze student data related to graduation progress, pathway completion, dual enrollment participation, and post-secondary enrollment.
- Collaborate with school leadership to ensure alignment with state regulations, accreditation standards, and district goals.
- Assist in scheduling, transcript reviews, and evaluation of credits for new and transferring students.
Collaboration & Schoolwide Support
- Work closely with administrators, teachers, and counselors to support students’ academic and behavioral success.
- Participate in school leadership teams, MTSS/RTI meetings, and other committees as assigned.
- Support school events such as testing administration, registration, advising events, and graduation ceremonies.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Master’s degree in School Counseling or related field required.
- Valid Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) certification in School Counseling.
- Knowledge of Georgia graduation requirements, HOPE programs, GSFC policies, and state Dual Enrollment regulations.
- Experience supporting students and families with college admissions, FAFSA, scholarship navigation, and career exploration.
- Strong interpersonal, presentation, and communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities, maintain detailed records, and build strong relationships with students, parents, and post-secondary partners.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with Naviance, Georgia Career Information System (GCIS), or other college/career readiness platforms.
- Prior experience coordinating Dual Enrollment programs.
- Background in workforce development, career technical education (CTE), or leadership development programming.
Physical Demands & Working Conditions
- Fast-paced school environment requiring regular meetings, classroom instruction, and family engagement.
- Some evening events required (e.g., parent nights, workshops, college fairs).
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT
The work calendar is published annually. Work hours may vary depending on the needs of the organization. Minimum eight-hour day Monday-Friday. Start time is 7:15 AM daily.
NON-ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
A responsibility is considered to be “non-essential” (for the purposes of compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act) if:
- it is shared between multiple incumbents in the job; or
- it could be performed by an employee in another job within the workgroup.
Note the responsibility number from the list in the “Duties and Responsibilities” section for those responsibilities that could be considered “non-essential” based on this definition.
Certain limited aspects of General Duties and Responsibilities items referenced in Section 1 (b) and (d) might be considered “non-essential” in a specific situation. Any request for accommodation must be reviewed on an “individual case” basis.
PHYSICAL AND SENSORY DEMANDS
Most jobs in the District have physical and sensory demands that can be described by one of the two categories noted below. For jobs that require more physical or sensory effort, please list the requirements in this section. The category applicable for this position is listed below.
OFFICE Employees in this category are normally exposed to a typical environment. The employee has some control over the length of time sitting, standing, or ambulating. There are occasions that require the lifting or pulling of equipment or supplies, as well as bending, stooping, or stretching. There is frequent use of computers, telephone, and other standard office equipment, which includes reading, listening, writing, or speaking. There are few exceptional physical or sensory demands.
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Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new College Counselor roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as a College Counselor
Verify your degree meets specialty occupation
H-1B eligibility for college counselor roles hinges on whether a master's degree in counseling, student affairs, or education is a stated requirement, not just preferred. Pull the O*NET profile for school and career counselors to confirm the degree-field alignment before applying.
Target cap-exempt higher education employers
Universities and nonprofit research institutions are cap-exempt, meaning they can file H-1B petitions year-round without entering the annual lottery. Focus your search on four-year colleges, community colleges, and university-affiliated counseling centers where this advantage applies directly.
Search verified sponsoring employers on Migrate Mate
Use Migrate Mate to find college counselor roles at employers with confirmed LCA filing history. This filters out positions where sponsorship is listed as possible but never actually executed, saving you time on applications that won't move forward.
Check prevailing wage tiers before negotiating
Your employer must pay at least the DOL prevailing wage for your location and role level. Run your title and metro area through the OFLC Wage Search before salary discussions so you know the wage floor and can spot underpaying offers that may signal weak sponsorship intent.
Get your CACREP accreditation documentation ready
Many college counseling positions require CACREP-accredited program graduates or state licensure. Have your official transcripts, program accreditation letter, and any licensure credentials organized before interviews, since employers initiating PERM or H-1B often need these documents quickly during the filing window.
Clarify the LCA filing timeline with HR early
Ask HR whether they've sponsored international employees in this role before and which attorney or in-house team handles filings. At cap-exempt institutions, USCIS can approve H-1B petitions in a few months with premium processing, but delays in internal HR approval often cause the real bottleneck.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a college counselor role qualify as a specialty occupation for the H-1B?
It depends on how the job is written. If the posting requires a master's degree in counseling, student affairs, clinical mental health, or a directly related field, it typically meets the H-1B visa specialty occupation standard. Roles that accept any bachelor's degree, regardless of field, are weaker candidates. USCIS looks at both the job description and the employer's hiring practices, so a vague requirement can trigger a Request for Evidence.
Are college counselors at universities exempt from the H-1B cap?
Yes, in most cases. Colleges and universities are classified as cap-exempt institutions under immigration law, meaning they can file H-1B petitions at any time of year without competing in the annual lottery. This is one of the most practical advantages of pursuing college counselor roles in higher education specifically, compared to positions at for-profit companies subject to the 65,000-cap and annual selection process.
What visa options exist for college counselors who aren't H-1B eligible?
If you're a Canadian or Mexican national, TN visa status covers school counselors under the USMCA profession list, provided the role requires a qualifying degree. J-1 visa exchange visitor programs exist for some academic roles but require a designated sponsor organization and may carry a two-year home residency requirement. For roles meeting the degree threshold, an employer-sponsored EB-2 or EB-3 green card through PERM labor certification is also a path, though priority date backlogs vary by country of birth.
How do I find college counselor jobs where employers actually sponsor visas?
Browse college counselor roles on Migrate Mate, which lists employers with verified sponsorship history so you're not guessing from job descriptions. Many universities post positions that technically allow sponsorship but rarely follow through, so targeting institutions with a documented filing track record makes a material difference in your application strategy.
Does state licensure affect my visa sponsorship eligibility as a college counselor?
Licensure requirements vary by state and employer type. K-12 school counselor roles in most states require a state credential or license, which strengthens the specialty occupation argument for H-1B purposes since it reinforces the degree-specific nature of the work. If you're seeking licensure after arrival, confirm with USCIS that your status permits the supervised hours typically required, since some licensure pathways involve employment conditions that must align with your authorized work scope.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored College Counselor 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.