Fitness Instructor Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Fitness instructor visa sponsorship in the U.S. is possible but demands a specialty occupation case, which means your employer must justify a degree requirement for the role. Most gym chains won't file, but corporate wellness programs, hospital fitness centers, and university recreation departments often will. Expect H-1B visa or TN visa pathways depending on your nationality.
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Applicants seeking short-term or part-time work with the University Hawai'i may apply for Casual Hire positions, which include administrative, professional, and technical (APT) or instructional-type positions. Because of the temporary nature of these appointments, Casual Hire employees are not eligible for most benefits as provided to regular BOR and Civil Service employees such as paid leave and holidays. Casual Hire appointments may last for up to 89 days for full-time employees, and up to 1 calendar year for part-time employees.
Title: Casual Hire - Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coordinator for Football
Hiring Unit: UHM Athletics
Location: Football
Date Posted: November 10, 2026
Closing Date: November 13, 2026
Full Time / Part Time: Full Time
Temporary/Permanent: Temporary
Other Conditions: Position is temporary casual hire position and offers no benefits, 89 day hire, not to exceed 40 hours/week. Hours may vary.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Responsible for developing, implementing and monitoring a safe and effective strength and conditioning program to reduce injuries and improve performance for all football student-athletes at the direction of the Head Strength and Conditioning Coordinator for Football.
- Assists the Head Strength and Conditioning Coordinator for Football provide in season, off season, summer, and pre-season strength and conditioning programs for football. Programs must include strength training, conditioning, nutrition, pre testing, illustrations, diagrams and performance goals.
- Works closely with the Head Strength and Conditioning Coordinator for Football and football coaches to develop team and individual programs based on the latest techniques in assigned sports.
- Supervises football student-athletes and student assistants in the weight room at the discretion of the Head Strength and Conditioning Coordinator for Football.
- Promotes and maintains an environment where the physical, mental, social and academic well-being of all student-athletes are a priority.
- Maintains all strength and conditioning equipment through normal maintenance and cleaning.
- Instructs and provides information concerning strength training which includes nutritional counseling, rehabilitation training, and individual strength programs for football.
- Educates football student-athletes about the risks involved on the use of illegal drugs and alcohol. If needed, football student-athlete will be referred to counseling and treatment referral services.
- Keeps abreast of new techniques, methods and practices to consistently ensure and maintain that the strength and conditioning program meets standards.
- Develops and provides physical skills testing for football student-athletes at the discretion of the Head Strength and Conditioning Coordinator for Football.
- Works closely with the Certified Athletic Trainers to modify training programs to accommodate football student-athletes in rehabilitation.
- Flexible to work on weekends, nights and holidays as needed to accommodate teams, sporting events, and recruits visiting campus.
- Travels with the football team as assigned to regular and/or post-season competition.
- Assures that all activities are operated in compliance with NCAA, Conference and university rules and regulations.
- Maintains collaborative working relationships with administrators & coaches in the department, other college offices, & appropriate relationships with members of the media, donors, & other individuals interested in the Athletics Department & Football.
- Maintain confidentiality to include but not limited to information, files and records that the incumbent may obtain or possess, in accordance with federal and state laws and University of Hawai‘i policies.
- Responsible for performing the duties of a Campus Security Authority as defined by University policy and federal law with regards to the Clery Act.
- Knows, recognizes and complies with the laws, policies, rules and regulations governing the University of Hawai‘i and its employees, and the rules of the NCAA and affiliated conferences as now constituted or as may be amended in the future. Immediately advises the Director of Athletics or designee if there is reasonable cause to believe violations, whether by employees or students, have occurred or will occur.
- Other duties as assigned.
- Denotes Essential Functions
Minimum Qualifications
- Possession of a baccalaureate degree in exercise science or related field and 2 year(s) of progressively responsible professional experience with responsibilities for intercollegiate athletics strength and conditioning program; or any equivalent combination of education and/or professional work experience which provides the required education, knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated.
- Considerable working knowledge of principles, practices and techniques in the athletics strength and conditioning programs as demonstrated by the broad knowledge of the full range of pertinent standard and evolving concepts, principles and methodologies.
- Considerable working knowledge and understanding of applicable federal and state laws, rules, regulations and theories and systems associated with athletics strength and conditioning programs.
- Demonstrated ability to resolve wide ranging complex problems through the use of creative reasoning and logic to accurately determine the cause of the problems and the resolution of the problems in an effective, innovative and timely manner.
- Demonstrated ability to interpret and present information and ideas clearly and accurately in writing, verbally and by preparation of reports and other materials.
- Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external organizations, groups, team leaders and members, and individuals.
- Demonstrated ability to operate a personal computer and apply word processing software.
- For supervisory work, demonstrated ability to lead subordinates, manage work priorities and projects, and manage employee relations.
- Valid certification by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches Association (CSCCa) or Strength and Conditioning Coach (SCCC).
- Must be able to work nights, weekends and holidays during athletic related scheduled events and practices.
- Valid First Aid/CPR/AED certification.
- Ability to meet or exceed customer service needs and expectations and provide excellent service in a direct or indirect manner.
- Ability to work effectively and independently under pressure, with frequent interruptions, and remain flexible in handling several concurrent projects with competing deadlines.
- Ability to travel with the team 3-7 days per trip.
Desirable Qualifications
- United States of America Weightlifting Association (USAW) certification.
- Experience training collegiate football & Olympic sports.
To Apply:
Inquiries: Bobby Thomas, Football Head Strength and Conditioning Coord, wrt313@hawaii.edu
EEO, Clery Act, ADA
The University of Hawai'i is an Equal Opportunity Institution and is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment, including on the basis of veteran and disability status. For more information, visit: https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/policies/
Employment is contingent on satisfying employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986; reference checks of previous employers; and for certain positions, criminal history record checks.
In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, annual campus crime statistics for the University of Hawai'i may be viewed at: https://www.hawaii.edu/titleix/help/campus-security/, or a paper copy may be obtained upon request from the respective UH Campus Security or Administrative Services Office.
Accommodation Request: The University of Hawai'i complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the EEO coordinator directly. Determination on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. For further information, please refer to the following link: https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/accommodation-request/
Description
Applicants seeking short-term or part-time work with the University Hawai'i may apply for Casual Hire positions, which include administrative, professional, and technical (APT) or instructional-type positions. Because of the temporary nature of these appointments, Casual Hire employees are not eligible for most benefits as provided to regular BOR and Civil Service employees such as paid leave and holidays. Casual Hire appointments may last for up to 89 days for full-time employees, and up to 1 calendar year for part-time employees.
Title: Casual Hire - Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coordinator for Football
Hiring Unit: UHM Athletics
Location: Football
Date Posted: November 10, 2026
Closing Date: November 13, 2026
Full Time / Part Time: Full Time
Temporary/Permanent: Temporary
Other Conditions: Position is temporary casual hire position and offers no benefits, 89 day hire, not to exceed 40 hours/week. Hours may vary.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Responsible for developing, implementing and monitoring a safe and effective strength and conditioning program to reduce injuries and improve performance for all football student-athletes at the direction of the Head Strength and Conditioning Coordinator for Football.
- Assists the Head Strength and Conditioning Coordinator for Football provide in season, off season, summer, and pre-season strength and conditioning programs for football. Programs must include strength training, conditioning, nutrition, pre testing, illustrations, diagrams and performance goals.
- Works closely with the Head Strength and Conditioning Coordinator for Football and football coaches to develop team and individual programs based on the latest techniques in assigned sports.
- Supervises football student-athletes and student assistants in the weight room at the discretion of the Head Strength and Conditioning Coordinator for Football.
- Promotes and maintains an environment where the physical, mental, social and academic well-being of all student-athletes are a priority.
- Maintains all strength and conditioning equipment through normal maintenance and cleaning.
- Instructs and provides information concerning strength training which includes nutritional counseling, rehabilitation training, and individual strength programs for football.
- Educates football student-athletes about the risks involved on the use of illegal drugs and alcohol. If needed, football student-athlete will be referred to counseling and treatment referral services.
- Keeps abreast of new techniques, methods and practices to consistently ensure and maintain that the strength and conditioning program meets standards.
- Develops and provides physical skills testing for football student-athletes at the discretion of the Head Strength and Conditioning Coordinator for Football.
- Works closely with the Certified Athletic Trainers to modify training programs to accommodate football student-athletes in rehabilitation.
- Flexible to work on weekends, nights and holidays as needed to accommodate teams, sporting events, and recruits visiting campus.
- Travels with the football team as assigned to regular and/or post-season competition.
- Assures that all activities are operated in compliance with NCAA, Conference and university rules and regulations.
- Maintains collaborative working relationships with administrators & coaches in the department, other college offices, & appropriate relationships with members of the media, donors, & other individuals interested in the Athletics Department & Football.
- Maintain confidentiality to include but not limited to information, files and records that the incumbent may obtain or possess, in accordance with federal and state laws and University of Hawai‘i policies.
- Responsible for performing the duties of a Campus Security Authority as defined by University policy and federal law with regards to the Clery Act.
- Knows, recognizes and complies with the laws, policies, rules and regulations governing the University of Hawai‘i and its employees, and the rules of the NCAA and affiliated conferences as now constituted or as may be amended in the future. Immediately advises the Director of Athletics or designee if there is reasonable cause to believe violations, whether by employees or students, have occurred or will occur.
- Other duties as assigned.
- Denotes Essential Functions
Minimum Qualifications
- Possession of a baccalaureate degree in exercise science or related field and 2 year(s) of progressively responsible professional experience with responsibilities for intercollegiate athletics strength and conditioning program; or any equivalent combination of education and/or professional work experience which provides the required education, knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated.
- Considerable working knowledge of principles, practices and techniques in the athletics strength and conditioning programs as demonstrated by the broad knowledge of the full range of pertinent standard and evolving concepts, principles and methodologies.
- Considerable working knowledge and understanding of applicable federal and state laws, rules, regulations and theories and systems associated with athletics strength and conditioning programs.
- Demonstrated ability to resolve wide ranging complex problems through the use of creative reasoning and logic to accurately determine the cause of the problems and the resolution of the problems in an effective, innovative and timely manner.
- Demonstrated ability to interpret and present information and ideas clearly and accurately in writing, verbally and by preparation of reports and other materials.
- Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external organizations, groups, team leaders and members, and individuals.
- Demonstrated ability to operate a personal computer and apply word processing software.
- For supervisory work, demonstrated ability to lead subordinates, manage work priorities and projects, and manage employee relations.
- Valid certification by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches Association (CSCCa) or Strength and Conditioning Coach (SCCC).
- Must be able to work nights, weekends and holidays during athletic related scheduled events and practices.
- Valid First Aid/CPR/AED certification.
- Ability to meet or exceed customer service needs and expectations and provide excellent service in a direct or indirect manner.
- Ability to work effectively and independently under pressure, with frequent interruptions, and remain flexible in handling several concurrent projects with competing deadlines.
- Ability to travel with the team 3-7 days per trip.
Desirable Qualifications
- United States of America Weightlifting Association (USAW) certification.
- Experience training collegiate football & Olympic sports.
To Apply:
Inquiries: Bobby Thomas, Football Head Strength and Conditioning Coord, wrt313@hawaii.edu
EEO, Clery Act, ADA
The University of Hawai'i is an Equal Opportunity Institution and is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment, including on the basis of veteran and disability status. For more information, visit: https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/policies/
Employment is contingent on satisfying employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986; reference checks of previous employers; and for certain positions, criminal history record checks.
In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, annual campus crime statistics for the University of Hawai'i may be viewed at: https://www.hawaii.edu/titleix/help/campus-security/, or a paper copy may be obtained upon request from the respective UH Campus Security or Administrative Services Office.
Accommodation Request: The University of Hawai'i complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the EEO coordinator directly. Determination on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. For further information, please refer to the following link: https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/accommodation-request/
See all 981+ Fitness Instructor Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Fitness Instructor roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Fitness Instructor Jobs
Frame your credentials around specialty occupation
Fitness instruction defaults to a generalist trade in USCIS adjudications. Build your case around a specific degree in exercise science, kinesiology, or a related field, and document how your role requires that academic background, not just certifications.
Target employers with clinical or medical settings
Corporate wellness programs tied to hospital systems, university campus recreation departments, and rehabilitation centers are far more likely to sponsor than commercial gyms. These employers already navigate complex HR compliance and understand degree-based hiring.
Look up prevailing wages before salary negotiations
Your employer's LCA must certify wages at or above the prevailing wage for your location and role. Run your job title and metro area through the OFLC Wage Search before any offer conversation so you know the floor they're legally bound to meet.
Use Migrate Mate to find verified sponsoring employers
Most fitness employers have never filed an H-1B. Search Migrate Mate to identify companies with verified LCA sponsorship history in health, wellness, or recreation, so you're not cold-pitching employers who have no sponsorship process in place.
Prepare a portfolio showing specialized scope of practice
An RFE on a fitness instructor H-1B almost always targets specialty occupation. Compile job descriptions, program curricula you've designed, clinical or corrective exercise protocols, and academic transcripts that link your degree directly to the duties you perform.
Confirm your employer's PERM timeline if pursuing a green card
If your employer wants to sponsor you for permanent residence, they'll need to complete PERM labor certification before filing an EB-2 or EB-3 petition. That process can take a year or more and requires advertising the role, so start the conversation well before your H-1B extension deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a fitness instructor role qualify as a specialty occupation for the H-1B?
It can, but the burden of proof is high. USCIS requires that the position normally requires at least a bachelor's degree in a directly related field, like exercise science or kinesiology. General personal training roles rarely meet that threshold. Roles in clinical exercise physiology, corrective movement programs, or medically integrated wellness facilities have a stronger case because the employer can demonstrate the degree is a genuine job requirement.
Which visa pathways are realistically available for international fitness instructors?
The H-1B is the most common route if the role qualifies as a specialty occupation. Canadian and Mexican nationals can explore the TN visa under the Physical Therapist category only if the role involves licensed physical therapy functions, not general fitness instruction. The O-1A visa is an option for elite athletes or coaches who can document extraordinary ability. Most gym-based instructor roles don't fit neatly into any of these without a strong specialty framing.
Do most gyms and fitness studios sponsor visas?
Commercial gyms and boutique studios almost never sponsor visas. The employers most likely to file are hospital-affiliated wellness centers, university recreational departments, corporate health programs, and sports medicine clinics. Browse Migrate Mate to find employers in the health and wellness sector that have an active sponsorship history, rather than applying broadly and hoping.
What degree do I need for an employer to sponsor an H-1B for a fitness instructor role?
A bachelor's degree or higher in exercise science, kinesiology, sports medicine, physical education, or a closely related field is what USCIS wants to see. The degree must align specifically with the duties of the role, not just the general industry. A business or unrelated degree, even paired with years of experience, makes the specialty occupation argument significantly harder to sustain. Some employers also require NSCA-CSCS or ACSM credentials on top of the degree.
How does the H-1B annual lottery affect fitness instructor sponsorship timelines?
The H-1B cap and lottery apply to most fitness instructor roles unless the employer is a cap-exempt institution, such as a nonprofit research organization or university. If your employer is cap-subject, your petition enters the annual lottery with no guarantee of selection. Because selection rules have changed in recent years, check USCIS for current registration mechanics. Plan for a potential gap between registration and an October 1 start date, and confirm whether your employer is willing to cover a full lottery cycle.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Fitness 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.