School Counselor Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
School counselors can secure visa sponsorship through public school districts, private schools, and educational nonprofits. Most positions require a master's degree in counseling or related field plus state licensing. The specialty occupation requirement is typically straightforward given the specific educational credentials and professional licensing standards required for counseling roles. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
Find School Counselor JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 316+ School Counselor jobs
See all 316+ School Counselor Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new School Counselor roles.
Get Access To All JobsPosition Type:
Certified Position Student Support Services/School Counselor
Date Posted:
7/15/2026
Location:
District Office
Closing Date:
Open Until Filled
School Counselor
Position Purpose
Under the general supervision of the building Principal and Counseling & Mental Health Services Director, the school counselor follows USBE and Tooele County School District standards and objectives. This position is in alignment with the Utah K-12 Comprehensive School Counseling Program to provide counseling services as defined by R277-462 and R277-313: "assist individuals and groups in learning how to solve problems, develop coping strategies, and make decisions about personal, health, social, emotional, behavioral, educational, vocational, financial, and other interpersonal concerns."
Essential Performance Responsibilities
To achieve the most effective delivery of the program, 85% of aggregate time is devoted to Direct Student Services and a maximum of 15% is devoted to Indirect Student Services.
Direct Student Services (85% of Time):
- Prepare and deliver collaborative classroom lessons aligned with the four program domains: Academic and Learning, Life and Career, Citizenship, and Health and Wellness Development.
- Utilize the Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) framework to address universal (Tier 1), targeted (Tier 2), and intensive (Tier 3) student needs.
- Coordinate the Plan for College and Career Readiness (PCCR) process to help students establish personal goals and career literacy.
- Provide dropout prevention and responsive services, including short-term individual and small-group counseling, to address immediate academic and non-academic concerns.
- Support student growth in the Utah Portrait of a Graduate characteristics: Mastery, Autonomy, and Purpose.
Indirect Student Services (15% of Time):
- Conduct a Systemic Needs Assessment at least once every three years to identify program priorities and align with the school improvement plan.
- Design, implement, and report on an annual Data Project to the USBE to measure program effectiveness and bridge achievement gaps.
- Establish and meet quarterly with a representative Advisory Council to review program goals and results.
- Collaborate with administrators to complete an annual Principal/Counselor Agreement to ensure a shared vision of student outcomes.
- Coordinates with administrators and other teaching staff members to ascertain individual student's abilities and needs, including students with special needs, and to familiarize stakeholders with counseling services.
- Consult and partner with parents, staff, and community resources to provide wraparound supports and referrals for intensive needs.
Additional Duties
- Performs other "fair share" responsibilities that align with and are equal in amount to those provided by other educators on the school site, or other duties as assigned by the school administrator(s) and/or the district counseling director.
- Additional hours occasionally required outside of regular contract daily hours to support student, program, and school needs, including, but not limited to Parent Teacher Conferences, school events, etc.
- Note: School counselors should not routinely be assigned non-school counseling duties such as test coordination and administration (e.g., AP or standardized testing), building the master schedule, student discipline, or clerical record-keeping.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Knowledge of the Utah K-12 Comprehensive School Counseling Program model.
- Knowledge of the 13 competencies within the Utah Portrait of a Graduate (e.g., Resilience, Communication, Critical Thinking).
- Knowledge of Culturally Sustaining school counseling practices and sensitivity to generational trauma.
- Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis, the formulation of action plans, and appropriate documentation.
- Knowledge of current developments in business and industry regarding career opportunities and employment.
- Ability to use technology, specifically to help students perform career searches and create portfolios.
- Ability to communicate effectively with students, parents, administrators, school staff, and the Advisory Council.
- Ability to engage in continuous professional learning through USBE-sponsored training, district professional development meetings, and professional organizations.
- Knowledge and application of federal and state laws (including FERPA) regarding education and students.
- Knowledge of conducting small groups and individual counseling best practices.
- Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.
- Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and professional working relationships.
- Willingness to comply, adapt, and support new legislation or district requirements when applicable.
Equipment
Uses standard office equipment such as personal computers, printer, copier, and telephone.
Travel Requirements
Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required.
Work Environment
Works in standard office and school building environments.
Certification/Licensure:
Applicants must have a current Utah School Counseling License or have the ability to obtain a current Utah license as outlined by the guidelines of the Utah State Board of Education (USBE).
- USBE License Area: School Counselor (K-12) with CCR endorsement.
- Motor Vehicle Operator's License or ability to provide own transportation.
Note to Counselors licensed outside of Utah:
Reciprocity with other states regarding licensure is not guaranteed and is contingent on fulfilling minimum license requirements for Utah. For more information about obtaining a Utah license go to https://www.schools.utah.gov/licensing
Education
Master Degree from an accredited college or university in School Counseling Education discipline.
Experience
Successful prior counseling experience for the appropriate grade level preferred.
FLSA Status: Exempt
Contract:
- Full-Time - Equal Pay Position
- Certified Salary Schedule + additional 10 working days (5 before the school year contract time starts, 5 after the school year contract time ends)
- Benefit Eligible
Position Type:
Certified Position Student Support Services/School Counselor
Date Posted:
7/15/2026
Location:
District Office
Closing Date:
Open Until Filled
School Counselor
Position Purpose
Under the general supervision of the building Principal and Counseling & Mental Health Services Director, the school counselor follows USBE and Tooele County School District standards and objectives. This position is in alignment with the Utah K-12 Comprehensive School Counseling Program to provide counseling services as defined by R277-462 and R277-313: "assist individuals and groups in learning how to solve problems, develop coping strategies, and make decisions about personal, health, social, emotional, behavioral, educational, vocational, financial, and other interpersonal concerns."
Essential Performance Responsibilities
To achieve the most effective delivery of the program, 85% of aggregate time is devoted to Direct Student Services and a maximum of 15% is devoted to Indirect Student Services.
Direct Student Services (85% of Time):
- Prepare and deliver collaborative classroom lessons aligned with the four program domains: Academic and Learning, Life and Career, Citizenship, and Health and Wellness Development.
- Utilize the Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) framework to address universal (Tier 1), targeted (Tier 2), and intensive (Tier 3) student needs.
- Coordinate the Plan for College and Career Readiness (PCCR) process to help students establish personal goals and career literacy.
- Provide dropout prevention and responsive services, including short-term individual and small-group counseling, to address immediate academic and non-academic concerns.
- Support student growth in the Utah Portrait of a Graduate characteristics: Mastery, Autonomy, and Purpose.
Indirect Student Services (15% of Time):
- Conduct a Systemic Needs Assessment at least once every three years to identify program priorities and align with the school improvement plan.
- Design, implement, and report on an annual Data Project to the USBE to measure program effectiveness and bridge achievement gaps.
- Establish and meet quarterly with a representative Advisory Council to review program goals and results.
- Collaborate with administrators to complete an annual Principal/Counselor Agreement to ensure a shared vision of student outcomes.
- Coordinates with administrators and other teaching staff members to ascertain individual student's abilities and needs, including students with special needs, and to familiarize stakeholders with counseling services.
- Consult and partner with parents, staff, and community resources to provide wraparound supports and referrals for intensive needs.
Additional Duties
- Performs other "fair share" responsibilities that align with and are equal in amount to those provided by other educators on the school site, or other duties as assigned by the school administrator(s) and/or the district counseling director.
- Additional hours occasionally required outside of regular contract daily hours to support student, program, and school needs, including, but not limited to Parent Teacher Conferences, school events, etc.
- Note: School counselors should not routinely be assigned non-school counseling duties such as test coordination and administration (e.g., AP or standardized testing), building the master schedule, student discipline, or clerical record-keeping.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Knowledge of the Utah K-12 Comprehensive School Counseling Program model.
- Knowledge of the 13 competencies within the Utah Portrait of a Graduate (e.g., Resilience, Communication, Critical Thinking).
- Knowledge of Culturally Sustaining school counseling practices and sensitivity to generational trauma.
- Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis, the formulation of action plans, and appropriate documentation.
- Knowledge of current developments in business and industry regarding career opportunities and employment.
- Ability to use technology, specifically to help students perform career searches and create portfolios.
- Ability to communicate effectively with students, parents, administrators, school staff, and the Advisory Council.
- Ability to engage in continuous professional learning through USBE-sponsored training, district professional development meetings, and professional organizations.
- Knowledge and application of federal and state laws (including FERPA) regarding education and students.
- Knowledge of conducting small groups and individual counseling best practices.
- Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.
- Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and professional working relationships.
- Willingness to comply, adapt, and support new legislation or district requirements when applicable.
Equipment
Uses standard office equipment such as personal computers, printer, copier, and telephone.
Travel Requirements
Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required.
Work Environment
Works in standard office and school building environments.
Certification/Licensure:
Applicants must have a current Utah School Counseling License or have the ability to obtain a current Utah license as outlined by the guidelines of the Utah State Board of Education (USBE).
- USBE License Area: School Counselor (K-12) with CCR endorsement.
- Motor Vehicle Operator's License or ability to provide own transportation.
Note to Counselors licensed outside of Utah:
Reciprocity with other states regarding licensure is not guaranteed and is contingent on fulfilling minimum license requirements for Utah. For more information about obtaining a Utah license go to https://www.schools.utah.gov/licensing
Education
Master Degree from an accredited college or university in School Counseling Education discipline.
Experience
Successful prior counseling experience for the appropriate grade level preferred.
FLSA Status: Exempt
Contract:
- Full-Time - Equal Pay Position
- Certified Salary Schedule + additional 10 working days (5 before the school year contract time starts, 5 after the school year contract time ends)
- Benefit Eligible
See all 316+ School Counselor Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new School Counselor roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as a School Counselor
Target public school districts with visa experience
Large urban and suburban districts often have established H-1B processes. Districts with international teacher recruitment programs are more likely to understand visa sponsorship requirements and have dedicated HR support.
Highlight your specialized counseling credentials
Emphasize your master's degree in school counseling, clinical mental health, or educational psychology. State licensing and certifications like National Certified Counselor (NCC) strengthen your specialty occupation case significantly.
Research state licensing requirements early
Most states require specific coursework and supervised experience for school counselor licenses. Some states offer temporary or emergency licenses while you complete requirements, which can help during visa processing.
Apply during peak hiring seasons
School districts typically hire counselors from March through August for fall positions. Starting your search early allows time for visa processing and gives districts confidence in your availability.
Consider alternative educational settings
Private schools, charter schools, and educational nonprofits may have more flexible hiring timelines than traditional public districts. Some international schools specifically seek counselors with diverse cultural backgrounds and language skills.
Prepare for specialized interview questions
Be ready to discuss crisis intervention, student mental health support, and college counseling approaches. Districts want to see both your technical counseling skills and ability to work within educational frameworks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do school counselors qualify for H-1B visa sponsorship?
Yes, school counselors typically qualify for H-1B visa sponsorship as the role requires specialized knowledge in counseling psychology, student development, and educational systems. Most positions require a master's degree in school counseling or related field plus state licensing, which satisfies the specialty occupation requirement. Public school districts and educational institutions commonly sponsor counselors.
What degree do I need for school counselor visa sponsorship?
A master's degree in school counseling, clinical mental health counseling, educational psychology, or closely related field is typically required. Some states accept master's degrees in psychology or social work with additional counseling coursework. Your degree must directly relate to counseling and student support services to satisfy visa requirements.
Can private schools sponsor visas for counselors?
Yes, private schools can sponsor H-1B visas for school counselors, though they may have less experience with the process than large public districts. Private international schools, boarding schools, and larger private institutions are more likely to have established sponsorship procedures. The role must still meet specialty occupation requirements regardless of school type.
How to find School Counselor jobs with visa sponsorship?
To find School Counselor jobs with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate, which specializes in connecting international candidates with sponsoring employers. Focus on public school districts, private schools, and international schools that commonly sponsor H-1B or J-1 visas for educational professionals. Many K-12 institutions actively recruit qualified counselors from abroad to fill critical shortages in student support services.
Do I need state licensing before applying for counselor positions?
Requirements vary by state, but most require licensing or certification to work as a school counselor. Some states offer temporary or emergency licenses for qualified candidates while they complete requirements. Districts may sponsor candidates who can obtain licensing within a reasonable timeframe, typically within the first year of employment.
What are common reasons for counselor visa denials?
Common denial reasons include degree field mismatches where the counseling program lacks required coursework in areas like human development or group counseling. Insufficient documentation of supervised practicum experience can also cause issues. Some denials occur when the job description emphasizes administrative duties over direct counseling services, weakening the specialty occupation argument.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored School 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.