Security Specialist Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship

Security Specialist roles attract H-1B visa and other work visa sponsorship, particularly in government contracting, cybersecurity, and physical security sectors. Many positions require or prefer security clearances, which can complicate sponsorship timelines but doesn't make it impossible for qualified international candidates. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.

Find Security Specialist Jobs

Overview

Open Jobs332+
Top Visa TypeGreen Card
Work Type77% On-site
Top LocationNew York, NY
Most JobsAmazon.com

Showing 5 of 332+ Security Specialist jobs

St. Luke's Health System
Security Access Specialist
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St. Luke's Health System
New 1h ago
Security Access Specialist
St. Luke's Health System
Nampa, Idaho
Health & Safety (EHS & OHS)
Security & Protective Services
On-Site
High School
10,000+

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PacifiCorp
Security Monitoring Specialist III
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PacifiCorp
New 7h ago
Security Monitoring Specialist III
PacifiCorp
Salt Lake City, Utah
Cybersecurity
Health & Safety (EHS & OHS)
Cybersecurity Operations
Security & Protective Services
$61k - $84k/yr
On-Site
Associate's
5,001-10,000

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Vantage Data Centers
Physical Security Management Center Specialist
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Vantage Data Centers
New 7h ago
Physical Security Management Center Specialist
Vantage Data Centers
San Antonio, Texas
Health & Safety (EHS & OHS)
Security & Protective Services
On-Site
None

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Target
Senior Target Security Specialist
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Target
New 7h ago
Senior Target Security Specialist
Target
Amsterdam, New York
Health & Safety (EHS & OHS)
Security & Protective Services
$20 - $37/hr
On-Site
High School
10,000+

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Bank of America
Identity & Access Management (IAM) Security Administration Specialist
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Bank of America
New 8h ago
Identity & Access Management (IAM) Security Administration Specialist
Bank of America
Boston, Massachusetts
Cybersecurity
Compliance & Legal
IT Support & Systems Administration
Security Engineering
Compliance & Risk
IT Support
$78k - $136k/yr
On-Site
None

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Tips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as a Security Specialist

Target government contractors first

Federal contractors in defense and intelligence consistently sponsor Security Specialists for H-1B visas. They have established legal teams, predictable sponsorship budgets, and ongoing demand for qualified candidates that makes navigating the process more straightforward than smaller employers.

Clarify clearance eligibility early

Security clearances are generally only available to U.S. citizens, so roles requiring clearances are typically off-limits. Ask employers upfront whether clearance is required or just preferred, many unclassified security positions remain open to sponsored candidates with the right technical background.

Certifications carry more weight than degrees alone

Certifications like CISSP, CISM, CompTIA Security+, and CEH significantly strengthen both your candidacy and your H-1B specialty occupation case. Employers and USCIS both treat these credentials as evidence of specialized expertise that goes beyond generalist qualifications.

Lead with your technical specialization

Employers are far more likely to sponsor candidates with a defined niche, cloud security, OT/ICS security, penetration testing, or SOC operations, than generalists. Specificity signals expertise and makes the specialty occupation argument for your H-1B petition considerably stronger.

Understand the H-1B lottery timing for your offer

H-1B petitions are cap-subject, meaning offers need to align with the April filing window and October start date. Discuss timeline constraints with employers early so neither side is caught off guard, and ask whether cap-exempt options apply to their organization.

Australian citizens should explore the E-3 visa

The E-3 visa is an often-overlooked alternative with no lottery and a significantly faster path to approval. Security Specialist roles that meet the specialty occupation standard qualify, making it a practical option for Australian nationals already in conversations with U.S. employers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Security Specialist roles qualify for H-1B sponsorship?

Yes, but it depends on the specific role. H-1B visa eligibility requires the position to qualify as a specialty occupation, meaning it normally requires at least a bachelor's degree in a directly related field like cybersecurity, computer science, or information systems. Roles focused on physical security or general guard supervision are less likely to qualify. Cybersecurity-oriented Security Specialist roles, especially those requiring technical certifications, have a much stronger specialty occupation argument.

Can I be sponsored for a Security Specialist role if I don't have a U.S. security clearance?

Many Security Specialist positions, particularly in the private sector and unclassified areas of government contracting, don't require clearances. Security clearances are generally restricted to U.S. citizens, so employers actively sponsoring international candidates typically structure roles around non-classified work. Always confirm with the employer whether clearance is required or merely listed as a preference before investing time in the application process.

What degree does USCIS expect for a sponsored Security Specialist position?

USCIS typically expects a bachelor's degree or higher in a directly related field, most commonly cybersecurity, information assurance, computer science, or information systems management. Degrees in unrelated fields can work if paired with substantial relevant experience and professional certifications like CISSP or CISM, though a non-matching degree will require a stronger evidentiary case in the H-1B petition. An immigration attorney can assess your specific combination.

How do I find Security Specialist jobs that offer visa sponsorship?

Most job postings don't advertise sponsorship clearly, which makes filtering manually time-consuming and unreliable. Migrate Mate is built specifically to surface jobs that sponsor work visas, so you can browse Security Specialist openings without having to guess which employers are actually open to international candidates. Focusing on large defense contractors, tech companies, and financial institutions also improves your odds significantly.

Are Security Specialist roles harder to get sponsored for than other tech roles?

The specialty occupation determination can be trickier for Security Specialist roles than for pure software engineering positions, because the title covers a wide range of job functions. Roles with physical security responsibilities or generalist duties face more USCIS scrutiny. Cybersecurity-focused positions with technical depth, specialized tools, and degree requirements written into the job description are considerably easier to sponsor and less likely to receive a Request for Evidence.

What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Security Specialist 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.