Special Education Assistant Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Special Education Assistant jobs can qualify for H-1B visa or TN visa sponsorship when the role requires a bachelor's degree in a directly related field like special education or psychology. Employers in public school districts and nonprofit organizations do sponsor, but you'll need to verify the specialty occupation standard applies to your specific posting.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Job Number: P175713
Posting Date: Nov 11, 2026, 2:25:02 PM
Primary Location: Far South Side - 9822 South Exchange Ave (John L Marsh School)
Salary Range: $41,766.58 to $60,584.36
JOB DESCRIPTION -
CLASS TITLE: Special Education Classroom Assistant
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CLASS: Under the general direction of the school principal, and under the immediate supervision of a Special Education teacher holding a valid teaching certificate directly engaged in teaching subject matter or conducting activities, assists in the instruction of disabled students; and performs related duties as required.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Assists Special Education teachers in elementary and high schools in reinforcing efforts with children with various disabilities, including physical disabilities, visual and hearing impairments, learning disabilities, behavior disorders, emotional impairments, and mental impairments in accordance with each students’ Individual Education Program (IEP); lifts and positions non-ambulatory students during the school day as instructed by the teacher and in adherence to written instruction from students’ personal physicians; provides one-on-one tutoring services for students to present or reinforce learning concepts; provides one-on-one personal hygiene services for students with severe disabilities, including toileting, changing soiled diapers, and cleaning soiled children regardless of age; assists students with orthopedic impairments by arranging and adjusting tools, work aids, and equipment used by students in classrooms, including but not limited to specially equipped worktables, positioning equipment, wheelchairs, tape recorders, computers, communication devices, and mechanized page turners; assists teacher in instructing students in daily living skills required for independent maintenance and economic self-sufficiency; accompanies students to swimming pools and medical clinics to assist in removing clothing and performing other personal services which students are unable to perform themselves; assists in feeding students unable to do so themselves; takes notes in classrooms for students unable to do so themselves; corrects homework assignments and examination materials; assists teachers in maintaining written records of students’ behavior; accompanies students and teachers on class field trips; attends and participates in workshops and in-service training to update job-related skills.
MARGINAL FUNCTIONS:
May utilize aggressive management techniques to physically restrain violent students, may administer Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) as directed by the teacher, may operate audio-visual equipment, may operate photocopying equipment.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Certification Requirements: Must possess a valid TASN (NCLB) paraprofessional license from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), which may be applied for and obtained after the successful completion of at least 60 semester hours of college credit at a college or university accredited by the North Central Association or successful completion of a paraprofessional exam (Work Keys or Parapro). Also refer to:
- Illinois State Board of Education
- Educator License Application
- Work Keys
- Paraprofessional Assessment
Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills:
Good knowledge of the characteristics of students with various disabilities, good knowledge of English grammar and spelling, good knowledge of basic mathematics.
Ability to work with and for students with various disabilities, ages birth to twenty-one (21) years of age; ability to follow written and oral instructions and direction; ability to complete and maintain basic written reports. (Ability to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is highly desirable. Individuals who do not provide evidence of the completion of training in CPR at the time of initial employment in this class title will complete CPR training as a condition of employment.)
Good oral and written communication skills, skill in the operation of photocopying and audio-visual equipment is highly desirable.
Physical Requirements:
Medium Work: Exerting up to fifty (50) pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to twenty (20) pounds of force frequently, and/or to ten (10) pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical demands include the ability to reach, handle, and finger objects; talk and hear; occasional use of near visual acuity and frequent use of far visual acuity.
Benefits:
Health & Wellness: Your Care, Your Choice
CPS is committed to providing comprehensive health coverage to our employees and their eligible dependents. You'll have access to a variety of choices to best fit your needs:
- Medical Plan Options
- Pharmacy
- Dental
- Vision
- Behavioral Health & EAP
- Employee Wellness Program
Financial Security: Planning for Today and Tomorrow
We understand the importance of financial stability, which is why CPS offers strong retirement and savings options:
- Basic Life Insurance
- Life and Disability Insurance
- Pension Plans
- Supplemental Retirement Plans (403(b) and 457(b))
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
- Spot Pet Insurance
Work-Life Balance: Supporting Your Personal and Professional Life
CPS values the well-being of its employees and offers competitive paid time off policies:
- Paid Leave
- Sick Leave
- Vacation Days
- Parental Leaves
- Short-Term Disability
- Religious Holidays
- Leaves
Reference the Chicago Public Schools: A Comprehensive Benefits Overview or the benefits handbook for comprehensive details.
INTRODUCTION
Job Number: P175713
Posting Date: Nov 11, 2026, 2:25:02 PM
Primary Location: Far South Side - 9822 South Exchange Ave (John L Marsh School)
Salary Range: $41,766.58 to $60,584.36
JOB DESCRIPTION -
CLASS TITLE: Special Education Classroom Assistant
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CLASS: Under the general direction of the school principal, and under the immediate supervision of a Special Education teacher holding a valid teaching certificate directly engaged in teaching subject matter or conducting activities, assists in the instruction of disabled students; and performs related duties as required.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Assists Special Education teachers in elementary and high schools in reinforcing efforts with children with various disabilities, including physical disabilities, visual and hearing impairments, learning disabilities, behavior disorders, emotional impairments, and mental impairments in accordance with each students’ Individual Education Program (IEP); lifts and positions non-ambulatory students during the school day as instructed by the teacher and in adherence to written instruction from students’ personal physicians; provides one-on-one tutoring services for students to present or reinforce learning concepts; provides one-on-one personal hygiene services for students with severe disabilities, including toileting, changing soiled diapers, and cleaning soiled children regardless of age; assists students with orthopedic impairments by arranging and adjusting tools, work aids, and equipment used by students in classrooms, including but not limited to specially equipped worktables, positioning equipment, wheelchairs, tape recorders, computers, communication devices, and mechanized page turners; assists teacher in instructing students in daily living skills required for independent maintenance and economic self-sufficiency; accompanies students to swimming pools and medical clinics to assist in removing clothing and performing other personal services which students are unable to perform themselves; assists in feeding students unable to do so themselves; takes notes in classrooms for students unable to do so themselves; corrects homework assignments and examination materials; assists teachers in maintaining written records of students’ behavior; accompanies students and teachers on class field trips; attends and participates in workshops and in-service training to update job-related skills.
MARGINAL FUNCTIONS:
May utilize aggressive management techniques to physically restrain violent students, may administer Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) as directed by the teacher, may operate audio-visual equipment, may operate photocopying equipment.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Certification Requirements: Must possess a valid TASN (NCLB) paraprofessional license from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), which may be applied for and obtained after the successful completion of at least 60 semester hours of college credit at a college or university accredited by the North Central Association or successful completion of a paraprofessional exam (Work Keys or Parapro). Also refer to:
- Illinois State Board of Education
- Educator License Application
- Work Keys
- Paraprofessional Assessment
Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills:
Good knowledge of the characteristics of students with various disabilities, good knowledge of English grammar and spelling, good knowledge of basic mathematics.
Ability to work with and for students with various disabilities, ages birth to twenty-one (21) years of age; ability to follow written and oral instructions and direction; ability to complete and maintain basic written reports. (Ability to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is highly desirable. Individuals who do not provide evidence of the completion of training in CPR at the time of initial employment in this class title will complete CPR training as a condition of employment.)
Good oral and written communication skills, skill in the operation of photocopying and audio-visual equipment is highly desirable.
Physical Requirements:
Medium Work: Exerting up to fifty (50) pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to twenty (20) pounds of force frequently, and/or to ten (10) pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical demands include the ability to reach, handle, and finger objects; talk and hear; occasional use of near visual acuity and frequent use of far visual acuity.
Benefits:
Health & Wellness: Your Care, Your Choice
CPS is committed to providing comprehensive health coverage to our employees and their eligible dependents. You'll have access to a variety of choices to best fit your needs:
- Medical Plan Options
- Pharmacy
- Dental
- Vision
- Behavioral Health & EAP
- Employee Wellness Program
Financial Security: Planning for Today and Tomorrow
We understand the importance of financial stability, which is why CPS offers strong retirement and savings options:
- Basic Life Insurance
- Life and Disability Insurance
- Pension Plans
- Supplemental Retirement Plans (403(b) and 457(b))
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
- Spot Pet Insurance
Work-Life Balance: Supporting Your Personal and Professional Life
CPS values the well-being of its employees and offers competitive paid time off policies:
- Paid Leave
- Sick Leave
- Vacation Days
- Parental Leaves
- Short-Term Disability
- Religious Holidays
- Leaves
Reference the Chicago Public Schools: A Comprehensive Benefits Overview or the benefits handbook for comprehensive details.
See all 62+ Special Education Assistant Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Special Education Assistant roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as a Special Education Assistant
Verify your degree meets specialty occupation
Special Education Assistant roles vary widely. Some require only a high school diploma, which disqualifies them for H-1B sponsorship. Confirm the job posting explicitly requires a bachelor's degree in special education, psychology, or a closely related field before applying.
Check the O*NET profile before applying
O*NET lists education and training requirements for Special Education Assistants. Review it to match your credentials against the job zone classification, which strengthens the specialty occupation argument your employer will need to make during PERM or LCA filing.
Target school districts with PERM history
Public school districts and special education cooperatives have filed PERM labor certifications for educational support roles before. Search OFLC public disclosure data to identify districts in your target state that have demonstrated willingness to sponsor foreign national educators.
Use Migrate Mate to find verified sponsors
Many districts that sponsor visas don't advertise it prominently in job postings. Migrate Mate lists U.S. employers with verified LCA sponsorship history by role and location, so you can focus your applications on districts already set up to hire visa-sponsored staff.
Get your credentials evaluated before the offer
If you completed your degree outside the U.S., have a credential evaluation completed by a NACES-approved organization before the offer stage. Employers filing an LCA or PERM petition with DOL will need documentation confirming your degree is equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's degree.
Clarify the employer's H-1B timeline at offer
H-1B petitions are subject to an annual cap and lottery with selection rules that have changed recently. Confirm with the hiring district whether they're a cap-exempt employer, such as a nonprofit affiliated with a university, which would allow filing outside the lottery cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Special Education Assistant role qualify for H-1B sponsorship?
It depends on how the role is defined. H-1B sponsorship requires the position to meet the specialty occupation standard, meaning it must require at least a bachelor's degree in a directly related field like special education or applied behavior analysis. Paraprofessional or aide roles that accept a high school diploma or associate degree won't qualify. Roles requiring a bachelor's as a minimum, particularly in therapeutic or instructional support settings, have a stronger case.
Do public school districts sponsor visas for Special Education Assistants?
Some do, particularly larger districts in states with teacher and paraprofessional shortages. School districts that are affiliated with nonprofit organizations or universities may also qualify as cap-exempt H-1B employers, which allows them to file petitions at any time without competing in the annual lottery. Contact the district's HR department directly to ask about their sponsorship history and whether they've filed LCAs or PERM applications for similar roles before.
What visa options exist for Special Education Assistants beyond H-1B?
Canadian and Mexican nationals whose role qualifies as a specialty occupation may be eligible for TN visa status under the USMCA profession list, though this covers specific categories and you'll need to confirm fit. EB-2 or EB-3 green card sponsorship through PERM labor certification is another route for qualifying roles, with the employer demonstrating no available U.S. workers. USCIS guidance covers eligibility details for each category.
How do I find Special Education Assistant jobs with verified visa sponsorship?
Migrate Mate lists employers with verified LCA sponsorship history for roles in education and support services, searchable by location and job type. This saves time compared to applying broadly and asking about sponsorship late in the process, which often leads to rejections from unprepared HR teams.
Does a foreign special education degree meet the specialty occupation requirement?
A foreign degree can satisfy the specialty occupation requirement if a NACES-approved credential evaluation confirms it's equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's degree in special education, psychology, or a closely related field. The employer includes this evaluation in the PERM or LCA filing with DOL. Degrees in unrelated fields, even at the bachelor's level, typically won't support the specialty occupation argument for this role type.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Special Education Assistant 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.