H-1B Visa Apparel Designer Jobs
Apparel Designer roles qualify for H-1B visa sponsorship as specialty occupations requiring at least a bachelor's degree in fashion design, textile science, or a related field. Employers file the Labor Condition Application with DOL before petitioning USCIS, and the annual cap means timing your job search around the April filing window matters.
Find H-1B Visa Apparel Designer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 52+ Apparel Designer jobs
See all 52+ Apparel Designer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Apparel Designer roles.
Get Access To All JobsPURPOSE AND OVERALL RELEVANCE FOR THE ORGANIZATION
- Manages the creation process for innovative and complex apparel and accessories pieces in collaboration with all the NAM Creation Studios related departments.
- Creates proper samples (prototypes) with attention to production feasibility and understands the entire product creation process and its systems.
- Conceives and drives smaller projects and workshops with members of x-functional BU teams and/or external partners.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Transforms ideas or concepts into virtual prototypes, from sample construction and assembly, to model and mold making, to model patterns, for later production and guarantees for its proper documentation.
- Drives the development of innovative product studies in cooperation with x-functional partners based on market requirements.
- Works on an ongoing basis on new solutions to reach creative product goals, by using new methods and systems and/or new constructions.
- Creates samples and mockups to support the design and development process.
- Operates the latest innovative equipment and machines to create innovative products.
- Works with supervisor and business counterparts in evaluating new engineering technologies for their applicability and value to the business, i.e. workmanship workshops.
- Maintain all chemical materials and supplies needed for creation of apparel and accessories samples and mockups.
- Organize tool boxes, fill up and prepare material libraries and coordinate capacity/space management under the guidance of Senior Manager.
- Perform minor maintenance and repair on shop machinery and equipment.
- Consults and supports creative people/development teams with workmanship solutions regarding industrial production feasibility.
- Drives creative workshops and leads basic trainings for the creation center teams and/or external partners.
- Establishes working relationships with internal and external interfaces to support a creative and innovative product creation process.
- Mentors new hires in prototype creation.
KEY RELATIONSHIPS
- Creation Center - Design, Marketing, Brand Operations
- Innovation teams: Futures, ASL
- Global Sourcing
- Quality
- External CAD and Sample Shop partners
KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Advanced knowledge in product creation, with the ability to provide effective and cost efficient solutions and an understanding of apparel/accessories construction, material construction and properties related to fit and usage.
- Ability to interpret and evaluate designs on model level in regards to pattern execution/engineering.
- Advanced knowledge of materials and trims for the apparel sports good industry.
- Consulting and training skills.
- Advanced knowledge of product production, and engineering techniques.
- Strong team player and communicator with the ability to manage multiple projects under multiple deadlines.
- Ability to work with diverse groups, motivate or mentor others and a proven skill at problem solving and innovation.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills.
- Advanced skills in CAD programs like Gerber or Optitex.
- Advanced knowledge in Apparel 3D programs CLO3D or Browzwear.
- Fluent in English (written and spoken).
- Advanced IT skills (Illustrator, MS Office).
- At adidas, employees on the Creative Studios team are expected to work in the office Monday through Friday, five days per week.
REQUISITE EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE / MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Technical college/design school training in product/engineering, or equivalent education.
- Bachelor/Apprenticeship as a product designer/product, machine or industrial engineer.
- Minimum of 5 years related work experience in product creation industry in comparable role.
adidas celebrates diversity, supports inclusiveness and encourages individual expression in our workplace. We do not tolerate the harassment or discrimination toward any of our applicants or employees. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.
adidas offers robust and progressive medical, including HSA (Health Savings Account) with employer funding or FSA (Flexible Spending Account) options, dental, vision, prescription drug coverage, adoption, with surrogate and fertility support, short and long-term disability, and basic life and AD&D insurance, which can be supplemented with employee-paid coverage. Employees are able to enroll in adidas’ 401k plan and Stock Purchase Plan with employer match. Full-time employees are eligible for education assistance and generous Leave policies including 12 weeks of paid parental leave.
Employees are eligible to earn an annual bonus based on both company and personal performance. Employees accrue prorated flexible time off in the amount .4388 hours per day that increases with years of service, twelve paid holidays throughout the calendar year and Service Time Off during milestone years.
This position requires a high degree of in-person collaboration, in-office attendance is required Monday through Friday. The working location of this position is Portland, Oregon.
Though our teammates hail from all corners of the world, our working language is English.
AT ADIDAS WE HAVE A WINNING CULTURE. BUT TO WIN, PHYSICAL POWER IS NOT ENOUGH. JUST LIKE ATHLETES OUR EMPLOYEES NEED MENTAL STRENGTH IN THEIR GAME. WE FOSTER THE ATHLETE’S MINDSET THROUGH A SET OF BEHAVIORS THAT WE WANT TO ENABLE AND DEVELOP IN OUR PEOPLE AND THAT ARE AT THE CORE OF OUR UNIQUE COMPANY CULTURE: THIS IS HOW WE WIN WHILE PLAYING FAIR.
COURAGE: Speak up when you see an opportunity; step up when you see a need.
OWNERSHIP: Pick up the ball. Be proactive, take responsibility and follow-through.
INNOVATION: Elevate to win. Be curious, test and learn new and better ways of doing things.
TEAMPLAY: Win together. Work collaboratively and cultivate a shared mindset.
INTEGRITY: Play by the rules. Hold yourself and others accountable to our company’s standards.
RESPECT: Value all players. Display empathy, be inclusive and show dignity to all.
AT ADIDAS, WE STRONGLY BELIEVE THAT EMBEDDING DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION (DEI) INTO OUR CULTURE AND TALENT PROCESSES GIVES OUR EMPLOYEES A SENSE OF BELONGING AND OUR BRAND A REAL COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE.
– CULTURE STARTS WITH PEOPLE, IT STARTS WITH YOU –
BY RECRUITING TALENT AND DEVELOPING OUR PEOPLE TO REFLECT THE RICH DIVERSITY OF OUR CONSUMERS AND COMMUNITIES, WE FOSTER A CULTURE OF INCLUSION THAT ENGAGES OUR EMPLOYEES AND AUTHENTICALLY CONNECTS OUR BRAND WITH OUR CONSUMERS.
JOB TITLE: Technical Manager Apparel Prototyping
BRAND:
LOCATION: Portland
TEAM: Product Development & Operations
STATE: OR
COUNTRY/REGION: US
CONTRACT TYPE: Full time
NUMBER: 547173
DATE: Jul 29, 2026
PURPOSE AND OVERALL RELEVANCE FOR THE ORGANIZATION
- Manages the creation process for innovative and complex apparel and accessories pieces in collaboration with all the NAM Creation Studios related departments.
- Creates proper samples (prototypes) with attention to production feasibility and understands the entire product creation process and its systems.
- Conceives and drives smaller projects and workshops with members of x-functional BU teams and/or external partners.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Transforms ideas or concepts into virtual prototypes, from sample construction and assembly, to model and mold making, to model patterns, for later production and guarantees for its proper documentation.
- Drives the development of innovative product studies in cooperation with x-functional partners based on market requirements.
- Works on an ongoing basis on new solutions to reach creative product goals, by using new methods and systems and/or new constructions.
- Creates samples and mockups to support the design and development process.
- Operates the latest innovative equipment and machines to create innovative products.
- Works with supervisor and business counterparts in evaluating new engineering technologies for their applicability and value to the business, i.e. workmanship workshops.
- Maintain all chemical materials and supplies needed for creation of apparel and accessories samples and mockups.
- Organize tool boxes, fill up and prepare material libraries and coordinate capacity/space management under the guidance of Senior Manager.
- Perform minor maintenance and repair on shop machinery and equipment.
- Consults and supports creative people/development teams with workmanship solutions regarding industrial production feasibility.
- Drives creative workshops and leads basic trainings for the creation center teams and/or external partners.
- Establishes working relationships with internal and external interfaces to support a creative and innovative product creation process.
- Mentors new hires in prototype creation.
KEY RELATIONSHIPS
- Creation Center - Design, Marketing, Brand Operations
- Innovation teams: Futures, ASL
- Global Sourcing
- Quality
- External CAD and Sample Shop partners
KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Advanced knowledge in product creation, with the ability to provide effective and cost efficient solutions and an understanding of apparel/accessories construction, material construction and properties related to fit and usage.
- Ability to interpret and evaluate designs on model level in regards to pattern execution/engineering.
- Advanced knowledge of materials and trims for the apparel sports good industry.
- Consulting and training skills.
- Advanced knowledge of product production, and engineering techniques.
- Strong team player and communicator with the ability to manage multiple projects under multiple deadlines.
- Ability to work with diverse groups, motivate or mentor others and a proven skill at problem solving and innovation.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills.
- Advanced skills in CAD programs like Gerber or Optitex.
- Advanced knowledge in Apparel 3D programs CLO3D or Browzwear.
- Fluent in English (written and spoken).
- Advanced IT skills (Illustrator, MS Office).
- At adidas, employees on the Creative Studios team are expected to work in the office Monday through Friday, five days per week.
REQUISITE EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE / MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Technical college/design school training in product/engineering, or equivalent education.
- Bachelor/Apprenticeship as a product designer/product, machine or industrial engineer.
- Minimum of 5 years related work experience in product creation industry in comparable role.
adidas celebrates diversity, supports inclusiveness and encourages individual expression in our workplace. We do not tolerate the harassment or discrimination toward any of our applicants or employees. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.
adidas offers robust and progressive medical, including HSA (Health Savings Account) with employer funding or FSA (Flexible Spending Account) options, dental, vision, prescription drug coverage, adoption, with surrogate and fertility support, short and long-term disability, and basic life and AD&D insurance, which can be supplemented with employee-paid coverage. Employees are able to enroll in adidas’ 401k plan and Stock Purchase Plan with employer match. Full-time employees are eligible for education assistance and generous Leave policies including 12 weeks of paid parental leave.
Employees are eligible to earn an annual bonus based on both company and personal performance. Employees accrue prorated flexible time off in the amount .4388 hours per day that increases with years of service, twelve paid holidays throughout the calendar year and Service Time Off during milestone years.
This position requires a high degree of in-person collaboration, in-office attendance is required Monday through Friday. The working location of this position is Portland, Oregon.
Though our teammates hail from all corners of the world, our working language is English.
AT ADIDAS WE HAVE A WINNING CULTURE. BUT TO WIN, PHYSICAL POWER IS NOT ENOUGH. JUST LIKE ATHLETES OUR EMPLOYEES NEED MENTAL STRENGTH IN THEIR GAME. WE FOSTER THE ATHLETE’S MINDSET THROUGH A SET OF BEHAVIORS THAT WE WANT TO ENABLE AND DEVELOP IN OUR PEOPLE AND THAT ARE AT THE CORE OF OUR UNIQUE COMPANY CULTURE: THIS IS HOW WE WIN WHILE PLAYING FAIR.
COURAGE: Speak up when you see an opportunity; step up when you see a need.
OWNERSHIP: Pick up the ball. Be proactive, take responsibility and follow-through.
INNOVATION: Elevate to win. Be curious, test and learn new and better ways of doing things.
TEAMPLAY: Win together. Work collaboratively and cultivate a shared mindset.
INTEGRITY: Play by the rules. Hold yourself and others accountable to our company’s standards.
RESPECT: Value all players. Display empathy, be inclusive and show dignity to all.
AT ADIDAS, WE STRONGLY BELIEVE THAT EMBEDDING DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION (DEI) INTO OUR CULTURE AND TALENT PROCESSES GIVES OUR EMPLOYEES A SENSE OF BELONGING AND OUR BRAND A REAL COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE.
– CULTURE STARTS WITH PEOPLE, IT STARTS WITH YOU –
BY RECRUITING TALENT AND DEVELOPING OUR PEOPLE TO REFLECT THE RICH DIVERSITY OF OUR CONSUMERS AND COMMUNITIES, WE FOSTER A CULTURE OF INCLUSION THAT ENGAGES OUR EMPLOYEES AND AUTHENTICALLY CONNECTS OUR BRAND WITH OUR CONSUMERS.
JOB TITLE: Technical Manager Apparel Prototyping
BRAND:
LOCATION: Portland
TEAM: Product Development & Operations
STATE: OR
COUNTRY/REGION: US
CONTRACT TYPE: Full time
NUMBER: 547173
DATE: Jul 29, 2026
See all 52+ H-1B Visa Apparel Designer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new H-1B Visa Apparel Designer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship as an Apparel Designer
Verify your degree meets specialty occupation standards
USCIS requires your bachelor's degree to directly relate to apparel design. A degree in fashion merchandising or textile engineering typically qualifies, but a general fine arts degree may trigger a Request for Evidence without additional documentation linking your coursework to the role.
Target brands with active LCA filing histories
Search the OFLC Wage Search for Labor Condition Applications filed under SOC code 27-1022, which covers fashion designers. Employers with multiple certified LCAs in recent years have an established H-1B sponsorship process and are less likely to delay your petition over unfamiliarity.
Use Migrate Mate to filter apparel employer sponsors
Migrate Mate surfaces employers with verified H-1B filing history for design roles, so you can skip companies that have never sponsored and focus your applications on brands already set up to file your petition before the April cap deadline.
Build a portfolio that documents specialty occupation
Your portfolio should show degree-level technical work: CAD sketches, tech packs, textile specification sheets, and construction analysis. Officers reviewing H-1B petitions for creative roles scrutinize whether the position genuinely requires a bachelor's degree, and visual evidence of technical complexity strengthens your case.
Negotiate an offer letter before the registration window opens
H-1B registration runs in March for an October 1 start. Your employer needs a signed offer and a completed LCA certified by DOL before filing. Finalizing your offer in January or February gives both sides enough runway to meet that timeline without rushing paperwork.
Confirm prevailing wage tier matches your offered salary
DOL assigns apparel designer roles to one of four wage levels based on experience and supervisory duties. Your employer's LCA must certify a salary at or above the prevailing wage for your level and work location, so cross-check their offer against the OFLC Wage Search before signing.
H-1B Visa Apparel Designer: Frequently Asked Questions
Does an Apparel Designer role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
Yes, provided the position requires at least a bachelor's degree in fashion design, textile science, apparel production, or a closely related field. The employer must show the degree requirement is standard for the role in the industry. Generic design positions that accept any bachelor's degree may face USCIS scrutiny, so job descriptions should specify the relevant field explicitly.
Which employers in the apparel industry commonly sponsor H-1B visas for designers?
Large apparel brands, sportswear companies, and fast-fashion retailers with in-house design teams are the most consistent H-1B sponsors for designer roles. Smaller boutique studios and startups often lack the infrastructure to file independently. You can browse verified H-1B-sponsoring employers with open apparel design positions on Migrate Mate, filtered by LCA filing history.
How does a portfolio factor into an H-1B petition for an Apparel Designer?
Your portfolio isn't submitted directly to USCIS, but it supports the employer's argument that the role requires specialized, degree-level skills. Tech packs, CAD construction drawings, and textile specification documents demonstrate technical complexity beyond general artistic work. If USCIS issues a Request for Evidence questioning specialty occupation, a strong portfolio can be included as a supporting exhibit.
Can a freelance or contract apparel design arrangement qualify for H-1B sponsorship?
H-1B requires a bona fide employer-employee relationship, which generally excludes pure freelance arrangements. Short-term project contracts may qualify if the employer controls the work, sets the hours, and directs the output. Third-party placements through a staffing agency can work, but USCIS applies additional scrutiny to verify that the end client's role constitutes specialty occupation.
What happens to H-1B status if an apparel designer is laid off before the visa period ends?
You have a 60-day grace period from your last day of employment to find a new sponsoring employer, file a change of status, or depart the U.S. Your new employer must file a transfer petition before the grace period expires to maintain your status. Starting your job search immediately after a layoff, including on Migrate Mate, is important given how quickly that window closes.