H-1B Visa Design Lead Jobs
Design Lead roles qualify for H-1B visa sponsorship as specialty occupations requiring a bachelor's degree in design, human-computer interaction, or a related field. Employers file the LCA with DOL before your petition reaches USCIS, and the annual cap lottery means timing your job search around the April registration window matters.
Find H-1B Visa Design Lead JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 619+ Design Lead jobs
See all 619+ Design Lead Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Design Lead roles.
Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Transportation Planning and Management (TPM) is responsible for the safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible movement of people and goods on the City's streets, supporting the larger goals of economic and social vitality for people living, working, and doing business in New York City. The Division’s responsibilities include planning, street design, technical analysis, signs, transit development, freight mobility and markings, ensuring the safety of motor vehicle occupants, pedestrians, and cyclists. The Office of Livable Streets (OLS) is tasked with prioritizing strategic planning, community engagement, research, policy, design, implementation, and long-term management. Their goal is to create streets that are livable, supporting safety, accessibility, inclusion, resiliency, active modes, community cohesion, and economic vitality citywide. Additionally, they aim to enhance New York City's pedestrian, bicycle, and micromobility networks, providing comfortable, connected, green, and reliable transportation options across the five boroughs. They place special emphasis on Priority Investment Areas, mode shift, and reimagining streets. The office also develops innovative new programs, design typologies, project delivery, and analysis tools to meet the demands of a rapidly changing population with evolving needs and technologies.
The Cycling & Micromobility Unit is responsible for the nation's largest network of on-street bicycle facilities (1,200+ lane-miles), enhancing street safety for all users, and increasing bike ridership in the five boroughs. The team's focus is the innovative redesign of city streets to expand and improve the bike network, with emphasis on improving connectivity between neighborhoods, increasing access to safe bicycle infrastructure across the city, and creating a more equitable transportation network that serves all New Yorkers. The Cycling & Micromobility Unit seeks to hire an experienced and detail-oriented Bicycle Design Lead.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the supervision of a Senior Project Manager of the Cycling & Micromobility Unit, the selected candidate will aid in the design and development of construction-ready plans for bicycle infrastructure projects across the five boroughs. This position plays a critical role in collaborating with engineers and planners to ensure innovative urban bikeway designs rooted in sound principles are incorporated into street improvement projects that reduce preventable deaths and injuries in support of the NYC Streets Plan.
The selected candidate will be able to:
- Review existing right-of-way and develop detailed proposed roadway cross-section designs that integrate bicycle facilities, pedestrian improvements, and traffic calming to enhance safety for all street users.
- Prepare maps and technical drawings using AutoCAD, Illustrator, GIS, and other graphic tools, applying the latest traffic calming techniques and streetscape design concepts.
- Create comprehensive AutoCAD drawings showing vehicle and bike lane configurations, intersection treatments, curb alignments, roadway dimensions, signal locations, and pavement markings.
- Coordinate with project managers and engineers to translate conceptual designs into technically accurate construction documents and support project implementation, working directly with operational units and contractors.
- Manage multiple concurrent design projects and meet critical deadlines while complying with all city, state, and federal rules and regulations.
- Review and quality-check drawings produced by junior staff, consultants, and other team members, and develop and maintain AutoCAD standards, templates, and best practices for the unit.
- Conduct community outreach related to bicycle lanes and complete streets design; speak at public meetings with community boards, public officials, and stakeholders; review traffic studies to assess impacts and convey results; and prepare presentations and materials to communicate proposed improvements.
- Ensure all designs comply with AASHTO, MUTCD, and NYC DOT standards and will be responsible for adhering to all agency safety rules and regulations to maintain a safe work environment.
This role offers the opportunity to contribute to projects that enhance safety, accessibility, and the public realm across New York City while working as part of a collaborative team. The Department of Transportation’s (DOT) mission is to provide for the safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible movement of people and goods in the City of New York and to maintain and enhance the transportation infrastructure crucial to the economic vitality and quality of life of our primary customers, City residents. DOT is an equal opportunity employer, committed to recruiting and maintaining a diverse workforce in an open and inclusive environment.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college in civil engineering and one year of full-time satisfactory experience in civil engineering work; or
- A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and a Master's degree from an accredited college in civil engineering.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Advanced AutoCAD proficiency with a minimum of 3-5 years of experience producing construction-ready civil engineering or transportation design drawings.
- Strong understanding of roadway design principles, geometric design, and complete streets concepts.
- Knowledge of protected bicycle lane design standards and implementation best practices.
- Experience applying MUTCD, AASHTO, or NACTO design guidelines.
- Experience with survey data, existing conditions mapping, and incorporating field measurements into designs.
- Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) for creating presentation graphics and visualizations.
- Experience with ArcGIS or other GIS software for spatial analysis and mapping.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate, high-quality technical drawings.
- Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills to coordinate with multidisciplinary teams.
- Preference will be given to candidates who possess a driver's license valid in the State of New York with no restrictions. This license must be maintained throughout the duration of employment in this title.
LOCATION
Work Location: 55 Water Street, NY NY
HOURS/SHIFT
TBD
TO APPLY
All resumes are to be submitted electronically using one of the following methods: Current employees, please log into Employee Self Service, follow the Careers Link. Job ID #: 778848 All other applicants go to www.nyc.gov/careers and search for Job ID # 778848. No phone calls, faxes or personal inquiries permitted. Only applicants under consideration will be contacted. Most public libraries have computers available for use.
Note: New hires must reside in NYC for the first two years of employment. Appointments are subject to OMB approval.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.
COMPENSATION
$66,330.00 – $99,528.00
INTRODUCTION
Transportation Planning and Management (TPM) is responsible for the safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible movement of people and goods on the City's streets, supporting the larger goals of economic and social vitality for people living, working, and doing business in New York City. The Division’s responsibilities include planning, street design, technical analysis, signs, transit development, freight mobility and markings, ensuring the safety of motor vehicle occupants, pedestrians, and cyclists. The Office of Livable Streets (OLS) is tasked with prioritizing strategic planning, community engagement, research, policy, design, implementation, and long-term management. Their goal is to create streets that are livable, supporting safety, accessibility, inclusion, resiliency, active modes, community cohesion, and economic vitality citywide. Additionally, they aim to enhance New York City's pedestrian, bicycle, and micromobility networks, providing comfortable, connected, green, and reliable transportation options across the five boroughs. They place special emphasis on Priority Investment Areas, mode shift, and reimagining streets. The office also develops innovative new programs, design typologies, project delivery, and analysis tools to meet the demands of a rapidly changing population with evolving needs and technologies.
The Cycling & Micromobility Unit is responsible for the nation's largest network of on-street bicycle facilities (1,200+ lane-miles), enhancing street safety for all users, and increasing bike ridership in the five boroughs. The team's focus is the innovative redesign of city streets to expand and improve the bike network, with emphasis on improving connectivity between neighborhoods, increasing access to safe bicycle infrastructure across the city, and creating a more equitable transportation network that serves all New Yorkers. The Cycling & Micromobility Unit seeks to hire an experienced and detail-oriented Bicycle Design Lead.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the supervision of a Senior Project Manager of the Cycling & Micromobility Unit, the selected candidate will aid in the design and development of construction-ready plans for bicycle infrastructure projects across the five boroughs. This position plays a critical role in collaborating with engineers and planners to ensure innovative urban bikeway designs rooted in sound principles are incorporated into street improvement projects that reduce preventable deaths and injuries in support of the NYC Streets Plan.
The selected candidate will be able to:
- Review existing right-of-way and develop detailed proposed roadway cross-section designs that integrate bicycle facilities, pedestrian improvements, and traffic calming to enhance safety for all street users.
- Prepare maps and technical drawings using AutoCAD, Illustrator, GIS, and other graphic tools, applying the latest traffic calming techniques and streetscape design concepts.
- Create comprehensive AutoCAD drawings showing vehicle and bike lane configurations, intersection treatments, curb alignments, roadway dimensions, signal locations, and pavement markings.
- Coordinate with project managers and engineers to translate conceptual designs into technically accurate construction documents and support project implementation, working directly with operational units and contractors.
- Manage multiple concurrent design projects and meet critical deadlines while complying with all city, state, and federal rules and regulations.
- Review and quality-check drawings produced by junior staff, consultants, and other team members, and develop and maintain AutoCAD standards, templates, and best practices for the unit.
- Conduct community outreach related to bicycle lanes and complete streets design; speak at public meetings with community boards, public officials, and stakeholders; review traffic studies to assess impacts and convey results; and prepare presentations and materials to communicate proposed improvements.
- Ensure all designs comply with AASHTO, MUTCD, and NYC DOT standards and will be responsible for adhering to all agency safety rules and regulations to maintain a safe work environment.
This role offers the opportunity to contribute to projects that enhance safety, accessibility, and the public realm across New York City while working as part of a collaborative team. The Department of Transportation’s (DOT) mission is to provide for the safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible movement of people and goods in the City of New York and to maintain and enhance the transportation infrastructure crucial to the economic vitality and quality of life of our primary customers, City residents. DOT is an equal opportunity employer, committed to recruiting and maintaining a diverse workforce in an open and inclusive environment.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college in civil engineering and one year of full-time satisfactory experience in civil engineering work; or
- A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and a Master's degree from an accredited college in civil engineering.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Advanced AutoCAD proficiency with a minimum of 3-5 years of experience producing construction-ready civil engineering or transportation design drawings.
- Strong understanding of roadway design principles, geometric design, and complete streets concepts.
- Knowledge of protected bicycle lane design standards and implementation best practices.
- Experience applying MUTCD, AASHTO, or NACTO design guidelines.
- Experience with survey data, existing conditions mapping, and incorporating field measurements into designs.
- Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) for creating presentation graphics and visualizations.
- Experience with ArcGIS or other GIS software for spatial analysis and mapping.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate, high-quality technical drawings.
- Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills to coordinate with multidisciplinary teams.
- Preference will be given to candidates who possess a driver's license valid in the State of New York with no restrictions. This license must be maintained throughout the duration of employment in this title.
LOCATION
Work Location: 55 Water Street, NY NY
HOURS/SHIFT
TBD
TO APPLY
All resumes are to be submitted electronically using one of the following methods: Current employees, please log into Employee Self Service, follow the Careers Link. Job ID #: 778848 All other applicants go to www.nyc.gov/careers and search for Job ID # 778848. No phone calls, faxes or personal inquiries permitted. Only applicants under consideration will be contacted. Most public libraries have computers available for use.
Note: New hires must reside in NYC for the first two years of employment. Appointments are subject to OMB approval.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.
COMPENSATION
$66,330.00 – $99,528.00
See all 619+ H-1B Visa Design Lead Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new H-1B Visa Design Lead Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship in Design Lead
Document your specialty occupation credentials early
Compile degree transcripts, portfolio case studies, and any UX research certifications before you start applying. USCIS scrutinizes Design Lead petitions for clear degree-to-role alignment, so having organized documentation shortens your employer's filing timeline.
Check employer LCA filing history by role
Use the OFLC Wage Search to look up which companies have filed Labor Condition Applications under design-related SOC codes. Migrate Mate surfaces this data by employer so you can target companies with a verified H-1B track record in creative and product design.
Target companies with in-house immigration counsel
Design Lead roles often sit inside product or brand orgs where HR handles sponsorship case by case. Companies with dedicated immigration teams process petitions faster and are less likely to withdraw an offer when filing complexity surprises them.
Time your offer acceptance around the H-1B cap window
USCIS opens H-1B registration each March for an October 1 start date. If you receive an offer outside that window, confirm whether your employer can file cap-exempt or bridge your status through OPT cap-gap before accepting.
Clarify the prevailing wage tier in your offer letter
DOL assigns wage levels 1 through 4 based on experience and supervisory scope. Design Lead roles frequently land at Level 3 or 4. Confirm which wage level your employer's LCA reflects before you sign, since a mismatch can trigger a DOL audit.
Request premium processing for faster petition adjudication
If your offer has a firm start date, ask your employer to file Form I-907 alongside the I-129. USCIS guarantees a decision within 15 business days under premium processing, reducing the risk of a gap between your current authorization and your H-1B start date.
H-1B Visa Design Lead: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Design Lead role qualify as an H-1B specialty occupation?
Yes. USCIS recognizes Design Lead positions as specialty occupations when the role requires at least a bachelor's degree in a directly related field such as graphic design, industrial design, human-computer interaction, or fine arts. The O*NET profile for art directors and related design occupations supports this classification. Roles that accept any bachelor's degree regardless of field can face RFEs, so the job description's degree requirement matters.
How do I find employers who actively sponsor H-1B visas for design roles?
Search Migrate Mate to browse Design Lead openings filtered by companies with confirmed H-1B LCA filing history in design-related SOC codes. You can also cross-reference the OFLC Wage Search to see which employers have filed Labor Condition Applications under art director or UX designer job codes, which signals an established sponsorship process rather than a first-time filing.
Can a Design Lead role be denied H-1B status if the employer says any degree is acceptable?
Yes, this is one of the more common RFE triggers for creative roles. USCIS requires that a specific bachelor's degree, or its equivalent in a directly related field, is a normal requirement for entry into the occupation. If the job posting says a degree in any field is acceptable, USCIS may conclude the position doesn't meet the specialty occupation definition, even if the actual work is highly specialized.
What happens to my H-1B status if I change employers mid-sponsorship?
You can change employers using H-1B portability under AC21, which allows you to start working for a new employer as soon as they file a new I-129 petition on your behalf, as long as your original petition has been pending for at least 180 days. Your new employer files a fresh LCA with DOL before or with the new petition. You don't restart the cap lottery since you're already cap-counted.
Does a Design Lead role at a startup sponsor H-1B visas differently than at a large company?
Startups can sponsor H-1B visas but the process carries more risk than at established companies. USCIS may scrutinize a small employer's ability to pay the prevailing wage, especially if the company is pre-revenue or recently incorporated. Startups without prior LCA filings will go through the process for the first time, which typically means longer internal lead times and a higher chance of attorney review extending your offer-to-filing timeline.