J-1 Visa Production Associate Jobs
Production Associate roles in U.S. manufacturing, food processing, and assembly operations can qualify for J-1 sponsorship under the Trainee or Intern program categories. A State Department-designated sponsor organization issues your DS-2019 and oversees your training plan, while the facility serves as your host employer.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Interviews are anticipated to be conducted within two weeks of closing date.
The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) Training and Staff Development Bureau advances the responsibility of creating an organizational culture of multimodal learning and training, sharing, knowledge, environmental responsibility, and financial stewardship while enhancing and advancing the workforce and future of the New Mexico Department of Transportation.
ABOUT THE ROLE
We are recruiting college undergraduate students enrolled in accredited Digital Media Production programs to join our NMDOT-TSDB team as a digital media production intern and apply the technical and creative skills they are learning in college to work in multiple areas of studio/location production.
Successful applicants will exercise their multitasking abilities as they assist in developing ideas, executing lighting, audio, HD (4K) video, multi-camera recording, green screen, editing, graphic design, and streaming by performing required/assigned tasks, whether it is handling the lighting, presenting on camera, or running errands.
Successful candidates will have the opportunity to build industry relationships and gain valuable experience as part of our design, development and production staff. Successful applicants will also employ organizational skills as they coordinate different aspects of various productions to ensure that all production aspects meet and maintain established, bureau/department criteria in quality control and technical specifications.
CUSTOMERS
Primarily NMDOT divisions/units/bureaus and employees with opportunities to interact with other federal, state, county, city, and tribal entities.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Currently enrolled in an accredited college or university OR completion of at least four (4) semesters (or equivalent) at an accredited college or university within the last two (2) years.
EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS
Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License. Must possess and maintain a current Defensive Driving Course certificate from the State of New Mexico or must pass and receive a Defensive Driving Course certificate as a condition of continued employment.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is performed in office, studio space and on location settings with exposure to Visual/Video Display Terminal (VDT) and extensive personal computer and mobile device usage accompanied by digital media production equipment. Must be able to lift and carry up to 25 lbs.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
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Agency Contact Information: TSDB Staff Manager (505) 469-4287 Email
For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.
Bargaining Unit Position
This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
INTRODUCTION
Interviews are anticipated to be conducted within two weeks of closing date.
The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) Training and Staff Development Bureau advances the responsibility of creating an organizational culture of multimodal learning and training, sharing, knowledge, environmental responsibility, and financial stewardship while enhancing and advancing the workforce and future of the New Mexico Department of Transportation.
ABOUT THE ROLE
We are recruiting college undergraduate students enrolled in accredited Digital Media Production programs to join our NMDOT-TSDB team as a digital media production intern and apply the technical and creative skills they are learning in college to work in multiple areas of studio/location production.
Successful applicants will exercise their multitasking abilities as they assist in developing ideas, executing lighting, audio, HD (4K) video, multi-camera recording, green screen, editing, graphic design, and streaming by performing required/assigned tasks, whether it is handling the lighting, presenting on camera, or running errands.
Successful candidates will have the opportunity to build industry relationships and gain valuable experience as part of our design, development and production staff. Successful applicants will also employ organizational skills as they coordinate different aspects of various productions to ensure that all production aspects meet and maintain established, bureau/department criteria in quality control and technical specifications.
CUSTOMERS
Primarily NMDOT divisions/units/bureaus and employees with opportunities to interact with other federal, state, county, city, and tribal entities.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Currently enrolled in an accredited college or university OR completion of at least four (4) semesters (or equivalent) at an accredited college or university within the last two (2) years.
EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS
Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License. Must possess and maintain a current Defensive Driving Course certificate from the State of New Mexico or must pass and receive a Defensive Driving Course certificate as a condition of continued employment.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is performed in office, studio space and on location settings with exposure to Visual/Video Display Terminal (VDT) and extensive personal computer and mobile device usage accompanied by digital media production equipment. Must be able to lift and carry up to 25 lbs.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Do you know what Total Compensation is? Click here
Agency Contact Information: TSDB Staff Manager (505) 469-4287 Email
For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.
Bargaining Unit Position
This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
See all 32+ Production Associate jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding J-1 Visa Sponsorship as a Production Associate
Document your training objectives before applying
Designated sponsors require a detailed training plan showing structured skill development, not just task completion. Map your current production competencies to the specific equipment, processes, or quality systems you intend to learn at the U.S. host facility.
Confirm the host facility qualifies structurally
J-1 Trainee placements require host employers to demonstrate adequate supervision and a genuine training environment. Assembly lines or warehouses with high turnover and minimal mentorship often fail sponsor review, so ask prospective employers how previous J-1 trainees were supervised.
Verify wage compliance against OFLC Wage Search
Your host employer must pay at least the prevailing wage for your production role and region. Pull the OFLC Wage Search figures for your SOC code before accepting an offer so you can flag any gap before your sponsor submits the training plan.
Search for J-1-aligned production roles on Migrate Mate
Production Associate positions vary widely in sponsorship compatibility depending on industry and employer structure. Use Migrate Mate to filter for U.S. manufacturing and operations employers that have a demonstrated history of hosting international exchange visitors.
Understand the two-year home residency rule early
If your home country is on the State Department's Exchange Visitor Skills List, or if your program receives government funding, you may face a two-year home residency requirement after your J-1 ends. Confirm your status with your designated sponsor before signing any offer letter.
Time your DS-2019 request around production hiring cycles
Manufacturing employers often hire Production Associates on fixed quarterly cycles tied to production demand. Submit your training plan documents to your designated sponsor at least eight to ten weeks before your intended start date to avoid missing a hiring window.
Production Associate jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Production Associate JobsProduction Associate J-1 Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which J-1 program category fits a Production Associate role?
The Trainee category applies if you have a degree plus one year of relevant work experience, or five years of professional experience without a degree. The Intern category applies if you are currently enrolled in a degree program outside the U.S. and the production role relates to your field of study. Both categories require a formal training plan approved by a State Department-designated sponsor before you can begin work.
Who actually sponsors my J-1 visa for a production job?
Your J-1 visa sponsor is a U.S. Department of State-designated organization, such as Cultural Vistas or AIPT, not the manufacturing facility itself. The facility is your host employer. The designated sponsor issues your DS-2019, reviews and approves your training plan, monitors your program compliance, and serves as the legal program administrator throughout your exchange.
How do I find Production Associate host employers that work with J-1 sponsors?
Not every manufacturer has experience hosting J-1 exchange visitors, and cold outreach to HR departments often goes nowhere if the company has no prior J-1 relationship. Migrate Mate lets you search for U.S. production and operations employers that align with J-1 sponsorship, saving you time filtering through employers who are unfamiliar with the exchange visitor process.
Can I switch host employers during my J-1 Trainee program?
Changing host employers mid-program is possible but requires your designated sponsor's approval and typically a revised training plan. The new host must meet the same qualifications as the original placement, and your DS-2019 may need to be amended before you start work. Unauthorized job changes can place your J-1 status at risk, so always notify your sponsor before any transition.
What happens to my J-1 status if production work slows and my host reduces my hours?
Significant reductions in hours or a shift to duties outside your approved training plan can affect your J-1 program compliance. Your designated sponsor must be notified of any material change to your role or schedule. If the host can no longer fulfill the training plan, the sponsor may need to terminate the program, which triggers a 30-day grace period for departure or status change.
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