STEM OPT Architect Jobs
Architecture roles qualify for STEM OPT when your degree falls under an eligible CIP code in architecture or a related STEM field. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify to hire you, and the 24-month STEM OPT extension gives you up to 36 months total to build licensure experience, complete IDP hours, and pursue long-term sponsorship.
See All Architect JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 824+ Architect jobs
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
See all 824+ Architect jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Architect roles.
Get Access To All JobsWe're seeking a talented, motivated, and creative architectural designer to join our collaborative team in a long-term role with growth potential. If you're a visionary with a strong work ethic, an eye for detail, and a passion for designing beautiful, functional spaces - this could be the perfect fit.
About the Role:
As a key team member, you'll take part in all phases of residential design - from concept development to detailed construction documents. You'll collaborate directly with clients, consultants, and engineers, ensuring that each project aligns with client goals, design integrity, and building codes.
What You'll Do:
- Develop innovative, high-quality residential design concepts
- Create and manage construction drawings and documentation
- Coordinate with clients, engineers, and consultants
- Ensure projects meet state/local building codes and permitting requirements
- Oversee projects from initial design through construction
Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree in Architecture (Master's preferred)
- 3-5 years of experience in residential architecture or a related field
- Proficient in AutoCAD and Revit (3-5 years)
- Strong design sensibility and understanding of 3D spatial planning
- Familiar with residential building codes and permit processes
- Strong communication and client-interaction skills
- Self-starter with an organized, team-oriented mindset
What We Offer:
- Competitive salary starting at $85,000+ (commensurate with experience)
- Paid health insurance
- SIMPLE IRA with company contribution
- Generous PTO and paid sick days
- Flexible scheduling and occasional remote work days
- Supportive, creative team environment
- Opportunity for partnership and long-term career growth
If you're ready to bring your creative talent and leadership to a firm where your work truly matters, we'd love to hear from you!
To apply
Please send your resume, portfolio, and a brief cover letter to laurie@amplitudehr.com
We're seeking a talented, motivated, and creative architectural designer to join our collaborative team in a long-term role with growth potential. If you're a visionary with a strong work ethic, an eye for detail, and a passion for designing beautiful, functional spaces - this could be the perfect fit.
About the Role:
As a key team member, you'll take part in all phases of residential design - from concept development to detailed construction documents. You'll collaborate directly with clients, consultants, and engineers, ensuring that each project aligns with client goals, design integrity, and building codes.
What You'll Do:
- Develop innovative, high-quality residential design concepts
- Create and manage construction drawings and documentation
- Coordinate with clients, engineers, and consultants
- Ensure projects meet state/local building codes and permitting requirements
- Oversee projects from initial design through construction
Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree in Architecture (Master's preferred)
- 3-5 years of experience in residential architecture or a related field
- Proficient in AutoCAD and Revit (3-5 years)
- Strong design sensibility and understanding of 3D spatial planning
- Familiar with residential building codes and permit processes
- Strong communication and client-interaction skills
- Self-starter with an organized, team-oriented mindset
What We Offer:
- Competitive salary starting at $85,000+ (commensurate with experience)
- Paid health insurance
- SIMPLE IRA with company contribution
- Generous PTO and paid sick days
- Flexible scheduling and occasional remote work days
- Supportive, creative team environment
- Opportunity for partnership and long-term career growth
If you're ready to bring your creative talent and leadership to a firm where your work truly matters, we'd love to hear from you!
To apply
Please send your resume, portfolio, and a brief cover letter to laurie@amplitudehr.com
See all 824+ Architect jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Architect roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization in Architect
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
Architecture firms, especially smaller studios, often aren't enrolled in E-Verify. Ask the hiring manager or HR directly before your offer stage. Firms not enrolled cannot legally employ STEM OPT students, and retroactive enrollment takes time that your OPT timeline may not absorb.
Target firms with active federal or public contracts
Federal contractors are required to use E-Verify, so architecture practices with government project portfolios are more likely to already be enrolled. Prioritize firms working on public infrastructure, federal buildings, or GSA-funded projects when building your application list.
Use Migrate Mate to filter for verified sponsoring employers
Search Migrate Mate for architect roles at employers with confirmed E-Verify enrollment and H-1B filing history. This cuts the research time of vetting individual firms and surfaces practices already experienced in hiring international design professionals.
Structure your I-983 training plan around licensure milestones
Your I-983 must show a direct connection between your work and your STEM degree. Map your training objectives to AXP experience areas like Project Management and Construction Evaluation so your plan reflects the professional development architects are formally required to document.
Align your OPT timeline with H-1B cap-gap protection
If your employer files an H-1B petition before April 1, cap-gap rules automatically extend your STEM OPT work authorization through September 30. Coordinate with your employer's HR or immigration counsel to make sure the petition is submitted within the registration window.
Architect jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Architect JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Does my architecture degree qualify me for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your specific degree's CIP code. Architecture degrees under CIP 04.02 (Architecture) are included on the STEM Designated Degree Program List maintained by USCIS. Degrees in architectural engineering, construction science, or urban planning may also qualify under separate CIP codes. Check your degree audit or transcript for the exact code and cross-reference it against the official USCIS list before filing your extension.
Can I work for a small architecture firm on STEM OPT?
Yes, but only if the firm is enrolled in E-Verify. Firm size doesn't determine eligibility. Many boutique and mid-size studios aren't enrolled because they've never hired international students before. Ask during the interview process, not after an offer. If a firm wants to hire you, they can enroll in E-Verify, but the process takes time and you can't start until enrollment is complete.
What goes into the I-983 training plan for an architect role?
Your I-983 training plan must detail how your day-to-day architectural work connects to your STEM degree. For architects, that means documenting objectives tied to design development, technical documentation, project coordination, and site observation. Reference AXP experience areas where possible. Your DSO and employer must both sign the plan, and it should be updated if your responsibilities change significantly during the extension period.
How does cap-gap work if my employer files for H-1B while I'm on STEM OPT?
If your STEM OPT expires between April 1 and September 30 and your employer files a timely H-1B petition before that expiration, cap-gap automatically extends your work authorization through September 30 of that year. You can continue working for the same employer during this period. USCIS issues no separate document for cap-gap; your continued authorization is based on the filed petition and your existing status.
Where can I find architect jobs at employers who already hire STEM OPT students?
Migrate Mate filters architecture roles by employers with verified E-Verify enrollment and a history of sponsoring international candidates. This is faster than vetting individual firms through E-Verify's public search tool. You can browse by role type and location to find practices already set up to onboard STEM OPT students without internal delays on the compliance side.
See which Architect employers are hiring and sponsoring visas right now.
Search Architect Jobs