STEM OPT Project Architect Jobs

Project Architect roles at E-Verify-enrolled firms qualify for STEM OPT, giving graduates with architecture, engineering, or related STEM degrees up to 36 months of work authorization. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify before you submit the I-983 training plan to your DSO to activate the 24-month extension.

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Overview

Open Jobs119+
Top Visa TypeF-1 OPT
Work Type65% On-site
Median Salary$107K
Top LocationChicago, IL
Most JobsGrant Thornton

Showing 5 of 119+ Project Architect jobs

Jobot
Project Architect
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Jobot
Added 2w ago
Project Architect
Jobot
Richmond, Virginia
Project & Program Management
Construction Management
$155,000/yr
On-Site
3+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's

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A2H
Project Architect
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A2H
Added 1mo ago
Project Architect
A2H
Memphis, Tennessee
Project & Program Management
Project Management
On-Site
2+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's

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Ms Consultants, Inc.
Senior Project Architect
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Ms Consultants, Inc.
Added 1mo ago
Senior Project Architect
Ms Consultants, Inc.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Project & Program Management
Specialized Engineering
Engineering (Non-Software)
Hybrid
2+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's
1-1

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Barge Design Solutions, Inc.
Project Architect
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Barge Design Solutions, Inc.
Added 1mo ago
Project Architect
Barge Design Solutions, Inc.
Atlanta, Georgia
Specialized Engineering
Project & Program Management
Engineering (Non-Software)
On-Site
4+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's
501-1,000

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DLR Group
Project Architect
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DLR Group
Added 1mo ago
Project Architect
DLR Group
Charlotte, North Carolina
Project & Program Management
Quality Assurance & Testing (QA Testing)
On-Site
Bachelor's

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Tips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization in Project Architect

Verify your degree CIP code qualifies

Architecture programs typically fall under CIP code 04.0201, which is on the STEM OPT CIP code list. Confirm your specific degree program's code with your DSO before applying, since a mismatch delays or blocks your extension.

Check E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers

Ask hiring managers directly whether the firm is enrolled in E-Verify before your offer stage. A firm can be licensed and reputable but still not E-Verify enrolled, which disqualifies them as your STEM OPT employer entirely.

Target firms with active federal contracts

Federal contractors are legally required to use E-Verify, so architecture firms pursuing federal or GSA projects are near-certain to be enrolled. Filter your search by firms holding government contracts to concentrate on guaranteed-eligible employers.

Build your I-983 training plan around project phases

Your I-983 must tie STEM learning goals to specific, measurable job tasks. Map objectives to concrete project architect responsibilities like design development, construction documents, and site observation so the plan satisfies USCIS scrutiny at reporting intervals.

Use Migrate Mate to find pre-verified employers

Search Project Architect roles on Migrate Mate, which surfaces employers with confirmed E-Verify enrollment so you're not manually vetting each firm. This cuts the screening stage down to the firms that can actually sponsor your STEM OPT.

File your extension before your OPT EAD expires

Submit your STEM OPT extension application to USCIS at least 90 days before your initial OPT EAD end date. An auto cap-gap provision does not apply here, so a late filing leaves you without work authorization while the application is pending.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does a Project Architect role qualify for STEM OPT?

Yes, if your underlying degree is in a qualifying STEM field such as architecture, civil engineering, or a related discipline listed on the STEM OPT CIP code list. The role itself must also provide practical training directly related to that degree. Confirm your program's CIP code with your DSO before relying on eligibility, since the degree program drives qualification, not the job title alone.

What E-Verify requirement applies to my STEM OPT employer?

Your employer must be actively enrolled in E-Verify before you begin STEM OPT employment. Enrollment is not retroactive, so a firm that signs up after your start date cannot validate the extension. Ask the HR or legal team to share the E-Verify company ID or confirmation number before you sign an offer. You can browse firms already confirmed as E-Verify enrolled on Migrate Mate.

What goes into the I-983 training plan for a Project Architect?

The I-983 requires your employer to identify specific STEM learning objectives tied to your daily work. For a Project Architect role, acceptable objectives include applying structural analysis principles to design decisions, using BIM software to meet engineering tolerances, and coordinating with licensed engineers on code compliance. Both you and your supervisor must sign the plan, and you'll submit status reports at 12 and 24 months.

How does cap-gap affect Project Architects transitioning to H-1B?

If your employer files an H-1B petition before your STEM OPT EAD expires and you're selected in the lottery, cap-gap automatically extends your work authorization through September 30 of that fiscal year. You can continue working as a Project Architect during this period without interruption. If your EAD expires before the lottery results are confirmed, your authorized stay extends but work authorization depends on the timely filing receipt.

Can I work for multiple architecture firms on STEM OPT?

Yes, but each employer must independently meet the E-Verify enrollment requirement, and each concurrent or subsequent employer must be added to an updated I-983 training plan filed with your DSO. You cannot begin work for a second firm until that firm's enrollment is confirmed and your DSO has processed the update. USCIS requires that all STEM OPT employment remain directly related to your qualifying STEM degree.

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