TN Visa Photographer Jobs
Photographer roles qualify for TN visa sponsorship under USMCA when the position requires a relevant degree and involves professional-level work beyond commercial photography. Canadian citizens can enter at the port of entry; Mexican citizens need a consulate appointment. Employers file no lottery paperwork, making the TN a practical sponsorship path for studios, media companies, and agencies.
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Job Summary
California State University, Long Beach is creating a pool of qualified photographers for temporary, on-call assignments. Photographers in this pool will support a variety of projects, producing high-quality visual content for both digital and print platforms. Assignments will vary in length and scope and may include event coverage, portraits, marketing campaigns, or campus life features. Responsibilities include capturing still or motion imagery, editing and processing photos, and managing photography equipment.
Key Responsibilities
Responsibilities are centered around photographic production and support, but are not limited to, and may include:
- Capturing high-quality still images for instructional, promotional, or multimedia use.
- Setting up, testing, and operating photography equipment and lighting.
- Assisting with or leading photo shoots, including staging, props, and scene composition.
- Editing and processing digital or film photography using image editing software.
- Maintaining organized archives of visual assets and photo libraries.
- Collaborating with production teams, faculty, or staff to meet visual and content objectives.
- Providing technical guidance or supervision in photography-related tasks and workflows.
Classification:
- Media Production Specialist I
- Media Production Specialist II
- Media Production Specialist III
Knowledge Skills and Abilities
Media Production Specialists are placed into one of three skill levels based on the scope, complexity, and responsibility of the work they perform.
- Skill Level I: Assigned to roles performing technical support and routine production work with limited scope and moderate supervision. Requires foundational knowledge and skills, guided by senior staff or clear project objectives. Possesses working knowledge of techniques, materials, and equipment for instructional media production. Skilled in sound recording, graphics, television, photography, video taping, lighting, and editing. Capable of setting up and operating various production equipment, including multi-camera setups and distance learning classrooms. Able to learn techniques for television, film, radio, or multimedia productions. Basic computer skills for digital and analog editing and duplication. Proficient in basic photography and photographic processing. Knowledgeable in studio, camera, and related equipment maintenance. Understands safety requirements for handling hazardous materials. Strong writing, editing, and interpersonal skills for building relationships with staff and students.
- Skill Level II: Assigned to positions with greater responsibility, including leading small to medium projects or serving as associate producer. Work is more autonomous, involving planning, directing, and managing full production cycles. Requires in-depth knowledge and strong creative, technical, and consulting skills. Thorough knowledge of production techniques and equipment, with general knowledge of instructional media principles. Capable of developing, creating, and evaluating professional visuals. Strong writing skills, including narration and script writing. Proficient with interactive multimedia tools and techniques. Excellent research skills and broad multimedia communication knowledge. Able to understand and troubleshoot equipment and systems. Strong organizational skills for managing production, budgets, and projects. Advanced photographic skills. Capable of leading and directing staff and training students in production projects.
- Skill Level III: Reserved for managing complex or high-impact productions and full production units. Involves leadership, collaboration with instructional designers, and strategic solutions to instructional media challenges. Requires expert-level knowledge, independent judgment, and the ability to supervise others and oversee all aspects of production. Possesses comprehensive knowledge of multimedia production theory and techniques, communication theory, and instructional design. Skilled in research, live production, critique, innovative problem-solving, and evaluating production effectiveness. Strong in project and budget management, consulting, and providing technical and aesthetic leadership.
Education and Experience
Media Production Specialist (I): Equivalent to a bachelor's degree in a related field and six months of related professional or technical experience required.
Media Production Specialist (II): Equivalent to a bachelor's degree in a related field and two years of related professional or technical experience required.
Media Production Specialist (III): Equivalent to a bachelor's degree in a related field and four years of related professional or technical experience required.
Compensation
CSU Classification Range:
- Media Production Specialist (I): $21.23 - $37.98 per hour.
- Media Production Specialist (II): $23.92 - $43.27 per hour.
- Media Production Specialist (III): $27.93 - $50.53 per hour.
Time Base
This is an hourly, temporary position with assignments offered as needed. Inclusion in the pool doesn't guarantee employment, but selected candidates may be contacted when opportunities arise. Assignment lengths vary based on operational needs, ranging from a few days to up to one year.
Physical Summary
- Medium work - Job involves lifting heavy-weight objects (20-40 pounds) and/or 20% - 40% of the job involves standing, squatting, kneeling, or walking. May require pushing or pulling objects within the weight limits.
Application Procedures
Click Apply Now to complete the CSULB Online Employment Application.
PLEASE FILL OUT THE APPLICATION COMPLETELY
It is important that all sections of the online application are filled out completely and accurately. Please include all relevant education and experience. Your application will be used to determine whether you meet the minimum qualifications for this position.
Additional Information
The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 Revised July 21, 2017 as a condition of employment. A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. CSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position. CSULB is not a sponsoring agency for staff and management positions (i.e. H-1B Visas). California State University Long Beach expects respectful, professional behavior from its employees in all situations. Acts of harassment or abusive conduct are prohibited. Demonstrated appropriate professional behavior, treating others with civility and respect, and refusing to tolerate abusive conduct is expected of all employees.
Equal Employment Statement
Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, CSULB provides equal opportunity in employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, national origin, or other protected status. CSULB complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.
Accommodations
We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact StaffHR-Accommodations@csulb.edu.
Out of State Employment Policy
California State University, Long Beach, as part of the CSU system, is a State of California Employer. As such, the University requires all employees upon date of hire to reside in the State of California. As of January 1, 2022 the CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy prohibits the hiring of employees to perform CSU-related work outside the state of California.

Job Summary
California State University, Long Beach is creating a pool of qualified photographers for temporary, on-call assignments. Photographers in this pool will support a variety of projects, producing high-quality visual content for both digital and print platforms. Assignments will vary in length and scope and may include event coverage, portraits, marketing campaigns, or campus life features. Responsibilities include capturing still or motion imagery, editing and processing photos, and managing photography equipment.
Key Responsibilities
Responsibilities are centered around photographic production and support, but are not limited to, and may include:
- Capturing high-quality still images for instructional, promotional, or multimedia use.
- Setting up, testing, and operating photography equipment and lighting.
- Assisting with or leading photo shoots, including staging, props, and scene composition.
- Editing and processing digital or film photography using image editing software.
- Maintaining organized archives of visual assets and photo libraries.
- Collaborating with production teams, faculty, or staff to meet visual and content objectives.
- Providing technical guidance or supervision in photography-related tasks and workflows.
Classification:
- Media Production Specialist I
- Media Production Specialist II
- Media Production Specialist III
Knowledge Skills and Abilities
Media Production Specialists are placed into one of three skill levels based on the scope, complexity, and responsibility of the work they perform.
- Skill Level I: Assigned to roles performing technical support and routine production work with limited scope and moderate supervision. Requires foundational knowledge and skills, guided by senior staff or clear project objectives. Possesses working knowledge of techniques, materials, and equipment for instructional media production. Skilled in sound recording, graphics, television, photography, video taping, lighting, and editing. Capable of setting up and operating various production equipment, including multi-camera setups and distance learning classrooms. Able to learn techniques for television, film, radio, or multimedia productions. Basic computer skills for digital and analog editing and duplication. Proficient in basic photography and photographic processing. Knowledgeable in studio, camera, and related equipment maintenance. Understands safety requirements for handling hazardous materials. Strong writing, editing, and interpersonal skills for building relationships with staff and students.
- Skill Level II: Assigned to positions with greater responsibility, including leading small to medium projects or serving as associate producer. Work is more autonomous, involving planning, directing, and managing full production cycles. Requires in-depth knowledge and strong creative, technical, and consulting skills. Thorough knowledge of production techniques and equipment, with general knowledge of instructional media principles. Capable of developing, creating, and evaluating professional visuals. Strong writing skills, including narration and script writing. Proficient with interactive multimedia tools and techniques. Excellent research skills and broad multimedia communication knowledge. Able to understand and troubleshoot equipment and systems. Strong organizational skills for managing production, budgets, and projects. Advanced photographic skills. Capable of leading and directing staff and training students in production projects.
- Skill Level III: Reserved for managing complex or high-impact productions and full production units. Involves leadership, collaboration with instructional designers, and strategic solutions to instructional media challenges. Requires expert-level knowledge, independent judgment, and the ability to supervise others and oversee all aspects of production. Possesses comprehensive knowledge of multimedia production theory and techniques, communication theory, and instructional design. Skilled in research, live production, critique, innovative problem-solving, and evaluating production effectiveness. Strong in project and budget management, consulting, and providing technical and aesthetic leadership.
Education and Experience
Media Production Specialist (I): Equivalent to a bachelor's degree in a related field and six months of related professional or technical experience required.
Media Production Specialist (II): Equivalent to a bachelor's degree in a related field and two years of related professional or technical experience required.
Media Production Specialist (III): Equivalent to a bachelor's degree in a related field and four years of related professional or technical experience required.
Compensation
CSU Classification Range:
- Media Production Specialist (I): $21.23 - $37.98 per hour.
- Media Production Specialist (II): $23.92 - $43.27 per hour.
- Media Production Specialist (III): $27.93 - $50.53 per hour.
Time Base
This is an hourly, temporary position with assignments offered as needed. Inclusion in the pool doesn't guarantee employment, but selected candidates may be contacted when opportunities arise. Assignment lengths vary based on operational needs, ranging from a few days to up to one year.
Physical Summary
- Medium work - Job involves lifting heavy-weight objects (20-40 pounds) and/or 20% - 40% of the job involves standing, squatting, kneeling, or walking. May require pushing or pulling objects within the weight limits.
Application Procedures
Click Apply Now to complete the CSULB Online Employment Application.
PLEASE FILL OUT THE APPLICATION COMPLETELY
It is important that all sections of the online application are filled out completely and accurately. Please include all relevant education and experience. Your application will be used to determine whether you meet the minimum qualifications for this position.
Additional Information
The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 Revised July 21, 2017 as a condition of employment. A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. CSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position. CSULB is not a sponsoring agency for staff and management positions (i.e. H-1B Visas). California State University Long Beach expects respectful, professional behavior from its employees in all situations. Acts of harassment or abusive conduct are prohibited. Demonstrated appropriate professional behavior, treating others with civility and respect, and refusing to tolerate abusive conduct is expected of all employees.
Equal Employment Statement
Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, CSULB provides equal opportunity in employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, national origin, or other protected status. CSULB complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.
Accommodations
We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact StaffHR-Accommodations@csulb.edu.
Out of State Employment Policy
California State University, Long Beach, as part of the CSU system, is a State of California Employer. As such, the University requires all employees upon date of hire to reside in the State of California. As of January 1, 2022 the CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy prohibits the hiring of employees to perform CSU-related work outside the state of California.
See all 58+ Photographer jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Photographer roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding TN Visa Sponsorship as a Photographer
Document your degree's direct field relevance
CBP officers assess whether your photography or fine arts degree directly supports the specific role. Bring transcripts, course descriptions, and a credential evaluation if your degree is from outside North America. A mismatch between your degree field and the job duties is the most common TN denial trigger for creative roles.
Target employers with dedicated creative departments
Studios, media production companies, and national news organizations already understand professional visa sponsorship for technical creative roles. These employers have HR infrastructure to draft the support letter CBP requires, unlike small studios where you may need to coach the hiring manager through the TN process.
Request a specialty occupation support letter early
The employer's support letter must frame the Photographer role as requiring a bachelor's degree in a specific field, not just talent or portfolio experience. Get a draft before you finalize your offer so you can flag gaps. Generic letters citing 'photography skills' without degree requirements are routinely questioned at the border.
Use Migrate Mate to find employers who actively sponsor TN visas
Migrate Mate surfaces Photographer job listings from employers with documented TN visa sponsorship history, so you're not cold-applying to roles where the hiring team has never processed a TN. Filter by role and nationality to see which companies are actively hiring Canadian and Mexican professionals.
Clarify your work scope covers specialty-level duties
TN status requires that the Photographer role involves professional-level judgment, not routine commercial or event shooting anyone with a camera could perform. Your job offer letter should specify duties like directing creative concepts, managing post-production workflows, or producing editorial or scientific imagery.
Understand Mexican applicants face a separate consulate process
Unlike Canadians who present TN documentation directly at a port of entry, Mexican citizens must schedule a consulate appointment and attend a visa interview. Processing times vary by consulate and season, so account for scheduling delays when negotiating your start date with the employer.
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Find Photographer JobsPhotographer TN Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Photographer role actually qualify for TN visa status?
Yes, Photographer is listed as a qualifying TN occupation under USMCA, but the role must require a bachelor's degree in photography, fine arts, or a directly related field. CBP scrutinizes creative roles closely. Positions that are primarily commercial event photography without professional-level creative direction are more likely to face questions or denial at the border.
How does the TN visa compare to H-1B for Photographer roles?
TN has no annual lottery or cap for Canadians, so you can secure status in a single border or consulate appointment once you have a qualifying job offer. H-1B requires entering a randomized lottery with a roughly 25% selection rate and a wait of over a year before you can start working. For Photographer roles at employers familiar with TN, it's a faster, more predictable path.
Where can I find Photographer jobs with TN visa sponsorship?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for Canadian and Mexican professionals searching for U.S. roles with TN visa sponsorship. You can filter Photographer listings by employers who have a documented sponsorship history, which saves significant time compared to sorting through postings where the employer has never processed a TN or doesn't understand the requirements.
What documentation does my employer need to provide for my TN application?
Your employer must provide a support letter on company letterhead describing the Photographer position, confirming it requires a relevant bachelor's degree, stating your salary and employment start date, and explaining how the duties qualify as specialty-level work. Canadian citizens present this letter directly at a port of entry. Mexican citizens submit it as part of their consulate visa application package.
Can I freelance or work for multiple clients on a TN visa as a Photographer?
TN status ties you to the specific employer named in your application. Freelance arrangements and multi-client work structures don't fit the TN's employer-employee model unless one entity is your primary employer and controls your work. If your Photographer role is project-based or involves multiple clients, discuss the arrangement with the employer before filing to confirm it meets CBP's requirements.
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