TN Visa Project Architect Jobs
Project Architect roles qualify for TN visa sponsorship under the USMCA's Engineer category, provided your position involves licensed architectural practice rather than pure management. Canadian citizens can apply at the port of entry the same day they receive an offer. Mexican citizens need consular processing. Licensing equivalency between Canadian and U.S. jurisdictions smooths the credential review considerably.
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Project Architect
At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?
We believe architecture is more than designing buildings, it’s about providing solutions to societal challenges and creating stronger, more vibrant communities. As part of our Architecture practice at HDR, you’ll contribute to the design and delivery of spaces and experiences that advance community well-being around the world. From healing environments and learning spaces to research labs and civic landmarks and infrastructure, your work will directly influence how individuals experience the world around them. We bring together architects, planners, designers, and technical experts to solve complex design challenges with creativity, curiosity, and collaboration. From championing design excellence with an emphasis on resilience and sustainability to pioneering innovative building technologies, your contributions will leave a lasting impact on the built environment. This isn’t just a job, it’s a chance to drive meaningful change and help define the future of our communities.
Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.
In the role of Project Architect, we'll count on you to:
- Lead a multidiscipline team and perform layout and detailing on architectural projects
- Independently coordinate work of a multidiscipline team through multiple phases of a project
- Establish owner/client and internal meetings, and participate in reviews with various governing agencies for code compliance
- Conduct work sessions at project site in conjunction with Project Manager and other disciplines
- Coordinate workload of team members through multiple phases to complete documents on schedule
- Review architectural documents for areas of conflict with all disciplines
- Perform QA/QC and technical reviews
- Write and edit architectural specifications
- Coordinate with and assist affected disciplines with addenda, RFIs, CPRs and change orders
- Incorporate agreed-upon changes into project documents
- Lead projects in a dual management role as needed
- Provide construction contract administration as needed
- Perform other duties as needed
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in Architecture or closely related field
- A minimum of 5 years experience
- Registered Architect
- Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Project Schedule)
- Excellent written and communication skills
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
- Proficient in use of Autodesk Revit and familiarity with related tools and process
- Demonstrated graphic presentation skills
- Must have experience in preparation and layout of architectural contract documents and specifications
- Strong knowledge of codes and good planning skills
- An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Master's degree in Architecture
- Experience in the areas of healthcare, educational, civic, science and research facilities
- Experience and/or interest in sustainable design/LEED desired
- Knowledge of Photoshop, Illustrator, SketchUp and 3-D Studio Max
- Rhino and Grasshopper experience
What We Believe
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.
Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.
Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.
We provide a comprehensive benefits package that promotes employee ownership, employee health, performance, and success, which includes medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, an employee assistance program, paid time away, parental leave, paid holidays, a retirement savings plan with employer match, employee referral bonus and tuition reimbursement. The expected compensation range for this position depends upon skills, experience, education and geographical location. (Stated benefits are for full-time regular positions. Temporary and part-time roles eligible for limited benefits.) $100,000-$143,000
LOCATION
Primary Location: United States-California-San Diego
Other Locations: United States-California-Irvine, United States-California-Los Angeles
Industry:
Architecture
Schedule:
Full-time
Employee Status:
Regular
Business Class:
Health ARC
Job Posting:
Jul 25, 2026
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding TN Visa Sponsorship in Project Architect
Align your credentials to U.S. licensing standards
Canadian provincial architect licenses are recognized through the NCARB Broadly Experienced Foreign Architect path, which strengthens your TN visa petition. Document your licensure status clearly before approaching U.S. employers, since officers assess credential equivalency at the port of entry.
Target firms with active federal or public contracts
Architecture firms holding federal contracts are more likely to have established TN or H-1B visa sponsorship workflows. Look for firms listed on SAM.gov as active contractors, since their HR teams typically understand professional visa requirements for project-based roles.
Use Migrate Mate to filter TN-sponsoring employers
Search Project Architect roles on Migrate Mate to surface firms that have sponsored TN visas for architectural professionals. This cuts out the guesswork of cold-applying to employers unfamiliar with USMCA professional categories.
Clarify your title maps to the Engineer category
TN visa approval for architects flows through the Engineer occupation category under USMCA. Confirm with your prospective employer that the offer letter uses a title and duty description consistent with professional architectural practice, not construction management or facilities oversight.
Prepare a support letter that lists project deliverables
Your employer's support letter should name specific deliverables like construction documents, building code compliance reviews, and client coordination rather than generic duties. CBP officers at the port of entry weigh this letter heavily when adjudicating Canadian TN applications on the spot.
Understand Mexican citizens face a separate consular track
Mexican professionals cannot use port-of-entry processing and must schedule a TN visa interview at a U.S. consulate. Build at least four to six weeks of consular processing time into your start date negotiation, and have your degree credential evaluation from a NACES-member organization ready.
Project Architect TN Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Project Architect role actually qualify for a TN visa?
Yes, but the job title alone doesn't determine eligibility. The position must involve professional architectural practice, including design, code review, and construction documentation. If the role is primarily project management with no licensed architectural duties, CBP may classify it outside the Engineer category and deny the TN at the port of entry.
How does the TN visa compare to H-1B for Project Architects?
TN visa sponsorship is significantly simpler for Project Architects than H-1B. There's no annual lottery, no cap for Canadian citizens, and Canadians can be approved at the port of entry the same day they receive an offer. H-1B requires an employer to file a petition with USCIS and win a lottery slot, which can take over a year. TN renewals are also straightforward as long as you maintain a qualifying employer relationship.
What documents does your employer need to provide for a TN petition?
Your employer needs to provide a detailed support letter on company letterhead that states your job title, a description of your specific architectural duties, your intended start date, and confirmation that the position requires a professional architect. For Canadian applicants, this letter goes directly to CBP at the port of entry. For Mexican applicants, it accompanies the DS-160 consular application package.
Where can I find Project Architect jobs that offer TN visa sponsorship?
Migrate Mate is built specifically to help Canadian and Mexican professionals find employers experienced with visa sponsorship. You can search Project Architect roles and filter by employers with recent visa filings, which removes the friction of applying to firms unfamiliar with USMCA professional categories. Generic job boards don't filter by sponsorship experience, making them far less efficient for TN job searches.
Can a Mexican Project Architect apply for TN status at the border like a Canadian?
No. Mexican citizens must apply for a TN visa through a U.S. consulate in Mexico and cannot use the port-of-entry process available to Canadian citizens. This means scheduling a consular interview, submitting a DS-160, paying the visa application fee, and waiting for consular processing, which typically runs several weeks depending on post workload and appointment availability.