Architect Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Licensed architects have a clear path to H-1B visa sponsorship since architecture is explicitly recognized as a specialty occupation. Large architecture firms like Gensler, SOM, and HOK sponsor regularly, and so do real estate developers with in-house design teams. TN visas are available for Canadian and Mexican architects specifically. The main caveat is that entry-level positions are harder to sponsor for, so having licensure or progress toward ARE exams makes a real difference. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Get Access To All JobsPURPOSE: The temporary staff serve as an Architect who works with the Engineering Service or Section Chief. Under the responsibility of the Section Chief will meet deadlines, overall objectives, resources available and tasks necessary to complete the work. The Architect is primarily responsible for site investigations supporting the documentation of campus buildings and all utilities, independent planning, and carrying out the assigned tasks to meet the objectives, including but not limited to overseeing and assisting with accurate documentation of existing structures, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, etc. The complete work is reviewed by the Section Chief in terms of effectiveness in meeting all requirements.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
ARCHITECTUAL SERVICES: The Architect will be relied upon to independently create full campus facility architectural and engineering documentation including utilities using Computer Aided Drafting (AutoCAD) and Revit for all existing campus buildings. Engages in activities related to complete documentation management and/or documentation administration. Responsibilities and tasks shall be assigned and directed by the Section Chief.
The Architect shall be highly proficient in preparing detailed, scaled AutoCAD and Revit drawings, reflected ceiling plans and elevations of buildings, utility components and systems to accurately dimension and document. Documentation shall include important notations made during site investigations. The role involves analyzing architectural drawings and developing and following a system of proper AutoCAD and Revit plan layers, for systems and components of building codes, major equipment, materials, placeholder furnishings and traffic patterns. Communication of documentation maintenance and tracking using Microsoft Office Suite and AutoCAD and Revit software.
The Architect must interpret, and review, provided architectural plans for concurrence to the VA’s Technical Information Library (TIL), standards and specifications as used for the basis of current construction and procurement package development.
The Architect is responsible for identifying incomplete or inaccurate information and discussing with the Section Chief. The Architect must identify, evaluate, and recommend appropriate solutions to resolve complex interrelated problems and issues. The Architect must bring any concerns to the attention of the Section Chief to discuss resolution and how best to document this in the drawing files.
The Architect is responsible for updating drawing files with outside Contractor Company. This involves uploading AutoCAD and Revit drawings into the outside Contractor, noting departmental changes, and changing functions of space after moves and minor construction on campus.
The Architect maintains in good order the Drawing Room and that includes drawings and plans, and project binders relating to various design and construction projects. The architect shall also assist in the management of documentation of archive and original building drawings for the Medical Center. Performs other administrative duties as assigned, such as providing documentation of existing plans, creating schedules, and attending project meetings.
The Architect follows basic working knowledge of Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility Standards (ABAAS), VA Barrier Free Design Guide, VA Technical Information Library (TIL), International Code Council (ICC), Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), International Fire Code (IFC), Life Safety.
The Architect is responsible for identifying, developing, and managing projects making improvements to the medical facilities and surrounding property. This includes building renovations, interior finish improvements, water distribution, waste-water treatment, storm drain collection systems, roads, and pavement.
COMMUNICATION: Routinely coordinates activities with such services (Stakeholders) as Contracting, Logistics, Environmental Management Services (EMS), Office of Information Technology (OI&T), Material Management, end users and engineering to provide documentation information. The Contracted Architect is responsible for creating and maintaining a documentation project schedule to complete documentation of the entire campus and reporting information to the Section Chief. The Contracted Architect shall meet with key stakeholders involved in processes related to transition planning for documentation purposes.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
- Must have the knowledge and experience of the following: Must have a minimum of five (5) years’ Architectural employment, a minimum of two (2) years of experience including site investigations, preferably in the healthcare field.
- The Architect must have the knowledge of healthcare design and the understanding of fire codes, life safety codes, building codes, barrier free design, systems, components, cleaning and maintenance concepts, ergonomics, and safety criteria.
- The Architect must have knowledge of building systems found in commercial and/or healthcare construction as necessary to coordinate with other design and construction disciplines/trades typically included on construction projects, including but not limited to architectural, structural, civil, landscaping, equipment, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire alarm/fire protection, and telecommunications.
- Must be able to perform site investigations, identify variances between drawings and the built environment for a one hundred (100) acre property with an excess of twenty (20+) buildings of varying construction and occupancy types.
- Ability to review and interpret construction drawings and specifications for disciplines/trades typically included on construction projects, including but not limited to architectural, structural, civil, landscaping, equipment, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire alarm/fire protection, and telecommunications.
- Skilled in free form drawing and drawing to scale when on a job site measuring for a project. Preferred certifications such as National Council of Architectural Registration Board, Project Management Certification, Evidenced Based Design Accreditation and Certification and/or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.
- Must have minimum 2 years of AutoCAD, 2 years of Revit and 2 years of Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint & Outlook) experience is required.
- Microsoft Project and Microsoft Teams are beneficial but not required. Must be able to communicate effectively both in writing and verbally with a variety of contractors, management officials, vendors, Contract Officers and VA Long Beach staff and meet stated deadlines.
PURPOSE: The temporary staff serve as an Architect who works with the Engineering Service or Section Chief. Under the responsibility of the Section Chief will meet deadlines, overall objectives, resources available and tasks necessary to complete the work. The Architect is primarily responsible for site investigations supporting the documentation of campus buildings and all utilities, independent planning, and carrying out the assigned tasks to meet the objectives, including but not limited to overseeing and assisting with accurate documentation of existing structures, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, etc. The complete work is reviewed by the Section Chief in terms of effectiveness in meeting all requirements.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
ARCHITECTUAL SERVICES: The Architect will be relied upon to independently create full campus facility architectural and engineering documentation including utilities using Computer Aided Drafting (AutoCAD) and Revit for all existing campus buildings. Engages in activities related to complete documentation management and/or documentation administration. Responsibilities and tasks shall be assigned and directed by the Section Chief.
The Architect shall be highly proficient in preparing detailed, scaled AutoCAD and Revit drawings, reflected ceiling plans and elevations of buildings, utility components and systems to accurately dimension and document. Documentation shall include important notations made during site investigations. The role involves analyzing architectural drawings and developing and following a system of proper AutoCAD and Revit plan layers, for systems and components of building codes, major equipment, materials, placeholder furnishings and traffic patterns. Communication of documentation maintenance and tracking using Microsoft Office Suite and AutoCAD and Revit software.
The Architect must interpret, and review, provided architectural plans for concurrence to the VA’s Technical Information Library (TIL), standards and specifications as used for the basis of current construction and procurement package development.
The Architect is responsible for identifying incomplete or inaccurate information and discussing with the Section Chief. The Architect must identify, evaluate, and recommend appropriate solutions to resolve complex interrelated problems and issues. The Architect must bring any concerns to the attention of the Section Chief to discuss resolution and how best to document this in the drawing files.
The Architect is responsible for updating drawing files with outside Contractor Company. This involves uploading AutoCAD and Revit drawings into the outside Contractor, noting departmental changes, and changing functions of space after moves and minor construction on campus.
The Architect maintains in good order the Drawing Room and that includes drawings and plans, and project binders relating to various design and construction projects. The architect shall also assist in the management of documentation of archive and original building drawings for the Medical Center. Performs other administrative duties as assigned, such as providing documentation of existing plans, creating schedules, and attending project meetings.
The Architect follows basic working knowledge of Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility Standards (ABAAS), VA Barrier Free Design Guide, VA Technical Information Library (TIL), International Code Council (ICC), Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), International Fire Code (IFC), Life Safety.
The Architect is responsible for identifying, developing, and managing projects making improvements to the medical facilities and surrounding property. This includes building renovations, interior finish improvements, water distribution, waste-water treatment, storm drain collection systems, roads, and pavement.
COMMUNICATION: Routinely coordinates activities with such services (Stakeholders) as Contracting, Logistics, Environmental Management Services (EMS), Office of Information Technology (OI&T), Material Management, end users and engineering to provide documentation information. The Contracted Architect is responsible for creating and maintaining a documentation project schedule to complete documentation of the entire campus and reporting information to the Section Chief. The Contracted Architect shall meet with key stakeholders involved in processes related to transition planning for documentation purposes.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
- Must have the knowledge and experience of the following: Must have a minimum of five (5) years’ Architectural employment, a minimum of two (2) years of experience including site investigations, preferably in the healthcare field.
- The Architect must have the knowledge of healthcare design and the understanding of fire codes, life safety codes, building codes, barrier free design, systems, components, cleaning and maintenance concepts, ergonomics, and safety criteria.
- The Architect must have knowledge of building systems found in commercial and/or healthcare construction as necessary to coordinate with other design and construction disciplines/trades typically included on construction projects, including but not limited to architectural, structural, civil, landscaping, equipment, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire alarm/fire protection, and telecommunications.
- Must be able to perform site investigations, identify variances between drawings and the built environment for a one hundred (100) acre property with an excess of twenty (20+) buildings of varying construction and occupancy types.
- Ability to review and interpret construction drawings and specifications for disciplines/trades typically included on construction projects, including but not limited to architectural, structural, civil, landscaping, equipment, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire alarm/fire protection, and telecommunications.
- Skilled in free form drawing and drawing to scale when on a job site measuring for a project. Preferred certifications such as National Council of Architectural Registration Board, Project Management Certification, Evidenced Based Design Accreditation and Certification and/or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.
- Must have minimum 2 years of AutoCAD, 2 years of Revit and 2 years of Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint & Outlook) experience is required.
- Microsoft Project and Microsoft Teams are beneficial but not required. Must be able to communicate effectively both in writing and verbally with a variety of contractors, management officials, vendors, Contract Officers and VA Long Beach staff and meet stated deadlines.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Architect Jobs
Complete your NCARB certification early
NCARB certification demonstrates that your qualifications meet U.S. professional standards, which strengthens the H-1B specialty occupation argument. It also enables interstate reciprocity, making you more attractive to firms with offices in multiple states. Start the process while on OPT so it is ready before your employer files.
Target firms with international project portfolios
Firms like SOM, HOK, KPF, and AECOM frequently sponsor because their global work requires cross-border talent. These firms value candidates who can navigate international building codes and design standards. Their existing immigration infrastructure tends to make the sponsorship process smoother.
Explore cap-exempt positions at university design labs
Architecture faculty roles and university-affiliated design research centers are H-1B cap-exempt, meaning no lottery is required. Schools like MIT, Harvard GSD, and Columbia GSAPP hire international architects for teaching and research. These positions often allow you to maintain professional practice alongside academic work.
Pass ARE divisions before the H-1B filing window
Completing some or all six ARE divisions before your employer files the H-1B petition provides concrete evidence of your commitment to U.S. licensure. NCARB allows you to begin testing before finishing all AXP hours in most jurisdictions. This documentation can strengthen the specialty occupation case in the petition.
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Find Architect JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Do architecture firms sponsor H-1B visas for licensed architects?
Many mid-to-large architecture firms sponsor H-1B visas because architecture qualifies as a specialty occupation requiring at least a bachelor's degree. Firms like Gensler, SOM, HOK, and Perkins&Will have established immigration processes for international hires. Having your NCARB certification and progress on the Architect Registration Examination (ARE) can strengthen your petition.
Can I use my foreign architecture license to practice in the U.S.?
Foreign architecture licenses do not transfer directly to the U.S. You typically need to have your education evaluated through NCARB's Education Evaluation Services for Architects (EESA) and then complete the ARE. Some states offer alternative pathways for foreign-licensed architects with substantial professional experience, but most require full NCARB certification.
Is architecture eligible for STEM OPT?
Yes. Architecture programs under CIP code 04.0201 are on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program list. This means architecture graduates on F-1 visas can apply for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving them up to 36 months of post-graduation work authorization. This extra time can be critical for securing employer-sponsored H-1B filing.
What visa options exist for architects beyond the H-1B?
The O-1B visa is available to architects who can demonstrate extraordinary ability through awards, major project portfolios, or published work. Canadian and Mexican architects can use the TN visa under USMCA, which lists Architect as a qualifying profession. For long-term residency, the EB-2 category can leverage an advanced degree or exceptional ability in the field.
How to find Architect jobs with visa sponsorship?
To find architect jobs with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate, which specializes in connecting international architects with sponsoring employers. Focus on construction firms, urban planning agencies, and large architectural studios that commonly offer H-1B, EB-2, or skilled worker visas. Filter searches by visa sponsorship availability and target companies with established international hiring practices for the best opportunities.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Architect jobs?
When a U.S. employer sponsors a foreign worker for a work visa, they are legally required to pay at least the "prevailing wage" — the average wage paid to workers in the same occupation, in the same geographic area, with similar experience. This is set by the Department of Labor to prevent employers from hiring foreign workers at below-market rates. The prevailing wage varies significantly by role, location, and experience level — for example, a architect in California will have a different prevailing wage than the same role in a smaller state. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search.
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