Commercial Real Estate Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Commercial real estate roles in the U.S. are sponsored under the H-1B visa, which requires a qualifying bachelor's degree in real estate, finance, or a related field. Competition is real, but employers in brokerage, asset management, and development regularly file petitions for specialized analysts and associates. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Get Access To All JobsHEAD OF COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE BANKING
WHAT IS THE OPPORTUNITY?
The Head of Commercial Real Estate Banking is a senior leadership role responsible for setting the strategic direction, driving business performance, and ensuring the operational excellence of the Commercial Real Estate (CRE) Banking division. The position leads a team of regional managers, relationship managers, loan officers, and support professionals in delivering comprehensive commercial real estate lending solutions to middle-market and institutional clients while achieving profitable growth and maintaining a strong risk management framework. Reporting to the President of Commercial Banking, this role partners closely with leaders across the Bank's wholesale banking businesses to develop integrated client strategies, maximize cross-selling opportunities, and enhance overall client value. The incumbent also serves as a key external representative of City National Bank cultivating relationships with industry participants, clients, and community leaders while monitoring market trends, competitive developments, and industry best practices to inform business strategy.
WHAT WILL YOU DO?
- Lead, build and develop a talented and creative team with sufficient knowledge, skills, and experience to successfully support the goals of the Commercial Real Estate Banking Division.
- Responsible for oversight and direction of the Bank’s Commercial Real Estate Banking division.
- Develop and execute comprehensive CRE banking business plans and strategies aligned with RBC's corporate objectives and market opportunities.
- Meet the line of business financial targets and deliver against all operating plans, drive revenue growth, expense management, margin/profitability enhancement, and credit quality.
- Operate within a robust control environment, ensuring that all activities and operations are carried out in full compliance with legal, regulatory, and internal policies and procedures.
- Play an active role in business development and winning new clients, while also deepening and broadening relationships and share of wallet among existing customers.
- Lead market analysis and competitive positioning to identify emerging opportunities, market trends, and strategic initiatives.
- Leverage immediate opportunities to attract and build relationships introduced through the Wealth Management, Private Banking, and Entertainment segments and vice-versa.
- Communicate long-term direction and collaborate with leadership and extended team on how to reach and achieve objectives.
- Inspire and encourage continued process improvements and enhancements, focused on creating enhanced client experiences and additional efficiencies.
- Enhance product and service delivery to ensure continued high levels of client loyalty and retention.
- Maintains appropriate staffing ratios and manages resources to optimize client support and unit profitability.
WHAT DO YOU NEED TO SUCCEED?
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree or equivalent
- 10+ years of experience in the financial services industry working with commercial banking clients as well as large, sophisticated institutional/corporate banking clients with an emphasis on commercial real estate.
- 10+ years of experience leading teams with regional or national front-line relationship management and coverage organization within a fast-paced, growth-oriented financial services environment of substantial size and complexity.
Additional Qualifications
- Proven ability to establish City National Bank and RBC as a competitive force in commercial real estate lending through innovative strategies, market positioning, and thought leadership in target geographies and property types.
- Demonstrated capability to identify emerging market trends, anticipate economic cycles and real estate sector shifts, and proactively develop competitive strategies that drive sustainable growth and market share expansion.
- Extensive track record originating high-quality, performing commercial real estate loans across diverse asset classes (multifamily, industrial, office, retail, mixed-use) with demonstrated ability to manage risk while maximizing profitability.
- Exceptional ability to identify and penetrate cross-sell opportunities within City National Bank's existing institutional client base while simultaneously building meaningful relationships with commercial real estate owners, operators, brokers, institutional investors, and market participants.
- Strategic approach to building balanced, resilient loan portfolios across geographies, property types, and borrower profiles while maintaining rigorous credit standards and risk management discipline.
- National-level credit analysis and underwriting capabilities with deep understanding of commercial real estate loan structures, cash flow analysis, borrower strength assessment, and collateral valuation across all major property types.
- Sophisticated understanding of geographic, economic, and sector-specific risks; ability to structure and price loans appropriately for risk profile while maintaining portfolio quality and capital efficiency.
- Unwavering commitment to balancing growth objectives with rigorous underwriting standards, ensuring loan quality and portfolio integrity as a steward of City National Bank's capital and reputation.
- Proven ability to recruit, attract, and retain top commercial real estate talent; expertise in building high-performing origination teams with complementary skills, deep market relationships, and commitment to excellence.
- Demonstrated capability to lead by example as a productive originator while simultaneously coaching, mentoring, and developing emerging lenders and underwriting professionals; known for building bench strength and succession pipelines.
- Ability to foster a collaborative, high-integrity culture that attracts and retains talented professionals; serves as a trusted advisor and role model for ethical behavior, continuous learning, and organizational commitment.
- Recognized as a trusted strategic advisor to institutional clients, borrowers, and market participants; able to understand complex business needs and structure tailored financing solutions that create mutual value.
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills; ability to work effectively across organizational levels and business units to drive cross-selling, share intelligence, and leverage City National Bank's and RBC’s full suite of capabilities.
- Strong reputation and credibility in the commercial real estate market; ability to represent City National Bank and RBC with distinction and build the bank's brand as a premier wholesale lending partner.
- Track record managing significant loan production targets while maintaining disciplined cost management, profitability standards, and return on capital metrics.
- Demonstrated ability to establish and exceed ambitious annual loan production goals while maintaining portfolio quality metrics, risk limits, and regulatory compliance.
- Strong quantitative and analytical skills; able to model loan structures, evaluate risk-return profiles, and make data-driven strategic decisions.
WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU?
Compensation
Starting base salary: $218,782 - $406,300 per year. Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and location. This job is eligible for bonus and/or commissions.
Benefits and Perks
At City National, we strive to be the best at whatever we do, including the benefits and perks we offer our colleagues including:
- Comprehensive healthcare coverage, including Medical, Dental and Vision plans, available the first of the month following start date
- Generous 401(k) company matching contribution
- Career Development through Tuition Reimbursement and other internal upskilling and training resources
- Valued Time Away benefits including vacation, sick and volunteer time
- Specialized health and family planning benefits including fertility benefits, and cancer, diabetes and musculoskeletal support programs
- Career Mobility support from a dedicated recruitment team
- Colleague Resource Groups to support networking and community engagement
Get a more detailed look at our Benefits and Perks.
About us
Since day one we've always gone further than the competition to help our clients, colleagues and communities flourish. City National Bank was founded in 1954 by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs and that legacy of integrity, community and unparalleled client relationships continues today. City National is a subsidiary of Royal Bank of Canada, one of North America’s leading diversified financial services companies.
INCLUSION AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT
City National Bank fosters an inclusive environment where all forms of diversity are valued and leveraged to make us a better company and employer. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or other basis protected by law.
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Represents basic qualifications for the position. To be considered for this position, you must at least meet the required qualifications. careers.cnb.com accepts applications on an ongoing basis, until filled.
Unless otherwise indicated as fully remote, reporting into a designated City National location is an essential function of the job.
HEAD OF COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE BANKING
WHAT IS THE OPPORTUNITY?
The Head of Commercial Real Estate Banking is a senior leadership role responsible for setting the strategic direction, driving business performance, and ensuring the operational excellence of the Commercial Real Estate (CRE) Banking division. The position leads a team of regional managers, relationship managers, loan officers, and support professionals in delivering comprehensive commercial real estate lending solutions to middle-market and institutional clients while achieving profitable growth and maintaining a strong risk management framework. Reporting to the President of Commercial Banking, this role partners closely with leaders across the Bank's wholesale banking businesses to develop integrated client strategies, maximize cross-selling opportunities, and enhance overall client value. The incumbent also serves as a key external representative of City National Bank cultivating relationships with industry participants, clients, and community leaders while monitoring market trends, competitive developments, and industry best practices to inform business strategy.
WHAT WILL YOU DO?
- Lead, build and develop a talented and creative team with sufficient knowledge, skills, and experience to successfully support the goals of the Commercial Real Estate Banking Division.
- Responsible for oversight and direction of the Bank’s Commercial Real Estate Banking division.
- Develop and execute comprehensive CRE banking business plans and strategies aligned with RBC's corporate objectives and market opportunities.
- Meet the line of business financial targets and deliver against all operating plans, drive revenue growth, expense management, margin/profitability enhancement, and credit quality.
- Operate within a robust control environment, ensuring that all activities and operations are carried out in full compliance with legal, regulatory, and internal policies and procedures.
- Play an active role in business development and winning new clients, while also deepening and broadening relationships and share of wallet among existing customers.
- Lead market analysis and competitive positioning to identify emerging opportunities, market trends, and strategic initiatives.
- Leverage immediate opportunities to attract and build relationships introduced through the Wealth Management, Private Banking, and Entertainment segments and vice-versa.
- Communicate long-term direction and collaborate with leadership and extended team on how to reach and achieve objectives.
- Inspire and encourage continued process improvements and enhancements, focused on creating enhanced client experiences and additional efficiencies.
- Enhance product and service delivery to ensure continued high levels of client loyalty and retention.
- Maintains appropriate staffing ratios and manages resources to optimize client support and unit profitability.
WHAT DO YOU NEED TO SUCCEED?
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree or equivalent
- 10+ years of experience in the financial services industry working with commercial banking clients as well as large, sophisticated institutional/corporate banking clients with an emphasis on commercial real estate.
- 10+ years of experience leading teams with regional or national front-line relationship management and coverage organization within a fast-paced, growth-oriented financial services environment of substantial size and complexity.
Additional Qualifications
- Proven ability to establish City National Bank and RBC as a competitive force in commercial real estate lending through innovative strategies, market positioning, and thought leadership in target geographies and property types.
- Demonstrated capability to identify emerging market trends, anticipate economic cycles and real estate sector shifts, and proactively develop competitive strategies that drive sustainable growth and market share expansion.
- Extensive track record originating high-quality, performing commercial real estate loans across diverse asset classes (multifamily, industrial, office, retail, mixed-use) with demonstrated ability to manage risk while maximizing profitability.
- Exceptional ability to identify and penetrate cross-sell opportunities within City National Bank's existing institutional client base while simultaneously building meaningful relationships with commercial real estate owners, operators, brokers, institutional investors, and market participants.
- Strategic approach to building balanced, resilient loan portfolios across geographies, property types, and borrower profiles while maintaining rigorous credit standards and risk management discipline.
- National-level credit analysis and underwriting capabilities with deep understanding of commercial real estate loan structures, cash flow analysis, borrower strength assessment, and collateral valuation across all major property types.
- Sophisticated understanding of geographic, economic, and sector-specific risks; ability to structure and price loans appropriately for risk profile while maintaining portfolio quality and capital efficiency.
- Unwavering commitment to balancing growth objectives with rigorous underwriting standards, ensuring loan quality and portfolio integrity as a steward of City National Bank's capital and reputation.
- Proven ability to recruit, attract, and retain top commercial real estate talent; expertise in building high-performing origination teams with complementary skills, deep market relationships, and commitment to excellence.
- Demonstrated capability to lead by example as a productive originator while simultaneously coaching, mentoring, and developing emerging lenders and underwriting professionals; known for building bench strength and succession pipelines.
- Ability to foster a collaborative, high-integrity culture that attracts and retains talented professionals; serves as a trusted advisor and role model for ethical behavior, continuous learning, and organizational commitment.
- Recognized as a trusted strategic advisor to institutional clients, borrowers, and market participants; able to understand complex business needs and structure tailored financing solutions that create mutual value.
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills; ability to work effectively across organizational levels and business units to drive cross-selling, share intelligence, and leverage City National Bank's and RBC’s full suite of capabilities.
- Strong reputation and credibility in the commercial real estate market; ability to represent City National Bank and RBC with distinction and build the bank's brand as a premier wholesale lending partner.
- Track record managing significant loan production targets while maintaining disciplined cost management, profitability standards, and return on capital metrics.
- Demonstrated ability to establish and exceed ambitious annual loan production goals while maintaining portfolio quality metrics, risk limits, and regulatory compliance.
- Strong quantitative and analytical skills; able to model loan structures, evaluate risk-return profiles, and make data-driven strategic decisions.
WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU?
Compensation
Starting base salary: $218,782 - $406,300 per year. Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and location. This job is eligible for bonus and/or commissions.
Benefits and Perks
At City National, we strive to be the best at whatever we do, including the benefits and perks we offer our colleagues including:
- Comprehensive healthcare coverage, including Medical, Dental and Vision plans, available the first of the month following start date
- Generous 401(k) company matching contribution
- Career Development through Tuition Reimbursement and other internal upskilling and training resources
- Valued Time Away benefits including vacation, sick and volunteer time
- Specialized health and family planning benefits including fertility benefits, and cancer, diabetes and musculoskeletal support programs
- Career Mobility support from a dedicated recruitment team
- Colleague Resource Groups to support networking and community engagement
Get a more detailed look at our Benefits and Perks.
About us
Since day one we've always gone further than the competition to help our clients, colleagues and communities flourish. City National Bank was founded in 1954 by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs and that legacy of integrity, community and unparalleled client relationships continues today. City National is a subsidiary of Royal Bank of Canada, one of North America’s leading diversified financial services companies.
INCLUSION AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT
City National Bank fosters an inclusive environment where all forms of diversity are valued and leveraged to make us a better company and employer. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or other basis protected by law.
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Represents basic qualifications for the position. To be considered for this position, you must at least meet the required qualifications. careers.cnb.com accepts applications on an ongoing basis, until filled.
Unless otherwise indicated as fully remote, reporting into a designated City National location is an essential function of the job.
See all 204+ Commercial Real Estate Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Commercial Real Estate roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Commercial Real Estate Jobs
Target firms with a CBRE, JLL, or Cushman & Wakefield footprint
Large institutional brokerages and REITs file H-1B petitions consistently. Their in-house immigration teams make the process faster and less uncertain than smaller regional firms that may be sponsoring for the first time.
Position your role as analytically specialized, not generalist
USCIS scrutinizes commercial real estate roles for specialty occupation status. Framing your position around financial modeling, market analysis, or portfolio valuation strengthens the case that a specific degree is theoretically and practically required.
A finance or real estate degree matters more here than in most fields
Because CRE roles sit in a gray zone for specialty occupation, your degree field is under closer review. A bachelor's in real estate, finance, or economics gives USCIS a cleaner connection between your qualifications and the job duties.
Start the H-1B conversation before you receive a written offer
Ask about sponsorship willingness during later interview rounds, not after you have the offer. Some firms sponsor selectively by role level or business line, and knowing early prevents wasted time on both sides.
Firms with active foreign investment arms sponsor more reliably
Companies managing cross-border capital, overseas investors, or international clients have structural reasons to hire internationally. They're more likely to view sponsorship as routine rather than a one-off exception requiring internal approval.
Browse Migrate Mate to identify which employers are actively open to sponsoring
Migrate Mate filters commercial real estate roles by sponsorship willingness, saving hours of guesswork. Applying directly to firms already listed there puts you in front of employers who have signaled openness to visa support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does commercial real estate qualify as a specialty occupation for the H-1B?
It can, but it requires careful framing. USCIS has issued RFEs on CRE roles where the job description is broad or where the employer can't show a degree is routinely required for the position. Roles centered on financial analysis, valuation, or investment underwriting hold up better than generalist brokerage or leasing positions. Your employer's attorney will need to build a strong specialty occupation argument.
What degree do I need to get sponsored for a commercial real estate role?
A bachelor's degree in real estate, finance, economics, or business is the most defensible foundation. Some employers have successfully sponsored candidates with accounting or urban planning degrees when the job duties aligned closely. A general business degree with no clear connection to the specific role can trigger additional scrutiny. The tighter the match between your degree field and your day-to-day responsibilities, the stronger the petition.
Which types of commercial real estate employers sponsor H-1B visas most often?
Large institutional players, including REITs, private equity real estate firms, and global brokerage houses, sponsor most frequently. Asset management divisions that handle pension fund or sovereign wealth capital are especially active. Smaller regional brokerages rarely sponsor because they lack the legal infrastructure and internal precedent. Development companies with active foreign capital partnerships are another reliable segment. Browse Migrate Mate to find employers already open to sponsorship in this space.
How does the H-1B lottery affect commercial real estate job seekers?
The annual H-1B lottery selects roughly 20 to 25 percent of registrations. For CRE candidates, the lottery risk means some employers prefer to wait until after selection before extending offers, which compresses the hiring timeline significantly. Australian citizens can sidestep the lottery entirely through the E-3 visa. Candidates already in the U.S. on OPT or STEM OPT can work while waiting for lottery results, which makes them more attractive to sponsoring employers.
Can I get sponsored for a commercial real estate role at the analyst level, or only senior positions?
Analyst-level sponsorship is possible, but less common. Some large firms routinely sponsor junior analysts hired from MBA programs at target schools. The specialty occupation threshold doesn't require seniority, but the role description must still show that a specific degree is required. Entry-level roles framed around data analysis, financial modeling, or market research are stronger candidates for approval than roles described primarily around relationship management or deal sourcing.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Commercial Real Estate jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.