Sewing Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Sewing and garment production roles are sponsored primarily through H-2B visas for seasonal fashion manufacturing and EB-3 Skilled Workers for positions requiring two or more years of specialized training. The fashion industry offers some unique opportunities, as costume designers and haute couture specialists may qualify for O-1 visas based on extraordinary ability. Industrial sewing in sectors like automotive upholstery and aerospace soft goods is a growing niche where specialized skills are genuinely hard to find domestically. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Get Access To All JobsAt The New School, we redefine the boundaries of education, creativity, and innovation. Founded in 1919 and located in the heart of New York City, we are home to over 9,000 students from over 100 countries, offering more than 135 degree and diploma programs across our renowned colleges, including Parsons School of Design, The New School for Social Research, Eugene Lang College of Liberal Arts, Parsons Paris, and the College of Performing Arts. Our progressive, interdisciplinary approach has earned us recognition as one of the most forward-thinking institutions in the world.
POSITION/ROLE OVERVIEW
Parsons School for Design, a division of The New School, seeks a Full-time Technician in Sewing and Soft Construction for the Making Center. Parsons Making Center is a collection of more than 70,000 sq. ft. of labs, shops, studios, and open workspaces that provide curricular support for making across a broad range of mediums and disciplines and supports experimentation and interdisciplinary collaboration. The Technician should be a personable, proactive, detail-oriented individual who will become integral to the daily workings of the facilities within the Making Center, with the ability to learn new skills and technologies as needed. This is a fast-paced, dynamic environment that runs year-round. The Technician will interface with students and faculty daily and work with Making Center staff to support multiple processes and resources for all users in a range of making spaces including the sewing, shoemaking, tool checkout/store, and soft construction facilities.
This is an administrative position, governed by a Local 1205 Teamsters union contract, that reports to the Assistant Manager of Sewing and Soft Construction. The hire is for a 3-year fixed term subject to end unless otherwise approved for renewal.
CORE CAPABILITIES, PRIMARY DUTIES, AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Maintain a clean and safe working environment and uphold a respectful shop culture for students, faculty, and staff.
- Work with other Making Center staff on the troubleshooting, repair, maintenance, installation, continuous operation, and support for a variety of hardware/software and technologies.
- Assist supervisor and Making Center Leadership with the following:
- Assist faculty and students.
- Lead demo sessions about various pieces of equipment.
- Make hardware/software purchases and process recommendations.
- Create web page content.
- Create and conduct orientations, trainings, and tours.
- Participate in the onboarding process for new technician staff, through peer-to-peer trainings and skills sharing.
- Maintain administrative systems for scheduling, record-keeping, inventory, and metric tracking.
- Provide support for store and tool checkout functions as related to assigned areas.
- Oversee daily workings of the Making Center facilities as assigned.
- Supervise student workers, including training, tracking accountability, and assigning tasks during shifts.
- Oversee tool and equipment checkout for both in-shop/lab use and off-site special requests.
- Create clear, accurate, user-friendly technical documentation, signage, and instructions for labs and equipment.
- Assist with facility improvement projects and special Making Center, program, school or Parsons-wide initiatives as needed.
- Adapt to changes in the work environment; adjust approach and prioritize competing demands as necessary.
- Provide a high level of customer service, maintaining a positive and professional demeanor and attitude in all interactions with students, faculty, and staff.
- Cultivate a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming learning environment with productive and positive workplace relationships.
- Stay current with relevant technology and developments within the field.
- Attend regularly scheduled Making Center staff meetings and perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- A Bachelor’s Degree and/or 3 years of relevant or professional experience within the industry.
- Flexible schedule - ability to work non-traditional schedules that may include nights and weekends, in addition to schedule shifts with semester changes.
- Completion of university required staff trainings and necessary COF's for all Making Center Facilities within the first 6 months of employment.
- Become proficient in WebCheckout or current equipment management system within the first 6 months of employment.
- Knowledge of industrial sewing and soft construction techniques, finishing, and troubleshooting for traditional garment and accessory construction, as well as experimental projects.
- Technical knowledge of a variety of industrial sewing techniques and machinery.
- Confidence in threading, safe operation and maintenance of sewing machines.
- Mechanical understanding, with a strong desire to learn how to troubleshoot and maintain several different types of industrial machines for repair and maintenance purposes.
- Understanding of working in a cross-platform (Windows and macOS) environment.
- Familiarity with Adobe Creative Cloud and Google Suite.
- Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills, close attention to detail, and strong organizational and time management abilities.
- Strong ability to assist students working in an interdisciplinary and/or experimental manner from concept to fabrication.
- A desire to learn new skills and processes related to Parsons Making Center initiatives.
- Ability to handle objects weighing up to 25 lbs and on occasion may be expected to lift objects weighing up to 50 lbs.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience with specialized industrial sewing machinery such as lockstitch, overlock, coverstitch, flatlock, post, walking foot, blind hem, chainstitch, embroidery.
- Experience with shoe making processes, leatherwork, and fiber art practices.
- Experience with fashion production processes such as patternmaking and textile manipulation.
- Experience with basic building and hand tools.
- Experience assessing and maintaining industrial sewing machines.
- Knowledge of Webcheckout or comparable equipment management systems.
- Experience with large-scale hardware and software deployments.
- Experience with Juki, Consew, Brother, and Singer sewing machinery.
WORK MODE
This position is primarily in-person and is based on campus to support effective in-person collaboration and engagement. #LI-ONSITE
SALARY
$28.52 per hour/$51,906.40 per annum
WHY JOIN US?
This is an extraordinary opportunity to work closely with a visionary leader and contribute meaningfully to a forward-thinking institution that’s reshaping the future of higher education. You’ll be at the nexus of strategy, operations, and innovation in a role that grows with your impact.
BENEFITS AT THE NEW SCHOOL
The New School is committed to supporting the well-being and success of our faculty and staff. We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and their eligible dependents. Highlights include:
Health & Wellness
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Financial Wellness
- Retirement plan administered by TIAA
- Qualified Transportation Expense Plan
Work-Life Balance
- Paid vacation and sick leave, with accruals starting on your first day
- Paid holidays and floating holidays
- Workmode & Telework Policy (if applicable)
Professional Growth
- Career advancement and professional development opportunities
- Access to university programs, lectures, and events featuring world-renowned speakers and organizations
- Tuition waiver benefit for eligible employees and dependents
Additional Perks
- Employee discounts with local vendors and service providers
We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, creed, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, marital or domestic partnership status, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity or expression, age, disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. The New School recognizes and values the benefits of a diverse workforce.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS
Interview finalists will be asked to come in for an in-person interview in which their technical skills will be assessed.
We look forward to receiving your application!
At The New School, we redefine the boundaries of education, creativity, and innovation. Founded in 1919 and located in the heart of New York City, we are home to over 9,000 students from over 100 countries, offering more than 135 degree and diploma programs across our renowned colleges, including Parsons School of Design, The New School for Social Research, Eugene Lang College of Liberal Arts, Parsons Paris, and the College of Performing Arts. Our progressive, interdisciplinary approach has earned us recognition as one of the most forward-thinking institutions in the world.
POSITION/ROLE OVERVIEW
Parsons School for Design, a division of The New School, seeks a Full-time Technician in Sewing and Soft Construction for the Making Center. Parsons Making Center is a collection of more than 70,000 sq. ft. of labs, shops, studios, and open workspaces that provide curricular support for making across a broad range of mediums and disciplines and supports experimentation and interdisciplinary collaboration. The Technician should be a personable, proactive, detail-oriented individual who will become integral to the daily workings of the facilities within the Making Center, with the ability to learn new skills and technologies as needed. This is a fast-paced, dynamic environment that runs year-round. The Technician will interface with students and faculty daily and work with Making Center staff to support multiple processes and resources for all users in a range of making spaces including the sewing, shoemaking, tool checkout/store, and soft construction facilities.
This is an administrative position, governed by a Local 1205 Teamsters union contract, that reports to the Assistant Manager of Sewing and Soft Construction. The hire is for a 3-year fixed term subject to end unless otherwise approved for renewal.
CORE CAPABILITIES, PRIMARY DUTIES, AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Maintain a clean and safe working environment and uphold a respectful shop culture for students, faculty, and staff.
- Work with other Making Center staff on the troubleshooting, repair, maintenance, installation, continuous operation, and support for a variety of hardware/software and technologies.
- Assist supervisor and Making Center Leadership with the following:
- Assist faculty and students.
- Lead demo sessions about various pieces of equipment.
- Make hardware/software purchases and process recommendations.
- Create web page content.
- Create and conduct orientations, trainings, and tours.
- Participate in the onboarding process for new technician staff, through peer-to-peer trainings and skills sharing.
- Maintain administrative systems for scheduling, record-keeping, inventory, and metric tracking.
- Provide support for store and tool checkout functions as related to assigned areas.
- Oversee daily workings of the Making Center facilities as assigned.
- Supervise student workers, including training, tracking accountability, and assigning tasks during shifts.
- Oversee tool and equipment checkout for both in-shop/lab use and off-site special requests.
- Create clear, accurate, user-friendly technical documentation, signage, and instructions for labs and equipment.
- Assist with facility improvement projects and special Making Center, program, school or Parsons-wide initiatives as needed.
- Adapt to changes in the work environment; adjust approach and prioritize competing demands as necessary.
- Provide a high level of customer service, maintaining a positive and professional demeanor and attitude in all interactions with students, faculty, and staff.
- Cultivate a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming learning environment with productive and positive workplace relationships.
- Stay current with relevant technology and developments within the field.
- Attend regularly scheduled Making Center staff meetings and perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- A Bachelor’s Degree and/or 3 years of relevant or professional experience within the industry.
- Flexible schedule - ability to work non-traditional schedules that may include nights and weekends, in addition to schedule shifts with semester changes.
- Completion of university required staff trainings and necessary COF's for all Making Center Facilities within the first 6 months of employment.
- Become proficient in WebCheckout or current equipment management system within the first 6 months of employment.
- Knowledge of industrial sewing and soft construction techniques, finishing, and troubleshooting for traditional garment and accessory construction, as well as experimental projects.
- Technical knowledge of a variety of industrial sewing techniques and machinery.
- Confidence in threading, safe operation and maintenance of sewing machines.
- Mechanical understanding, with a strong desire to learn how to troubleshoot and maintain several different types of industrial machines for repair and maintenance purposes.
- Understanding of working in a cross-platform (Windows and macOS) environment.
- Familiarity with Adobe Creative Cloud and Google Suite.
- Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills, close attention to detail, and strong organizational and time management abilities.
- Strong ability to assist students working in an interdisciplinary and/or experimental manner from concept to fabrication.
- A desire to learn new skills and processes related to Parsons Making Center initiatives.
- Ability to handle objects weighing up to 25 lbs and on occasion may be expected to lift objects weighing up to 50 lbs.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience with specialized industrial sewing machinery such as lockstitch, overlock, coverstitch, flatlock, post, walking foot, blind hem, chainstitch, embroidery.
- Experience with shoe making processes, leatherwork, and fiber art practices.
- Experience with fashion production processes such as patternmaking and textile manipulation.
- Experience with basic building and hand tools.
- Experience assessing and maintaining industrial sewing machines.
- Knowledge of Webcheckout or comparable equipment management systems.
- Experience with large-scale hardware and software deployments.
- Experience with Juki, Consew, Brother, and Singer sewing machinery.
WORK MODE
This position is primarily in-person and is based on campus to support effective in-person collaboration and engagement. #LI-ONSITE
SALARY
$28.52 per hour/$51,906.40 per annum
WHY JOIN US?
This is an extraordinary opportunity to work closely with a visionary leader and contribute meaningfully to a forward-thinking institution that’s reshaping the future of higher education. You’ll be at the nexus of strategy, operations, and innovation in a role that grows with your impact.
BENEFITS AT THE NEW SCHOOL
The New School is committed to supporting the well-being and success of our faculty and staff. We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and their eligible dependents. Highlights include:
Health & Wellness
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Financial Wellness
- Retirement plan administered by TIAA
- Qualified Transportation Expense Plan
Work-Life Balance
- Paid vacation and sick leave, with accruals starting on your first day
- Paid holidays and floating holidays
- Workmode & Telework Policy (if applicable)
Professional Growth
- Career advancement and professional development opportunities
- Access to university programs, lectures, and events featuring world-renowned speakers and organizations
- Tuition waiver benefit for eligible employees and dependents
Additional Perks
- Employee discounts with local vendors and service providers
We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, creed, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, marital or domestic partnership status, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity or expression, age, disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. The New School recognizes and values the benefits of a diverse workforce.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS
Interview finalists will be asked to come in for an in-person interview in which their technical skills will be assessed.
We look forward to receiving your application!
See all Sewing Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Sewing roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Sewing Jobs
Specialize in a high-demand niche beyond basic garment work
General sewing skills are easier for employers to find locally, but specialization in areas like bridal alterations, theatrical costume construction, upholstery, or technical textiles makes you much harder to replace. Aerospace and automotive soft goods fabrication are growing niches where skilled sewers command higher wages and employers are more motivated to sponsor. The more specialized your skills, the stronger the employer's case that they couldn't find a U.S. worker with your expertise.
Document your training and years of experience carefully
EB-3 Skilled Workers requires proof of at least two years of training or experience. Gather certificates from any formal sewing or textile programs, letters from previous employers detailing your specific skills, and photos or samples of your work. Immigration attorneys will use this documentation to classify your position as skilled rather than unskilled, which can mean shorter green card wait times. Keep records organized before you start applying.
Target domestic fashion manufacturers in New York and Los Angeles
The U.S. still has active garment manufacturing clusters, primarily in New York's Garment District and Los Angeles. Brands that produce domestically, especially for high-end, made-to-order, or small-batch fashion, often face genuine shortages of skilled sewers. Research companies that emphasize 'Made in USA' production and apply directly. Trade associations like the American Apparel and Footwear Association can help you identify active domestic manufacturers.
Explore industrial sewing in automotive and aerospace
Companies manufacturing car interiors, aircraft seat covers, parachutes, and protective equipment need skilled industrial sewers. Firms like Adient, Lear Corporation, and smaller aerospace subcontractors hire for these roles. The work requires precision with specialized materials and industrial machines. These employers tend to pay more than fashion manufacturing and have better corporate infrastructure for handling visa sponsorship.
Build a portfolio showcasing your most complex work
When applying to employers or working with an immigration attorney, a visual portfolio of your best work makes a strong impression. Include close-up photos showing stitch quality, complex pattern work, and finished pieces. If you've worked with unusual materials, specialized techniques, or high-profile clients, highlight those projects. A portfolio transforms your application from a generic resume into concrete evidence of skills that justify the investment in sponsorship.
Target upholstery and marine canvas shops
Furniture upholstery and marine canvas fabrication shops across the U.S. are struggling to find skilled sewers. These businesses need workers who can handle heavy-duty materials like leather, vinyl, and outdoor fabrics. Many are small to mid-sized companies located in coastal areas and furniture manufacturing hubs like North Carolina. Because they face chronic staffing shortages, they may be more open to sponsoring a skilled worker through the EB-3 process. Reach out directly with samples of your work on heavy materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
What visa options exist for sewing professionals in the U.S.?
H-2B visas work for seasonal garment production jobs, particularly during peak manufacturing periods. If you have two or more years of specialized sewing training or experience, EB-3 Skilled Workers is a realistic green card pathway. For highly skilled professionals in fashion design or costume making, the O-1B visa for extraordinary ability in the arts is an option if you can demonstrate national or international recognition. Industrial sewing roles in specialized sectors may also qualify for H-2B or EB-3.
Do fashion companies sponsor visas for sewers and seamstresses?
Some do, particularly mid-size manufacturers that produce domestically rather than offshore. Companies maintaining U.S. production facilities for high-end fashion, bridal wear, or custom garments sometimes struggle to find skilled sewers locally. The decline of domestic garment manufacturing means fewer trained workers are available, which can actually help your sponsorship case. Larger fashion houses with ateliers in New York or Los Angeles are more likely to have the resources and motivation to sponsor.
Can industrial sewing experience help me get sponsored?
Industrial sewing skills are increasingly valuable in non-fashion sectors. Automotive upholstery manufacturers, aerospace companies producing soft goods like seat covers and insulation, and marine fabrication shops all need skilled sewers. These industries pay better than garment manufacturing and often have stronger sponsorship infrastructure. If you have experience with industrial machines, specialized materials like Kevlar or carbon fiber fabrics, or CNC sewing equipment, you're in a strong position.
Is the O-1 visa realistic for someone in the sewing or fashion trade?
The O-1B visa for extraordinary ability in the arts can work for costume designers, couture specialists, and fashion professionals with significant recognition. You'd need evidence like awards, press coverage, work for distinguished productions or fashion houses, and a high salary relative to others in the field. A seamstress who's worked on Broadway productions, major film costumes, or for a recognized fashion brand has a real shot. For general production sewing, O-1 isn't realistic.
Is there a labor shortage for sewing workers in the U.S.?
Yes, the U.S. has a well-documented shortage of skilled sewing machine operators. Many experienced sewers have retired in recent decades, and fewer young Americans are entering the trade. This shortage works in your favor when it comes to sponsorship, because employers must prove to the Department of Labor that they can't find qualified U.S. workers for the role. Industries like upholstery, marine canvas, and technical textiles are especially short-staffed. A genuine labor shortage makes it easier for employers to get PERM labor certifications approved.
How to find Sewing jobs with visa sponsorship?
To find sewing jobs with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate, which specializes in connecting international workers with sponsoring employers. Focus your search on textile manufacturers, fashion companies, and garment production facilities that commonly hire skilled sewers. These employers often sponsor H-2B temporary worker visas or employment-based permanent residence visas for experienced sewing machine operators and pattern makers.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Sewing 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 sewing in New Hampshire 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 tool.