Trade Compliance Manager Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Trade Compliance Managers are strong candidates for H-1B visa and L-1 visa sponsorship. The role qualifies as a specialty occupation requiring a relevant bachelor's degree, and employers in manufacturing, tech, and logistics regularly sponsor international candidates. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
As a Trade Compliance Team Lead, you will ensure compliance with US and Canada Customs, including Other Government Agency regulations, to drive improvements in supply chain efficiencies. This position will serve as the primary contact for UniFirst’s customs brokers, assist with the supervision, training and mentorship of the Trade Compliance team and maintain department KPIs and identify opportunities for improvement.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Collaborate with internal and external partners to ensure the accuracy and completeness of entries, facilitating their timely release by Customs
- Evaluate, monitor, review and report on eligibility for Free Trade Agreement
- Utilize the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) to efficiently distribute and manage trade-related information
- Maintain programs, including internal reporting, auditing, applying Harmonized Tariff Codes (HTS) and reporting import data to management
- Audit entry files to ensure accuracy
- Submit necessary entry corrections in partnership with Customs Brokers
- Determine accurate Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) classification and duty rates for directly imported goods
- Maintain a comprehensive record of product classification history and relevant data
- Serve as the primary contact for research in the Customs Rulings Online Search System (CROSS)
- Assist in maintaining Customs Compliance program(s)
- Update the Customs Compliance Manuals and Standard Operating Procedures
- Generate weekly, monthly, and quarterly reports and conduct audits on imports and other relevant areas for the Customs Compliance Department
- Educate internal and external business partners on processes, classification, documentation requirements and duty engineering opportunities
- Participate in creating and delivering Customs Compliance training
- Additional tasks may be assigned
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- 3-5 years of experience in Trade Compliance
- Should be proficient in computer programs, such as Microsoft Word, Excel/power query, Access
- Strong understanding of tariff classification for both US and Canada
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
Education
Associates degree (AS) or Equivalent work experience
BENEFITS & PERKS
401K with Company Match, Profit Sharing, Health Insurance, Employee Assistance Program, Life Insurance, Paid Time Off, Tuition Reimbursement, 30% Employee Discount, Employee Referral Bonuses.
UniFirst is an international leader in garment & Uniform services industry. We currently employ over 14,000 team partners who serve 300,000 business customer locations throughout the U.S., Canada, and Europe.
We were included in the top 10 of Selling Power magazine’s “Best Companies to Sell For” list and recognized on Forbes magazine’s “Platinum 400 – Best Big Companies” list. As an 80-year old company focused on annual growth, there’s never been a better time to join our team.
UniFirst is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in hiring or employment against any individual on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ancestry, religion, physical or mental disability, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, pregnancy, citizenship, or any other factor protected by anti-discrimination laws.
If you require an accommodation during any part of the application process due to a disability or medical condition, please contact us by email at TalentAcquisition@unifirst.com or through our EthicsFirst portal at UniFirst.ethicspoint.com. You may also call the EthicsFirst Hotline at (800) 213-8979 to let us know the nature of your request.
UniFirst Recruiters and/or representatives will not ask job seekers to provide personal financial information when submitting a job application. Please be vigilant as such requests for information may be fraudulent.
INTRODUCTION
As a Trade Compliance Team Lead, you will ensure compliance with US and Canada Customs, including Other Government Agency regulations, to drive improvements in supply chain efficiencies. This position will serve as the primary contact for UniFirst’s customs brokers, assist with the supervision, training and mentorship of the Trade Compliance team and maintain department KPIs and identify opportunities for improvement.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Collaborate with internal and external partners to ensure the accuracy and completeness of entries, facilitating their timely release by Customs
- Evaluate, monitor, review and report on eligibility for Free Trade Agreement
- Utilize the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) to efficiently distribute and manage trade-related information
- Maintain programs, including internal reporting, auditing, applying Harmonized Tariff Codes (HTS) and reporting import data to management
- Audit entry files to ensure accuracy
- Submit necessary entry corrections in partnership with Customs Brokers
- Determine accurate Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) classification and duty rates for directly imported goods
- Maintain a comprehensive record of product classification history and relevant data
- Serve as the primary contact for research in the Customs Rulings Online Search System (CROSS)
- Assist in maintaining Customs Compliance program(s)
- Update the Customs Compliance Manuals and Standard Operating Procedures
- Generate weekly, monthly, and quarterly reports and conduct audits on imports and other relevant areas for the Customs Compliance Department
- Educate internal and external business partners on processes, classification, documentation requirements and duty engineering opportunities
- Participate in creating and delivering Customs Compliance training
- Additional tasks may be assigned
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- 3-5 years of experience in Trade Compliance
- Should be proficient in computer programs, such as Microsoft Word, Excel/power query, Access
- Strong understanding of tariff classification for both US and Canada
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
Education
Associates degree (AS) or Equivalent work experience
BENEFITS & PERKS
401K with Company Match, Profit Sharing, Health Insurance, Employee Assistance Program, Life Insurance, Paid Time Off, Tuition Reimbursement, 30% Employee Discount, Employee Referral Bonuses.
UniFirst is an international leader in garment & Uniform services industry. We currently employ over 14,000 team partners who serve 300,000 business customer locations throughout the U.S., Canada, and Europe.
We were included in the top 10 of Selling Power magazine’s “Best Companies to Sell For” list and recognized on Forbes magazine’s “Platinum 400 – Best Big Companies” list. As an 80-year old company focused on annual growth, there’s never been a better time to join our team.
UniFirst is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in hiring or employment against any individual on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ancestry, religion, physical or mental disability, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, pregnancy, citizenship, or any other factor protected by anti-discrimination laws.
If you require an accommodation during any part of the application process due to a disability or medical condition, please contact us by email at TalentAcquisition@unifirst.com or through our EthicsFirst portal at UniFirst.ethicspoint.com. You may also call the EthicsFirst Hotline at (800) 213-8979 to let us know the nature of your request.
UniFirst Recruiters and/or representatives will not ask job seekers to provide personal financial information when submitting a job application. Please be vigilant as such requests for information may be fraudulent.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as a Trade Compliance Manager
Lead with your regulatory expertise
USCIS approves H-1B petitions for Trade Compliance Managers when applications clearly document expertise in export controls, sanctions screening, or customs regulations. Highlight specific frameworks you've worked under, such as EAR, ITAR, or OFAC.
Target large importers and exporters first
Companies with high international trade volume, including manufacturers, aerospace firms, and global distributors, sponsor Trade Compliance Managers most frequently. They have active compliance programs and budget for visa processing, making them more receptive to sponsorship conversations.
Document your degree-to-role alignment carefully
Your petition must show your degree field directly relates to trade compliance work. Degrees in international business, supply chain, law, or business administration typically satisfy USCIS requirements. Unrelated degrees may require supplemental experience documentation to strengthen the specialty occupation argument.
Consider the L-1 if you're transferring within a multinational
If your current employer has U.S. operations, the L-1 visa may be faster and more reliable than H-1B. It bypasses the lottery entirely and is well-suited for compliance managers moving between international offices of the same company.
Obtain relevant certifications before applying
Credentials like the Certified Export Specialist or Licensed Customs Broker designation strengthen both your job application and your visa petition. They signal specialized knowledge that reinforces the specialty occupation classification USCIS requires for approval.
Time your job search around the H-1B cap cycle
H-1B registrations open each March for an October 1 start date. Starting your Trade Compliance Manager job search in late 2025 or early 2026 gives you time to secure an offer before the registration window closes and avoid a full year's delay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Trade Compliance Manager role qualify as an H-1B specialty occupation?
Yes, Trade Compliance Manager consistently qualifies as a specialty occupation under H-1B visa requirements. The role demands theoretical and practical application of highly specialized knowledge in areas like export controls, customs regulations, and trade sanctions, and employers typically require at least a bachelor's degree in international business, supply chain management, or a related field. USCIS approves these petitions regularly, particularly when the job description clearly documents the regulatory complexity of the work.
Which employers sponsor Trade Compliance Managers for visas?
Manufacturers, aerospace and defense contractors, technology hardware companies, pharmaceutical exporters, and large logistics firms are the most consistent sponsors. These industries operate under strict export control regimes, including ITAR and EAR, and face significant legal exposure without qualified compliance staff. Browse Trade Compliance Manager roles on Migrate Mate to identify companies actively hiring international candidates with sponsorship included.
What degree do I need for a Trade Compliance Manager visa petition?
Most employers and USCIS petitions cite degrees in international business, supply chain management, business administration, or law as qualifying fields. Some employers also accept degrees in engineering or economics when paired with substantial compliance experience. If your degree is in an unrelated field, three years of relevant work experience can substitute for each year of education under USCIS guidelines, though this approach carries more petition risk.
Is the L-1 visa a better option than H-1B for Trade Compliance Managers?
For candidates already employed by a multinational company with U.S. operations, the L-1B visa is often the stronger choice. It has no annual cap, no lottery, and can be filed any time of year. You'll need to demonstrate specialized knowledge of your employer's compliance systems, products, or regulatory procedures. The tradeoff is that L-1B is employer-tied, so switching companies requires starting the visa process over.
How strong is the job market for sponsored Trade Compliance Manager roles?
Demand has grown steadily as U.S. export control enforcement has intensified and supply chain complexity has increased. Roles in aerospace, semiconductors, and life sciences are particularly active. Sponsorship availability varies by employer size and industry, with larger companies more likely to have established immigration infrastructure. Checking Migrate Mate regularly gives you the most current view of which employers are actively sponsoring for this role.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Trade Compliance Manager 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.