Underwriting Manager Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Underwriting Manager roles attract H-1B visa and E-3 visa sponsorship from major insurers, reinsurers, and specialty carriers. Most require a bachelor's degree in finance, risk management, or a related field, with five or more years of underwriting experience qualifying as a specialty occupation. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Review, recommend and approve credit requests submitted by Commercial Real Estate (CRE) Underwriters and CRE Analysts on applications for for-sale residential, multifamily, or other commercial real estate (CRE) loans secured by first mortgages on investor owned (non-owner occupied) properties. Review analysis underwriting and credit requests with appropriate revisions and recommendations. Ensure analysis of projects and proposed loans are consistent with underwriting guidelines established by the Bank. Manage the overall underwriting pipeline, including prioritization of loan requests and assignment and balancing of underwriting staff workloads. Recommend and complete updates to Bank underwriting guideline and policy documents as necessary. Fulfill underwriting requests and questions from internal and external loan examiners/auditors. Supervise multiple CRE Credit Analysts and CRE Underwriters. Display superior analytical abilities, supported by superior credit, lending and transaction knowledge. Typical loan size ranges from $500,000 to $50,000,000. Prepare various ad-hoc reports for CRE and bank senior management.
- Responsible for reviewing credit requests being submitted for approval, making appropriate comments and corrections, and recommending or approving credit requests based on delegated approval authority. Review includes, but is not limited to, property cash flow, borrower/guarantor, understanding the physical and market condition of for-sale residential, multifamily and commercial real estate properties, third party reports, evaluating strengths, risks and appropriate mitigation for risks, as well as evaluating initial risk rating consistent with the bank's guidelines and recognizing exceptions to policy and guidelines within the Credit Request presentation.
- Analyze and review various third party documents and reports, including property financial statements, rent rolls, appraisals, environmental and engineering data, personal credit, title, escrow, and borrowing entity structures.
- Oversee the overall underwriting pipeline, including assigning and balancing workloads, managing estimated closing dates, communicating regularly with underwriting and closing teams to prioritize approvals and closings, working with underwriting associates to prioritize rush loan request transactions, and lead rush request kickoff calls. Partner with CQA and Loan Administration teams on the above pipeline to ensure teams are properly aligned and support one another.
- Monitor and regularly evaluate CRE processes, procedures and performance to identify areas for improvement, and then formulate, recommend and implement plans to improve efficiencies as applicable. Remain up to date on Bank and CRE program guidelines. Prepare and recommend updates to the CRE Operations Manual and other Bank underwriting guidelines or policy documents as necessary, and work with senior management to facilitate approval of needed changes.
- Partner with CRE production officers and CRE analysts to acquire sufficient information to make credit recommendations and to address credit concerns, and to pre-screen loan requests with potential concerns with production at the beginning and throughout loan process. Collaborate with CRE Loan Administration team to assist in the identification of title, insurance, zoning, entity, or other issues that require analysis and resolution by the bank prior to approval, documentation, and funding of loans.
- Direct communication of guideline updates and underwriting reminders to underwriting team and CRE staff, prepare training materials and lead trainings for underwriting team and other CRE staff, prepare meeting materials and facilitate underwriting group meetings and CRE staff meetings.
- Supervise and manage CRE Credit Analysts and/or CRE Underwriters as applicable and support their training and other identified activities.
- Demonstrates compliance with all bank regulations for assigned job function and applies to designated job responsibilities – knowledge may be gained through coursework and on-the-job training. Keeps up to date on regulation changes.
- Follows all Bank policies and procedures, compliance regulations, and completes all required annual or job-specific training.
- Maintain a working knowledge of Bank's written policies and procedures regarding Bank Secrecy Act, Regulation CC, Regulation E, Bank Security and other regulations as applicable to this job description.
- May be asked to coach, mentor, or train others and teach coursework as subject matter expert.
- Actively learns, demonstrates, and fosters the Columbia corporate culture in all actions and words.
- Takes personal initiative and is a positive example for others to emulate.
- Embraces our vision to become “Business Bank of Choice.”
- May perform other duties as assigned.
About You:
Education
Experience
- More than 10 years of for-sale residential, multifamily and commercial real estate experience. May be a combination of processing, underwriting, originating, or brokering sales of loans for commercial real estate. (Required)
- 4-7 years Experience managing a credit and/or underwriting team. (Required)
Skills
- Extensive knowledge of standard concepts, practices, and procedures within the for-sale residential, multifamily and commercial real estate lending field.
- Extensive knowledge of regional for-sale residential, multifamily, and commercial real estate markets, as well as financial analysis policies and procedures.
- Extensive knowledge of various third party documents and reports, including property financial statements, rent rolls, appraisals, environmental and engineering data, personal credit, title, escrow, and borrowing entity structures.
- Extensive knowledge of borrower and personal financial statements and tax returns with emphasis on the cash flow of underlying investment real estate.
- Proven ability to analyze financial conditions, financial statements, and tax returns. Experience with complex loan structures.
- Demonstrate superior organizational and time management skills. Ability to take initiative with minimal direction, to work on multiple responsibilities simultaneously, and to meet deadlines.
- Possess strong analytical, negotiation, problem solving, and interpersonal skills, as well as, excellent written and verbal communication skills with ability to work well in a team environment.
- Experience managing and developing others and the ability to build and maintain relationships. Demonstrates a commitment to attracting, motivating, and retaining top talent.
- Demonstrate superior skills in database, spreadsheet and word processing software (Excel and Word preferred).
Travel Requirements
- Occasional
The pay range for this role is $103,000.00 to $185,000.00.
The pay rate for the selected candidate is dependent upon a variety of non-discriminatory factors including, but not limited to, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, education, and geographic location. The role may be eligible for performance-based incentive compensation, and those details will be provided during the recruitment process.
Primary Location: Ability to work fully onsite at posted location(s).
805 SW Broadway, Ste 2700 Portland OR 97205-3366
Our Benefits:
We are proud to offer a competitive total rewards package including base wages and comprehensive benefits.
We offer eligible associates comprehensive healthcare coverage (medical, dental, and vision plans), a 401(k)-retirement savings plan with employer match for qualifying associate contributions, an employee assistance program, life insurance, disability insurance, tuition assistance, mental health resources, identity theft protection, legal support, auto and home insurance, pet insurance, access to an online discount marketplace, and paid vacation, sick days, volunteer days, and holidays. Benefit eligibility begins the first day of the month following the date of hire for associates who are regularly scheduled to work at least thirty hours weekly.
Our Commitment to Diversity:
Columbia Bank is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to employing, engaging, and developing a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, protected veteran status, disability, or any other applicable protected status or characteristics. If you require an accommodation to complete the application or interview(s), please let us know by email: careers@columbiabank.com.
To Staffing and Recruiting Agencies:
Our posted job opportunities are only intended for individuals seeking employment at Columbia Bank. Columbia Bank does not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies and Columbia Bank will not be responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resume submissions. Staffing and recruiting agencies are not authorized to submit profiles, applications, or resumes to this site or to any Columbia Bank employee and any such submissions will be considered unsolicited unless requested directly by a member of the Talent Acquisition team.
About the Role:
Review, recommend and approve credit requests submitted by Commercial Real Estate (CRE) Underwriters and CRE Analysts on applications for for-sale residential, multifamily, or other commercial real estate (CRE) loans secured by first mortgages on investor owned (non-owner occupied) properties. Review analysis underwriting and credit requests with appropriate revisions and recommendations. Ensure analysis of projects and proposed loans are consistent with underwriting guidelines established by the Bank. Manage the overall underwriting pipeline, including prioritization of loan requests and assignment and balancing of underwriting staff workloads. Recommend and complete updates to Bank underwriting guideline and policy documents as necessary. Fulfill underwriting requests and questions from internal and external loan examiners/auditors. Supervise multiple CRE Credit Analysts and CRE Underwriters. Display superior analytical abilities, supported by superior credit, lending and transaction knowledge. Typical loan size ranges from $500,000 to $50,000,000. Prepare various ad-hoc reports for CRE and bank senior management.
- Responsible for reviewing credit requests being submitted for approval, making appropriate comments and corrections, and recommending or approving credit requests based on delegated approval authority. Review includes, but is not limited to, property cash flow, borrower/guarantor, understanding the physical and market condition of for-sale residential, multifamily and commercial real estate properties, third party reports, evaluating strengths, risks and appropriate mitigation for risks, as well as evaluating initial risk rating consistent with the bank's guidelines and recognizing exceptions to policy and guidelines within the Credit Request presentation.
- Analyze and review various third party documents and reports, including property financial statements, rent rolls, appraisals, environmental and engineering data, personal credit, title, escrow, and borrowing entity structures.
- Oversee the overall underwriting pipeline, including assigning and balancing workloads, managing estimated closing dates, communicating regularly with underwriting and closing teams to prioritize approvals and closings, working with underwriting associates to prioritize rush loan request transactions, and lead rush request kickoff calls. Partner with CQA and Loan Administration teams on the above pipeline to ensure teams are properly aligned and support one another.
- Monitor and regularly evaluate CRE processes, procedures and performance to identify areas for improvement, and then formulate, recommend and implement plans to improve efficiencies as applicable. Remain up to date on Bank and CRE program guidelines. Prepare and recommend updates to the CRE Operations Manual and other Bank underwriting guidelines or policy documents as necessary, and work with senior management to facilitate approval of needed changes.
- Partner with CRE production officers and CRE analysts to acquire sufficient information to make credit recommendations and to address credit concerns, and to pre-screen loan requests with potential concerns with production at the beginning and throughout loan process. Collaborate with CRE Loan Administration team to assist in the identification of title, insurance, zoning, entity, or other issues that require analysis and resolution by the bank prior to approval, documentation, and funding of loans.
- Direct communication of guideline updates and underwriting reminders to underwriting team and CRE staff, prepare training materials and lead trainings for underwriting team and other CRE staff, prepare meeting materials and facilitate underwriting group meetings and CRE staff meetings.
- Supervise and manage CRE Credit Analysts and/or CRE Underwriters as applicable and support their training and other identified activities.
- Demonstrates compliance with all bank regulations for assigned job function and applies to designated job responsibilities – knowledge may be gained through coursework and on-the-job training. Keeps up to date on regulation changes.
- Follows all Bank policies and procedures, compliance regulations, and completes all required annual or job-specific training.
- Maintain a working knowledge of Bank's written policies and procedures regarding Bank Secrecy Act, Regulation CC, Regulation E, Bank Security and other regulations as applicable to this job description.
- May be asked to coach, mentor, or train others and teach coursework as subject matter expert.
- Actively learns, demonstrates, and fosters the Columbia corporate culture in all actions and words.
- Takes personal initiative and is a positive example for others to emulate.
- Embraces our vision to become “Business Bank of Choice.”
- May perform other duties as assigned.
About You:
Education
Experience
- More than 10 years of for-sale residential, multifamily and commercial real estate experience. May be a combination of processing, underwriting, originating, or brokering sales of loans for commercial real estate. (Required)
- 4-7 years Experience managing a credit and/or underwriting team. (Required)
Skills
- Extensive knowledge of standard concepts, practices, and procedures within the for-sale residential, multifamily and commercial real estate lending field.
- Extensive knowledge of regional for-sale residential, multifamily, and commercial real estate markets, as well as financial analysis policies and procedures.
- Extensive knowledge of various third party documents and reports, including property financial statements, rent rolls, appraisals, environmental and engineering data, personal credit, title, escrow, and borrowing entity structures.
- Extensive knowledge of borrower and personal financial statements and tax returns with emphasis on the cash flow of underlying investment real estate.
- Proven ability to analyze financial conditions, financial statements, and tax returns. Experience with complex loan structures.
- Demonstrate superior organizational and time management skills. Ability to take initiative with minimal direction, to work on multiple responsibilities simultaneously, and to meet deadlines.
- Possess strong analytical, negotiation, problem solving, and interpersonal skills, as well as, excellent written and verbal communication skills with ability to work well in a team environment.
- Experience managing and developing others and the ability to build and maintain relationships. Demonstrates a commitment to attracting, motivating, and retaining top talent.
- Demonstrate superior skills in database, spreadsheet and word processing software (Excel and Word preferred).
Travel Requirements
- Occasional
The pay range for this role is $103,000.00 to $185,000.00.
The pay rate for the selected candidate is dependent upon a variety of non-discriminatory factors including, but not limited to, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, education, and geographic location. The role may be eligible for performance-based incentive compensation, and those details will be provided during the recruitment process.
Primary Location: Ability to work fully onsite at posted location(s).
805 SW Broadway, Ste 2700 Portland OR 97205-3366
Our Benefits:
We are proud to offer a competitive total rewards package including base wages and comprehensive benefits.
We offer eligible associates comprehensive healthcare coverage (medical, dental, and vision plans), a 401(k)-retirement savings plan with employer match for qualifying associate contributions, an employee assistance program, life insurance, disability insurance, tuition assistance, mental health resources, identity theft protection, legal support, auto and home insurance, pet insurance, access to an online discount marketplace, and paid vacation, sick days, volunteer days, and holidays. Benefit eligibility begins the first day of the month following the date of hire for associates who are regularly scheduled to work at least thirty hours weekly.
Our Commitment to Diversity:
Columbia Bank is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to employing, engaging, and developing a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, protected veteran status, disability, or any other applicable protected status or characteristics. If you require an accommodation to complete the application or interview(s), please let us know by email: careers@columbiabank.com.
To Staffing and Recruiting Agencies:
Our posted job opportunities are only intended for individuals seeking employment at Columbia Bank. Columbia Bank does not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies and Columbia Bank will not be responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resume submissions. Staffing and recruiting agencies are not authorized to submit profiles, applications, or resumes to this site or to any Columbia Bank employee and any such submissions will be considered unsolicited unless requested directly by a member of the Talent Acquisition team.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as an Underwriting Manager
Target specialty carriers and reinsurers first
Large specialty insurers and reinsurance firms sponsor visas far more consistently than regional carriers. They have established immigration infrastructure, legal teams familiar with H-1B petitions, and recurring hiring cycles that include international candidates.
Document your underwriting specialization clearly
USCIS approves Underwriting Manager petitions most readily when the role requires specialized knowledge of a specific line, such as excess and surplus, cyber, or marine. Generic management titles without line-of-business specificity face higher scrutiny during adjudication.
Confirm your degree aligns with the underwriting specialty
A degree in finance, economics, actuarial science, or risk management supports specialty occupation classification. If your degree is in an unrelated field, documented underwriting experience at a three-to-one substitution ratio can often bridge the gap.
Ask about CPCU or AU designation requirements upfront
Many employers require or strongly prefer CPCU or Associate in Underwriting designations. These credentials also strengthen an H-1B petition by reinforcing specialty occupation status, which can matter when USCIS issues a Request for Evidence.
Understand the LCA's prevailing wage implications
Before your employer files the Labor Condition Application, confirm the role is benchmarked to the correct SOC code for underwriting managers. Miscoded LCAs can trigger compliance issues and delay petition filing by several weeks.
Negotiate premium processing into your offer
Standard H-1B processing can run three to six months, which creates uncertainty for start dates. Requesting that your employer use premium processing, which returns a decision in about two weeks, is a reasonable ask for a management-level hire.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Underwriting Manager roles commonly qualify as H-1B specialty occupations?
Yes, Underwriting Manager typically qualifies as a specialty occupation when the role requires a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific field such as finance, risk management, or actuarial science. USCIS scrutiny increases when job postings describe duties broadly or when the employer cannot demonstrate that a specific degree field is an industry-standard requirement for the position.
Which visa types are most relevant for Underwriting Managers seeking U.S. sponsorship?
The H-1B visa is the primary path for most nationalities. Australian citizens have access to the E-3 visa, which has no lottery and a far shorter wait. Canadian and Mexican nationals may qualify under the TN visa category, though underwriting roles require careful SOC code alignment to confirm TN eligibility. You can browse sponsoring employers across all these visa types on Migrate Mate.
What if my degree is not in a finance or insurance-related field?
USCIS allows work experience to substitute for formal education at a rate of three years of relevant experience per one year of required education. If the role requires a four-year degree and you hold a two-year diploma, six additional years of documented underwriting experience can compensate. Your employer's immigration attorney will structure this argument in the H-1B petition.
How does H-1B lottery selection affect hiring timelines for this role?
H-1B registrations are submitted in March, and USCIS runs a lottery in late March or early April for the roughly 85,000 available slots. If selected, your employer files the full petition by June 30 for an October 1 start date. Employers who need you sooner may place you with a cap-exempt institution or explore the E-3 or TN visa if your nationality qualifies.
What do employers look for when sponsoring an Underwriting Manager versus a staff underwriter?
Employers sponsoring at the manager level expect candidates to demonstrate supervisory experience, P&L accountability, or portfolio ownership within a defined line of business. Sponsorship at this level usually signals a specialized or hard-to-fill role, which actually strengthens the specialty occupation argument in your H-1B petition. Generalist candidates without a clear line-of-business focus face more friction in both hiring and petition approval.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Underwriting 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.