Hi everyone,
My father is an architect with 20+ years of experience and has worked with one of the top 5 architectural companies in the Middle East. However, he received his B.S from a university in Sudan (Africa), which is most likely not recognized in the U.S (although the university was, at that time, coordinated by a Wales university). My question is, does he have a chance to find a job in the U.S with his current credentials?
He’d need to send his resume to lots and lots of firms, checking through LinkedIn or company rolls which ones have hired Middle Eastern architects before and sending the resume to that person.
Depending on where from the middle East, he may encounter lots and lots of difficulties. If he’s a political or religious dissident and needs to escape, he should look at Europe first as the US has become complicated in terms of refugee resettlement.
Before you can call yourself an architect, you have to earn a license by completing your state’s specific requirements. Each of the 54 U.S. licensing boards sets requirements for licensure in their jurisdiction, but they all include three core components: education, experience, and examination.
Most states require a degree from a program accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). Another key part of becoming an architect is completing the Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®) Once you’ve met the education, experience, and examination requirements, as well as any additional requirements set by your licensing board, you can apply for a license to practice architecture in your jurisdiction.
As you can see, it is fairly doubtful your father can be licensed to be an architect, but he can be employed by an architectual firm to perform other functions but it is a very competitive market.
Thank you for both of your responses! @MYOS1634 my father is not originally from the Midwest, but rather just worked there, therefore he is not a political or religious dissident. @cbreeze according to my understanding, a large number of US architects are NOT certified. Is that true?
Professionally, non-licensed persons cannot call themselves architects. They are called designers.
However, with a 20+ year career, what would matter most is the portfolio.
All in all though unless he’s designed excellent public buildings or interesting residences and qualifies for an ‘exceptional’ visa, H1B’s are very very hard to get. There’s a literal lottery for them. If you are a citizen you can make him come under a family visa.
Where does your dad live currently and if he’s not middle Eastern what’s his nationality? Because on top of it there are nationality criteria for family visas.
@MYOS1634 My dad is a US citizen! However, he left the U.S once he obtained his citizenship since he wanted to work in his profession. That’s what got him in the MidEast. There, they accept African university education. Currently, my dad is in the US on vacation, but I would like him to find a job here with us.
Ok, that’s different. I thought your dad was from another country and working in the middle East after that other country.
That makes things simpler.
African universities are recognized in the US, he needs to have an official agency evaluate his transcripts and degrees to determine whether his education is comparable to a M.Arch. He will then be allowed to take the examination to be licensed, or not.