How to Find H-1B Visa Sponsorship Jobs in the Tech Industry
Learn how to find H-1B visa sponsorship jobs in tech using employer data, strategic filters, and insider tips. Includes the top tech companies that sponsor H-1B visas, H-1B approval rates by employer, what jobs qualify for an H-1B visa, and how to avoid common mistakes that cost candidates months of wasted effort.
Finding H-1B visa sponsorship jobs in tech requires a different approach in 2026. Two major policy changes have reshaped the landscape for H-1B jobs: a wage-weighted H-1B lottery system that gives higher-paying roles better odds, and a $100,000 supplemental visa fee on certain new petitions. Both changes actually work in favor of qualified tech professionals. Employers offering competitive salaries now have a real advantage in the lottery, and tech roles consistently fall in higher wage bands. The key is knowing where to look and how to position yourself.
What Jobs Qualify for an H-1B Visa? Skills That Improve Your Chances
To qualify for an H-1B visa, a role needs to be a "specialty occupation" that requires at least a bachelor's degree in a specific field. Most tech roles qualify, but some specializations give you a much stronger chance at landing H-1B visa job opportunities. These are the roles where employers are willing to invest in sponsorship because the skills are hard to find domestically, and the salaries tend to be high enough to improve your lottery odds.
According to USCIS, 64% of approved H-1B petitions in FY 2024 went to computer-related occupations at a median salary of $125,000. Here are the specializations in highest demand:
AI & Machine Learning (Highest Demand)
- Large Language Model (LLM) fine-tuning and deployment
- Reinforcement Learning from Human Feedback (RLHF)
- Multi-modal AI (vision + language models)
- AI/ML infrastructure and MLOps platforms
- Generative AI application development
- Computer vision and autonomous systems
Cloud & Infrastructure
- Kubernetes orchestration at scale (10,000+ containers)
- Multi-cloud architecture (AWS + Azure + GCP hybrid)
- Infrastructure-as-Code (Terraform, Pulumi) expertise
- FinOps and cloud cost optimization
- Edge computing and CDN optimization
Cybersecurity
- Zero-trust architecture implementation
- Cloud security posture management (CSPM)
- Application security and secure SDLC
- Threat intelligence and SOC operations
- Compliance automation (SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA)
Data Engineering
- Real-time streaming architectures (Kafka, Flink)
- Data mesh and domain-oriented data platforms
- Modern data stack integration (Snowflake, dbt, Fivetran)
- Data governance and privacy engineering
How to Position Yourself for H-1B Visa Sponsorship Jobs
Knowing what jobs qualify for an H-1B visa is just the first step. You also need to stand out. Instead of "Software Engineer with 3 years experience in Python and cloud technologies," position yourself as "AI Engineer specializing in production LLM deployment, with experience fine-tuning Llama 2 models for healthcare applications and building ML inference pipelines serving 10M+ requests daily on AWS Bedrock and SageMaker."
Concrete steps:
- Get certified: AWS Solutions Architect Professional, Kubernetes CKA/CKD, TensorFlow Developer Certificate, Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist
- Build portfolio projects: Deployed AI applications, open-source contributions to ML frameworks, technical blog posts with measurable reach
- Reframe your title: "AI Engineer" or "MLOps Engineer" or "Cloud Security Architect" rather than generic "Software Engineer"
Tech Companies That Sponsor H-1B Visas: Top Employers for 2026
Here are the top H-1B sponsors by approval volume for initial employment (new hires), based on the most recent USCIS data, along with estimated salary ranges for tech roles.
| Company | New H-1B Approvals (Initial Employment) | Median Salary (Tech Roles) | Key Tech Roles Sponsored |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon | 4,644 | $155,000–$165,000 | Software Engineer, Cloud Engineer, Data Scientist, ML Engineer |
| Meta Platforms | 1,555 | $168,000–$180,000 | Software Engineer, Data Engineer, ML Engineer, Research Scientist |
| Microsoft | 1,394 | $160,000–$170,000 | Software Engineer, Azure Cloud Architect, AI Researcher |
| Google/Alphabet | 1,050 | $170,000–$185,000 | Software Engineer, Site Reliability Engineer, Research Scientist |
| Apple | ~1,000 | $160,000–$175,000 | Software Engineer, Hardware Engineer, ML Engineer, Chip Designer |
| TCS | ~900 | $90,000–$100,000 | IT Consultant, Systems Analyst, Software Developer |
| Infosys | ~800 | $88,000–$98,000 | Software Engineer, Business Analyst, Technology Consultant |
| Cognizant | ~750 | $92,000–$105,000 | Software Developer, IT Analyst, Cloud Engineer |
| Deloitte | ~700 | $110,000–$125,000 | Technology Consultant, Cloud Solution Architect, Data Engineer |
| PwC | ~650 | $108,000–$120,000 | Technology Consultant, Data Analyst, Cybersecurity Consultant |
| Accenture | ~600 | $105,000–$115,000 | Technology Consultant, Cloud Engineer, Software Developer |
| Intel | ~550 | $135,000–$150,000 | Hardware Engineer, Software Engineer, Chip Design Engineer |
| Oracle | ~500 | $125,000–$140,000 | Software Engineer, Cloud Engineer, Database Administrator |
| IBM | ~450 | $120,000–$135,000 | Software Engineer, Cloud Consultant, AI Engineer |
| Salesforce | ~400 | $148,000–$162,000 | Software Engineer, Solutions Architect, Platform Engineer |
| Goldman Sachs | ~350 | $145,000–$165,000 | Quantitative Analyst, Software Engineer, Data Scientist |
| Cisco Systems | ~300 | $140,000–$155,000 | Network Engineer, Software Engineer, Security Engineer |
| Adobe | ~250 | $150,000–$165,000 | Software Engineer, Product Manager, ML Engineer |
| Nvidia | ~200 | $175,000–$195,000 | AI Engineer, GPU Software Engineer, Research Scientist |
Sources: NFAP analysis of USCIS H-1B Employer Data Hub, FY 2025(initial employment approvals). Salary ranges are estimates based on USCIS Characteristics of H-1B Specialty Occupation Workers Report (FY 2024) and DOL LCA disclosure data. The median salary for all H-1B workers in computer-related occupations was $125,000 in FY 2024; salaries at individual employers vary by role, level, and location. Approval counts for companies below the top 4 are approximations based on available USCIS data and may include related subsidiaries.
- Big Tech leads H-1B sponsorship volumes. Amazon, Meta, Microsoft, and Google took the top four spots for new H-1B approvals in FY 2025, the first time four U.S. companies have led the rankings. Their median tech salaries ($155K–$185K) fall in Level III–IV wage bands, which means strong lottery odds under the weighted system.
- Indian IT consulting firms have dropped off. The top seven Indian-based companies had just 4,573 new H-1B approvals in FY 2025 (per NFAP), down 70% from FY 2015 and 37% from FY 2024. Their filings tend to sit in Level I–II wage bands, which means lower selection odds under the weighted lottery.
- Financial services and semiconductor firms are worth targeting. Goldman Sachs, Cisco, Intel, and Nvidia sponsor fewer people overall, but their salaries often hit Level III+ wages. That means better lottery odds and strong H-1B visa job opportunities at premium pay.
- Consulting firms remain active sponsors. Deloitte, PwC, and Accenture focus H-1B sponsorship on technology, data, and engineering practices. Salary levels vary by practice area.
Common Mistakes When Applying for H-1B Visa Jobs
These are the four biggest mistakes that cost international candidates time and opportunities when searching for H-1B visa jobs.
Trap #1: Targeting Level I Entry-Level Positions
The trap: A recent graduate with a bachelor's degree applies to 200+ "Junior Software Engineer" or "Associate Data Analyst" positions.
The reality: Under the wage-weighted lottery, Level I positions get just 1 entry vs. 4 for Level IV. Selection odds for Level I roles are roughly 15–20%. From the employer's side, the math doesn't work: high visa costs for a low-odds lottery, when other qualified candidates already have work authorization.
The solution: Aim for mid-level and senior roles where you can show real experience. Even 1–2 years of post-graduation work (including OPT) can put you in Level II+ territory with much better lottery odds.
Trap #2: Applying Only to Small Startups
The trap: You're attracted by an exciting opportunity at a 20–50 person company that's pre-Series B or bootstrapped. The position sounds perfect, interviews go well, and an offer is extended. Then: "We'd love to sponsor your H-1B, but given current filing costs, we can only move forward if you already have work authorization."
The reality: H-1B sponsorship costs $3,600–$6,600+ in government fees alone for workers in the U.S. (over $100,000 for overseas candidates). Early-stage startups often can't absorb these costs, even for strong candidates.
The solution: Verify a company's H-1B filing history before investing weeks in their interview process. The USCIS H-1B Employer Data Hub is free and public. Focus your time on employers with a proven track record of sponsoring H-1B visa jobs in your field.
Trap #3: Neglecting Specialized Skills
The trap: You apply with a generic "full-stack developer" or "software engineer" skillset. Your resume lists JavaScript, React, Node.js, Python, SQL, the same as thousands of other candidates.
The reality: Employers need a clear reason to invest in sponsorship. If your skills look interchangeable with thousands of other candidates, they'll hire someone who doesn't need a visa.
The solution: Build depth in high-demand areas like AI/ML, cloud architecture, or cybersecurity. "AI Engineer specializing in production LLM deployment" is a much stronger pitch than "Software Engineer with 3 years experience." Specificity and business impact are what make sponsorship worth it.
Trap #4: Applying Through Generic Job Boards Without Sponsorship Intelligence
The trap: You spend 4 to 6 months applying to 400+ positions on LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor. Applications disappear into a black hole, and 90%+ never receive a response.
The reality: Generic job boards have very low conversion rates for international candidates. ATS systems often push visa-requiring applications to the bottom, and recruiters may filter you out over cost concerns before anyone reads your resume.
The solution: Stop guessing which companies sponsor. Use verified H-1B sponsorship data from the USCIS Employer Data Hub and tools that surface employers with proven filing history, so every application you send is to a company that actually sponsors H-1B visa jobs.
How to Find H-1B Visa Sponsorship Jobs With Migrate Mate
Migrate Mate starts with employers that have a verified H-1B filing history and shows you the roles they're actively hiring for. Here’s how it works:
Step 1: Create Your Strategic Search Profile
Log into Migrate Mate and set these filters:
- Occupation: Select your target role (Software Developer, Data Scientist, Systems Analyst, etc.)
- Target Salary Range: Filter for roles that align with Level II–IV prevailing wages for better lottery odds
- Geographic Preference: Choose 3–5 metro areas (San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle, New York City, Boston, Austin)
Step 2: Analyze Top Sponsoring Companies
Use Migrate Mate's employer profiles alongside public data from the USCIS H-1B Employer Data Hub and NFAP research to identify which tech companies that sponsor H-1B visas are actively hiring in your field.
Step 3: Apply Directly with Sponsorship Confidence
Once you've found target employers, apply directly to matching positions. No more guessing "Will they sponsor?" You already have the filing history and salary data to back it up.
Step 4: Optimize Your Resume
Use Migrate Mate's resume tools to sharpen your keywords and reframe your experience around the roles employers actually sponsor. Lead with specialized skills, measurable impact, and the technologies that align with high-demand H-1B visa jobs.
What sets Migrate Mate apart:
- Verified Sponsorship History: Every employer in the database has filed H-1B petitions with USCIS in the recent year, based on data from the USCIS H-1B Employer Data Hub.
- Filter by Salary Range: Narrow results to roles where the offered salary supports higher wage levels, which means better lottery odds and stronger sponsorship commitment from employers.
- Role-Specific Search: Search by exact position (Software Engineer, Data Scientist, Cloud Architect, ML Engineer) and see which employers sponsor your specific occupation.
Search H-1B Visa Sponsorship Jobs →
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find H-1B visa sponsorship jobs?
Start with employers that have actually filed H-1B petitions. The USCIS H-1B Employer Data Hub has public data on every company that has petitioned for H-1B workers going back to FY 2009. Migrate Mate makes this data easier to use by matching verified sponsors with current openings, so you can focus on H-1B visa sponsorship jobs that are real, not keyword bait.
What tech jobs qualify for an H-1B visa?
An H-1B visa requires a "specialty occupation," which means a role that requires at least a bachelor's degree in a specific field. Most tech roles qualify: software engineering, data science, cloud architecture, cybersecurity, AI/ML, systems analysis, hardware engineering, and product management. The key is that the job duties genuinely require specialized knowledge, not just list a degree as a nice-to-have.
What is the H-1B approval rate for tech jobs?
The H-1B petition denial rate for initial employment was just 2.8% in FY 2025, so about 97% of filed petitions get approved (per NFAP). But that only counts petitions that made it past the lottery. The real bottleneck is getting selected: only about 20% of registrations result in approved workers once you factor in the 85,000 annual cap. Under the new wage-weighted system, higher-paying tech roles (Level III–IV) will have much better selection odds.
Which tech companies that sponsor H-1B have the highest approval volumes?
In FY 2025, the top four companies for new H-1B approvals were Amazon (4,644), Meta Platforms (1,555), Microsoft (1,394), and Google (1,050), according to NFAP's analysis of USCIS data. This was the first year that four U.S.-based companies held all top spots, reflecting a shift away from Indian IT outsourcing firms that previously dominated the rankings.
Do I have to pay the H-1B fee?
No. The $100,000 fee is paid by the employer, not you. It only applies to new H-1B petitions for workers outside the U.S. who don't already hold a valid H-1B visa. If you're in the U.S. on F-1 OPT, STEM OPT, or another valid status, this fee doesn't apply to your petition. That makes you a much cheaper hire for employers.
Do OPT and international graduates have better chances in certain cities?
Yes. San Francisco, Seattle, New York City, Boston, and Austin have more E-Verify employers, higher prevailing wages, and more experience with H-1B sponsorship. If you're on OPT and looking for H-1B visa jobs, these metros tend to offer the most options.
What can I do if I'm not selected in the H-1B lottery?
Candidates typically explore alternatives to cap-subject H-1B jobs, including: O-1 visas for individuals with extraordinary ability, L-1 visas for intracompany transfers, cap-exempt H-1B roles at universities or nonprofit research institutions, or continuing on OPT/STEM OPT while reapplying in future lottery cycles.
How can I tell if a company actually sponsors H-1B visas?
Look them up on the USCIS H-1B Employer Data Hub, or use Migrate Mate to see verified sponsors with current openings. The best signals are recent USCIS filings, salaries at or above prevailing wage levels, and a track record of approved H-1B petitions in your occupation.
About the Author
Founder & CEO @ Migrate Mate
I moved from Australia to the United States in 2023, have had 3 jobs, and 3 different visas. I started Migrate Mate to help people like me find their dream job in the USA & help them get visa sponsorship.
