Complete Guide to H-1B Sponsorship in the U.S.

Planning to live and work in the U.S. this year? The first step is to apply for an H-1B Visa 2023 petition with the USCIS. Struggling to find an H-1B visa sponsor, especially from India? Wondering which companies can sponsor you? Those on H4 or F1 visas already in the U.S. might have the same queries. Let’s explore how to find your H1B Visa sponsor for 2023.

What is H1B Sponsorship?

The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows U.S. companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. H-1B sponsorship refers to the process where a U.S. employer sponsors a foreign national to work in the U.S. under the H-1B visa program. In essence, the sponsoring employer vouches for the foreign employee and takes responsibility for the visa application process.

How to Find an H-1B Visa Sponsor in 2024

Here are the top 6 ways to find an H-1B visa sponsor for 2023 so that you can file your petition:

1. Look for a Job in the H-1B Visa Sponsors Database
2. Apply for the Job and Get an Offer
3. Find an Internship
4. Look for Boutique Consulting Companies
5. Look for Global Consulting Companies
6. Find a Job at a US University

Each of these options is explored in more detail below.

1. Explore the H-1B Visa Sponsors Database

Start by identifying companies that sponsored H-1B visas in recent years. Search terms like “companies that sponsor H-1B visas” can help. If targeting a specific region, use location-specific queries like “H-1B Visa Sponsors Database California.” These searches might reveal job types, salary data, and USCIS petition outcomes.

Action Step: Compile a list of these companies. Evaluate them based on their visa petition history. Use Stilt’s H-1B database to streamline your search and find a sponsor.

2. Job Applications and Securing an Offer

Polish your CV and apply to your list of companies. Target those with a history of H-1B sponsorships. Websites like CareerBuilder, Monster, or Dice may have relevant job listings. Once you land an offer, discuss the H-1B visa sponsorship for 2023.

3. Internships as a Stepping Stone

If you’re in the US on an F1 visa, consider seeking an internship with potential H-1B sponsors. Once secured, communicate your desire for H-1B sponsorship. For internship opportunities, attending job fairs and career events can be fruitful.

4. Consider Boutique Consulting Firms

Some boutique consulting firms might offer sponsorship. However, beware of firms demanding payment for sponsorship – it’s illegal. Ensure you’re dealing with reputable companies, ideally through personal connections.

5. Target Global Consulting Firms

Expand your search to include global consulting giants like TCS and WIPRO. Review their career pages, apply for positions, and, upon securing an offer, discuss H-1B sponsorship possibilities.

6. University Jobs: A Potential Goldmine

If you’re on an H4 or F1 visa, consider positions at US universities. These institutions often aren’t bound by the annual H-1B cap, allowing more flexibility in visa sponsorship. However, note that an H-1B visa obtained via a university might not be transferable to a non-academic position.

By following these steps and utilizing available resources, you can enhance your chances of securing an H-1B visa sponsor for 2024.

How to Maximize H-1B Sponsorship Success

Landing an H-1B visa sponsorship as a recent graduate can be a daunting task, especially in the current job market. Many job seekers find themselves in a frustrating cycle of applying for positions, going through multiple rounds of interviews, and ultimately being rejected due to their need for visa sponsorship. In this post, we’ll explore the experiences and advice shared by other H-1B seekers on how to navigate this challenging process.

The Current Job Market for CS Graduates

As one commenter pointed out, the current job market for computer science graduates is particularly tough due to widespread layoffs in the tech industry:

“Right now is a bad time to be job hunting for CS with all the big tech layoffs. At this point, with all the fang off the table, get anything that will keep your opt in-status.”

This sentiment was echoed by another user, who emphasized the importance of finding employment quickly to maintain OPT status:

“You only have 90 unemployment days from your start of OPT, so you should start getting something asap or you’ll lose all 3 years of your OPT. The climate is terrible for fresh graduates.”

Targeting Companies with a History of H-1B Sponsorship

One key piece of advice that emerged from the discussion was to focus your job search on companies that have a track record of sponsoring H-1B visas. As one user suggested:

“Look up companies in your industry on myvisajobs and find what title is being sponsored at that company. I would say be upfront about needing to be sponsored so you don’t waste your time.”

Strategies for Standing Out as a Candidate

Beyond targeting the right companies, several commenters offered advice on how to make yourself a more competitive candidate, even as a recent graduate. One user provided a comprehensive approach:

“Here’s a practical approach from someone with a non-tech/cs/it background:

• Only apply to companies that have sponsored before – check H1b employer portals, some mentioned above
• You have 4 yoe plus internships, do not say you’re entry level, you’re already smart and competent than a lot of them out there
• Be confident and market yourself well: work on your resume (keyword game matters 100%), work on your soft skills and do everything required to connect with the interviewer and stand out
• 100% network! Polish your intro messages and reach out to ppl connected to job posts on linkedin and ask for referral”

The Role of Consultancies and Staffing Firms

While some commenters suggested looking into consultancies and staffing firms as a potential path to H-1B sponsorship, others cautioned against this approach. One user described the potential drawbacks:

“As a fresh grad, in reality, the chances of you getting a sponsor is low not unless you go for a desi consultancy that will fake your credentials to get a job. More often than not, your salary is so low enough that they usually earn more than you do.”

However, another commenter argued that consultancies play a significant role in the H-1B landscape, despite the potential downsides:

“Those who are not aware are pressing down arrow but they have no idea that around 25% of total 65k every year come from those consultancies and its all legal.”

How to Sponsor an H-1B Visa as an Employer in 2024

If you’re a U.S. employer looking to sponsor an H-1B visa, you’ll need to go through the application process. Below you will find a streamlined explanation of that process. For a more thorough look at the process, check out our H1-B visa guide.

1. Ensure the Job is a Specialty Occupation

The role should require:

• A bachelor’s or higher degree or its equivalent.
• Specialized and complex duties typically associated with a degree.

Potential hires must:

• Hold a U.S. or equivalent foreign degree.
• Have unrestricted state licenses or equivalent credentials.
• Have relevant education or experience.

2. Determine Pay Rate

The wage should be the higher of the prevailing wage or the employer’s in-house wage. Prevailing wage can be obtained from:

• National Prevailing Wage Center (NPWC).
• Independent authoritative surveys.
• Valid wage sources or collective bargaining agreements.

3. Notify U.S. Workers

Post details of the H-1B hiring at the workplace or electronically. Details must be displayed for 10 days.

4. Submit Labor Condition Application (LCA) to DOL

File electronically via the FLAG System. Ensure it lists all employment locations. There’s no fee for the LCA.

5. Register for the H-1B Lottery with USCIS

Due to visa limits, a lottery system is employed. Register online between March 1-20 and pay a $10 fee.

6. Await Lottery Selection

If selected, employers will be informed by March 31.

7. File Form I-129 for Selected Beneficiaries

File within 90 days of selection, starting April 1. Fees include a base fee ($460), ACWIA fee ($750 or $1,500 depending on company size), fraud prevention fee ($500), Public Law 114-113 fee ($4,000 for specific companies), premium processing fee ($2,500), and the registration fee ($10).

8. Prospective Workers Apply for Visa/Admission

After I-129 approval, foreign workers apply for the H-1B visa at a U.S. embassy/consulate. Upon visa approval, they can seek admission into the U.S. and then the employer proceeds with the hiring process.

Companies that Sponsor H-1B Visa in 2024

There are many, many companies in the U.S. that offer H-1B sponsorship. These companies exist in all fields and offer some of the best employment opportunities for H-1B visa holders in the U.S. Some of the largest, most lucrative companies offering H-1B sponsorship include:

• Amazon
• Google
• Microsoft
• Salesforce
• Facebook

For a more detailed look at the companies that sponsor H-1B visas, check out our article on H-1B databases.

Top 50 Companies that Sponsor H-1B Visas

Below is an alphabetical table of the top H-1B visa sponsorship companies in the United States:

Top H-1B Sponsorship Companies by Industry

1. Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing
2. Mining
3. Oil and Gas
4. Utilities
5. Construction
6. Manufacturing
7. Wholesale Trade
8. Retail Trade
9. Transportation
10. Information
11. Finance and Insurance
12. Real State
13. Management
14. Educational Services
15. Healthcare
16. Arts
17. Entertainment
18. and much more

Top H-1B Sponsorship Companies by Company

1. Amazon
2. Ernst & Young
3. Google
4. Cognizant
5. Tata Consultancy
6. Microsoft
7. Intel
8. Infosys
9. Amazon Web
10. Qualcomm

Top H-1B Sponsorship Companies by Profession

1. Software Engineering
2. Software Development
3. Senior Software
4. Manager
5. Assistant Professor
6. Architect
7. Associate
8. Analyst

Read More

• How to Change Jobs on an H-1B Visa
• The Non-ECR Category: A Guide
• H-1B Visa Stamping: H-1B Visa Interview Documents and More
• Complete Guide to the H-1B to Green Card Process
• What Are My Options for Change of Status Visa Stamping If I Am Already in America?
• Guide to the H2B Visa
• H-1B Transfer: How To Change Jobs on an H-1B Visa

H-1B Sponsorship FAQ

Below, you will find some commonly asked questions about H-1B visa sponsorship and their answers.

What is H-1B Visa Sponsorship?

H-1B visa sponsorship is when a U.S. employer petitions for a foreign national to work in the United States temporarily. The H-1B visa is commonly used to hire skilled workers in various fields, including technology, engineering, healthcare, and more.

Who Can Apply for an H-1B Visa?

To be eligible for an H-1B visa, you must have a job offer from a U.S. employer for a position that requires specialized knowledge or expertise. Generally, this includes professionals with at least a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in a specific field.

How Does H-1B Visa Sponsorship Work?

The U.S. employer initiates the H-1B sponsorship process by filing a Labor Condition Application (LCA) with the Department of Labor and then submitting an H-1B petition to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). If approved, the foreign national can work for the sponsoring employer for a specified period, typically up to three years, with the possibility of extensions.

Are There Any Limits on H-1B Visas?

Yes, there is an annual cap on the number of new H-1B visas issued each fiscal year. As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, there were 65,000 regular cap slots and an additional 20,000 for those with advanced degrees from U.S. universities. Some organizations, such as universities and nonprofit research institutions, are exempt from the cap.

What are the Common Job Categories for H-1B Visa Holders?

H-1B visas are often used for positions such as software developers, engineers, scientists, professors, researchers, analysts, and other specialized roles. However, they can be issued for various professions that require specialized skills or expertise.

Can an H-1B Visa Holder Change Employers?

Yes, H-1B visa holders can change employers. However, the new employer must file a new H-1B petition on the individual’s behalf before they can start working for the new company.

Is H-1B Visa Sponsorship Limited to Large Tech Companies?

No, H-1B visa sponsorship is not limited to large tech companies. Employers in various industries, including healthcare, finance, education, and more, can sponsor H-1B visas as long as they meet the requirements and have a job opening that necessitates specialized skills.

How Can I Find H-1B Sponsorship Opportunities?

You can search for H-1B sponsorship opportunities on job search websites, company career pages, and through networking. Additionally, consulting with immigration attorneys or agencies that specialize in immigration can provide guidance on potential employers.

Can H-1B Visa Holders Apply for Permanent Residency (Green Card)?

Yes, H-1B visa holders can apply for a Green Card (permanent residency) if they meet the eligibility criteria. Many H-1B holders use their time in the U.S. to pursue permanent residency, often through employment-based sponsorship.

Are H-1B Visa Holders Subject to the Two-Year Home Residency Requirement?

Some H-1B visa holders may be subject to the Two-Year Home Residency Requirement if they received government funding or participated in certain exchange programs. This requirement may impact their ability to change visa status or obtain a Green Card.

Frank Gogol

I’m a firm believer that information is the key to financial freedom. On the Stilt Blog, I write about the complex topics — like finance, immigration, and technology — to help immigrants make the most of their lives in the U.S. Our content and brand have been featured in Forbes, TechCrunch, VentureBeat, and more.

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