In this article we examine what job positions are most likely to fulfil the requirements for H-1B work visa for the USA. In popular culture H-1B work visas are associated with the tech industry. However, there are many other jobs that qualify for H-1B visa.
Before we discuss further what jobs qualify for H-1B work visa, we provide an overview of H-1B visas.
What is H-1B work visa?
The H-1B is a work visa that allows US employers to hire foreign workers for positions that require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree or equivalent. The visa is initially issued for 3 years and can be extended for an additional 3 years.
The H-1B visa allows you to work only for the sponsoring employer but can be transferred to a new employer if you quit, are fired or laid off from your sponsoring employer.
What are the basic requirements for H-1B visa USA?
- The worker must have a US employer sponsor.
- The worker must possess a bachelor’s or a higher degree in a relevant field.
- A bachelor’s degree or higher is normally the minimum requirement for the position which means:
- The degree requirement is common for similar positions in the industry and for similar companies or the job duties are so complex and unique that can only be performed by an individual with a degree.
- The sponsoring employer normally requires a degree or its equivalent for the position.
More about the H-1B work visa requirements, application process and conditions can be found on our H-1B visa page.
What jobs are frequently approved for H-1B work visa?
Based on data from the US Department of Labor for fiscal year 2024 below is the list of most frequently sponsored H-1B jobs:
- Software Developers
- Computer Systems Analysts
- Software Developers, Systems Software
- Computer Systems Engineers/Architects
- Information Technology Project Managers
- Computer and Information Systems Managers
- Business Intelligence Analysts
- Software Quality Assurance Engineers and Testers
- Operations Research Analysts
- Mechanical Engineers
- Electronics Engineers, Except Computer
- Computer Programmers
- Statisticians
- Database Administrators
- Electrical Engineers
- Financial Analysts
- Accountants and Auditors
- Management Analysts
Most of the jobs on the list are tech jobs at giants such as Google, Apple and Amazon. Those jobs are primarily engaged in the development of new software and computer systems management. Engineering jobs are also frequently sponsored for H-1B. Those include mechanical, electrical and electronics engineers. Other frequently sponsored H-1B work visa jobs are in the fields of statistics, accounting and finance, and management science.
I am a US employer, for which job openings can I hire H-1B workers?
The list of H-1B jobs above is mostly concentrated in technology, engineering and other math heavy fields. The reasons for this are twofold. First, most of the occupations above have complex job duties that require a minimum of bachelor’s degree. Second, most of the unfiled job openings for professional positions are in tech. That is because in the last 10 years the tech industry has grown tremendously and because there are not enough qualified US candidates to fill the open positions.
However, if you are a US employer looking to fill professional positions with workers from outside the US, you do not need to be in tech or finance to get H-1B employees. A consultation with a competent work visa attorney can help you determine if your open positions meet the H-1B requirements. Namely if a degree is commonly required for a similar position in the industry or if the job duties are complex enough that can only be performed by an individual with a bachelor’s degree.
Also, If you have a history of requiring a bachelor’s degree in specific field for a specific job, you can sponsor an H-1B worker for that job.
I want to get an H-1B work visa, what US jobs should I look for?
If you are interested in getting an H-1B visa, the most important is to look for jobs that are relevant to your field of study. That is because one of the main requirements for the H-1B is that the candidate possesses a relevant degree. If you are still working towards obtaining a bachelor’s or a master’s degree, then the best is to focus your studies on a major and coursework that is relevant to the job you are seeking.
As evidenced from the list of most frequently sponsored H-1B jobs, the supply of H-1B visa jobs is concentrated in STEM fields such engineering, software development, accounting, finance and statistics. A bachelor’s or a master’s degree in such a field puts any candidate for an H-1B work visa in a strong and favorable position.
Malescu Law can assist
If you are a US employer or a prospective H-1B worker and want to know if your position will qualify for an H-1B visa, contact our immigration lawyers or book a consultation with our work visa lawyers in Miami, Florida USA. We serve companies and individuals across all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
Malescu Law P.A. – Business & Immigration Lawyers
