The United States of America is everyone’s desired destination and the most reliable pathway there will be to get companies that sponsor H-1B visas. However, we need to ascertain how to get these companies to sponsor you before I list out my own researched companies below.
For foreign nationals looking to get sponsorship by companies, it is advised you thoroughly surf the internet for the required information you need. Now let us get down to the business at hand.
What is H-1B Visa
The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa category in the United States that allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations. This visa is commonly used to hire professionals with specialized knowledge and skills in fields such as information technology, engineering, mathematics, science, finance, and other specialized areas.
To qualify for an H-1B visa, the foreign worker must meet certain criteria:
- Specialty Occupation: The job for which the foreign worker is being hired must require theoretical or technical expertise in a specific field and usually requires at least a bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field.
- Employer Sponsorship: The foreign worker cannot apply for an H-1B visa independently. Instead, a U.S. employer must sponsor and file a petition on their behalf.
- Labor Condition Application (LCA): The employer must obtain certification of a Labor Condition Application from the U.S. Department of Labor, confirming that they will pay the H-1B worker the prevailing wage for the occupation in the intended area of employment and that hiring the H-1B worker will not adversely affect the working conditions of similarly employed U.S. workers.
- Cap Limitations: There is an annual numerical limit, or “cap,” on the number of new H-1B visas that can be issued each fiscal year. As of my last update in September 2021, the regular cap was set at 65,000 visas, with an additional 20,000 visas available for foreign workers who have obtained a master’s degree or higher from a U.S. institution.
- Duration: H-1B visas are typically granted for an initial period of three years, with the possibility of extensions for up to a maximum of six years.
The H-1B visa is a popular option for U.S. employers seeking to hire skilled foreign workers to fill specific roles where there may be a shortage of qualified domestic candidates. However, the H-1B program has also faced scrutiny and debate over the years due to concerns about its impact on the domestic labor market and potential abuses of the system.
How to get H-1B Visa Job Offer
Obtaining an H-1B visa job offer involves several steps and requires both the foreign worker and the U.S. employer to fulfill certain requirements. Here’s a general outline of the process:
- Identify Potential Employers: Research U.S. companies that are willing to hire foreign workers and have a demand for your skills and qualifications. Job search platforms, company websites, and networking events can be useful in finding potential employers.
- Job Application and Interviews: Apply for jobs that match your qualifications and experience. If an employer is interested in hiring you, they will conduct interviews to assess your suitability for the position.
- Job Offer and Contract: If the employer is impressed with your skills and experience, they may extend a formal job offer. The offer should outline the terms and conditions of your employment, including salary, benefits, and job responsibilities. Ensure that you understand and agree to the terms before proceeding.
- Employer Files H-1B Petition: Once you have accepted the job offer, the U.S. employer will need to file an H-1B petition on your behalf with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This process typically involves submitting forms, supporting documents, and the Labor Condition Application (LCA), which ensures that the employer will comply with certain labor requirements.
- H-1B Visa Cap: Keep in mind that there is an annual cap on the number of H-1B visas that can be issued each fiscal year. If the cap is reached, USCIS will conduct a lottery to select the petitions that will be processed further. As of the last update in September 2021, there were 65,000 regular H-1B visas and an additional 20,000 for beneficiaries with advanced degrees from U.S. institutions.
- Wait for Approval: Once the H-1B petition is filed, you may need to wait for USCIS to process the application. Processing times can vary, so it’s essential to monitor the progress and stay in touch with your employer throughout the process.
- Obtain an H-1B Visa or Change of Status: If your H-1B petition is approved, and if you are outside the U.S., you will need to apply for an H-1B visa at a U.S. consulate or embassy in your home country. If you are already in the U.S. on a different non-immigrant visa, you may need to file for a change of status to H-1B.
- Travel to the U.S. and Begin Employment: Once your visa is approved or status change is granted, you can travel to the U.S. and begin working for your H-1B sponsoring employer.
Please note that the H-1B visa process can be complex, and it’s crucial to consult with an immigration attorney or an authorized representative to ensure you navigate the process correctly and understand your rights and responsibilities as an H-1B visa holder. Additionally, H-1B visa requirements and regulations may change over time, so it’s essential to stay up-to-date with the latest information from USCIS or official government sources.
Read Also: 6000+ Visa Sponsor jobs in the United States
How to find H-1B Sponsoring Companies
Finding H-1B sponsoring companies involves a combination of research, networking, and job search strategies. Here are some steps to help you find companies that are willing to sponsor H-1B visas:
- Online Job Portals: Utilize job search websites that allow you to filter job listings by visa sponsorship. Some popular platforms that offer this feature include Indeed, Glassdoor, LinkedIn, and H-1B Visa Jobs.
- Company Websites: Visit the career pages of companies that you are interested in. Some employers explicitly mention whether they sponsor H-1B visas for foreign workers in their job postings or on their careers page.
- Specialized H-1B Visa Search Engines: Some websites focus specifically on listing H-1B visa sponsoring companies. You can use these platforms to search for companies that have a history of sponsoring H-1B visas for their employees.
- Industry Events and Job Fairs: Attend industry-specific events, career fairs, or networking gatherings. These events offer opportunities to connect with employers and discuss potential job opportunities, including H-1B sponsorship.
- Professional Networking: Leverage your professional network to inquire about job openings and potential H-1B sponsorship opportunities. Let your connections know that you are seeking H-1B visa sponsorship, and they may refer you to relevant companies or job openings.
- Research Companies with International Operations: Larger multinational companies with global operations may be more familiar with the H-1B visa process and more willing to sponsor foreign workers.
- Contact HR Departments: Reach out directly to the Human Resources (HR) departments of companies you are interested in. Express your interest in working for them and inquire about their policy on hiring foreign workers and sponsoring H-1B visas.
- Use Professional Associations: Many professional organizations and societies have job boards or career sections on their websites. These could be a good source of H-1B visa sponsorships in your field of expertise.
- Consult with Immigration Attorneys: Immigration attorneys often have knowledge about companies that have sponsored H-1B visas in the past. They may be able to provide valuable insights and guidance in your job search.
- Stay Persistent and Patient: Finding an H-1B sponsoring company can take time and persistence. Be patient and continue to apply for relevant job openings while actively networking and exploring opportunities.
Remember to research and verify any information about H-1B visa sponsorship to ensure the legitimacy of the companies and opportunities you come across. Additionally, the availability of H-1B visa sponsorships can vary over time, so it’s crucial to stay up-to-date with the latest immigration policies and regulations.
Read Also: 5 Facts About Sponsoring A Visa For An Employee in the US
Companies that Sponsor H-1B Visa
As of the last update in September 2021, several companies in the United States have sponsored H-1B visas for foreign workers. It’s important to note that the availability of H-1B visa sponsorship can vary over time and may depend on factors such as company policies, economic conditions, and changes in immigration regulations. Here are some well-known companies that have historically sponsored H-1B visas:
- Google LLC
- Microsoft Corporation
- Apple Inc.
- Amazon.com, Inc.
- Facebook, Inc.
- Intel Corporation
- IBM Corporation
- Cisco Systems, Inc.
- Oracle Corporation
- Accenture
Please keep in mind that this is not an exhaustive list, and there are many other companies, both large and small, that have sponsored H-1B visas for their employees. If you are considering H-1B visa sponsorship, it’s essential to research and directly contact companies to inquire about their current hiring policies and sponsorship opportunities.