Tech Sector Dominates H-1B Visa Employment

Since fiscal year 2012, at least 60% of H-1B visa holders have found their niche in tech-related fields, as highlighted by a recent Pew Research Center report. This trend continued into 2023, with the percentage climbing to 65%. These professionals, specializing in systems analysis, programming, technical support, and data communications and network management, enjoy a median annual salary of $123,600.

Engineering and Education Follow Closely

Architecture, engineering, and surveying emerged as the second-largest field for H-1B visa holders in 2023, accounting for 9% of approvals. Professionals in these sectors, including electrical, electronics, mechanical, and industrial engineers, reported a median salary of $115,000. Education, administrative specializations, and healthcare also ranked high, with social sciences trailing as the least common occupation for H-1B recipients.

Understanding the H-1B Visa Program

Introduced in 1990, the H-1B visa program enables U.S. employers to hire foreign professionals for specialized roles that require advanced expertise. Applicants must possess at least a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in a relevant field. Initially granted for three years, the visa can be extended up to six years, with possibilities for further extension if the employer sponsors the worker’s application for permanent residency.

In 2023, around 400,000 H-1B applications were approved for highly skilled foreign professionals, with 65% being renewals and the rest new approvals for first-time employment.