If you are looking to work in the United States, the H-1B visa is one of the most common ways to get there. It allows U.S. companies to hire skilled foreign workers for jobs that usually require a college degree, like engineers, software developers, healthcare professionals, researchers, and more.
But here is the hard part: finding a U.S. employer who is willing and able to sponsor your H-1B visa. In other words, finding an H-1B visa jobs in the USA can be challenging.
Many companies either don’t offer H-1B visa sponsorship or are not familiar with the legal process involved. Even the ones that do are often overwhelmed by the limited number of H-1B visas available each year. On top of that, job seekers are often left confused about which companies to apply to, how to present themselves, and how to avoid scams or false promises.
Having the right legal and strategic guidance makes all the difference. You don’t just need a job—you need one with a legitimate H-1B sponsor, backed by a strong application and a clear understanding of the process.
At Gehis Immigration and International Legal Services, we have helped thousands of professionals in this journey successfully. From identifying the right employers to filing your petition correctly, we are here to support you every step of the way.
Before you start applying for jobs, it is important to understand how the H-1B visa actually works. Let’s read further:
What is the H-1B Visa?
The H-1B is a non-immigrant work visa that allows U.S. employers to temporarily hire foreign workers for jobs that require specialized knowledge and at least a bachelor’s degree (or its equivalent). It is especially popular in fields like technology, engineering, finance, healthcare, and education.
Who Qualifies for an H-1B?
To qualify, you generally need:
- A job offer from a U.S. employer for a position in a specialty occupation
- A bachelor’s degree or higher (or equivalent experience) related to that job
- Proof that your role meets the criteria of a “specialty occupation”
So if you are a software developer with a computer science degree, or a financial analyst with a business degree, you are on the right track.
What is Cap vs. Cap-Exempt Employers?
Not all H-1B jobs are treated the same under the law. There are two main categories:
- Cap-subject employers: These jobs are subject to the H-1B annual lottery, with a limit of 85,000 visas issued each fiscal year (65,000 regular + 20,000 for U.S. master’s degree holders).
- Cap-exempt employers: These include universities, nonprofit research institutions, and some government research agencies. They can sponsor H-1B workers any time of the year, no lottery required.
Here is a Tip by Gehis Immigration and International Legal Services: If you missed the H-1B cap, consider applying to cap-exempt organizations to keep working legally in the U.S.
How Long Does the H-1B Last?
The standard H-1B visa is initially granted for three years, with the option to extend it for another three years (up to a total of six years). In certain situations, like if your green card process is underway, you may qualify for additional extensions beyond six years.
Process To Find an H-1B Visa Lawyer?
Step 1: Identify H-1B Sponsoring Employers
Before anything else, you need to find companies that are willing and eligible to sponsor your H-1B visa. Not every employer in the U.S. does, and applying blindly wastes valuable time.
Where to Find H-1B Sponsoring Companies
These platforms are your best starting points:
- H1Bdata.info – This site lets you search real-time H-1B filings by company name, job title, or location. It shows historical data, so you can see which companies filed H-1B petitions—and how much they paid.
- USCIS H-1B Employer Data Hub – Official government data showing which employers filed H-1Bs in previous years.
Target Industries with Strong H-1B Sponsorship
Some industries file far more H-1B petitions than others. Focus your job search in areas that regularly hire international talent:
- Technology – Software engineering, data science, cloud architecture
- Finance – Quantitative analysis, risk management, fintech roles
- Healthcare – Physicians, therapists, researchers
- Education & Research – Professorships, academic roles, lab scientists
These sectors not only value skilled workers, but often have experience navigating the visa process.
Not sure where to begin?
Let Gehis Immigration and International Legal Services help you create a customised list of H-1B-friendly employers based on your qualifications, industry, and career goals.
Step 2: Make Your Resume for the U.S. Market
Now that you have found companies that sponsor H-1B visas, your next step is making sure your resume stands out not just to hiring managers, but also to Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that scan for keywords before a human ever sees your application.
Writing the perfect resume is hard, especially when it has to meet both employer and immigration standards.
Gehis Immigration and International Legal Services offers resume review and optimisation services, made to your visa goals and industry.
Step 3: Prepare for the H-1B Petition Process
Once you have secured a job offer from a U.S. employer willing to sponsor you, it is time to focus on the most critical part: the H-1B petition process.
The H-1B Visa Process Timeline
- Job Offer Secured – You receive an offer from an H-1B sponsor
- LCA Filing – Employer submits Labor Condition Application to the U.S. Department of Labor (approx. 7 days)
- H-1B Registration – Employer registers you for the lottery (usually between March 1–20)
- Lottery Results – If selected, the employer can file the full petition
- Petition Filing with USCIS – Detailed documents and forms are submitted (April–June)
- USCIS Response – Approval, denial, or RFE (Request for Evidence) typically by July–September
The Employer’s Legal Responsibilities
Your sponsoring employer is responsible for:
- Filing the Labor Condition Application (LCA)
- Completing and submitting Form I-129 with supporting documents
- Paying the required filing fees and attorney costs (in most cases)
- Ensuring your job meets the criteria for a specialty occupation
However, not all employers have in-house legal teams and mistakes can delay or derail your petition.
Having your own immigration attorney can make a real difference. While the employer handles filing, your attorney ensures everything aligns with your background, degree, and job title especially important if:
- You are changing status from F-1 or L-1
- You are filing with a non-traditional or startup employer
- You have prior denials or complications in your immigration history
An experienced attorney can also handle RFEs and advise on backup options.
What to Do if You are Selected in the H-1B Lottery?
- You can not work on H-1B that year
- Consider cap-exempt employers (universities, research orgs)
- Extend your OPT/STEM OPT if eligible
- Explore other visa options (O-1, L-1, etc.)
- Prepare again for next year’s cap
Don’t take chances with your future.
Schedule a legal consultation with Gehis Immigration and International Legal Services to make sure your H-1B petition is strong, complete, and submitted on time.
Find Help.
Finding an H-1B job in the United States is not easy but it is absolutely possible with the right approach. By understanding how the H-1B visa works, identifying sponsoring employers, making your resume for the U.S. market, and using the right job platforms, you give yourself a much stronger chance of success.
Remember, this process is competitive but it is not impossible. Stay persistent. Keep learning. And most importantly, don’t go through it alone.
At Gehis Immigration and International Legal Services, we have helped thousands of foreign professionals navigate the H-1B journey successfully. From job search strategy to petition filing and beyond, our experienced team is here to support you every step of the way.
Let’s work together to make your American dream a reality.
1. How long can an individual work in the U.S. as an H-1B employee?
An individual can initially work in the U.S. on an H-1B visa for up to three years, with the possibility of extending it to a maximum of six years. In some cases, extensions beyond six years are possible if green card processing is underway.
2. What jobs do H-1B visa holders get?
H-1B visa holders usually work in “speciality occupations” that require a bachelor’s degree or higher. Common roles include software engineers, data analysts, accountants, financial analysts, architects, scientists, healthcare professionals, and university faculty.
3. Can I work from India on an H-1B and get a U.S. salary?
The H-1B visa is a U.S. work visa, and it is valid only when you are physically present and working in the U.S. If you are in India, you cannot legally work under H-1B status or receive a U.S. salary under this visa.
4. Who can sponsor me on an H-1B visa?
5. Can you get H-1B with any job?
The H-1B visa is reserved for specialty occupations, which require a college degree or equivalent in a specific field. Jobs like general labor, clerical roles, or those that don’t need a degree usually do not qualify.
6. Which company gives the most H-1B visas?
Large tech companies and IT consulting firms like Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Amazon, Google, and Cognizant have historically sponsored the most H-1B visas. However, approvals depend on annual caps and lottery selection.
7. What is the minimum salary to get an H-1B?
The minimum salary depends on the prevailing wage for the job location and occupation, as set by the U.S. Department of Labor. As of recent data, the minimum can range from $60,000 to $100,000, depending on the role and region.
8. Is it difficult to get H-1B sponsorship?
Yes, due to the annual cap and high demand, H-1B sponsorship is competitive. Many employers are hesitant due to the legal complexity and cost.
9. What positions qualify for an H-1B visa?
Positions that generally qualify include:
- Software Developers
- Engineers
- Accountants
- Market Analysts
- Professors
- Physicians
- Scientists
- Financial Analysts
These roles require at least a bachelor’s degree in a related field.
10. What is the minimum salary for H-1B?
The minimum salary is based on the prevailing wage for the job and location. There is no single fixed amount. For most tech jobs in major cities, it typically starts at $70,000 to $80,000, but this varies.
