How to Find H1B Visa Sponsorship Jobs in 2026

Section A: H1B visa sponsorship requirement

Before you can register to apply for the H-1B visa as a specialised worker, you must have a US sponsor and a qualifying job offer. Without a sponsoring employer willing to support an H1B petition, it is not possible to enter the H1B process.

If you’re a skilled professional hoping to work in the US, an H1B sponsorship job can be a viable option, but it’s not guaranteed. Landing an H1B visa sponsorship job isn’t as simple as just applying for a position. It’s a competitive, high-stakes process where the right combination of skills, timing, and strategy can make all the difference.

Each year, large numbers of international professionals compete for H1B sponsorship, and cap registrations typically far exceed the annual quota across opportunities in tech, finance, healthcare, engineering, and beyond. With strict caps, a lottery system, and employers who must commit to sponsoring your visa, the path is far from easy. You’ll need to prove your value, target the right companies, and stand out from a pool of global talent.

Section B: What are H1B visa sponsorship jobs?

If you have at least a bachelor’s-level qualification (or equivalent through education and experience) looking to find a job in the US, the H1B visa may be the right work route for you. However, this is a sponsored route, which means that you will first need to find a US-based employer offering H1B sponsorship jobs.

H1B sponsorship jobs are those jobs based in the United States which meet the criteria for an H1B visa. This is a nonimmigrant visa designed to enable skilled workers from around the world to undertake a US job role within a specialty occupation that requires theoretical or technical expertise. However, to be eligible for an H1B visa in a specialty occupation, various occupation and applicant-specific criteria must be met. For H1B sponsorship jobs, as a minimum for entry, the occupation in question requires:

• the theoretical and practical application of a body of highly specialised knowledge, and
• the attainment of a bachelor’s or higher degree in the specific specialty, or its equivalent.

To qualify as a specialty occupation under the H1B route, the position on offer is assessed against criteria that include whether:

• a bachelor’s or higher degree, or the equivalent, is usually the minimum entry requirement for the position in question
• the degree requirement is common to the particular industry in parallel positions amongst similar organisations or, alternatively, the job is so complex or so unique that it can only be performed by a graduate level worker
• the US employer usually requires a degree, or the equivalent, for the position
• the nature of the specific duties to be undertaken is so specialised and so complex that the knowledge required to perform those duties is usually associated with having either a bachelor’s or higher degree.

Further, for an applicant to qualify to work within a specialty occupation, they must either:

• hold a US bachelor’s or higher degree, as required by the particular specialty occupation, from an accredited university or college
• hold a foreign degree equivalent to a US bachelor’s or higher degree, as required by the particular specialty occupation, from an accredited university or college
• hold either an unrestricted state licence, registration or certification that authorises them to fully practice the specialty occupation in question, and be immediately engaged in that particular specialty in the state of intended employment
• have either education, specialised training, and/or progressively responsible experience equivalent to the completion of a US bachelor’s or higher degree in the particular specialty occupation, and have recognition of expertise within that specialty through progressively responsible positions related to that specialty.

Section C: Who can sponsor H1B visa workers?

In most cases, a US-based employer files the H1B petition, although in limited scenarios a US agent may be permitted to file.

As well as meeting the visa eligibility criteria, the employer or sponsor and the applicant must also meet the H-1B’s strict procedural requirements. For cap-subject applications, this involves filing an electronic registration during the registration window, which is typically during March each year. If oversubscribed, USCIS will select an appropriate number of registrants through the H-1B lottery selection process. Only if successful in the lottery can applicants proceed with their H-1B petition.

If an applicant is selected in the lottery, the US-based employer must then submit what is known as a Labor Condition Application (LCA / Form ETA-9035E / 9035) with the US Department of Labor (DOL), attesting to compliance with the following labour requirements:

• to pay the H1B worker a wage no less than the wage being paid to similarly qualified workers in the States or, if greater, the prevailing wage for the position within the geographic area in which the H1B worker will be working
• to provide working conditions that will not adversely affect the conditions of other similarly employed workers
• at the time of the application there is no strike and no lockout at the place of employment, and notice of the filing of the LCA with the DOL has been given to a union bargaining representative or posted at the place of employment

An LCA cannot be filed more than six months before the intended employment start date. An employer with a certified LCA can then go on to file with USCIS an H1B petition (Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker) on the worker’s behalf, showing that the position that they are offering falls within a particular specialty occupation.

A specialty occupation essentially requires the use of highly specialised knowledge in order to successfully perform the duties of the role, and at least a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent, in the specific specialty.

H1B specialty occupations in the States can include fields such as education, IT, mathematics, law, accounting, architecture, engineering, the sciences, medicine, healthcare, biotechnology, business specialties, journalism and the arts.

Section D: Is it difficult to get an H1B visa?

Once the LCA has been certified by the Department of Labor and the H1B petition has been approved by USCIS, the applicant can apply for an H1B visa stamp through the Department of State, where a visa stamp is required. If the applicant is outside the US, or needs a visa stamp to enter or re-enter the US in H1B status, they apply through the Department of State at a US Embassy or Consulate using Form DS-160.

To be granted an H1B visa, you must be undertaking a job for a US-based employer in a role that requires theoretical or technical expertise. However, it will be for USCIS to determine whether the employment on offer constitutes a specialty occupation, and whether or not you are qualified to perform services within that occupation.

There is also an annual cap for H1B petitions, where there are only 65,000 visas available for H1B workers each fiscal year although, under the H1B advanced degree exemption, 20,000 other visas are reserved for applicants with master’s or higher degrees.

By applying for a job role with an experienced US sponsor, who has previously sponsored overseas workers in H1B sponsorship jobs, and is familiar with the petitioning process, this will help to ensure a smoother application process. An experienced employer will ensure that the petition is correctly completed, with the right evidence filed in support. This should include, where applicable, evidence of the beneficiary’s educational background and experience, including proof of any master’s or higher degree to ensure that USCIS treat the registration as eligible for the US advanced degree exemption (the master’s cap), noting that advanced degree-eligible registrations can also be considered under the regular cap if not selected under the advanced degree exemption.

Once the H1 petition has been approved, USCIS will send the US sponsor Form I-797 (Notice of Action). Approval of a petition does not guarantee that you will be issued with a visa. However, with the advice and assistance of a specialised lawyer, to help prepare the DS-160 and to gather the necessary documentation in support, and to prepare you for attending an interview at their local US Embassy or Consulate, this will help to maximise the prospects of a successful outcome.

Section E: How to find H1B sponsorship jobs in the US

Finding H1B sponsorship jobs may seem like a challenging task for foreign nationals, but both small and large businesses across the United States offer thousands of H1B opportunities. Deciding which state to apply in, and whether it is best to apply for a large or small firm are possibly the more difficult decisions within this process.

There are several small US-based businesses that sponsor H1B visas, although these can be more difficult to connect with, where larger companies typically have established H1B programs for hiring foreign nationals. A larger company is also more likely to have the financial resources to pay for premium processing to speed up the petitioning process.

To make it easier for prospective applicants to start their job search, with both large and smaller employers alike, below we set out the best way to find H1B sponsorship jobs:

Create a list of US sponsors

A list of potential US sponsors held on the USCIS Employer Data Hub should be drawn up, based on the search criteria for the prospective H1B visa applicant, for example, large employers based only on the east coast of America in a particular profession. The employers can also be evaluated based on how many petitions they have filed and been approved.

Once an applicant has a list of firms and companies that they may be interested in working for, based on any evaluation undertaken, they can then search the respective websites for information on any H1B programs and current availability for H1B sponsorship jobs.

Search the USCIS H1B Employer Data Hub

The H1B Employer Data Hub is a useful H1B sponsor database providing relevant data from fiscal years 2009 onwards. This data includes all employers who have submitted petitions to employ H1B nonimmigrant workers, with the initial decisions made by the USCIS, and whether petitions made by the employer were approved or denied. Users can search by various criteria, including fiscal year, employer name, city, state and ZIP code.

Prospective applicants can also assess employers’ petition approval rates and identify those actively participating in the H-1B program.

Search third party platforms

In addition to the USCIS H-1B Employer Data Hub, several third-party platforms offer valuable insights into H-1B sponsorship opportunities. These platforms compile information about companies that have historically sponsored H-1B visas, including details on sponsorship trends, salary data, petition approval rates, and available job postings. They can be particularly helpful for applicants seeking in-depth information about potential employers and evaluating their chances of securing an H-1B visa.

While these platforms are useful for gathering information, applicants should verify details with official sources like the USCIS and exercise caution when relying on third-party data.

Create a list of possible job opportunities and start to apply

Once a prospective H1B applicant has created a list of possible job opportunities, they will need to establish the criteria for each job, assess if they are eligible and start to apply for those jobs. In particular, the applicant will need to show that they are uniquely qualified for the position in question because of their field of study and/or work experience.

Section G: How long do H1B sponsorship jobs last?

The length of any H1B sponsorship jobs will often depend on the need for a US-based employer to fill any gap in the domestic labour market. However, even though these types of jobs are only temporary, an H1B visa will usually be granted for a period of up to three years.

Additionally, if an H1B visa holder continues to meet all the relevant conditions, this time period can be extended, although this will usually only be for a maximum of six years.

Under the portability provisions, it is also possible to change H1B sponsorship jobs whilst in the States, where anyone with H1B status will not be limited to a single employer, but can transfer their H1B status to a different employer and remain eligible. However, a fresh petition would need to be filed by the new employer prior to expiry of the worker’s existing status, with a qualifying job offer in place to initiate the H1B visa transfer process.

Section H: Summary

Finding an H1B sponsorship job requires more than identifying vacancies and submitting applications. The route is employer-led, cap-limited, and tightly regulated, which means job eligibility, sponsor readiness, and timing all matter. Applicants need to target roles that clearly qualify as specialty occupations, align duties with their degree or experience, and focus on employers with a demonstrable history of H1B filings. Understanding who can sponsor, how the cap and lottery work, and what employers are required to do under the LCA framework is critical. A structured, early, and informed job-search strategy reduces wasted effort and improves the chances of securing viable H1B sponsorship.

Section I: H1B sponsorship jobs FAQs

What is H1B visa sponsorship?

H1B visa sponsorship is when a US employer sponsors a role and submits an H1B petition to US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to classify a foreign professional in H1B status so they can work in a specialty occupation in the US.

What are the eligibility requirements for an H1B visa?

To qualify for an H1B visa, you must have a job offer from a US employer in a specialty occupation that requires at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience. You must also meet the education, training, or experience requirements for the position.

Which industries commonly sponsor H1B visas?

Industries that frequently sponsor H1B visas include technology, finance, engineering, healthcare, academia, and scientific research. Technology companies are among the largest sponsors of H1B visas.

Is there a limit on the number of H1B visas issued each year?

Yes. There is an annual cap of 65,000 H1B visas, with an additional 20,000 visas available under the advanced degree exemption for applicants with qualifying US master’s or higher degrees. For cap-subject cases, USCIS runs a lottery at the registration stage if registrations exceed the annual quota.

Can I switch employers while on an H1B visa?

Yes. Your new employer must file an H1B petition with USCIS, and in many cases you may be able to start work once USCIS has received the filing if you qualify under the H1B portability rules.

How long can I stay in the US on an H1B visa?

An H1B visa is typically granted for up to three years, with the possibility of extensions for a total stay of up to six years. Certain green card processes can allow extensions beyond six years.

Can family members accompany H1B visa holders to the US?

Yes. Spouses and unmarried children under 21 can accompany H1B visa holders under H4 dependent visas. H4 visa holders can live and study in the US, and some may be eligible for work authorisation.

What happens if my H1B visa petition is denied?

If the petition is denied, work authorisation ends, and the next steps will depend on your immigration status at the time of the decision. In some cases, this may involve leaving the US or exploring alternative immigration options.

Do all H1B visa jobs require a Labor Condition Application (LCA)?

Yes. Every H1B visa petition must include an approved Labor Condition Application filed with the Department of Labor. The LCA confirms that the employer will pay the required wage and provide appropriate working conditions.

What are the risks of losing my job while on an H1B visa?

If you lose your job, you generally have a 60-day grace period to find a new H1B employer, change status, or depart the US. Failure to act within this period can result in loss of lawful status and the need to leave the country.

Section J: Glossary

Section K: Additonal resources & links