Companies Sponsoring the Most H-1B Visas

Companies like Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Meta, and Apple lead the 2026 rankings for H-1B visa sponsorship. For the first time, U.S. tech giants dominated all top four spots for new H-1B approvals, marking a significant shift in the visa landscape.

This guide covers Tech, Consulting & Professional Services, Engineering & Manufacturing, Healthcare, Pharma & Life Sciences, and other sectors where H-1B sponsorship is most common. We’ll also highlight the top sponsoring companies, the roles most likely to receive sponsorship, common mistakes to avoid, and strategic tips for maximizing your chances under the new2026 weighted lottery system.

Tech companies that sponsor H-1B visas

The surge in tech sponsorship is closely tied to the combined $380 billion in AI-related expenditure planned. With artificial intelligence high on their priority lists, these companies need recent graduates of master's programs focused on AI, and the majority of students who qualify are foreign-born.

Top Tech Sponsors

Common roles sponsored by tech companies:

• Software Engineers (AI/ML focus)
• Cloud & DevOps Engineers
• Cybersecurity Specialists
• Data Scientists and Machine Learning Researchers

How tech companies sponsor so many H-1B visas

Tech companies typically offer Level III or IV salaries, giving their candidates 3x to 4x better odds in the new weighted lottery system effective Feb 27, 2026. Higher compensation translates directly into more lottery entries under the new wage-weighted selection process.

Amazon's subsidiaries like "Amazon Data Services" and "Amazon Web Services" have consistently high approval rates because roles are strictly defined as "Specialty Occupations" with high prevailing wages, exactly what USCIS prioritizes under the new system.

Consulting & Professional Services companies that sponsor H-1B visas

Firms like Deloitte, Accenture, PwC, and EY are high-volume sponsors, particularly for analysts and consultants.

Top Consulting & Professional Services Sponsors

Common roles sponsored by consulting firms:

• Technology Consultants
• Risk Specialists
• Audit Associates
• Strategy Consultants
• Data Analytics Professionals

Why consulting firms sponsor

Their global delivery models rely on hiring talented international graduates (especially MBAs) who can support diverse client projects. The Big 4 firms operate across 150+ countries and need multilingual, multicultural talent to serve global clients.

2026 Hiring Shift

Many of these firms have shifted their 2026 hiring toward Master's degree holders to benefit from the 20,000-visa "Master's Cap" exemption. This separate pool provides an additional opportunity for selection beyond the regular 65,000 cap.

Note: H-1B sponsorship policies vary significantly by business unit within consulting firms. Some divisions sponsor more readily than others, so ensure to always confirm sponsorship availability for your specific role and office location.

Engineering, Manufacturing & Industrial companies sponsoring H-1B visas

Companies such as Intel, Tesla, Nvidia, and Siemens regularly sponsor visas for hardware and process specialization.

Nvidia: The 2026 Standout

Nvidia has seen a massive surge in sponsorship as they compete for globally scarce AI hardware talent. According to USCIS disclosure data, Nvidia Corporation filed over 1,800 Labor Condition Applications (LCAs) in fiscal year, ranking it among the top tech employers for foreign talent sponsorship relative to its size.

In fiscal year, Nvidia filed 1,781 Form I-129 petitions for H-1B visas, with 1,767 approved, a 99.2% approval rate.

Common roles sponsored by these companies:

• Semiconductor Engineers
• Mechanical Engineers
• Quality Specialists
• Hardware Engineers (especially GPU and AI chip design)
• Systems Software Engineers

Why these roles require international talent

These positions require advanced degrees and long-term project dedication that is difficult to source purely from the local U.S. pool. The specialized nature of semiconductor engineering, particularly for AI hardware, creates a global talent competition.

Healthcare, Pharma & Life Sciences Corporations

Large pharmaceutical and financial firms sponsor primarily for research and quantitative roles.

Notable Sponsors:

Common roles sponsored by these companies

• Biostatisticians
• Research Scientists
• Clinical Regulatory Professionals
• Quantitative Analysts (Fintech)
• Data Scientists (Healthcare Analytics)

The Cap-exempt advantage

Specialized healthcare roles are often exempt from certain cap restrictions if the employer is a nonprofit research organization or university-affiliated hospital.

H-1B workers who are petitioned for or employed at an institution of higher education or its affiliated or related nonprofit entities, a nonprofit research organization, or a government research organization, are not subject to the annual numerical cap.

This means university-affiliated medical centers, research hospitals, and nonprofit research institutes can:

• File H-1B petitions year-round (no lottery)
• Hire without the 85,000 annual cap constraint
• Avoid the March registration deadline pressure

What Big Companies Look for When Sponsoring a Candidate

Even at Amazon, eligibility is strictly governed by the "Specialty Occupation" rule and the 2026 wage floors.

Three Core Requirements:

1. The job must require a specialized Bachelor's degree

Generic management roles are rarely sponsored. The position must require theoretical and practical application of a body of highly specialized knowledge and a bachelor's degree or higher in the specific specialty.

2. Employers must prove the role is critical and pays a Prevailing Wage

Before filing a H-1B petition, employers must submit a Labor Condition Application (LCA) to the Department of Labor certifying they will pay the H-1B employee the prevailing wage or the actual wage, whichever is higher.

3. The $100,000 Fee Consideration

Companies hiring H-1B workers from outside the U.S. face a new supplemental fee.

Critical Exemption: If you're already in the U.S. on a status that allows adjustment (like F-1 OPT), you avoid this fee. The fee will not apply to petitions filed as a change of status for individuals already present in the U.S.

Alternative visa options without the $100,000 fee:

• O-1 Visa (Extraordinary Ability)
• L-1 Visa (Intracompany Transfer)
• TN Visa (For Canadian/Mexican professionals)
• J-1 Visa (Exchange visitors)
• E-2 (Treaty Investors)
• E-3 Visas (For Australian professionals)

Roles with the Highest Sponsorship Probability

AI/ML Engineering: With 63% of approved H-1B beneficiaries holding a master's degree or higher and computer-related roles averaging $136,000 annually, AI positions represent the sweet spot for sponsorship.

Cybersecurity: Critical infrastructure protection creates documented labor shortages that support H-1B petitions.

How to Target Big Sponsors Strategically

Step 1: Research employer sponsorship history

Use the Migrate Mate to find jobs at companies that sponsor visas and have sponsorship history.

Step 2: verify wage levels

Aim for an offer that is at least Wage Level II to maximize your entries in the 2026 Weighted Lottery.

Under the new system effective Feb 27, 2026:

• Level IV wages: 4 lottery entries
• Level III wages: 3 lottery entries
• Level II wages: 2 lottery entries
• Level I wages: 1 lottery entry

Step 3: Target subsidiaries with high approval rates

Large corporations often have multiple legal entities. Research specific subsidiaries:

• Amazon Data Services (high approval rate)
• Amazon Web Services (separate from retail)
• Google LLC vs. Alphabet subsidiaries

Step 4: Understand the timeline

The H-1B registration period for the FY 2027 cap lottery is expected to begin in March 2026. This means:

• Now - February: Secure job offers
• March: Employer submits lottery registration
• April - June: File full petitions if selected
• October 1: Earliest employment start date

Common H-1B Sponsorship Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: "The Brand Blanket"

Wrong assumption: Because Google sponsors engineers, they will also sponsor a Customer Service lead.

Reality: Sponsorship varies dramatically by role, even within the same company. Customer service, general administrative, and support roles rarely qualify as "specialty occupations" regardless of the employer's brand.

Mistake 2: Ignoring Timing

Wrong approach: Applying for jobs in May expecting H-1B sponsorship.

Reality: The lottery registration happens in March, so you need a confirmed offer by February at the latest. Employers need time to:

• Complete internal approvals
• Gather documentation
• File LCA with DOL
• Submit electronic registration

Mistake 3: Assuming Automatic Transfers

Wrong assumption: Working for Meta in London makes a move to Meta NYC automatic.

Reality: International transfers require separate visa qualification. Options include:

• L-1 Visa: Requires 1 year of continuous employment abroad in a managerial, executive, or specialized knowledge role
• H-1B Visa: Subject to lottery and cap unless cap-exempt

Neither is automatic, each requires separate petition filing and approval.

Mistake 4: Overlooking Subsidiary Differences

Wrong approach: Assuming all Amazon entities have the same sponsorship practices.

Reality: Different legal entities (Amazon.com Services LLC vs. Amazon Web Services Inc.) may have different approval rates, prevailing wages, and sponsorship policies.

Mistake 5: Not Confirming Current Sponsorship Policy

Wrong approach: Relying on historical data without verification.

Reality: Sponsorship policies change. Some consulting firms that previously sponsored all divisions have shifted to sponsoring only specific business units. Always confirm current policy directly with the employer.

Key Takeaways for H-1B Sponsorships in 2026

For job seekers:

1. Target employers with proven, recent H-1B sponsorship history
2. Prioritize roles at Wage Level III or IV for maximum lottery odds
3. If you're on F-1 OPT in the U.S., leverage the fee exemption
4. Secure offers by February 2026 for the FY 2027 lottery
5. Consider cap-exempt employers (universities, research institutions) as alternatives

For employers:

1. Plan FY 2027 H-1B filings now, identify candidates and roles early
2. Understand the wage-weighted lottery impact on selection probability
3. Consider alternative visa categories (O-1, L-1) for offshore candidates to avoid the fee
4. For U.S.-based international graduates, the change-of-status pathway avoids the supplemental fee

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do companies sponsor H-1B visas for contract or temporary positions?

It's rare but possible. Most H-1B sponsorships are for full-time, permanent positions because of the significant costs involved (filing fees, legal fees, and potentially the supplemental fee). Some staffing and consulting companies do sponsor H-1B workers for client-site placements, but these arrangements face additional USCIS scrutiny. The employer must demonstrate a valid employer-employee relationship and maintain control over your work, even if you're placed at a client location.

2. Can a company withdraw my H-1B petition after it's been filed?

Yes, an employer can withdraw an H-1B petition at any time before approval. This might happen due to budget cuts, position elimination, or changes in business needs. If your petition is withdrawn before the lottery, your registration is simply removed. If withdrawn after selection but before approval, you lose that year's opportunity. If your H-1B is already approved and your employer withdraws, you typically have a 60-day grace period to find a new sponsor, change status, or depart the U.S.

3. How do I know if a company's sponsorship history is still active?

Past sponsorship doesn't guarantee future sponsorship. Companies change policies based on budget, leadership, and immigration climate. To verify current practices: check recent USCIS data (petitions filed in the last 1-2 years), ask directly during interviews, connect with current international employees on LinkedIn, and look for job postings that explicitly mention visa sponsorship.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified immigration attorney for guidance specific to your situation.