H-1B Visa AI Research Scientist Jobs

AI Research Scientist roles qualify as H-1B visa specialty occupations under the computer and mathematical sciences category, requiring at least a bachelor's degree in a directly related field. Most positions at research labs, tech companies, and universities fall under SOC code 15-2051, and many employers file premium processing to meet competitive hiring timelines.

Find H-1B Visa AI Research Scientist Jobs

Overview

Open Jobs1,417+
Work Type70% On-site
Top LocationSan Francisco, CA
Most JobsCapital One

Showing 5 of 1,417+ AI Research Scientist jobs

Cardiovascular Medicine Artificial Intelligence (AI) Program Manager
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New 18h ago
Cardiovascular Medicine Artificial Intelligence (AI) Program Manager
Atrium Health
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Project & Program Management
Business Analysis
Healthcare Administration
Project Management
Program Management
$33 - $49/hr
On-Site
Bachelor's
10,000+

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Senior Principal Artificial Intelligence Operations & Delivery
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New 21h ago
Senior Principal Artificial Intelligence Operations & Delivery
Alliant Credit Union
Chicago, Illinois
Project & Program Management
Technical Product & Program Management
Software Engineering
Data Science & Analytics
Cloud & DevOps
Project Management
Technical Program Management
AI (Artificial Intelligence)
$150k - $257k/yr
Hybrid
Bachelor's
501-1,000

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Lead Artificial Intelligence Solutions Consultant
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Added 4d ago
Lead Artificial Intelligence Solutions Consultant
NTT DATA
Charlotte, North Carolina
Software Engineering
Cloud & DevOps
Technical Product & Program Management
Strategy & Corporate Development
Consulting & Professional Services
AI (Artificial Intelligence)
Technical Program Management
Business Strategy
$75 - $80/hr
On-Site
None
10,000+

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Senior Manager, CSP - Artificial Intelligence
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Added 5d ago
Senior Manager, CSP - Artificial Intelligence
NVIDIA
Santa Clara, California
Partnerships & Business Development
Sales
Technical Product & Program Management
Product Management
Business Development
Technical Program Management
$248k - $397k/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's
10,000+

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Associate Artificial Intelligence Engineer
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Added 5d ago
Associate Artificial Intelligence Engineer
Park Place Technologies
Highland Heights, Ohio
Software Engineering
Data Science & Analytics
AI (Artificial Intelligence)
ML (Machine Learning)
Data Science
On-Site
Bachelor's
1,001-5,000

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Tips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship as an AI Research Scientist

Verify your degree meets specialty occupation

Your degree field must directly relate to AI research, not just computer science broadly. A PhD in statistics or cognitive science can qualify, but you'll need to document the connection to your specific role in the H-1B petition.

Search LCA filings by occupation code

Use Migrate Mate to filter employers by H-1B Labor Condition Application filings under SOC code 15-2051. This shows you which companies have actively sponsored AI Research Scientist roles, not just tech companies that sponsor H-1Bs generally.

Target cap-exempt employers for faster timelines

Universities, nonprofit research institutions, and government research organizations are cap-exempt, meaning they can file your H-1B petition any time of year without waiting for the April lottery. This matters if your OPT or other status expires soon.

Confirm prevailing wage level before negotiating

Look up your offered role's wage level using the OFLC Wage Search before finalizing your offer. Employers must certify your salary meets the DOL prevailing wage for your location and job duties, and Level I wages are frequently challenged for research positions.

Prepare publications and project documentation early

USCIS scrutinizes AI Research Scientist petitions for specialty occupation eligibility. Gather published papers, conference presentations, patent filings, and technical reports before your employer files. Strong evidence of specialized research output reduces RFE risk significantly.

Ask about premium processing at the offer stage

Many AI Research Scientist offers are time-sensitive because employers are competing for the same candidates. USCIS premium processing upgrades standard adjudication to 15 business days. Clarify whether your employer includes this in the sponsorship package before you sign.

H-1B Visa AI Research Scientist: Frequently Asked Questions

Does an AI Research Scientist role qualify as an H-1B specialty occupation?

Yes. AI Research Scientist positions fall under the computer and mathematical occupations category and require at least a bachelor's degree in a directly related field such as computer science, mathematics, or statistics. USCIS evaluates whether the specific job duties require theoretical and practical application of highly specialized knowledge, which most research-focused AI roles satisfy.

Which types of employers sponsor H-1B visas for AI Research Scientists?

Technology companies, national laboratories, university research departments, and AI-focused startups are the most active sponsors. Cap-exempt employers like universities and nonprofit research institutions can file outside the annual lottery window, which is a meaningful advantage. You can browse verified sponsoring employers on Migrate Mate, filtered by occupation code and filing history.

How does the H-1B lottery affect AI Research Scientist candidates at for-profit companies?

For-profit employers must enter the annual H-1B lottery, with registrations typically opening in March for an October 1 start date. Selection is not guaranteed. Candidates with a U.S. master's degree or higher get a second chance in the advanced-degree pool, which modestly improves selection odds. If not selected, some candidates pivot to cap-exempt roles to bridge the gap.

What documentation strengthens an H-1B petition for an AI Research Scientist?

Published research papers, conference proceedings, patents, technical reports, and letters from collaborators all support the specialty occupation argument. USCIS looks for evidence that the role requires a specific body of highly specialized knowledge. A strong job description that ties research duties to degree requirements is as important as your personal credentials.

Can I switch employers during H-1B status as an AI Research Scientist?

Yes. Under H-1B portability rules, you can start working for a new employer once they file a non-frivolous H-1B transfer petition, without waiting for approval. The new employer must file a fresh LCA with DOL and submit a new I-129 petition to USCIS. Your job duties and salary at the new employer must still meet specialty occupation and prevailing wage requirements.