H-1B Visa AI Researcher Jobs

AI Researcher roles qualify as H-1B visa specialty occupations under the computer and mathematical sciences category, typically requiring at least a master's degree or equivalent in machine learning, computer science, or a related field. Most sponsoring employers file in the annual April lottery, so timing your job search to land an offer by February or March is critical.

Find H-1B Visa AI Researcher Jobs

Overview

Open Jobs751+
Work Type83% On-site
Top LocationSan Francisco, CA
Most JobsApple

Showing 5 of 751+ AI Researcher jobs

Workato
Senior AI Research Scientist
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Workato
New 17h ago
Senior AI Research Scientist
Workato
San Francisco, California
Software Engineering
Data Science & Analytics
AI (Artificial Intelligence)
ML (Machine Learning)
Data Science
On-Site
Master's
2-10

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Cisco
AI Researcher
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Cisco
New 22h ago
AI Researcher
Cisco
San Francisco, California
Software Engineering
Data Science & Analytics
Data Engineering
AI (Artificial Intelligence)
ML (Machine Learning)
Data Science
$165k - $270k/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's
10,000+

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Intel
Neuromorphic/AI Research Scientist
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Intel
Added 3d ago
Neuromorphic/AI Research Scientist
Intel
Santa Clara, California
Software Engineering
Data Science & Analytics
Data Science
Data Analytics
$52k - $200k/yr
Hybrid
Doctorate

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Franklin Templeton
AI Research Analyst
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Franklin Templeton
Added 3d ago
AI Research Analyst
Franklin Templeton
San Mateo, California
Software Engineering
Data Science & Analytics
Partnerships & Business Development
AI (Artificial Intelligence)
ML (Machine Learning)
Data Science
Data Analytics
Business Development
$150k - $200k/yr
Hybrid
Master's
5,001-10,000

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Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
AI Research Software Engineer
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Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Added 1w ago
AI Research Software Engineer
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
San Francisco Bay Area, California
Software Engineering
AI (Artificial Intelligence)
ML (Machine Learning)
Backend Engineering
$9,761 - $16k/mo
Hybrid
Master's
5,001-10,000

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Tips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship in AI Researcher

Align your degree to the SOC code

USCIS evaluates specialty occupation by matching your degree field to the role's Standard Occupational Classification code. For AI Researcher positions, a degree in computer science, statistics, or a directly related field strengthens the petition and reduces RFE risk.

Search LCA filings before applying

Employers must file a Labor Condition Application with DOL before sponsoring you. Use Migrate Mate to filter AI Researcher roles by verified LCA filing history, so you're only targeting companies that have already committed to the sponsorship process.

Verify the prevailing wage tier before negotiating

Your offered salary must meet the DOL prevailing wage for your role and location. Use the OFLC Wage Search to check the Level I through Level IV wage for AI Researcher positions in your target metro before entering any salary discussion.

Confirm the employer files cap-subject petitions

Universities, nonprofit research organizations, and government research entities are cap-exempt, meaning they can sponsor you outside the April lottery. If you're targeting industry labs, confirm the employer files cap-subject H-1B petitions and has done so recently.

Request premium processing if your start date is fixed

USCIS offers premium processing for H-1B petitions, with a decision guaranteed within 15 business days. If your research role has a hard start date tied to a grant cycle or product launch, ask your employer to elect premium processing to avoid a status gap.

Document publications and patents before the petition

USCIS officers increasingly scrutinize AI Researcher petitions by reviewing whether the role requires theoretical and applied research skills. Compile your publications, conference presentations, and any patent filings now. They won't appear in the petition directly but prepare you to respond to an RFE quickly.

H-1B Visa AI Researcher: Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. AI Researcher positions fall under computer and mathematical occupations in the DOL classification system and routinely satisfy the H-1B specialty occupation standard. USCIS requires that the role normally requires at least a bachelor's degree in a specific, directly related field. A degree in computer science, machine learning, statistics, or a closely related discipline typically meets this standard, though USCIS may issue an RFE if the job description is broad enough to accept unrelated degrees.

Which employers sponsor H-1B visas for AI Researchers?

Both large technology companies and university research labs sponsor AI Researcher H-1B petitions regularly. Universities and affiliated nonprofit research institutions are cap-exempt, which means they can file year-round rather than waiting for the April lottery. Industry employers, including cloud platforms and AI-focused product companies, are cap-subject and must enter the lottery. Browse Migrate Mate to see which employers have active LCA filings for AI Researcher and related research roles.

How does the H-1B lottery affect my timeline as an AI Researcher?

Cap-subject H-1B petitions can only be filed in April for an October 1 start date, following a March registration window. If you're not selected, you must wait until the next lottery cycle unless your employer qualifies as cap-exempt. AI Researchers at universities or government-funded research centers can bypass the lottery entirely. Plan your job search so you have a signed offer and completed LCA by late March to be included in that year's filing.

What documentation should I prepare for an AI Researcher H-1B petition?

Your employer's immigration attorney will build the petition, but you'll need to provide educational transcripts and degree certificates, a detailed description of your research responsibilities, and evidence that the role requires a degree in a specific field. If your degree is from outside the U.S., a credential evaluation is required. Publications, patents, or conference proceedings aren't filed with the petition but can be critical supporting evidence if USCIS issues an RFE questioning whether the position is a specialty occupation.

Can I switch employers mid-project on an H-1B as an AI Researcher?

Yes. H-1B portability under AC21 lets you change employers after your petition has been pending for at least 180 days, as long as the new role is in the same or a similar occupational classification. For AI Researchers, moving between research labs or from a research role to an applied research engineering position typically qualifies. Your new employer must file an H-1B transfer petition before your last day with the current employer to maintain continuous work authorization.