H-1B Visa ML Research Engineer Jobs

ML Research Engineer roles qualify as H-1B visa specialty occupations under the computer and mathematical sciences category, requiring at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, machine learning, or a directly related field. Most research-focused positions at labs and tech companies have active H-1B filing histories, making this one of the more sponsorship-accessible paths for international candidates.

Find H-1B Visa ML Research Engineer Jobs

Overview

Open Jobs2,429+
Work Type72% On-site
Top LocationSan Francisco, CA
Most JobsApple

Showing 5 of 2,429+ ML Research Engineer jobs

Infosys
ML Engineer Analytics
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Infosys
New 3h ago
ML Engineer Analytics
Infosys
Dallas, Texas
Data Science & Analytics
Software Engineering
Data Science
AI (Artificial Intelligence)
ML (Machine Learning)
Data Analytics
On-Site
None
10,000+

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Apple
ML Engineering Manager
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Apple
New 8h ago
ML Engineering Manager
Apple
San Francisco Bay Area, California
Software Engineering
Technical Product & Program Management
Project & Program Management
AI (Artificial Intelligence)
ML (Machine Learning)
Technical Program Management
Project Management
$238k - $402k/yr
On-Site
Master's
10,000+

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Databricks
Senior Applied ML Engineer
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Databricks
New 8h ago
Senior Applied ML Engineer
Databricks
San Francisco, California
Software Engineering
Data Science & Analytics
Cloud & DevOps
AI (Artificial Intelligence)
ML (Machine Learning)
Data Science
$16k - $21k/yr
On-Site
Master's
5,001-10,000

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TikTok
ML Infra Engineer
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TikTok
New 15h ago
ML Infra Engineer
TikTok
San Jose, California
Data Science & Analytics
Software Engineering
Cloud & DevOps
Data Science
$256k/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's

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Provectus
Senior ML Engineer
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Provectus
Added 3d ago
Senior ML Engineer
Provectus
Maryland
Data Science & Analytics
Software Engineering
Data Science
AI (Artificial Intelligence)
ML (Machine Learning)
On-Site
None
501-1,000

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Tips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship as a ML Research Engineer

Frame your research portfolio for specialty occupation

USCIS evaluates whether your role requires a specific theoretical body of knowledge. Document how your ML research draws on advanced mathematics, statistics, or computer science, not just engineering execution. Peer-reviewed publications and patent filings strengthen this directly.

Check LCA filings before applying

Use Migrate Mate to filter employers by verified H-1B Labor Condition Application history in ML and research roles. This surfaces companies that have already cleared DOL prevailing-wage certification for positions matching your target job code, not just companies that sponsor in general.

Target cap-exempt employers strategically

Universities, nonprofit research institutions, and certain government-affiliated labs are exempt from the annual H-1B cap and lottery. If your research background fits academic or applied science contexts, these employers can file for you any time of year without a registration slot.

Verify your wage tier before negotiating an offer

Your employer's LCA must certify your salary at the DOL prevailing wage for your SOC code and work location. Look up the wage level for ML Research Engineer roles in your target metro using the OFLC Wage Search before accepting an offer, so you know the floor your employer must meet.

Request premium processing if your start date is tight

USCIS offers premium processing for H-1B petitions, reducing adjudication to 15 business days. For ML Research Engineer roles starting after an OPT expiration or mid-year transition, confirm with your employer that they'll request it, standard processing can run five to seven months.

Align your job description to your O*NET profile

The O*NET profile for ML Research Engineer roles lists specific knowledge domains and skill requirements USCIS reviewers reference during specialty occupation adjudication. Ask your employer to ensure the job description mirrors this language to reduce the risk of a Request for Evidence.

H-1B Visa ML Research Engineer: Frequently Asked Questions

Does an ML Research Engineer role qualify as an H-1B specialty occupation?

Yes. ML Research Engineer positions fall under the computer and mathematical sciences occupational category, which USCIS consistently recognizes as a specialty occupation. The role must require at least a bachelor's degree in a directly related field such as computer science, machine learning, statistics, or applied mathematics. Roles that accept any degree or treat the degree requirement as a preference rather than a requirement can face challenges during adjudication.

Which types of employers sponsor H-1B visas for ML Research Engineer roles?

Large technology companies, AI-focused startups, national laboratories, and research universities are the most active sponsors for ML Research Engineer positions. Universities and nonprofit research institutions are cap-exempt, meaning they can file H-1B petitions outside the lottery window. You can browse employers with verified H-1B filing history for research and ML roles on Migrate Mate, filtered by location and job function.

How does the H-1B lottery affect ML Research Engineer job seekers?

The annual H-1B cap covers most private-sector employers, with registrations typically open in March for an October 1 start date. USCIS selects registrations by random lottery when demand exceeds the 85,000 available slots. If you're targeting cap-exempt employers like universities or federally funded research labs, the lottery doesn't apply and your employer can file any time your position is ready.

What documents should I prepare before an employer files my H-1B petition?

You'll need your highest academic credentials with translations if applicable, your current immigration status documents, and a detailed resume aligned to the specialty occupation definition. For ML Research Engineer roles, supporting evidence such as published research, conference proceedings, or patents helps establish that your position requires specialized theoretical knowledge. Your employer's attorney typically compiles the petition, but your documentation package directly affects adjudication speed.

Can I switch ML Research Engineer employers after my H-1B is approved?

Yes, under H-1B portability rules established by AC21, you can transfer your H-1B to a new employer once your petition has been pending or approved for at least 180 days, provided the new role is in the same or a similar occupational classification. Your new employer files an H-1B transfer petition and you can begin work once they receive the receipt notice, without waiting for final approval.