H-1B Visa Software Development Specialist Jobs
Software Development Specialist roles qualify as H-1B visa specialty occupations because they require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a closely related field. Sponsoring employers file a certified LCA with DOL and an I-129 petition with USCIS, covering an initial three-year status period extendable to six years.
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INTRODUCTION
All job postings will expire at 11:59 PM Eastern Time on the application deadline.
Organization: Environmental Protection Agency
Agency Contact Name and Information: Erika Carleski - erika.carleski@epa.ohio.gov
Work Location:
Columbus, Ohio, 43215
United States
Compensation: $34.53/hr
Schedule: Permanent - Full Time
Work Hours: 8:00am-5:00pm
Classified Indicator: Classified
Union: OCSEA
Primary Job Skill: Software Development/Implementation
Who We Are
We’re the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, a regulatory organization that’s committed to protecting the environment and public health by ensuring compliance with federal and state laws. (We do this through some innovative, interesting, and fun work!)
Ohio EPA wants you to serve in this role within the Office of Information Technology Services at our Central Office in downtown Columbus. We are seeking a detail-oriented Software Quality Assurance (QA) Specialist to join our dynamic development team.
The ideal candidate will manually test software during development and regression cycles, report and retest defects, and ensure all requirements are met. Responsibilities include developing and documenting test scenarios, extracting and verifying test data using SQL, and participating in Agile meetings.
You will assist with user acceptance, integration, and automated testing using AI tools, Ruby, and Cucumber. The role involves maintaining defect tracking systems, updating scrum-boards, and providing status reports to project leads. As needed, you will act as test lead, coordinate team activities, and support process improvements.
Strong communication, analytical, and troubleshooting skills are required. Familiarity with GIT, Splunk, and automated test scripting is a plus. Continuous learning and the ability to adapt to evolving technologies are essential for success in this role.
Let’s recap:
- Manually test software, report and retest defects, and ensure requirements are met.
- Support user acceptance, integration, and automated testing (AI tools, Ruby, Cucumber).
- Develop test scenarios, extract/verify data using SQL, and participate in Agile meetings.
- Maintain defect tracking, update scrum-boards, provide status reports.
- Have strong communication, analytical skills, and familiarity with GIT, Splunk, and automated scripting.
If you’re energized by meaningful work, enjoy problem-solving, and want to support Ohio EPA’s environmental mission, this role is for you!
Additional Information
Job duty, knowledge, skill, and ability statements at a lower-level are understood to be able to be performed at any higher level.
Why Work for the State of Ohio:
At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees*. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website! Our benefits package includes:
- Medical Coverage
- Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period
- Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year
- Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave
- Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)
- Public Retirement Systems (such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS) & Optional Deferred Compensation (Ohio Deferred Compensation)
- Benefits eligibility is dependent on a number of factors. The Agency Contact listed above will be able to provide specific benefits information for this position.
QUALIFICATIONS
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36 mos. combined work experience in any combination of the following: developing and/or modifying programs for computer applications, performing testing and debugging and assisting with analysis and design including 12 mos. work experience in the primary technology as specified by the agency position description & job posting.
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Or completion of associate core program in computer science or information systems 18 mos. combined work experience in any combination of the following: developing and/or modifying programs for computer applications, performing testing and debugging and assisting with analysis and design including 12 mos. work experience in the primary technology as specified by the agency position description & job posting.
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Or completion of undergraduate core program in computer science or information systems 12 mos. combined work experience in any combination of the following: developing and/or modifying programs for computer applications, performing testing and debugging and assisting with analysis and design including 12 mos. work experience in the primary technology specified by the agency in the position description & job posting.
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Or equivalent of minimum class qualifications for employment noted above. Note: The official position description on file with the designated agency is to reflect the required, primary technology directly relating to the duties of the position. Only those applicants possessing the experience in the required, primary technology listed in the position description & job posting are to be considered for any vacancies posted.
Job Skills: Software Development/Implementation, Public Relations, Electronic Data Processing, Cybersecurity Law, Equipment Operations, Customer Focus
ADA Statement:
Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a model employer of individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.
Drug-Free Workplace:
The State of Ohio is a drug-free workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non-medical cannabis). Please note, this position may be subject to additional restrictions pursuant to the State of Ohio Drug-Free Workplace Policy (HR-39), and as outlined in the posting.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship as a Software Development Specialist
Align your degree to your specialization
USCIS evaluates whether your degree field directly relates to your software development duties. A computer science or software engineering degree is the cleanest match. If yours is in a adjacent field like math or electrical engineering, document how your coursework maps to your specific development role.
Look up prevailing wages before negotiating
Your employer's LCA must certify a wage at or above the DOL prevailing wage for your role and worksite location. Use the OFLC Wage Search to check wage levels by SOC code and metro area before your offer conversation so you know the floor they're legally required to meet.
Find sponsors using verified LCA filing history
Target employers who have already certified LCAs for Software Development Specialist roles, not just those with general tech hiring. Migrate Mate shows employers with verified H-1B LCA sponsorship history by role, so you can focus your applications on companies with a real track record.
Confirm each worksite has its own LCA
If your role involves client sites, hybrid schedules across offices, or project-based relocations, each worksite requires its own certified LCA. Raise this with your employer before accepting an offer so there's no compliance gap if your primary work location changes after filing.
Use O*NET to anchor your specialty occupation case
The O*NET profile for Software Developers and related titles shows degree requirements and core tasks that support a specialty occupation determination. Reference this in your job description documentation to reinforce that the role requires specialized theoretical knowledge, not just general technical skills.
File premium processing if your start date is firm
If you have a hard start date tied to a project or contract, ask your employer to file Form I-907 for premium processing. USCIS targets a 15-business-day adjudication window under premium, reducing the risk of status gaps when transitioning from OPT or another employer's H-1B.
H-1B Visa Software Development Specialist: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Software Development Specialist role qualify as an H-1B specialty occupation?
Yes. Software Development Specialist roles typically qualify because they require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a directly related field. USCIS evaluates whether the specific duties require this theoretical and practical body of knowledge. A well-drafted job description that ties each duty to degree-level expertise strengthens the petition considerably.
How do I find employers who actively sponsor H-1B visas for software development roles?
Start with employers who have a documented history of filing LCAs for software development positions, not just general tech companies. Migrate Mate lists employers with verified H-1B LCA sponsorship history searchable by role, which lets you direct your applications toward companies that have already navigated the process for this type of position.
What happens to my H-1B status if I switch to a different software employer?
Your new employer must file a new H-1B petition before you start working for them. Under H-1B portability rules, if your original petition was approved and you filed a timely extension or transfer, you can begin work once USCIS receives the new petition. Your status continues for up to six years from your original approval date, not reset with each employer.
Can my employer use a single LCA if I work across multiple client sites?
No. Each distinct worksite requires its own certified LCA. If your role involves client deployments, consulting engagements, or rotation across offices in different metro areas, your employer must file separate LCAs for each location before you work there. Short-term placements have narrow exceptions, but regular assignments to unlisted worksites create compliance risk for both you and the employer.
What documentation should I prepare before an employer begins my H-1B petition?
Gather your academic transcripts and degree certificates, any credential evaluations if your degree is from outside the U.S., and a detailed resume showing how your work history ties to software development duties requiring a specialized degree. Your employer will also need a job description that maps each duty to degree-level knowledge, which you can support by referencing your role's O*NET profile during the documentation process.