Data Specialist Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Data Specialist roles are among the more sponsorship-friendly positions in tech and analytics. Most qualify as H-1B visa specialty occupations, and employers in healthcare, finance, and enterprise software sponsor regularly. A bachelor's degree in a quantitative field is typically required. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Get Access To All JobsJob Posting: Research Data Specialist
Department of Transportation
JC-527836
Research Data Specialist
RESEARCH DATA SPECIALIST I
$6,955.00 - $8,706.00 per Month
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
Final Filing Date: 8/23/2026
Job Description and Duties
Will Consider Research Data Specialist II.
Under the general direction of a Research Data Supervisor II, the incumbent performs data related work in support of the Division of Data and Digital Services and other California DOT divisions, state and federal agencies supporting data-related strategies for decision making activities in planning, sustainability, accessibility, design, economic assessment, project delivery and traffic operations practices. The incumbent works closely with internal and external partners to Caltrans providing enterprise and web-based data platforms support.
PARF 64-27-0005 / JC 527836
This position may be eligible for telework. The amount of telework is at the discretion of the Department and based on Caltrans’s evolving telework policy. Caltrans supports telework, recognizing that in-person attendance may be required based on operational needs. Employees are expected to be able to report to their worksites with minimum notification if an urgent need arises. The selected candidate will be required to commute to the headquartered location as needed to meet operational needs. Business travel may be required, and reimbursement considers an employee’s designated headquartered location, primary residence, and may be subject to CalHR regulations or applicable bargaining unit contract provisions. All commute expenses to the headquartered location will be the responsibility of the selected candidate.
Please take this 1-minute Caltrans Recruitment survey to tell us how you found out about this job.
Apply today to join our team! We especially encourage applicants to check out our Caltrans Career Compass tool! The Caltrans Career Compass is a tool to assist and help candidates understand and succeed in applying to Caltrans positions.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
Working Conditions
Position located at 1120 N St Sacramento, Sacramento County.
The incumbent works primarily in a climate controlled office environment under artificial and natural lighting, or remotely telecommuting. On occasion the incumbent will be required to travel.
Eligibility for hire may be determined by your score on the Research Data Specialist I exam. For those who do not have current eligibility (e.g., transfer, permissive reinstatement, or voluntary demotions) and/or who will be new to state civil services employment, you must be on the state examination list to be eligible for these positions. To apply for the exam, please click here and search by typing in the classification title.
This is a Limited Term position which may be extended to 24 months or become permanent.
Position Details
Job Code #: JC-527836
Position #(s): 900-064-5742-XXX
Working Title: Research Data Specialist
Classification: RESEARCH DATA SPECIALIST I
$6,955.00 - $8,706.00 A
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
Shall Consider:
RESEARCH DATA SPECIALIST II
$7,640.00 - $9,561.00 A
# of Positions: Multiple
Work Location: Sacramento County
Telework: Hybrid
Job Type: 12 Month Limited Term - Full Time
Department Information
Caltrans Mission: Improving lives and communities through transportation.
Caltrans Vision: A thriving and connected California.
The Caltrans workforce is made up of diverse and unique individuals who contribute to our organizational success.
Department Website: www.dot.ca.gov
Director’s EEO Policy Statement: https://dot.ca.gov/programs/equal-employment-opportunity
Special Requirements
Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required. Failure to submit a Statement of Qualifications will disqualify candidates from the hiring process.
The Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) serves as documentation of each applicant’s ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. Please follow the instructions below; failure to include and complete the SOQ as instructed may result in the SOQ not being considered and in disqualification from the interview. Each question must be numbered and addressed in the same order as the questions below. The SOQ must be typed, no more than two pages in length, and 12-point Arial font.
-
Describe your education, experience, skills, knowledge, and abilities as they relate to data analysis and this position.
-
Describe your experience collecting, validating, and analyzing big datasets. Share an example explaining your role, actions, and outcome.
-
Please describe your experience explaining and presenting data to a large audience. What data tools have you used?
-
Describe your project management experience working on data research projects. What are some specific projects or tasks you worked on? What was your role? What was the outcome? What could you have done better?
Possession of Minimum Qualifications will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment. If you are basing your eligibility on education, you must include your unofficial transcript(s)/diploma for verification. Unofficial, original, or official sealed transcripts will be accepted and may be required upon appointment. Applicants with foreign transcripts/degrees must provide a transcript/degree U.S. equivalency report evaluation that indicates the number of units and degree to which the foreign coursework is equivalent. Please visit either of the following two websites for a list of evaluation agencies: https://www.naces.org/members or https://aice-eval.org. Please redact birthdates and social security numbers.
Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 8/23/2026
Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Individuals who are eligible for a Training and Development assignment may also be considered for this position(s).
Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Department of Transportation
N/A
Attn: Caltrans DHR Contact
Certification Services MS-90
P O Box 168036
Sacramento, CA 95816-8036
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Department of Transportation
Drop-Off Address
Caltrans DHR Contact
Classification and Hiring Unit - ECOS
1727 30th Street, MS 90
Sacramento, CA 95816
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Required Application Package Documents
The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:
- Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
- Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
- Statement of Qualifications - Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required. Please see the Special Requirements section for SOQ instructions.
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.
Desirable Qualifications
In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:
KNOWLEDGE OF: Data collection, validation, analysis, and presentation; database design and management techniques; concepts of and terms used in engineering and planning; project management methodologies and tools; Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft Office suite.
ABILITY TO: Independently and successfully perform complex research and analysis projects involving various types of data and techniques and methodologies associated. The incumbent also will need to be equally able in the use of office automation tools such as desktop and server products, handling of various administrative matters and responsibilities, prepare reports and present information publicly; communicate effectively, establish and maintain friendly and cooperative relations with those contacted, successfully follow directions and complete assignments, and keep the Office Chief/RDM informed and involved.
ANALYTICAL REQUIREMENTS: Analyze business needs to determine requirements. Analyze requirements to determine alternative solutions. Analyze alternative solutions to determine preferred solution. Analyze project management and application design and development methodologies and tools to improve efficiency and cost effectiveness.
Benefits
Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.
Contact Information
The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the application process. The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position.
Human Resources Contact:
Hyewon Pak
(916) 591-6133
hyewon.pak@dot.ca.gov
Hiring Unit Contact:
Maribelle Dela Merced
(916) 639-6130
maribelle.delamerced@dot.ca.gov
Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:
Caltrans EEO Office
(844) 368-3367
Ask.eeo@dot.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.
Important Application Instructions
The State application (STD. 678) is required, and each section must be filled out completely and thoroughly. For mailed or hand delivered applications to be considered for this position, the Job Control number (JC-527836), PARF# 64-27-0005 and title of the position (Insert Classification Title) must be included on the STD. 678 form. Electronic applications through your CalCareers account are highly recommended and encouraged. Candidates that meet the minimum qualifications based on possession of EDUCATION, LICENSE, OR CERTIFICATE must include a copy of your DEGREE/TRANSCRIPTS, LICENSE, or CERTIFICATE, along with your State application (STD. 678), to be considered for this position.
NOTE: Do not submit the “Equal Employment Opportunity” questionnaire (page 5) with your completed State application (STD. 678). This page is for examination use only. Do not include any confidential information on any documents you submit for this job vacancy, such as your state application, resume, or educational transcripts. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents includes, but is not limited to, your Social Security Number, birth date, driver’s license number, examination results, LEAP status, marital status, and age. The job application packet checklist is not required to apply for this position. Failure to follow these instructions may result in your application not being considered for this position.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.
Job Posting: Research Data Specialist
Department of Transportation
JC-527836
Research Data Specialist
RESEARCH DATA SPECIALIST I
$6,955.00 - $8,706.00 per Month
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
Final Filing Date: 8/23/2026
Job Description and Duties
Will Consider Research Data Specialist II.
Under the general direction of a Research Data Supervisor II, the incumbent performs data related work in support of the Division of Data and Digital Services and other California DOT divisions, state and federal agencies supporting data-related strategies for decision making activities in planning, sustainability, accessibility, design, economic assessment, project delivery and traffic operations practices. The incumbent works closely with internal and external partners to Caltrans providing enterprise and web-based data platforms support.
PARF 64-27-0005 / JC 527836
This position may be eligible for telework. The amount of telework is at the discretion of the Department and based on Caltrans’s evolving telework policy. Caltrans supports telework, recognizing that in-person attendance may be required based on operational needs. Employees are expected to be able to report to their worksites with minimum notification if an urgent need arises. The selected candidate will be required to commute to the headquartered location as needed to meet operational needs. Business travel may be required, and reimbursement considers an employee’s designated headquartered location, primary residence, and may be subject to CalHR regulations or applicable bargaining unit contract provisions. All commute expenses to the headquartered location will be the responsibility of the selected candidate.
Please take this 1-minute Caltrans Recruitment survey to tell us how you found out about this job.
Apply today to join our team! We especially encourage applicants to check out our Caltrans Career Compass tool! The Caltrans Career Compass is a tool to assist and help candidates understand and succeed in applying to Caltrans positions.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
Working Conditions
Position located at 1120 N St Sacramento, Sacramento County.
The incumbent works primarily in a climate controlled office environment under artificial and natural lighting, or remotely telecommuting. On occasion the incumbent will be required to travel.
Eligibility for hire may be determined by your score on the Research Data Specialist I exam. For those who do not have current eligibility (e.g., transfer, permissive reinstatement, or voluntary demotions) and/or who will be new to state civil services employment, you must be on the state examination list to be eligible for these positions. To apply for the exam, please click here and search by typing in the classification title.
This is a Limited Term position which may be extended to 24 months or become permanent.
Position Details
Job Code #: JC-527836
Position #(s): 900-064-5742-XXX
Working Title: Research Data Specialist
Classification: RESEARCH DATA SPECIALIST I
$6,955.00 - $8,706.00 A
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
Shall Consider:
RESEARCH DATA SPECIALIST II
$7,640.00 - $9,561.00 A
# of Positions: Multiple
Work Location: Sacramento County
Telework: Hybrid
Job Type: 12 Month Limited Term - Full Time
Department Information
Caltrans Mission: Improving lives and communities through transportation.
Caltrans Vision: A thriving and connected California.
The Caltrans workforce is made up of diverse and unique individuals who contribute to our organizational success.
Department Website: www.dot.ca.gov
Director’s EEO Policy Statement: https://dot.ca.gov/programs/equal-employment-opportunity
Special Requirements
Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required. Failure to submit a Statement of Qualifications will disqualify candidates from the hiring process.
The Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) serves as documentation of each applicant’s ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. Please follow the instructions below; failure to include and complete the SOQ as instructed may result in the SOQ not being considered and in disqualification from the interview. Each question must be numbered and addressed in the same order as the questions below. The SOQ must be typed, no more than two pages in length, and 12-point Arial font.
-
Describe your education, experience, skills, knowledge, and abilities as they relate to data analysis and this position.
-
Describe your experience collecting, validating, and analyzing big datasets. Share an example explaining your role, actions, and outcome.
-
Please describe your experience explaining and presenting data to a large audience. What data tools have you used?
-
Describe your project management experience working on data research projects. What are some specific projects or tasks you worked on? What was your role? What was the outcome? What could you have done better?
Possession of Minimum Qualifications will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment. If you are basing your eligibility on education, you must include your unofficial transcript(s)/diploma for verification. Unofficial, original, or official sealed transcripts will be accepted and may be required upon appointment. Applicants with foreign transcripts/degrees must provide a transcript/degree U.S. equivalency report evaluation that indicates the number of units and degree to which the foreign coursework is equivalent. Please visit either of the following two websites for a list of evaluation agencies: https://www.naces.org/members or https://aice-eval.org. Please redact birthdates and social security numbers.
Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 8/23/2026
Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Individuals who are eligible for a Training and Development assignment may also be considered for this position(s).
Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Department of Transportation
N/A
Attn: Caltrans DHR Contact
Certification Services MS-90
P O Box 168036
Sacramento, CA 95816-8036
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Department of Transportation
Drop-Off Address
Caltrans DHR Contact
Classification and Hiring Unit - ECOS
1727 30th Street, MS 90
Sacramento, CA 95816
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Required Application Package Documents
The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:
- Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
- Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
- Statement of Qualifications - Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required. Please see the Special Requirements section for SOQ instructions.
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.
Desirable Qualifications
In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:
KNOWLEDGE OF: Data collection, validation, analysis, and presentation; database design and management techniques; concepts of and terms used in engineering and planning; project management methodologies and tools; Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft Office suite.
ABILITY TO: Independently and successfully perform complex research and analysis projects involving various types of data and techniques and methodologies associated. The incumbent also will need to be equally able in the use of office automation tools such as desktop and server products, handling of various administrative matters and responsibilities, prepare reports and present information publicly; communicate effectively, establish and maintain friendly and cooperative relations with those contacted, successfully follow directions and complete assignments, and keep the Office Chief/RDM informed and involved.
ANALYTICAL REQUIREMENTS: Analyze business needs to determine requirements. Analyze requirements to determine alternative solutions. Analyze alternative solutions to determine preferred solution. Analyze project management and application design and development methodologies and tools to improve efficiency and cost effectiveness.
Benefits
Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.
Contact Information
The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the application process. The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position.
Human Resources Contact:
Hyewon Pak
(916) 591-6133
hyewon.pak@dot.ca.gov
Hiring Unit Contact:
Maribelle Dela Merced
(916) 639-6130
maribelle.delamerced@dot.ca.gov
Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:
Caltrans EEO Office
(844) 368-3367
Ask.eeo@dot.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.
Important Application Instructions
The State application (STD. 678) is required, and each section must be filled out completely and thoroughly. For mailed or hand delivered applications to be considered for this position, the Job Control number (JC-527836), PARF# 64-27-0005 and title of the position (Insert Classification Title) must be included on the STD. 678 form. Electronic applications through your CalCareers account are highly recommended and encouraged. Candidates that meet the minimum qualifications based on possession of EDUCATION, LICENSE, OR CERTIFICATE must include a copy of your DEGREE/TRANSCRIPTS, LICENSE, or CERTIFICATE, along with your State application (STD. 678), to be considered for this position.
NOTE: Do not submit the “Equal Employment Opportunity” questionnaire (page 5) with your completed State application (STD. 678). This page is for examination use only. Do not include any confidential information on any documents you submit for this job vacancy, such as your state application, resume, or educational transcripts. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents includes, but is not limited to, your Social Security Number, birth date, driver’s license number, examination results, LEAP status, marital status, and age. The job application packet checklist is not required to apply for this position. Failure to follow these instructions may result in your application not being considered for this position.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as a Data Specialist
Target industries with consistent sponsorship track records
Healthcare systems, financial services firms, and enterprise software companies file H-1B petitions for Data Specialists at high rates. Focusing your search on these sectors significantly improves your odds of finding a willing sponsor.
Make sure your degree aligns with the job description
H-1B specialty occupation requires a degree in a field directly related to the role. Statistics, computer science, information systems, and applied mathematics are strong matches. A general business degree may not satisfy the requirement without supporting coursework.
Look for employers who have sponsored this role before
Past sponsorship behavior is the strongest signal of future willingness. Employers who have filed Labor Condition Applications for Data Specialist titles are already familiar with the process and far less likely to decline candidates who need sponsorship.
Use Migrate Mate to filter for sponsoring employers
Migrate Mate surfaces Data Specialist roles from employers verified to sponsor work visas, so you're not wasting applications on companies that won't consider international candidates. Browse roles filtered specifically for your visa situation.
Frame your technical stack clearly on your resume
Employers assessing sponsorship risk want confidence the hire is worth the cost. Listing specific tools such as SQL, Python, Tableau, or Power BI signals specialist-level competency and helps justify the specialty occupation classification to USCIS.
Understand the LCA requirement before your offer
Before your employer files your H-1B petition, they must obtain a certified Labor Condition Application from the Department of Labor. Knowing this step exists helps you set realistic timelines and ask informed questions during the offer process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Data Specialist role qualify as an H-1B specialty occupation?
Most Data Specialist positions qualify, but it depends on how the employer defines the role. USCIS requires that the job normally requires a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific field. If the job description accepts any degree or lists no field requirement, the petition faces higher scrutiny. Roles requiring statistics, data science, computer science, or information systems degrees are the strongest candidates for approval.
What degree do I need to get H-1B sponsorship as a Data Specialist?
A bachelor's degree in a quantitative or technical field is the baseline. Statistics, mathematics, computer science, information systems, and data science are the most defensible options. Degrees in business or economics can work if your coursework was heavily quantitative, but employers and immigration attorneys will want to verify the match. A misaligned degree is one of the most common reasons H-1B visa petitions for data roles get challenged.
How common is H-1B sponsorship for Data Specialist jobs?
Sponsorship for this title is more common than for generalist roles, but less common than for software engineering positions. Healthcare analytics teams, financial institutions, and data platform companies file H-1B petitions for Data Specialists regularly. Mid-size and large employers are more likely to sponsor than small businesses, which often cite legal costs as a barrier. Searching on Migrate Mate filters for employers who have demonstrated a willingness to sponsor.
Can I qualify for an O-1A visa as a Data Specialist?
Possibly, but the bar is high. The O-1A requires extraordinary ability demonstrated through awards, published research, high compensation relative to peers, critical roles at distinguished organizations, or judged contributions to the field. Senior data scientists with published work, conference presentations, or notable industry recognition may meet the threshold. Most mid-level Data Specialists will not qualify without a particularly exceptional profile.
Does the specific job title matter for H-1B sponsorship, or just the actual work?
USCIS evaluates the actual duties, not just the title. A position called Data Specialist that involves advanced statistical modeling and requires a specific degree will fare better than one with the same title but generalist duties any graduate could perform. Employers should write job descriptions that clearly reflect specialized, degree-requiring work. Vague descriptions that suggest the role is open to any background are a common source of H-1B denials for data roles.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Data Specialist jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.