Mainframe Programmer Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Mainframe programmers qualify for H-1B visa, TN visa, and O-1 visa sponsorship as specialty occupation roles requiring computer science or related technical degrees. Legacy system expertise makes these positions highly valued by financial services, insurance, and government contractors who maintain critical mainframe infrastructure. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
Find Mainframe Programmer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 23+ Mainframe Programmer jobs
See all Mainframe Programmer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Mainframe Programmer roles.
Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
The Financial Information Services Agency and the Office of Payroll Administration (FISA-OPA) has a vacancy for a Mainframe Programmer Analyst. FISA maintains a mainframe payroll application that is integrated with the City's timekeeping and personnel application for active employees. Additionally, FISA maintains a mainframe Pension Payroll system that is integrated/interfaces with five separate pension agencies for retirees. Mainframe development work is triaged through the analyst group and as a mainframe programmer analyst, along with the Lead, the programmer analyst shall review the business/technical requirements, and provide technical guidance as well as architectural suggestions. The programmer analyst shall support the current ongoing development work of the long term, highly complex PMS replacement project. The programmer analyst shall work closely with the technical Lead and FISA analyst, testing, and operations staff to create accurate and efficient processes. The programmer analyst shall support production payroll and pension payroll activities.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the direction of the technical lead, work in a techno-functional capacity with a strong understanding of business processes, mainframe programming (COBOL), and relational databases to design, program, and assist in determining impact of change to programs and systems. Shall also review and analyze program specifications to determine the effort needed to make changes. The programmer analyst shall also be On-Call for overnight and weekend Payroll and Pension Payroll processes.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college in computer science, engineering, human computer interaction, interactive media, digital and graphics design, data visualization, communication or a related field, and four years of satisfactory full-time experience related to the area(s) required by the particular position and a specialization in a relevant technology, process, methodology and/or domain; or
- An associate degree from an accredited college in computer science, engineering, human computer interaction, interactive media, digital and graphics design, data visualization, communication or a related field, and six years of satisfactory full-time experience related to the area(s) required by the particular position and a specialization in a relevant technology, process, methodology and/or domain; or
- A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college, and eight years of satisfactory full-time experience related to the area(s) required by the particular position and a specialization in a relevant technology, process, methodology and/or domain; or
- Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1", "2", or "3" above.
PREFERRED SKILLS
- Strong experience as a senior mainframe (COBOL/UIMS/D82) programmer
- Strong experience with JCUPROCS/CTLCARDS
- Strong experience design/program and architecture in a mainframe environment
- Strong production coverage and troubleshooting experience
- Strong knowledge of RMDS/EXPEDITER/File-Aid for IMS/D82
- Strong experience with management of Technical Staff
- Extensive experience in the preparation of structure charts or invocation diagrams
- Extensive experience designing the architecture of mainframe applications and dependencies
- Excellent understanding of systems development lifecycle methodologies
- Experience working with enterprise wide, large-scale implementation
- Knowledge of the City's legacy payroll management system
- Knowledge of the City's personnel processing
- Knowledge of the City's timekeeping processing
- Excellent communication skills (Oral and Written), interpersonal, and organizational skills
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The City of New York offers a comprehensive set of benefits and programs to employees, including health insurance, pension plan, Deferred Compensation Plan (with 457, 401K and Roth IRA options), pre-tax Commuter Benefit program, pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts programs and more. Additional benefits such as prescription drug coverage, dental benefits, vision care benefits and more are also available through District Council 37 – Local 2627, the union that represents employees in this title.
To Apply
Applicants may visit the Jobs NYC website and apply to Job ID: 783081. While all complete applications will be given consideration, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
PUBLIC SVC LOAN FORGIVENESS
As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment program. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website.
HOURS/SHIFT
35 hours Weekly/Day.
WORK LOCATION
5 Manhattan West, NY, NY
COMPENSATION
$75,000.00 – $125,000.00
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT
New York City Residency is not required for this position.
The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.
INTRODUCTION
The Financial Information Services Agency and the Office of Payroll Administration (FISA-OPA) has a vacancy for a Mainframe Programmer Analyst. FISA maintains a mainframe payroll application that is integrated with the City's timekeeping and personnel application for active employees. Additionally, FISA maintains a mainframe Pension Payroll system that is integrated/interfaces with five separate pension agencies for retirees. Mainframe development work is triaged through the analyst group and as a mainframe programmer analyst, along with the Lead, the programmer analyst shall review the business/technical requirements, and provide technical guidance as well as architectural suggestions. The programmer analyst shall support the current ongoing development work of the long term, highly complex PMS replacement project. The programmer analyst shall work closely with the technical Lead and FISA analyst, testing, and operations staff to create accurate and efficient processes. The programmer analyst shall support production payroll and pension payroll activities.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the direction of the technical lead, work in a techno-functional capacity with a strong understanding of business processes, mainframe programming (COBOL), and relational databases to design, program, and assist in determining impact of change to programs and systems. Shall also review and analyze program specifications to determine the effort needed to make changes. The programmer analyst shall also be On-Call for overnight and weekend Payroll and Pension Payroll processes.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college in computer science, engineering, human computer interaction, interactive media, digital and graphics design, data visualization, communication or a related field, and four years of satisfactory full-time experience related to the area(s) required by the particular position and a specialization in a relevant technology, process, methodology and/or domain; or
- An associate degree from an accredited college in computer science, engineering, human computer interaction, interactive media, digital and graphics design, data visualization, communication or a related field, and six years of satisfactory full-time experience related to the area(s) required by the particular position and a specialization in a relevant technology, process, methodology and/or domain; or
- A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college, and eight years of satisfactory full-time experience related to the area(s) required by the particular position and a specialization in a relevant technology, process, methodology and/or domain; or
- Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1", "2", or "3" above.
PREFERRED SKILLS
- Strong experience as a senior mainframe (COBOL/UIMS/D82) programmer
- Strong experience with JCUPROCS/CTLCARDS
- Strong experience design/program and architecture in a mainframe environment
- Strong production coverage and troubleshooting experience
- Strong knowledge of RMDS/EXPEDITER/File-Aid for IMS/D82
- Strong experience with management of Technical Staff
- Extensive experience in the preparation of structure charts or invocation diagrams
- Extensive experience designing the architecture of mainframe applications and dependencies
- Excellent understanding of systems development lifecycle methodologies
- Experience working with enterprise wide, large-scale implementation
- Knowledge of the City's legacy payroll management system
- Knowledge of the City's personnel processing
- Knowledge of the City's timekeeping processing
- Excellent communication skills (Oral and Written), interpersonal, and organizational skills
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The City of New York offers a comprehensive set of benefits and programs to employees, including health insurance, pension plan, Deferred Compensation Plan (with 457, 401K and Roth IRA options), pre-tax Commuter Benefit program, pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts programs and more. Additional benefits such as prescription drug coverage, dental benefits, vision care benefits and more are also available through District Council 37 – Local 2627, the union that represents employees in this title.
To Apply
Applicants may visit the Jobs NYC website and apply to Job ID: 783081. While all complete applications will be given consideration, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
PUBLIC SVC LOAN FORGIVENESS
As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment program. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website.
HOURS/SHIFT
35 hours Weekly/Day.
WORK LOCATION
5 Manhattan West, NY, NY
COMPENSATION
$75,000.00 – $125,000.00
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT
New York City Residency is not required for this position.
The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.
See all Mainframe Programmer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Mainframe Programmer roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Mainframe Programmer Jobs
Emphasize legacy system expertise
Highlight experience with COBOL, JCL, DB2, and CICS. Employers value mainframe skills because they're rare and critical for business operations that can't easily migrate to modern platforms.
Target industries with mainframe dependencies
Focus on banks, insurance companies, government contractors, and healthcare systems. These sectors rely heavily on mainframe systems and actively sponsor visas for qualified programmers.
Document specialized technical skills
Detail experience with z/OS, TSO/ISPF, Assembler, or mainframe security tools like RACF. Specific technical expertise strengthens your specialty occupation case with USCIS.
Highlight modernization project experience
Showcase work on mainframe-to-cloud migrations, API development, or DevOps integration. Employers sponsor candidates who can bridge legacy systems with modern architectures.
Consider government contractor positions
Federal agencies and defense contractors frequently hire mainframe programmers and routinely sponsor H-1B visas. These employers understand the specialized nature of mainframe work.
Prepare for technical interviews remotely
Many mainframe roles allow remote work, expanding your geographic options. Be ready to demonstrate coding skills and system knowledge through virtual technical assessments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do mainframe programmers qualify for H-1B specialty occupation status?
Yes, mainframe programming qualifies as a specialty occupation requiring specialized computer science knowledge. The role demands technical expertise in legacy systems, specialized programming languages like COBOL, and mainframe operating systems that require formal computer science training to master effectively.
What degree requirements apply for mainframe programmer visa sponsorship?
A bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, software engineering, or closely related technical field is typically required. Some employers accept mathematics or engineering degrees with relevant coursework. Three years of relevant work experience can substitute for one year of education under the 3-for-1 rule.
Which industries most commonly sponsor mainframe programmers?
Financial services, insurance companies, government contractors, healthcare systems, and large corporations with legacy infrastructure frequently sponsor mainframe programmers. Banks like JPMorgan Chase, insurance giants like State Farm, and federal contractors regularly file H-1B visa petitions for these specialized roles.
How does remote work affect mainframe programmer visa sponsorship?
Remote work is common for mainframe roles, but H-1B Labor Condition Applications must specify work locations. If you'll work remotely from multiple states, your employer needs LCAs covering each location. This doesn't prevent sponsorship but requires additional paperwork and wage compliance across locations.
How to find Mainframe Programmer jobs with visa sponsorship?
To find Mainframe Programmer jobs with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate to search for positions at large banks, insurance companies, and government contractors that frequently sponsor H-1B and TN visas. These organizations rely heavily on mainframe systems and actively recruit international talent. Focus on companies with established sponsorship programs and filter specifically for roles requiring COBOL, JCL, and DB2 experience.
What approval rates do mainframe programmer H-1B petitions typically see?
Mainframe programmer H-1B petitions generally see favorable approval rates because the specialty occupation requirement is clear-cut. The role requires specific technical knowledge of legacy systems that can't be learned quickly, making it easier to demonstrate the specialized degree requirement to USCIS.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Mainframe Programmer 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.