Senior Mainframe Developer Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Senior Mainframe Developer roles attract H-1B visa and L-1 visa sponsorship from large financial institutions, government contractors, and insurance companies. Employers rarely find qualified COBOL and z/OS talent domestically, making sponsorship common for candidates with five or more years of mainframe experience. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
The Senior Mainframe Developer is a senior level position responsible for establishing and implementing new or revised application systems and programs in coordination with the Technology team. The overall objective of this role is to lead applications systems analysis and programming activities.
Responsibilities:
- Partner with multiple management teams to ensure appropriate integration of functions to meet goals as well as identify and define necessary system enhancements to deploy new products and process improvements
- Resolve variety of high impact problems/projects through in-depth evaluation of complex business processes, system processes, and industry standards
- Provide expertise in area and advanced knowledge of applications programming and ensure application design adheres to the overall architecture blueprint
- Utilize advanced knowledge of system flow and develop standards for coding, testing, debugging, and implementation
- Develop comprehensive knowledge of how areas of business, such as architecture and infrastructure, integrate to accomplish business goals
- Provide in-depth analysis with interpretive thinking to define issues and develop innovative solutions
- Serve as advisor or coach to mid-level developers and analysts, allocating work as necessary
- Appropriately assess risk when business decisions are made, demonstrating particular consideration for the firm's reputation and safeguarding Citigroup, its clients and assets, by driving compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations, adhering to Policy, applying sound ethical judgment regarding personal behavior, conduct and business practices, and escalating, managing and reporting control issues with transparency.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- 5+ years in IBM mainframe development.
- Need experience with developing batch and online programs in Cobol.
- Experience with IBM utilities and other mainframe tools and data structures such as Fileaid, Rexx, JCL, CICS, Changeman, Github, Expediter, TSO/ISPF, VSAM, DB2
- 2+ years experience using AI tools such as Devin AI and CoPilot.
- Extensive experience system analysis and in programming of software applications
- Experience in managing and implementing successful projects
- Subject Matter Expert (SME) in at least one area of Applications Development
- Ability to adjust priorities quickly as circumstances dictate
- Demonstrated leadership and project management skills
- Consistently demonstrates clear and concise written and verbal communication
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree/University degree or equivalent experience
- Master’s degree preferred
This job description provides a high-level review of the types of work performed. Other job-related duties may be assigned as required.
Job Family Group: Technology
Job Family: Applications Development
Time Type: Full time
Primary Location: Jacksonville Florida United States
Primary Location Full Time Salary Range: $113,840.00 - $170,760.00
In addition to salary, Citi’s offerings may also include, for eligible employees, discretionary and formulaic incentive and retention awards. Citi offers competitive employee benefits, including: medical, dental & vision coverage; 401(k); life, accident, and disability insurance; and wellness programs. Citi also offers paid time off packages, including planned time off (vacation), unplanned time off (sick leave), and paid holidays. For additional information regarding Citi employee benefits, please visit citibenefits.com. Available offerings may vary by jurisdiction, job level, and date of hire.
Most Relevant Skills
Please see the requirements listed above.
Other Relevant Skills
For complementary skills, please see above and/or contact the recruiter.
Anticipated Posting Close Date: Jun 15, 2026
Citi is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.
If you are a person with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation to use our search tools and/or apply for a career opportunity review Accessibility at Citi. View Citi’s EEO Policy Statement and the Know Your Rights poster.
INTRODUCTION
The Senior Mainframe Developer is a senior level position responsible for establishing and implementing new or revised application systems and programs in coordination with the Technology team. The overall objective of this role is to lead applications systems analysis and programming activities.
Responsibilities:
- Partner with multiple management teams to ensure appropriate integration of functions to meet goals as well as identify and define necessary system enhancements to deploy new products and process improvements
- Resolve variety of high impact problems/projects through in-depth evaluation of complex business processes, system processes, and industry standards
- Provide expertise in area and advanced knowledge of applications programming and ensure application design adheres to the overall architecture blueprint
- Utilize advanced knowledge of system flow and develop standards for coding, testing, debugging, and implementation
- Develop comprehensive knowledge of how areas of business, such as architecture and infrastructure, integrate to accomplish business goals
- Provide in-depth analysis with interpretive thinking to define issues and develop innovative solutions
- Serve as advisor or coach to mid-level developers and analysts, allocating work as necessary
- Appropriately assess risk when business decisions are made, demonstrating particular consideration for the firm's reputation and safeguarding Citigroup, its clients and assets, by driving compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations, adhering to Policy, applying sound ethical judgment regarding personal behavior, conduct and business practices, and escalating, managing and reporting control issues with transparency.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- 5+ years in IBM mainframe development.
- Need experience with developing batch and online programs in Cobol.
- Experience with IBM utilities and other mainframe tools and data structures such as Fileaid, Rexx, JCL, CICS, Changeman, Github, Expediter, TSO/ISPF, VSAM, DB2
- 2+ years experience using AI tools such as Devin AI and CoPilot.
- Extensive experience system analysis and in programming of software applications
- Experience in managing and implementing successful projects
- Subject Matter Expert (SME) in at least one area of Applications Development
- Ability to adjust priorities quickly as circumstances dictate
- Demonstrated leadership and project management skills
- Consistently demonstrates clear and concise written and verbal communication
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree/University degree or equivalent experience
- Master’s degree preferred
This job description provides a high-level review of the types of work performed. Other job-related duties may be assigned as required.
Job Family Group: Technology
Job Family: Applications Development
Time Type: Full time
Primary Location: Jacksonville Florida United States
Primary Location Full Time Salary Range: $113,840.00 - $170,760.00
In addition to salary, Citi’s offerings may also include, for eligible employees, discretionary and formulaic incentive and retention awards. Citi offers competitive employee benefits, including: medical, dental & vision coverage; 401(k); life, accident, and disability insurance; and wellness programs. Citi also offers paid time off packages, including planned time off (vacation), unplanned time off (sick leave), and paid holidays. For additional information regarding Citi employee benefits, please visit citibenefits.com. Available offerings may vary by jurisdiction, job level, and date of hire.
Most Relevant Skills
Please see the requirements listed above.
Other Relevant Skills
For complementary skills, please see above and/or contact the recruiter.
Anticipated Posting Close Date: Jun 15, 2026
Citi is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.
If you are a person with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation to use our search tools and/or apply for a career opportunity review Accessibility at Citi. View Citi’s EEO Policy Statement and the Know Your Rights poster.
See all Senior Mainframe Developer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Senior Mainframe Developer roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as a Senior Mainframe Developer
Target industries with legacy mainframe infrastructure
Banks, insurance carriers, and federal contractors run the largest mainframe environments and sponsor the most visas for this role. Focus your search on these sectors before approaching tech-first companies, which rarely maintain mainframe systems.
Highlight COBOL and z/OS proficiency explicitly
Employers filing H-1B petitions for mainframe roles must prove specialty occupation status. Listing COBOL, JCL, VSAM, and z/OS prominently on your resume strengthens both your application and your employer's case to USCIS for approval.
Expect employer-initiated sponsorship conversations
Mainframe talent is scarce enough that many employers raise sponsorship proactively rather than screening candidates out. Raise your visa status early in the process so hiring managers can loop in HR and confirm their sponsorship process.
Understand the H-1B cap and cap-exempt options
If you missed the H-1B lottery, certain nonprofit research institutions and government entities are cap-exempt and can file year-round. Some mainframe contractors work directly with these organizations, creating an alternative path to sponsorship.
Use your current employer as a sponsorship starting point
If you already work in the U.S. on OPT or another status, an internal transfer to a mainframe team can trigger L-1 or H-1B sponsorship without competing in the general lottery pool again. Internal moves often move faster.
Browse Migrate Mate for verified sponsoring employers
Not every employer advertising mainframe roles will sponsor visas. Migrate Mate filters job listings to surface companies with confirmed sponsorship history, saving you the time of applying to roles that were never realistic options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Senior Mainframe Developer considered a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
Yes. Senior Mainframe Developer roles consistently qualify as specialty occupations under USCIS guidelines because they require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information systems, or a closely related field. The specialized nature of COBOL, z/OS, and enterprise batch processing strengthens the employer's petition. Roles requiring JCL optimization, CICS, or DB2 add further evidence of the theoretical and technical depth USCIS looks for.
What visa types do employers use to sponsor Senior Mainframe Developers?
H-1B visa is the most common visa for this role, particularly at financial institutions and insurance companies. L-1B is an option if you're transferring from an overseas office of the same employer with specialized mainframe knowledge. TN visa status covers Canadian and Mexican nationals working as computer systems analysts, which mainframe developer roles can sometimes fall under depending on the job description.
Does my degree need to be specifically in computer science to qualify?
Not necessarily. USCIS accepts degrees in computer science, information systems, mathematics, or engineering as qualifying fields. A degree in a related technical discipline combined with mainframe-specific certifications from IBM can also support eligibility. What matters is that your education and experience demonstrate the theoretical foundation behind your mainframe expertise, not just on-the-job training alone.
How competitive is H-1B sponsorship for mainframe roles compared to other software jobs?
Mainframe developers face less competition for sponsorship than general software engineers because the talent pool is significantly smaller and the skills are harder to source domestically. Employers filing for this role are typically motivated sponsors rather than reluctant ones. USCIS approval rates for mainframe petitions are generally high given the clear specialty occupation argument, though no outcome is guaranteed.
Where can I find Senior Mainframe Developer jobs that actually offer visa sponsorship?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for this. It surfaces Senior Mainframe Developer listings from employers with confirmed visa sponsorship history, so you're not spending time applying to roles that screen out international candidates. The platform is designed for job seekers on visas or looking for sponsorship, which makes the search considerably more targeted than general job boards.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Senior Mainframe Developer 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.