The H1B Visa program was established to assist American technology companies in addressing labor shortages. It enables these companies to hire non-immigrant workers temporarily to fill positions in fields like computer programming and engineering. Today, many of the largest companies in the nation continue to utilize the H1B Visa program, recruiting employees from other countries to create a workforce that meets their specific needs.
In this article, we will explore what the H1B Visa is and why it is important, examine the companies sponsoring H1B Visa, and discuss the process of obtaining one.
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What Is An H1B Visa?
An H1B Visa is a special work permit designed for skilled non-immigrant workers, enabling U.S. employers, particularly in fields like technology, engineering, and science, to recruit talent from overseas. Approved Visa holders can work in the U.S. for an initial period of up to three years, with the possibility of extending their stay to a total of six years. However, there’s a yearly limit of 65,000 Visas, with an additional 20,000 reserved for individuals with advanced degrees from U.S. universities.
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What Makes H1B Visa Important?
The importance of H1B Visas stems from their role in facilitating skilled individuals from across the globe to join the American workforce temporarily. These Visas provide an avenue for talented professionals abroad to contribute their expertise to U.S. companies, enriching the talent pool and driving innovation. Moreover, H1B Visas are vital for U.S. employers seeking specialized skills that may be scarce domestically, enabling them to fill critical positions and maintain competitiveness in the global market. Additionally, these Visas promote diversity and inclusion within companies by encouraging collaboration among employees from various cultural and professional backgrounds, ultimately fostering stronger and more resilient organizations.
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Top U.S. Companies Sponsoring H1B Visa
Here are the top U.S. companies sponsoring H1B Visa, showcasing their commitment to hiring global talent:
Accenture
Accenture, a global IT services company established in 1989, operates in over 120 countries, making it a truly international organization. With a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, Accenture has a longstanding history of sponsoring H1B Visas. In 2023 alone, the company secured approval for 1,441 Visas.
Apple
Renowned consumer product pioneer Apple has recently intensified its focus on diversity initiatives, launching the $100 million Racial Equity and Justice Initiative in 2020. Committed to fostering innovation and inclusivity, Apple obtained approval for 2,956 H1B Visas in 2023.
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Capgemini
Paris-based IT innovator Capgemini boasts a vast global presence, with over 300,000 employees spread across more than 50 countries. With its extensive reach, Capgemini plays a significant role in shaping the world’s tech landscape. In 2023, the company secured approval for 1,744 H1B Visas.
Cisco
A cornerstone of the Silicon Valley scene for decades, Cisco has evolved into a sprawling global IT network with close to 80,000 employees worldwide. Leveraging its multinational presence, Cisco obtained approval for 1,195 H1B Visas in 2023.
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Cognizant
Established in 1994, digital solutions provider Cognizant has expanded its international footprint, now employing over 300,000 people globally. With its vast reach and commitment to innovation, Cognizant obtained approval for an impressive 5,504 H1B Visas in 2023.
Deloitte
As a leading consulting firm with a global presence, Deloitte employs over 415,000 professionals across more than 150 countries. Emphasizing its commitment to diversity and inclusion, Deloitte obtained approval for 2,160 H1B Visas in 2023.
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With a workforce spanning six continents, tech giant Google has prioritized diversity and inclusion initiatives in recent years. Through programs aimed at fostering diversity within the global tech community, Google obtained approval for 4,043 H1B Visa applications in 2023.
IBM
As one of the nation’s most established tech firms, IBM has long been a key player in the global tech landscape. With a focus on international student hiring, IBM obtained approval for 1,598 H1B Visas in 2023.
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Infosys
Digital services and IT consulting giant Infosys boasts a workforce of over 345,000 employees worldwide. Through initiatives like Culture Chat, Infosys promotes diversity and inclusion within its global workforce. In 2023, the company obtained approval for 4,699 H1B Visas.
Intel Corporation
With offices across the globe and approximately 121,000 tech professionals in its workforce, Intel is a recognized leader in the tech industry. In 2023, the company obtained approval for 1,717 H1B Visas, allowing it to attract top talent from around the world and maintain its position as a global innovator in semiconductor technology.
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Meta
Meta, formerly known as Facebook, has been a magnet for global talent, drawing professionals from diverse backgrounds to its workforce. With a robust global presence, Meta obtained approval for 2,628 H1B Visas in 2023.
Microsoft
Throughout the 2010s, Microsoft has made significant strides in promoting diversity and inclusion within its workforce, recognizing the value of varied perspectives in driving innovation. With a focus on attracting top talent from diverse backgrounds, Microsoft secured approval for 3,547 H1B Visas in 2023.
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Oracle
Since its inception in the 1970s, Oracle has solidified its position as a leader in cloud technology, with a workforce spanning the globe. With 1,553 H1B Visas approved in 2023, Oracle continues to prioritize accessing diverse talent pools to fuel its innovation initiatives.
Tata Consultancy Services
As one of the largest IT services firms globally, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has a significant impact on the global technology landscape. With headquarters in Mumbai and operations in numerous countries, TCS obtained approval for an impressive 5,169 H1B Visas in 2023.
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Wipro Limited
Wipro Limited, headquartered in Seattle, Washington, has established itself as a prominent player in the global IT and consulting industry. With over 250,000 employees across 66 countries, Wipro obtained approval for 1,661 H1B Visas in 2023.
How To Obtain H1B Visa?
To be eligible, you need a job offer from a U.S. employer for a specialized role requiring specific knowledge. You also need at least a U.S. bachelor’s degree in a relevant field from an accredited institution. Alternatively, if you have a foreign degree equivalent or relevant licenses, you may still qualify.
Once you have the job offer, your employer prepares a labor condition application (LCA) for certification by the U.S. Department of Labor. Afterwards, they file a Form I-129 with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). If the Form I-129 is approved, you can then apply for an H1B Visa through the U.S. Department of State.
What Are The Requirements for H1B Visa?
To qualify for companies sponsoring H1B Visa, applicants must meet the following criteria demonstrating their eligibility for employment in the United States:
Job Role Requiring Specialty Knowledge or Skills
Applicants must have a job offer for a position that requires specialized knowledge or skills not readily available in the domestic labor market. This could include roles in fields such as technology, engineering, finance, healthcare, and academia.
Educational Qualifications
The job role must require a minimum of a U.S. bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in a relevant field. Alternatively, applicants may demonstrate eligibility through a combination of education, training, and work experience that is equivalent to a bachelor’s degree.
Degree Requirement Consistency
Applicants must demonstrate that the bachelor’s degree requirement is standard for the particular job role or is commonly found in similar positions within the industry. This can be shown through job descriptions, industry standards, and prevailing wage determinations.
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Conclusion
To sum up, U.S. companies that sponsor H1B visas play a crucial role in accessing global talent and driving innovation across industries. As these companies seek to recruit skilled professionals from around the world, platforms like BarRaiser offer practical solutions to streamline the hiring process. By leveraging BarRaiser’s AI-powered video interview platform, employers can save time, conduct structured interviews, and ensure a positive candidate experience. With BarRaiser’s support, these companies can continue to lead in fostering diversity and maintaining their competitive edge.