Understanding the U.S. H-1B Visa Program: Key Insights and Facts

The H-1B visa program, created in 1990, allows U.S. employers to temporarily hire foreign workers in jobs requiring specialized skills and a bachelor’s degree or higher. It has become a topic of debate among Republicans, with tech leaders supporting it while others question its effects on American labor. During his first term, President Donald Trump placed limits on the program, leading to a spike in denial rates. Under President Joe Biden, those rates fell significantly due to eased restrictions.

In fiscal year 2024, nearly 400,000 H-1B applications were approved—more than double the approvals seen in 2000. Of these, 65% were renewals while 35% were new applications. Since 2005, the cap for new H-1B approvals has been set at 65,000 annually, with an additional 20,000 for applicants with U.S. master’s degrees. However, some employers, including universities and research institutions, are exempt from these caps.

Most H-1B workers come from India (73%) and China (12%), with a growing number holding master’s degrees. The majority work in computer-related fields—65% in 2023—with median salaries exceeding $120,000. Occupations in engineering and architecture are also common.

Amazon has been the top employer of H-1B workers since 2020. Other major employers include Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services, Cognizant, and Google. Location-wise, the New York metro area had the highest number of approvals, followed by Washington, D.C., and San Jose, California. However, College Station, Texas, had the highest concentration of H-1B approvals per 100 workers.

While the H-1B program addresses skill shortages, bipartisan calls for reform continue, aiming to balance the protection of U.S. jobs with the demand for skilled foreign talent.

H-1B visa, foreign workers, skilled immigration, tech industry, USCIS