Complete Guide to H-1B Visa Jobs for Sponsorship

One of the many benefits that the H-1B visa provides is the fact that foreign professionals from all kinds of occupational backgrounds can apply. You don’t necessarily need to be a professor or an IT manager, but your job does need to be considered a “specialty position”. If you are interested in getting an H1B visa this season, then it’s always good to know which occupations qualify as H-1B visa jobs.

H-1B Background

The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows foreign professionals to enter the U.S. to work for a limited time. Fortunately, it only requires that you have at least a bachelor’s degree and a U.S. job offer for a specialty position in the same field as your degree.

It is this second requirement that we will be focusing on in this post. This is because your job description can easily determine whether or not the USCIS issues you an RFE or even a denial.

It also stands to reason that the definition for “specialty position” will be heavily refined in the coming year, which may or may not make it more difficult to qualify for an H-1B visa. Even though we will be covering the H-1B visa jobs in depth, you should always consult your immigration attorney to be sure that your position qualifies.

What is a Specialty Position?

While the H-1B allows professionals from many different occupations to apply, most are professionals from the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (or STEM for short).

A specialty position has been defined as a position that mandates a “theoretical and practical application of a body of highly specialized knowledge and attainment of a bachelor’s degree in the specific specialty as a minimum for entry into the occupation in the United States.”

To break this definition down, a specialty occupation must require a related bachelor’s degree to perform job duties. This can be substituted for relevant work experience, where three years of experience equals one year of university-level education.

What are the H-1B Job Categories?

Here are the main H-1B job categories for specialty occupations, along with some job examples in each field. Notice that this includes not only STEM jobs but also jobs from a variety of different fields.

Computer Science

• IT Manager
• Software Engineer/Developer
• Systems Analyst
• Programer
• Data Communications and Networking Specialist

Architecture and Engineering

• Aeronautical Engineer
• Mechanical Engineer
• Drafter
• Industrial Engineer
• Surveyor

Health and Medicine

• Dentist
• Veterinarian
• Surgeon
• Registered Nurse
• Physician

Research and Education

• University Professor
• Secondary School Teacher
• Home Economist
• Governmental Researcher
• Educator for People with Disabilities

Business Management and Administration

• Transportation Manager
• Insurance Manager
• Real Estate Manager
• Construction Manager
• Retail Trade Manager

Science and Mathematics

• Psychologist
• Therapist
• Biologist
• Agricultural Scientist
• Astronomer
• Physicist
• Geologist
• Chemist

Finance

• Accountant
• Advertising Manager
• Public Relations Specialist
• Sales Manager
• Budget Management Official

Miscellaneous

• Lawyer
• Librarian
• Historian
• Political Scientist

It is important to note that this is not an exhaustive list of possible occupations or H-1B job categories that qualify as H1B visa jobs. Work closely with your immigration attorney to decide whether or not your profession falls into this list or may otherwise qualify.

Can I Change My H-1B Visa Job?

Once you are approved and have entered the U.S. through your sponsoring employer, the H1B allows for quite a bit of flexibility when it comes to portability and mobility, giving you the freedom to apply for an H-1B job change. As long as your job maintains the requirements of a relevant specialty position, you will be able to change not only your job but your employer as well.

If you are remaining with the same employer and are being promoted or moved to a different department, you will need to speak with your attorney to make sure that your new job still requires your particular degree. If you are changing employers, then the same is true. You will, however, need to have your new employer file a new I-129 petition on your behalf.

Are There Salary Requirements for H-1B Visa Jobs?

Before an employer can sponsor you for an H-1B, they will first need to obtain a Labor Condition Application (LCA) for you. Part of the LCA process involved determining the prevailing wage for the job that you will be doing in relation to the area where the job is located.

Once the prevailing wage has been determined, your employer must pay you at least the listed amount. Therefore, there is a minimum job salary requirement. However, the Department of Homeland Security finalized a rule on December 23, 2025, aimed at replacing the random lottery with a weighted selection process effective February 27, 2026. For March 2026, your salary level based on OEWS data will greatly influence your odds of selection:

• Level IV (Highest): 4 lottery entries.

• Level III: 3 lottery entries.

• Level II: 2 lottery entries.

• Level I (Entry): 1 lottery entry (significantly reduced chance).

What to Do After an H-1B Job Loss?

If your employer terminates your employment or is otherwise unable to pay you, and you suddenly find yourself without a job, it can have serious consequences on your status. In the past, you would have been required to leave the country immediately.

However, the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Register implemented a final rule in January of 2017 that grants a 60-day grace period to any H-1B holder who experiences a job loss. These two months can be used to find a new sponsoring employer, change your status to a different work visa, or settle your affairs before leaving the country.

If you overstay these 60 days, you will be considered “out of status”, which can have serious consequences on your ability to return to the U.S. under a different visa. If you have experienced an H1B job loss, consult your immigration attorney to learn what your options are.

Top H-1B Employers