Over 78% of Top-Paid H-1B Applicants from India

Why in the news?

The data reveals that 78% of the highest-paid H-1B applicants, earning over $1 million annually, are from India. Additionally, many are sponsored by smaller U.S. companies, highlighting India’s significant presence in the U.S. tech workforce.

Key Insights on High-Paid H-1B Applicants:

  • Over 78% of H-1B applicants with proposed salaries exceeding $1 million per year between 2021-2024 were from India, totaling 96 out of 123 applicants.
  • Among these high-paid Indian applicants, 26% (25 individuals) were women.
  • Most of these high-paid applicants were sponsored by smaller U.S.-based companies with fewer than 1,000 employees.

Over 78% of Top-Paid H-1B Applicants from India

H-1B Application Process and Observations:

  • The H-1B visa allows U.S. companies to employ foreign workers in specialized fields requiring technical or theoretical expertise.
  • Each year, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) conducts a random lottery to select eligible applicants, with employers filing petitions including job details like salary and location.
  • The data analysis, sourced by Bloomberg through the Freedom of Information Act, highlights the growing presence and contribution of Indian professionals in high-salary U.S. roles.
  • Despite large companies dominating the H-1B program, smaller firms emerged as key sponsors for high-salary applications during this period.

About H-1B Visa

  • Non-immigrant visa allowing U.S. companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations requiring technical expertise.
  • Specialty occupations need a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
  • Helps employers fill skill gaps in the U.S. workforce.
  • Common in fields like technology, finance, and engineering.

Eligibility & Cap

  • Requires a job offer from a U.S. employer.
  • Must have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
  • Annual cap: 85,000 visas (65,000 regular, 20,000 for advanced degrees).
  • Some exceptions for higher education or research-related roles.
  • Applicants selected via lottery.

Features

  • Valid for three years, extendable for one additional three-year term (max six years).
  • No lifetime cap on the number of H-1B visas.
  • H-1B holders can apply for a Green Card.
  • Changing jobs requires a new visa application.

Sources Referred:

PIB, The Hindu, Indian Express, Hindustan Times