Number of H-1B Visa Requests per 1000 Jobs

2.01

Applications for Computer Occupations (#1)
202
(2017, Larimer)
Applications for Engineers (#2)
42
(2017, Larimer)
Applications for Post-Secondary Teachers (#3)
22
(2017, Larimer)
What is this measure? This is the number of H-1B Applications submitted by employers that has been normalized for comparison by dividing this number by the number of total employees in thousands for the same region. The H-1B program allows employers to hire individuals from other countries in specific high-skill occupations. This is a proxy for one aspect of seeking outside talent for unique high skill jobs.

Why do we track this? Certain high-skill occupations that require extensive education and training can be challenging for employers to fill only with local talent. This data provides a window into the types of positions that employers are identifying international talent to fill.
These types of applications are highest in areas with economies that require a very high level of skill and education for STEM or Management positions. Colorado's Front Range, home to the majority of jobs in the state, has strengths in industries such as software development, computer hardware, aviation, and advanced manufacturing, which all contribute to the relatively high concentrations of applications in the Denver core, Douglas County and Arapahoe County. Higher education research institutions are notable contributors to these requests as well. H1-B applications are not evenly divided across the country. Population centers with a strong High Tech or R&D presence have more of these applications than areas that do not support these industries. Unsurprisingly, CA, TX, NY and NJ are among the states with top numbers of applications.
What are limitations of this measurement? There are many more applications for H-1B visas made by employers than visas available to award in any year. Additionally, it may take more than one year for a request to be filled, and multiple visas can be requested in a single application. This is a measurement of cases initiated in a given year per total employed in that year only, and doesn't reflect the number of H-1B participants working in a region or the number of successful applicants. Additionally, this does not necessarily represent international recruitment for a job. A number of H-1B applicants were already in the U.S. prior to applying for the job that provided sponsorship. For example, many international students who wish to stay in the United States after graduation require a work visa to stay and seek jobs local to where they already live. H1-B visas are limited to specific types of high-skill jobs. Other visa programs cover employment of temporary seasonal workers.

Data Sources

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Additional Information and Other Data Sources