Ted H. Kim, Associate Director Refugee, Asylum and International Operations Directorate for USCIS | https://www.naco.org/
Ted H. Kim, Associate Director Refugee, Asylum and International Operations Directorate for USCIS | https://www.naco.org/
Employers are classified under industries based on their reported operations and may be involved in multiple industries.
The H-1B visa program allows U.S. employers to temporarily hire foreign workers in specialty occupations requiring specialized knowledge and at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent. It is designed to address skill gaps in the U.S. workforce while ensuring wage standards to protect both U.S. and H-1B workers. Employers must certify that they will pay H-1B workers wages equal to or greater than those of similarly qualified U.S. employees or the prevailing local wage.
In 2024, the average approval rate for H-1B petitions across the United States stood at 98%, slightly higher than 2023's 97.3%.
The Health Care and Social Assistance industry led the H-1B filings locally during 2024, with 29 petitions (52.7% of all submissions), and an approval rate of 96.6%. Meanwhile, the Manufacturing industry was the second largest contributor, filing 15 petitions (27.3% of the total), with an approval rate of 100%.
Among local employers with petitions during 2024, North American Lighting, Inc. stood out with 14 petitions and an approval rate of 100%, followed by Eastern Illinois University with eight petitions and an approval rate of 100%.
Compared to 2023, the East Central Reporter publication area saw a 25.7% decrease in the number of H-1B petitions during 2024.
The United States admits around 1 million legal immigrants annually, most of whom receive permanent residence (green cards) through family sponsorship or employment-based visas. In 2023, about 1.2 million immigrants were granted green cards, a return to pre-pandemic levels. Temporary visa programs, such as the H-1B for highly skilled workers and H-2A for seasonal agricultural workers, also play a critical role in filling workforce needs.
Public opinion on immigration varies, with 46% of Americans favoring maintaining current legal immigration levels, according to a 2024 Pew Research Center survey. Additionally, 42% believe that highly skilled workers, such as scientists, doctors, and programmers, should be prioritized for legal immigration, compared to 25% who prioritize workers filling labor shortages and 19% who emphasize family sponsorship. Despite this, family sponsorship remains the most common path to permanent residency, accounting for 63% of green cards issued in 2023.
The data in this article comes from the H-1B Employer Data Hub provided by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). While USCIS strives for accuracy, manual data entry and errors on paper forms submitted by applicants or petitioners may result in discrepancies in employer names, tax IDs, locations, or other details.
| Rank | Industry | Total Petitions | % of All Submissions | % Approved | % Denied |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Health Care and Social Assistance | 29 | 52.7% | 96.6% | 3.4% |
| 2 | Manufacturing | 15 | 27.3% | 100% | 0% |
| 3 | Educational Services | 10 | 18.2% | 90% | 10% |
| Company Name | Industry(ies) | Total Petitions | % Approved | % Denied |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North American Lighting, Inc. | Manufacturing | 14 | 100% | 0% |
| Eastern Illinois University | Educational Services | 8 | 100% | 0% |
| Comfortable Care Dental Health Professionals PA | Health Care and Social Assistance | 4 | 100% | 0% |
| Dental Health Associates of Texas, PC | Health Care and Social Assistance | 4 | 75% | 25% |
| Tennessee Dental Professionals, PC | Health Care and Social Assistance | 2 | 100% | 0% |
| Crawford Hospital District | Health Care and Social Assistance | 2 | 100% | 0% |
| Quirt Family Dentistry School | Health Care and Social Assistance | 2 | 100% | 0% |
| Wisconsin Dental Group S C | Health Care and Social Assistance | 1 | 100% | 0% |
| Northland Dental Partners | Health Care and Social Assistance | 1 | 100% | 0% |
| My Dentist Wichita P a | Health Care and Social Assistance | 1 | 100% | 0% |
| Lifetime Dental Professionals of N | 1 | 100% | 0% | |
| Killeen and Heights Dental Centers | Health Care and Social Assistance | 1 | 100% | 0% |
| K Jasinski PC, D.M.D. | Health Care and Social Assistance | 1 | 100% | 0% |
| Illinois Eastern Community Colleges | Educational Services | 1 | 0% | 100% |
| Ihi Turbo America Company | Manufacturing | 1 | 100% | 0% |
| Hospital and Medical Foundation of Paris, Inc. | Health Care and Social Assistance | 1 | 100% | 0% |
| Eastern Illinois Area Special Education | Educational Services | 1 | 100% | 0% |
| Dental Professionals of Washington Quirt Mongrain Gibree, PC | Health Care and Social Assistance | 1 | 100% | 0% |
| Dental Professionals of Virginia, PC | Health Care and Social Assistance | 1 | 100% | 0% |
| Dental Professionals of South Caro | Health Care and Social Assistance | 1 | 100% | 0% |
| Dental Professionals of Maine, PC | Health Care and Social Assistance | 1 | 100% | 0% |
| Dental Professionals of Kansas, PC | Health Care and Social Assistance | 1 | 100% | 0% |
| Dental Professionals of Illinois, PC | Health Care and Social Assistance | 1 | 100% | 0% |
| Dental Professionals of Georgia, PC | Health Care and Social Assistance | 1 | 100% | 0% |
| Connecticut Dental Professionals P | Health Care and Social Assistance | 1 | 100% | 0% |
| Associated Dental Care Providers, PC | Health Care and Social Assistance | 1 | 100% | 0% |
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