The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa program that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise in specialized fields such as science, engineering, and IT. In 2017, the H1B visa program became more complex and competitive, with a total of 400,000 applications filed of which only 85,000 visas were granted. This article will take a closer look at the top H1B visa sponsors for 2017, their contributions, trends, and developments in the visa program.

Top H1B Visa Sponsors for 2017

Based on the US Department of Labor data, here are the top H1B visa sponsors for the year 2017:

1. Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp: Cognizant filed the highest number of H1B visa petitions in 2017 at 35,453, and was approved for 30,362 visas. The company is headquartered in New Jersey and has offices worldwide.

2. Infosys Limited: Infosys filed 20,613 H1B petitions in 2017, but was approved for only 8,938 visas. The company is based in Bengaluru, India, and has a strong presence in the US.

3. Capgemini America Inc: Capgemini filed 17,818 H1B petitions in 2017 and was approved for 13,517 visas. The company is a global leader in IT consulting and services.

4. Ernst & Young LLP: Ernst & Young filed 14,403 H1B petitions in 2017 and was approved for 10,512 visas. It is one of the “Big Four” accounting firms and has a strong presence in the US.

5. Deloitte Consulting LLP: Deloitte Consulting filed 13,908 H1B petitions in 2017 and was approved for 10,674 visas. Like Ernst & Young, Deloitte Consulting is also one of the “Big Four” accounting firms.

Key Insights and Trends

Decrease in H1B Visa Petitions Approved

The number of H1B visas approved has decreased in recent years, with only 85,000 visas granted in 2017, down from 236,000 in 2016. This can be attributed to stricter review policies and increased scrutiny on H1B visa applications.

Increase in H1B Visa Denials

Similarly, the number of H1B visa denials has increased, with denial rates reaching as high as 60% for certain H1B visa sponsors. This is due to the increased focus on ensuring that the visa program is used to fill specialized positions where there are no US workers available.

Shift Towards Domestic Hiring

Many US companies that were once heavy H1B visa sponsors have shifted their hiring focus towards domestic talent in recent years. This trend is due to increased attention on the H1B visa program from the government, as well as a desire to cut labor costs.

Recent Developments

Trump Administration’s Proposed Changes

Under the Trump administration, there have been proposed changes to the H1B visa program that have caused concern among tech companies and workers alike. These changes include requiring H1B visa holders to be paid higher wages and limiting the number of visas available to certain countries.

H1B Visa Lottery System

Another proposed change to the H1B visa program is the removal of the lottery system currently used to determine visa distribution. Instead, a merit-based system would be instituted, giving preference to highly-skilled workers.

Key Takeaways

• Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp filed the highest number of H1B visa petitions in 2017 at 35,453, followed by Infosys Limited at 20,613.
• There has been a decrease in the number of H1B visas approved and an increase in the number of denials in recent years.
• Many US companies have shifted their focus towards domestic hiring instead of relying on the H1B visa program.
• The Trump administration has proposed changes to the H1B visa program that could potentially affect tech companies and foreign workers.

Conclusion

With H1B visa sponsorship becoming more competitive and complex, it’s important for companies and foreign workers to stay informed on the latest developments, trends, and top sponsors. It is essential for all stakeholders to work together to ensure that the H1B visa program is utilized in a way that benefits both the US economy and foreign workers alike.

FAQ

What is the H1B visa program?

The H1B visa program is a non-immigrant visa program that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations.

What is the current status of the H1B visa program?

The H1B visa program has become more complex and competitive with a decrease in the number of visas approved and an increase in the number of denials.

What are the recent developments in the H1B visa program?

The recent developments include proposed changes by the Trump administration, such as a merit-based system and requiring H1B visa holders to be paid higher wages.