The United States remains the foremost destination for international students aspiring to establish their careers. A significant factor contributing to this trend is the inclination of international students toward STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) degrees, primarily due to the 3-year OPT (Optional Practical Training) opportunity available in the US. A prevalent method for securing employment in the United States involves obtaining an H-1B visa. This visa program is designed for US employers wishing to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations.
Navigating the landscape of American employers willing to sponsor H-1B visa applicants can prove to be a daunting task. According to a report from Intead and the job search platform F1 Hire titled ‘Connecting Dots: How International Students Are Finding US Jobs,’ it has been found that states such as Washington, North Carolina, Texas, and Michigan lead in terms of the number of H-1B applications submitted per employer sponsor.
In the year 2023, a substantial proportion of sponsored H-1B applications—39%—came from companies located in California, Texas, and New York. When adding Massachusetts, Virginia, and Michigan into the equation, these states collectively represented 50% of all sponsored H-1B jobs for that year.
Among the international student job market in the US, applicants from India are particularly prominent, comprising 28% of the total. Interestingly, the number of PERM (Permanent Labor Certification) applicants with degrees from Brazil and the Philippines has surged threefold since 2018. The majority of PERM applications in 2023 were sponsored by technology companies, with nine out of the top ten companies involved in this area.
A PERM, which is issued by the Department of Labor (DOL), allows employers to hire foreign workers for permanent positions within the United States. The study further highlights that states such as New Mexico, Nevada, Colorado, Tennessee, and Montana boast the highest ratios of H-1B jobs relative to the number of international students enrolled in their universities. Similarly, North Carolina, Michigan, and Virginia also exhibit a strong presence of employers open to hiring international students.
To assist international students in their pursuit of employment in the US, the report offers several recommendations. It advises students to consider institutions located in states that are known for their H-1B and PERM-friendly employers. Additionally, it suggests investigating schools that maintain robust relationships with these employers, which can enhance job prospects for graduates.
Over the past five years, there has been a notable shift in the demographics of PERM applicants. The proportion of applicants holding degrees from US institutions has increased to 59%. Conversely, the percentage of PERM applicants with degrees from India has declined to 28% as of 2023. Furthermore, between 2018 and 2023, the percentage of PERM applications from individuals with degrees from countries outside the US fell from 48% to 43% for the twelve countries that send the most international students to the US.
This evolving landscape reflects the increasing competitiveness among international students and underscores the necessity for them to strategically select their educational paths and seek institutions that align with their career ambitions in the United States. As the demand for skilled labor continues to grow in the US, international students are encouraged to remain adaptable and proactive in their job search efforts.