$90k USA Visa Sponsorship Opportunities in 2026/2027

Right now, while you’re reading this, there are thousands of companies in the United States offering $90,000+ salaries with full visa sponsorship. Not temporary contracts. Not empty promises. Real jobs. Real money. Real opportunities to build the life you’ve been dreaming about.

I know what you’re thinking: “That’s impossible. Those jobs are only for people with fancy degrees from Harvard or MIT.”

Wrong.

You’re about to discover something the immigration “experts” don’t want you to know: there are nurses earning $95,000. Software developers making $110,000. Engineers pulling $105,000. Accountants at $92,000. Physical therapists at $98,000. Even skilled tradespeople earning $85,000-$100,000+.

And they all started exactly where you are right now, outside America, wondering if it’s possible.

Here’s the truth that changes everything: America has a massive labor shortage. Not just in Silicon Valley. Not just in tech. Across healthcare, engineering, finance, skilled trades, education, and dozens of other sectors. Companies are so desperate they’re willing to spend $10,000-$15,000 in legal fees just to sponsor your visa.

I’ve personally guided professionals from Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Jamaica, and Uganda, and across other African countries into these $90k+ positions. Some are now earning six figures. Others have received green cards and brought their entire families to America. One accountant from Lagos went from earning ₦350,000 monthly to $94,000 yearly, that’s over ₦140 million naira annually.

This isn’t luck. This is strategy.

In this comprehensive guide, I’m going to reveal:

• Which industries are actually hiring at $90k+ with sponsorship
• The exact visa pathways that work (H-1B, O-1, EB-2, EB-3)
• Real companies sponsoring foreign professionals right now
• Step-by-step process to land these jobs from anywhere in the world
• Insider secrets to beating the H-1B lottery
• How to negotiate your salary and benefits package
• Red flags and scams to avoid completely

This is the most detailed, honest guide you’ll find anywhere online. No fluff. No false promises. Just the exact roadmap that’s worked for thousands of foreign professionals.

Your $90,000 American salary is closer than you think. Let’s make it happen.

The Reality of $90k+ Jobs in America and Understanding the Salary

Let me hit you with some context first. In America, $90,000 is solidly middle-class to upper-middle-class depending on the city. It’s the sweet spot where you can:

• Afford a decent apartment or even buy a home
• Save $1,500-$3,000 monthly (even after all expenses)
• Support a family comfortably
• Build real wealth over time
• Qualify for green card sponsorship

But not all $90k jobs are created equal. Location matters enormously.

$90,000 in Different Cities:

• San Francisco/New York: Feels like $60,000 (high cost of living)
• Seattle/Boston: Feels like $70,000 (moderate-high cost)
• Dallas/Atlanta/Phoenix: Feels like $90,000 (reasonable cost)
• Raleigh/Nashville/Austin: Feels like $95,000 (good value)
• Smaller cities: Feels like $110,000+ (excellent value)

Pro tip: Target mid-sized cities for maximum quality of life per dollar earned.

Industries Paying $90k+ With Sponsorship

Let me break down the sectors actively hiring foreign professionals at these salary levels:

Industry Sector	Common Job Titles	Salary Range
Technology / IT	Software Engineer, Data Scientist, DevOps Engineer, Cloud Architect	$90k – $180k+
Healthcare	Registered Nurse, Physical Therapist, Physician Assistant, Occupational Therapist	$85k – $130k
Engineering	Mechanical Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Civil Engineer, Chemical Engineer	$85k – $120k
Finance / Accounting	Financial Analyst, Accountant (CPA), Auditor, Investment Analyst	$80k – $130k
Science / Research	Research Scientist, Lab Manager, Clinical Research Associate	$85k – $115k
Education	College Professor, Curriculum Specialist, Educational Administrator	$75k – $110k
Architecture	Architect, Urban Planner, Landscape Architect	$80k – $110k
Skilled Trades	Electrician (Master), Plumber (Licensed), HVAC Specialist	$75k – $105k

Key insight: Healthcare and technology dominate the $90k+ sponsorship landscape because the shortages are most severe.

Visa Types Commonly Used for These Jobs

Most of the high-paying jobs listed above typically use the following U.S. visa categories:

• H-1B Visa – For skilled professionals in IT, healthcare, engineering, finance, education, and research.

• EB-2 Visa – For advanced degree professionals and individuals with exceptional ability.

• EB-3 Visa – For skilled workers, professionals, and certain trade roles.

• O-1 Visa – For individuals with extraordinary ability (common in tech and research)

• TN Visa – For eligible Canadian and Mexican professionals (mainly healthcare and engineering)

• J-1 Visa – Common in education and academic exchange programs.

• H-2B Visa – Occasionally used for skilled trade and labor roles (limited and employer-specific)

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Understanding US Visa Options for $90k+ Jobs

This is where most people get lost. Let me simplify the visa maze.

1. H-1B Visa (Specialty Occupation)

This is the most common route for professionals.

What it is: A temporary work visa for “specialty occupations” requiring at least a bachelor’s degree.

How it works:

• Your employer sponsors you for a specific job
• You get a 3-year visa (renewable once for 3 more years = 6 years total)
• You can apply for green card while on H-1B
• Your spouse can work with H-4 EAD (Employment Authorization Document)

The lottery challenge:

Here’s the hard truth: H-1B has an annual cap of 85,000 visas (65,000 regular + 20,000 for US master’s degree holders). In recent years, 400,000+ people apply. That means only about 20-25% chance of selection.

BUT there are cap-exempt H-1Bs:

• Universities and affiliated research institutions
• Non-profit research organizations
• Government research institutions

These have no lottery. If you get a job at a university hospital, research lab, or non-profit, you skip the lottery entirely.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
• Job must require specialized knowledge
• Employer must pay prevailing wage
• Clean background check

Processing time: 2-6 months (premium processing available for $2,500 = 15 days)

Typical occupations: Software engineers, accountants, financial analysts, architects, engineers, college professors

2. O-1 Visa (Extraordinary Ability)

This is the “genius visa” but more accessible than you think.

What it is: For individuals with extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics.

How it works:

• You demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim
• Evidence includes awards, publications, high salary, media recognition
• Employer or agent petitions for you
• Valid for 3 years, renewable indefinitely
• No lottery. No cap.

Requirements (you need at least 3 of these):

• Published articles about you or your work
• Membership in associations requiring outstanding achievement
• High salary relative to others in your field
• Judging the work of others in your field
• Original contributions of major significance
• Authorship of scholarly articles
• Employment in critical/essential capacity for distinguished organizations

Why it matters: If you’re a senior professional with publications, speaking engagements, or industry recognition, you might qualify. Many experienced professionals overlook this option.

Processing time: 2-3 months (premium processing available)

Typical occupations: Senior researchers, tech leads with patents, award-winning professionals, published authors

3. EB-2 Visa (Advanced Degree Professional)

This is a direct path to a green card (permanent residence).

What it is: Employment-based immigration for professionals with advanced degrees (master’s or higher) or exceptional ability.

How it works:

• Employer sponsors you for permanent residence
• No temporary visa first—straight to green card
• You can work while application is pending (with EAD after 6-12 months)
• Family members included

Two categories:

EB-2A (Advanced Degree):

• Master’s degree or bachelor’s + 5 years progressive experience
• Job must require advanced degree

EB-2B (Exceptional Ability):

• Exceptional ability in sciences, arts, or business
• Need at least 3 of 6 criteria (similar to O-1 but lower bar)

Special path – EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver):

• You can self-petition (no employer needed!)
• Must prove your work is in the national interest of the US
• Popular for researchers, healthcare professionals, entrepreneurs
• Takes 12-24 months but no employer dependency

Processing time: 12-36 months (varies by country—India and China have backlogs)

Typical occupations: Engineers with master’s degrees, healthcare professionals, senior accountants, researchers

4. EB-3 Visa (Skilled Worker)

This is the broadest employment-based green card category.

What it is: For skilled workers, professionals with bachelor’s degrees, or “other workers.”

How it works:

• Employer sponsors you for permanent residence
• Less stringent requirements than EB-2
• Longer processing times but more accessible

Three subcategories:

EB-3A (Skilled Worker):

• At least 2 years training or experience
• Examples: chefs, electricians, carpenters with experience

EB-3B (Professional):

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Examples: accountants, teachers, nurses

EB-3C (Unskilled Worker):

• Less than 2 years training
• Examples: housekeepers, general laborers
• Very long wait times (5-10+ years for some countries)

Processing time: 18-48 months (India and China face longer backlogs)

Typical occupations: Registered nurses, physical therapists, accountants, skilled tradespeople

5. TN Visa (Canadian and Mexican Citizens Only)

If you’re from Canada or Mexico, you hit the jackpot.

What it is: USMCA (formerly NAFTA) professional visa—extremely easy to get.

How it works:

• Show up at the border with job offer letter and credentials
• Get approved same day (Canadians) or within weeks (Mexicans)
• Valid for 3 years, renewable indefinitely
• Can lead to green card

Requirements:

• Citizenship of Canada or Mexico
• Bachelor’s degree in eligible profession
• Job offer in one of 60+ eligible occupations

No cap. No lottery. No lengthy process.

Typical occupations: Engineers, accountants, scientists, computer systems analysts, management consultants

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Industries and Companies Actively Sponsoring

Let me get specific about where these $90k+ opportunities actually exist.

1. Technology Sector ($90k-$200k+)

High-Sponsorship Tech Companies:

FAANG and Big Tech:

• Google – Sponsors 3,000+ H-1Bs annually, average salary $130k-$180k
• Amazon – Sponsors 3,500+ H-1Bs, average $120k-$160k
• Microsoft – Sponsors 4,000+ H-1Bs, average $125k-$170k
• Meta (Facebook) – Sponsors 2,000+ H-1Bs, average $135k-$190k
• Apple – Sponsors 2,500+ H-1Bs, average $130k-$175k

Consulting and IT Services (Easier Entry Points):

• Cognizant – Sponsors 10,000+ H-1Bs (largest sponsor)
• Infosys – Sponsors 8,000+ H-1Bs
• TCS (Tata Consultancy Services) – Sponsors 7,000+ H-1Bs
• Accenture – Sponsors 5,000+ H-1Bs
• Capgemini – Sponsors 3,000+ H-1Bs

Why consulting matters: These companies are MUCH easier to get into than FAANG. They actively recruit internationally. Starting salary is lower ($80k-$95k) but you gain US experience and can switch jobs after 1-2 years for higher pay.

Mid-Size Tech (Hidden Gems):

• Salesforce – CRM platform, sponsors actively
• Oracle – Database giant, consistent sponsorship
• Adobe – Design software, sponsors designers and engineers
• Uber – Rideshare + tech, sponsors engineers
• Airbnb – Travel tech, sponsors product and engineering roles

Required skills for tech sponsorship:

• Software Development: Java, Python, JavaScript, C++, React, Node.js
• Data Science: Python, R, SQL, machine learning, statistics
• Cloud: AWS, Azure, Google Cloud certifications
• DevOps: Docker, Kubernetes, CI/CD, infrastructure as code
• Cybersecurity: Network security, ethical hacking, CISSP certification

2. Healthcare Sector ($85k-$130k)

Critical shortage occupations with active sponsorship:

Registered Nurses:

• Salary: $75k-$105k (higher in California, New York, Massachusetts)
• Visa paths: EB-3, H-1B (for advanced practice nurses)
• Major sponsors: Hospital systems (HCA Healthcare, Kaiser Permanente, Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic)
• Requirements: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), NCLEX-RN license, CGFNS certification

Physical Therapists:

• Salary: $85k-$110k
• Visa paths: H-1B, EB-2
• Major sponsors: Hospital systems, rehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics
• Requirements: Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT), NPTE license exam

Occupational Therapists:

• Salary: $80k-$105k
• Visa paths: H-1B, EB-2
• Requirements: Master’s or Doctorate in OT, NBCOT certification

Physician Assistants:

• Salary: $100k-$130k
• Visa paths: H-1B, EB-2
• Requirements: Master’s in PA studies, PANCE certification

Medical Lab Scientists:

• Salary: $60k-$85k (can reach $90k+ with experience)
• Visa paths: H-1B, EB-3
• Requirements: Bachelor’s in Medical Technology, ASCP certification

Pharmacists:

• Salary: $120k-$150k
• Visa paths: H-1B
• Requirements: Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD), NAPLEX exam

Hospital Systems That Sponsor (Examples):

• HCA Healthcare (largest US hospital system)
• Kaiser Permanente (California-based, excellent benefits)
• Mayo Clinic (non-profit, cap-exempt H-1B)
• Cleveland Clinic (research-intensive, sponsors actively)
• Johns Hopkins (university hospital, cap-exempt)

3. Engineering Sector ($85k-$130k)

High-Demand Engineering Disciplines:

Software Engineering:

• Salary: $95k-$160k
• Massive shortage, easiest to get sponsorship
• Companies: All major tech firms + startups

Electrical Engineering:

• Salary: $85k-$120k
• Focus areas: Power systems, semiconductors, telecommunications
• Companies: Intel, Texas Instruments, Qualcomm, utility companies

Mechanical Engineering:

• Salary: $80k-$115k
• Focus areas: Automotive, aerospace, manufacturing
• Companies: Tesla, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Ford, GM

Civil Engineering:

• Salary: $75k-$105k (reaches $90k+ with 3-5 years experience)
• Focus areas: Infrastructure, transportation, structural
• Companies: AECOM, Jacobs Engineering, Bechtel

Chemical Engineering:

• Salary: $90k-$125k
• Focus areas: Pharmaceuticals, oil & gas, materials
• Companies: Dow Chemical, DuPont, ExxonMobil, pharmaceutical firms

Petroleum Engineering:

• Salary: $95k-$140k (highly cyclical with oil prices)
• Focus areas: Oil extraction, reservoir engineering
• Companies: Chevron, Shell, Halliburton, Schlumberger

Engineering firms that sponsor consistently:

• AECOM (infrastructure)
• Jacobs Engineering (aerospace, defense, infrastructure)
• Bechtel (construction and engineering)
• Fluor Corporation (engineering and construction)
• KBR (energy and government services)

4. Finance and Accounting ($80k-$130k)

High-Sponsorship Roles:

Financial Analysts:

• Salary: $80k-$120k
• Major employers: Investment banks, asset management firms, corporate finance
• Companies: Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, JPMorgan, BlackRock

Accountants (CPA preferred):

• Salary: $70k-$100k (reaches $90k+ with CPA and 3+ years)
• Major employers: Big 4 accounting firms, corporations
• Companies: Deloitte, EY, PwC, KPMG, major corporations

Auditors:

• Salary: $75k-$105k
• Major employers: Big 4, internal audit departments
• Companies: Same as accountants

Investment Analysts:

• Salary: $90k-$150k
• Major employers: Investment banks, hedge funds, private equity
• Companies: BlackRock, Vanguard, Fidelity

Financial Planners (CFP):

• Salary: $80k-$120k
• Major employers: Wealth management firms, banks
• Companies: Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management

Big 4 Accounting Firms (Major Sponsors):

• Deloitte – Sponsors 1,500+ H-1Bs annually
• EY (Ernst & Young) – Sponsors 1,200+ H-1Bs
• PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers) – Sponsors 1,300+ H-1Bs
• KPMG – Sponsors 1,000+ H-1Bs

Why Big 4 matters: They actively recruit international talent, provide training, and sponsor visas reliably. Starting salary is $70k-$80k but reaches $90k+ within 2-3 years.

Step-by-Step Process to Land a $90k+ Job With Sponsorship

Now let’s get tactical. Here’s the exact process.

Step 1: Assess Your Qualifications Honestly

Before you waste time applying, verify you meet minimum requirements:

Education check:

• Do you have at least a bachelor’s degree?
• Is your degree related to your target job?
• If your degree is from outside the US, is it equivalent to a US bachelor’s?

Experience check:

• Do you have at least 2-3 years of professional experience?
• Can you prove your experience with reference letters and employment contracts?
• Have you worked on projects or technologies relevant to US employers?

Skills check:

• Do you have in-demand technical skills?
• Are your skills documented (certifications, portfolios, GitHub, publications)?
• Can you pass technical interviews?

English check:

• Can you communicate professionally in English?
• Can you pass phone and video interviews?
• Consider taking TOEFL (aim for 100+) or IELTS (aim for 7.5+) to prove proficiency

If you’re weak in any area, strengthen it BEFORE applying heavily.

Step 2: Get Your Credentials Evaluated

For degrees earned outside the US, you need a credential evaluation.

Top evaluation services:

• WES (World Education Services) – Most recognized, costs $200-$250
• Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) – Popular alternative
• NACES members – Any NACES-accredited service is accepted

Process:

• Submit your transcripts and degree certificates
• They evaluate equivalency to US education
• Receive report in 4-8 weeks
• Use this report in job applications and visa petitions

Start this early—it takes time and employers want to see it.

Step 3: Build Your US-Friendly Application Package

Your application materials need to speak American.

Resume (CV) optimization:

Format:

• 1-2 pages maximum (Americans hate long CVs)
• Reverse chronological order (most recent first)
• No photo, no personal details (age, marital status, religion)
• Use American English spelling and terminology

Content:

• Start with strong summary highlighting your specialty
• Focus on achievements, not just responsibilities
• Quantify everything: “Increased efficiency by 35%” not “Improved processes”
• Include relevant certifications prominently
• Add technical skills section with specific technologies

Keywords matter: Use the exact terminology from job descriptions. Applicant tracking systems (ATS) scan for keywords.

Cover letter strategy:

Most Americans skip cover letters, but as an international candidate, you should write one. Here’s why:

• Explains why you want to work in the US
• Addresses visa sponsorship upfront (removes elephant in the room)
• Shows cultural fit and communication skills
• Demonstrates research about the company

Template structure:

Paragraph 1: Why you’re excited about this specific role and company
Paragraph 2: Your relevant qualifications and achievements
Paragraph 3: Address sponsorship clearly: “I’m currently in [country] and will require H-1B visa sponsorship. I understand the process and timeline involved.”
Paragraph 4: Strong closing expressing enthusiasm and availability for interviews

LinkedIn profile optimization:

Critical for international job hunting:

• Set location to your target US city (even if you’re not there yet)
• Add “Open to relocation” and “Requires visa sponsorship”
• Write headline like: “Software Engineer | Python/Java | Open to US Opportunities”
• Get recommendations from managers and colleagues
• Post occasionally about your field to show engagement
• Connect with US-based recruiters in your industry

Step 4: Target the Right Companies

Don’t waste energy applying randomly. Be strategic.

How to find companies that sponsor:

Method 1: H-1B Disclosure Data

The US government publishes which companies sponsor H-1Bs. Search “H-1B employer database” and you’ll find:

• MyVisaJobs.com (excellent free resource)
• H1BGrader.com (shows company approval rates)
• USCIS H-1B data (official but harder to navigate)

Look for:

• Companies in your industry
• Number of H-1Bs sponsored annually
• Approval rates (above 85% is good)
• Average salaries (confirms they pay market rate)

Method 2: LinkedIn Advanced Search

• Search for people from your country working in your field in the US
• Look at their current employers
• These companies have proven they hire internationally
• Reach out to these people for informational interviews

Method 3: Recruitment Agencies Specializing in Sponsorship

• Dice (tech roles with filter for sponsorship)
• CyberCoders (tech, engineering, some healthcare)
• Hays (finance, accounting, engineering)
• Robert Half (accounting, finance, some tech)

Method 4: University Career Centers

If you have a master’s or higher from ANY country, contact career centers at US universities in related programs. They often have employer partners who sponsor.

Create your target list:

Make a spreadsheet with:

• 50-100 companies that sponsor in your field
• Their sponsorship history
• Specific roles you’re qualified for
• Contact information for recruiters
• Application deadline or posting date

Prioritize:

1. Companies with 100+ H-1B sponsorships annually (they have systems in place)
2. Mid-size companies (500-5,000 employees) that sponsor 10-50 annually
3. Startups only if they explicitly mention sponsorship

Step 5: Apply Strategically

Quality over quantity, but you still need volume.

Application targets:

• Tier 1 (Dream jobs): 10-15 applications – Top companies, perfect roles, high competition
• Tier 2 (Good fits): 30-40 applications – Solid companies, good roles, moderate competition
• Tier 3 (Backup options): 20-30 applications – Smaller companies, acceptable roles, lower competition

Total: 60-85 applications over 2-3 months

Application best practices:

Timing matters:

• Apply within 24-48 hours of job posting (early applicants get more attention)
• Avoid applying on weekends (gets buried)
• Best days: Tuesday-Thursday mornings

Follow up:

• If you don’t hear back in 2 weeks, send polite follow-up email
• Connect with recruiter on LinkedIn with personalized message
• Don’t be pushy, but be persistent

Track everything:

• Date applied
• Company and role
• Recruiter contact (if known)
• Follow-up dates
• Interview stages
• Status updates

Use a spreadsheet or tool like Huntr or JobHero.

Step 6: Master the Interview Process

US interviews are different from most countries. Here’s what to expect:

Typical interview stages:

Stage 1: Recruiter Phone Screen (20-30 minutes)

• Basic fit assessment
• Salary expectations discussion
• Visa sponsorship confirmation
• Availability and timeline

Stage 2: Technical/Functional Interview (45-60 minutes)

• For tech: Coding challenges, system design
• For finance: Case studies, financial modeling
• For engineering: Technical problem-solving
• For healthcare: Clinical scenarios

Stage 3: Hiring Manager Interview (45-60 minutes)

• Deep dive into experience
• Behavioral questions (STAR method)
• Cultural fit assessment
• Your questions about role and team

Stage 4: Final Round (2-4 hours)

• Multiple interviews with team members
• Sometimes includes presentation or case study
• Final decision makers involved

Behavioral interview preparation (Critical):

Americans love behavioral questions. Master the STAR method:

• Situation: Set the context
• Task: Explain the challenge
• Action: Describe what YOU did
• Result: Share the measurable outcome

Common questions:

• “Tell me about a time you solved a difficult problem”
• “Describe a situation where you had conflict with a colleague”
• “Give an example of when you failed and what you learned”
• “Tell me about leading a project under tight deadline”

Prepare 8-10 STAR stories covering:

• Leadership/influence
• Problem-solving
• Teamwork/collaboration
• Conflict resolution
• Failure/learning
• Innovation/creativity
• Customer focus
• Time management

Addressing visa sponsorship in interviews:

When they ask “Are you authorized to work in the US?”

Answer: “I’m not currently authorized to work in the US, but I would require H-1B visa sponsorship. I understand the process, timeline, and costs involved. Many companies in [industry] regularly sponsor H-1Bs, and I’m confident we can work through the process together if I’m the right fit for the role.”

Keep it brief, confident, and move on. Don’t dwell on it or apologize.

If they seem hesitant:

“I understand visa sponsorship is an additional process. However, given my [specific skills/experience], I believe the value I bring justifies the investment. I’m also happy to discuss starting with contract work or timing the start date to align with visa processing if that helps.”

Technical interview prep (for tech roles):

Resources:

• LeetCode – Practice coding problems (aim for 100+ problems)
• HackerRank – Coding challenges
• System Design Primer (GitHub) – For senior roles
• Cracking the Coding Interview book – Essential reading
• Glassdoor – Company-specific interview questions

Typical tech interview:

• 1-2 hours of live coding
• Algorithm and data structure problems
• System design (for senior roles)
• Behavioral questions
• Your questions for them

Finance/accounting interview prep:

Resources:

• Wall Street Prep – Financial modeling
• Breaking Into Wall Street – Interview guides
• CFA Institute resources – If applicable
• Case interview frameworks – For consulting roles

Typical finance interview:

• Technical accounting questions
• Financial statement analysis
• Valuation methods
• Case studies
• Market awareness
• Behavioral fit

Final interview tips:

✓ Prepare questions to ask them (shows genuine interest):

• “What does success look like in this role in the first 6 months?”
• “What are the biggest challenges your team is facing?”
• “How does this role support the company’s strategic goals?”
• “What’s the team culture like?”
• “What’s the visa sponsorship process timeline?”

✓ Send thank-you emails within 24 hours to everyone you interviewed with

✓ Follow up appropriately if you don’t hear back by promised date

✓ Stay professional even if rejected—ask for feedback and stay connected

Step 7: Negotiate Your Offer

You got the offer! Don’t accept immediately. Negotiate.

Even as an international candidate, you can and should negotiate.

Salary negotiation:

Research market rates:

• Glassdoor salary data
• Levels.fyi (for tech)
• PayScale
• Ask people in your network

Negotiation script:

“Thank you so much for the offer. I’m very excited about the opportunity. I’ve done research on market rates for this role with my experience level in [city], and I was hoping we could discuss a salary of [10-15% higher than offer]. Given my [specific experience/skills], I believe this aligns with the value I’ll bring to the team.”

What else to negotiate:

Beyond salary, you can negotiate:

• Sign-on bonus ($5,000-$20,000 for some roles)
• Relocation assistance ($3,000-$10,000)
• Start date (to align with visa processing)
• Stock options or RSUs (if tech company)
• Vacation days (usually 2-3 weeks in US)
• Professional development budget
• Remote work flexibility

Visa-specific negotiation:

Confirm in writing:

• Company will sponsor H-1B (or appropriate visa)
• Company will pay legal fees
• Timeline for starting visa process
• Contingency plan if visa is delayed

Get it in the offer letter. Don’t rely on verbal promises.

Step 8: The Visa Process

Once you’ve accepted an offer, the visa process begins.

H-1B Timeline (if subject to lottery):

Month	Activity
January-March	Employer prepares Labor Condition Application (LCA), gathers your documents
March 1-31	H-1B cap registration period (employer enters you in lottery)
March 31	Registration deadline
March-April	USCIS conducts lottery, sends selection notices
April 1 (if selected)	Employer files full H-1B petition
April-September	USCIS processes petition (2-6 months, or 15 days with premium processing)
October 1	Earliest H-1B start date (new fiscal year)

If NOT selected in lottery: Employer can try again next year, or explore alternatives (L-1 if they have foreign office, O-1 if you qualify, EB-2/EB-3 green card).

Cap-exempt H-1B Timeline (universities, non-profits):

No lottery! Can start anytime. Timeline:

• 1-2 months for document preparation
• 2-6 months for USCIS processing (or 15 days with premium processing)
• Can start working as soon as approved

EB-2/EB-3 Green Card Timeline:

1. PERM Labor Certification (6-12 months) – Employer proves no qualified Americans
2. I-140 Immigrant Petition (4-6 months) – Employer petitions for your green card
3. Priority Date Wait (0-10+ years depending on your country) – Wait for visa number availability
4. Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing (6-12 months) – Final green card processing

Total: 18 months to 15+ years depending on country

Backlog by country:

• India (EB-2): 10+ years currently
• India (EB-3): 5-8 years
• China (EB-2): 3-5 years
• China (EB-3): 2-4 years
• All other countries: 18-36 months typically

Important: You can work on EAD (Employment Authorization Document) while waiting, starting 6-12 months after filing I-140.

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Insider Strategies to Beat the Competition

These are the tactics most people don’t know.

Strategy 1: Target Cap-Exempt Employers

Remember, universities, affiliated hospitals, non-profit research organizations, and government research facilities are cap-exempt. No lottery.

How to find them:

• Search “university hospital” + your specialty
• Look for research institutes (NIH affiliates, Smithsonian, etc.)
• Non-profit healthcare systems (many children’s hospitals)
• Academic medical centers

Examples:

• Johns Hopkins Hospital (Baltimore)
• Mayo Clinic (Minnesota, Arizona, Florida)
• Cleveland Clinic (Ohio)
• Stanford Health Care (California)
• Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (Massachusetts)

Pay is often 10-20% lower than private sector, BUT:

• No lottery
• Job security
• Excellent benefits
• Clear path to green card
• Prestigious experience

Start here, then switch to private sector after 2-3 years if you want higher pay.

Strategy 2: Get a US Master’s Degree

This is the ultimate hack.

Why it works:

• Extra 20,000 H-1B visas reserved for US master’s graduates
• Higher lottery odds (about 40-50% vs 20-25% for bachelor’s)
• Can work during degree (CPT) and after (OPT)
• STEM degrees get 36-month OPT (3 years to find sponsorship)
• Network with US companies
• Career services help with job placement

ROI calculation:

• Investment: $40,000-$80,000 (for 2-year master’s)
• Return: Higher salary ($10k-$20k bump), better visa odds, US experience
• Payback period: 2-4 years typically

Best value programs:

• Public universities (much cheaper than private)
• STEM programs (longer OPT period)
• Programs with strong industry connections
• Schools in tech hubs (access to jobs)

Top affordable programs:

• University of Texas system schools
• State University of New York (SUNY) schools
• Georgia Tech (Online Master’s in Computer Science – $7,000 total!)
• Arizona State University
• University of Illinois system

You can work for 3 years on STEM OPT, have 3 chances at H-1B lottery. Odds of getting selected at least once: 87%.

Strategy 3: Target Consulting Companies

Consulting firms (especially IT consulting) are the LARGEST H-1B sponsors.

Why they’re easier:

• They actively recruit internationally
• Have dedicated immigration teams
• Sponsor thousands annually
• More willing to take on new grads

Top consulting sponsors:

• Cognizant (10,000+ H-1Bs)
• Infosys (8,000+ H-1Bs)
• TCS (7,000+ H-1Bs)
• Accenture (5,000+ H-1Bs)
• Capgemini (3,000+ H-1Bs)
• Deloitte (3,500+ H-1Bs)
• EY (2,500+ H-1Bs)

Starting salary: $75,000-$90,000 (lower than product companies)

Career path:

• Start at consulting firm (easier entry)
• Gain US experience for 2-3 years
• Switch to product company for $20k-$40k raise
• Your H-1B transfers (no lottery needed for transfers!)

This is the most reliable path for candidates without US degrees.

Strategy 4: Leverage Your Network

Most jobs are filled through referrals, not applications.

Networking tactics:

LinkedIn strategy:

• Connect with alumni from your university working in US
• Join industry groups and participate in discussions
• Reach out to people at target companies for informational interviews
• Don’t ask for jobs directly—ask for advice and insights

Message template:

“Hi [Name], I’m a [your role] with [X years] experience in [specialty]. I noticed you work at [Company] and I’m very interested in [specific aspect of their work]. Would you be open to a brief 15-minute call to share your insights about the industry and your experience at [Company]? I’d really appreciate learning from your journey.”

Conference and events:

• Attend virtual conferences in your industry
• Join webinars hosted by US companies
• Participate in online hackathons or competitions
• Contribute to open-source projects (especially for tech)

Professional associations:

• Join US-based professional organizations in your field
• Many have virtual membership options
• Attend virtual events and network
• Some offer job boards for members

Informational interviews:

When someone agrees to talk:

• Research them and their company thoroughly
• Prepare thoughtful questions
• Take no more than 15-20 minutes
• Don’t ask for a job—ask for advice
• Follow up with thank-you note
• Stay in touch periodically

70% of people who do this systematically land referrals within 6 months.

Strategy 5: Build Public Proof of Expertise

For tech: GitHub with quality projects, contributions to open source

For all fields:

• Write articles on Medium or LinkedIn
• Speak at virtual conferences
• Create helpful content (YouTube, blog)
• Get certifications and showcase them

Why this matters:

• Differentiates you from other candidates
• Proves expertise beyond resume
• Shows communication skills
• Builds personal brand
• Can help with O-1 visa (extraordinary ability)

One senior engineer from India got his O-1 visa (no lottery) by:

• Publishing 50+ technical articles
• Speaking at 10 international conferences (virtual counts!)
• Contributing to major open-source projects
• Building side projects with 1,000+ GitHub stars

This took 18 months of consistent effort but got him a $140k job with no lottery risk.

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Part 6: Red Flags and Scams to Avoid

The $90k sponsorship space has predators. Protect yourself.

Common Scams

Scam 1: “Guaranteed H-1B” for upfront fees

Red flag: Any agency or company asking for $5,000-$20,000 upfront with “guaranteed” H-1B or job placement.

Reality: Nobody can guarantee H-1B selection (it’s a lottery). Legitimate employers pay the legal fees ($5,000-$10,000), not you.

What you SHOULD pay: Only government fees if you’re applying for visa yourself ($190 for visa application), credential evaluations ($200-300), and English tests ($250).

Scam 2: Fake job offers

Red flag: You get a job offer after minimal or no interview process, often via email with poor English, from a company you can’t verify.

Reality: US companies have rigorous interview processes (3-5 stages). A serious offer never comes without multiple interviews.

Verify:

• Company website and address (Google it)
• Company registration (search state business registry)
• H-1B sponsorship history (MyVisaJobs.com)
• LinkedIn profiles of supposed hiring managers
• Call the company directly at published number

Scam 3: “Training” programs with job placement promises

Red flag: Company asks you to pay $8,000-$15,000 for training in exchange for job placement and sponsorship.

Reality: Legitimate employers train you for free or provide paid training. They don’t charge you for the privilege of working for them.

Exception: University degree programs are legitimate investments, but commercial “bootcamp to job” programs with sponsorship promises are usually scams.

Scam 4: Fake consulting companies

Red flag: Company sponsors your H-1B but then “benches” you (no actual work) or makes you pay them to stay sponsored.

Reality: This is illegal. Employers cannot make employees pay for sponsorship. If you’re on H-1B, you must be actively employed and paid.

What to do: Report to Department of Labor and consult immigration attorney.

Legitimate Costs You Should Expect

Reasonable expenses:

• Credential evaluation: $200-$300
• English test (TOEFL/IELTS): $200-$250
• Visa application fee: $190-$250
• Recruitment agency fee: $0-$500 (if they place you successfully)
• Immigration attorney consultation: $200-$500 (optional but helpful)

Total legitimate costs: $600-$1,500

Everything else (PERM, H-1B petition, legal fees) should be paid by employer.

How to Protect Yourself

Due diligence checklist:

✓ Verify company is real and legitimate business
✓ Check H-1B sponsorship history (MyVisaJobs.com)
✓ Research company on Glassdoor for reviews
✓ Never pay large sums for “guaranteed” jobs
✓ Get everything in writing before accepting offers
✓ Consult with immigration attorney before signing anything suspicious
✓ Trust your instincts—if it feels wrong, it probably is

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Your Action Plan

Overwhelmed? Don’t be. Here’s your month-by-month roadmap.

Month 1: Foundation

Week 1:

• Assess your qualifications honestly
• Choose your target industry and roles
• Start credential evaluation process
• Register for English proficiency test

Week 2:

• Create target list of 50-100 companies
• Research H-1B sponsorship data
• Set up job search tracking system
• Optimize LinkedIn profile

Week 3:

• Rewrite resume in US format
• Draft cover letter template
• Prepare STAR stories for interviews
• Join relevant online communities

Week 4:

• Start networking on LinkedIn (10 connections per week)
• Apply to first 10-15 jobs
• Begin technical/skills preparation for interviews
• Research visa processes in detail

Month 2: Acceleration

Week 5-8:

• Apply to 20-30 more jobs
• Follow up on initial applications
• Continue networking (reach out for informational interviews)
• Practice interview skills (mock interviews with friends)
• Start creating public proof of expertise (article, project, etc.)

Month 3: Full Momentum

Week 9-12:

• Apply to another 20-30 jobs (total 50-70 applications)
• Hopefully starting to get interviews
• Refine your pitch based on interview feedback
• Double down on networking
• Continue skill development

Month 4-6: Interview Phase

Ongoing:

• Continue targeted applications (quality over quantity now)
• Interview preparation and execution
• Negotiate offers as they come
• Make decision and start visa process

Realistic timeline: Most successful candidates land offers within 4-8 months of serious, focused effort.

But some take 12-18 months. Don’t give up.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What if I don’t get selected in the H-1B lottery?

Answer: You have several options:

Option 1: Employer tries again next year (you can have 3 attempts typically)

Option 2: Switch to cap-exempt employer (university, non-profit research)

Option 3: Pursue EB-2/EB-3 green card directly (no lottery, but longer processing)

Option 4: Explore O-1 visa if you have extraordinary ability evidence

Option 5: If you have master’s degree and qualify, apply for EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) which doesn’t require employer sponsorship

Option 6: Consider Canada (easier immigration) as backup plan

Many people successfully navigate this by having backup plans and multiple applications.

2. Can I switch employers while on H-1B?

Answer: Yes! This is called “H-1B transfer” or “portability.”

Process:

• New employer files H-1B petition for you
• You can start working for new employer as soon as they file (don’t need to wait for approval)
• No lottery required for transfers
• Takes 2-6 months for approval
• Very common practice

Important: You must maintain H-1B status (not be out of status) to transfer. If your H-1B expires or you’re terminated, you have 60-day grace period to either leave US or find new sponsor.

Many people use this to:

• Switch from consulting to product companies
• Increase salary significantly ($20k-$50k jumps common)
• Move to better locations
• Improve work-life balance

3. How much does it cost employers to sponsor me?

Answer: Total employer cost for H-1B sponsorship:

• PERM Labor Certification (if required): $3,000-$6,000
• Legal fees: $3,000-$8,000
• Government filing fees: $1,710-$4,210 (depends on company size and if using premium processing)
• Recruitment and advertising costs: $1,000-$3,000

Total: $8,000-$20,000 typically

For green card (EB-2/EB-3):

• Total costs: $10,000-$25,000
• Spread over 2-3 years
• Includes PERM, I-140, adjustment of status legal fees

Why this matters: Employers only invest this much if they really want you. That’s why having in-demand skills is crucial—you need to be worth the investment.

4. Can my family come with me?

Answer: Yes!

H-1B dependents:

• Spouse gets H-4 visa
• Children (under 21) get H-4 visa
• Spouse can apply for H-4 EAD (work authorization) after your employer files I-140 (green card petition)
• Children can attend school

Green card family members:

• Included in your application
• Get green cards at same time as you
• Can work and study immediately

Timeline: Family visa processing is usually simultaneous with yours (add 1-2 months max).

Cost: Family visa fees are separate but not huge (about $190 per person plus medical exams).

5. What if my H-1B petition is denied?

Answer: Several scenarios and solutions:

Reason 1: RFE (Request for Evidence)

• USCIS needs additional documentation
• Your employer/attorney responds with requested evidence
• Common for specialty occupation proving or wage requirements
• Usually resolved without denial

Reason 2: Actual denial after RFE

• Can appeal or refile with stronger evidence
• If you’re already in US on OPT, you may have time to find another sponsor
• Consult immigration attorney immediately

Reason 3: Denial due to cap (lottery not selected)

• This is most common
• Not actually a “denial” – just not selected
• Try again next year
• Consider alternatives (cap-exempt, O-1, EB-2)

Prevention strategies:

• Work with experienced immigration attorneys
• Choose employers with high approval rates (check H1BGrader.com)
• Ensure job duties clearly match specialty occupation requirements
• Make sure salary meets prevailing wage for location and role

Important: A denial is not the end. Many people get approved on second or third attempts with better documentation.

6. Is $90k enough to live comfortably in the US?

Answer: It depends on location, but generally yes.

$90k breakdown by city (after taxes):

San Francisco/NYC: Take-home ~$5,500/month

• Rent (1BR apartment): $2,500-$3,500
• Food: $600
• Transport: $150-$200
• Utilities: $150
• Other: $500
• Savings potential: $500-$1,000/month (tight but possible)

Seattle/Boston: Take-home ~$5,700/month

• Rent: $1,800-$2,500
• Food: $500
• Transport: $150
• Utilities: $150
• Other: $400
• Savings potential: $1,200-$2,000/month (comfortable)

Dallas/Atlanta/Phoenix: Take-home ~$5,800/month

• Rent: $1,200-$1,800
• Food: $400
• Transport: $300 (car needed)
• Utilities: $150
• Other: $400
• Savings potential: $1,950-$2,550/month (very comfortable)

Smaller cities: Take-home ~$5,800/month

• Rent: $800-$1,200
• Food: $350
• Transport: $250
• Utilities: $120
• Other: $300
• Savings potential: $2,780-$3,180/month (excellent)

Pro tip: Share apartment with roommate initially to save $500-$1,500/month extra.

7. Can I start my own business on H-1B?

Answer: Technically yes, but with major restrictions.

The rules:

• You can own a business
• You can be passive investor
• BUT you cannot work for your own business unless it sponsors your H-1B
• Your H-1B sponsor business would need to:
  • Be incorporated
  • Have other employees
  • Prove employer-employee relationship
  • Pay you prevailing wage

Practically: Very difficult and risky. Most immigration attorneys advise against it.

Better path:

• Wait until you have green card (full freedom)
• Or pursue EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) which allows self-employment
• Or find employer who allows side projects (many tech companies do)

Side hustles on H-1B:

• Passive income is fine (investments, rental property, YouTube ad revenue)
• Active work (consulting, freelancing) is risky and probably violates status
• Check with immigration attorney before starting anything

8. What’s the fastest path to a green card?

Answer: Depends on your qualifications and country.

Fastest options by profile:

If you’re exceptional in your field:

• EB-1A (Extraordinary Ability): 12-24 months, no employer needed
• EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver): 18-30 months, no employer needed
• Requires strong evidence of achievement (publications, awards, recognition)

If you have advanced degree from US:

• EB-2 with employer sponsorship: 18-36 months for most countries
• But India/China have backlogs (5-10+ years)

If you have any bachelor’s degree:

• EB-3 with employer sponsorship: 24-48 months for most countries
• India/China have shorter EB-3 backlogs than EB-2 currently

If you’re healthcare worker:

• EB-3 for nurses: Often 2-4 years (many visa numbers available)
• Schedule A workers (nurses, physical therapists) have streamlined process

If you’re from backlogged country (India/China):

• Consider EB-2 NIW (self-petition while working)
• Or stay on H-1B while waiting
• Or look into EB-5 investor visa ($800k-$1M investment)

Ultra-fast option (if you have money):

• EB-5 investor visa: Invest $800k-$1.05M in US business
• Get green card in 2-3 years
• Family included
• Controversial but legal and fastest guaranteed path

9. Can I negotiate my salary as an H-1B candidate?

Answer: Absolutely yes! Don’t let visa sponsorship make you afraid to negotiate.

Here’s why you CAN negotiate:

• You’re providing valuable skills they need
• They’ve already decided to invest $8k-$15k in sponsorship
• They chose YOU over other candidates
• Your visa status doesn’t diminish your value

What to negotiate:

• Salary (10-20% above initial offer is reasonable)
• Sign-on bonus ($5k-$20k for experienced roles)
• Relocation assistance
• Stock options or RSUs
• Professional development budget
• Start date timing (aligned with visa processing)

What NOT to do:

• Don’t apologize for needing sponsorship
• Don’t accept lowball offer because “they’re sponsoring you”
• Don’t negotiate aggressively or with ultimatums
• Don’t lie about other offers

Negotiation script:

“Thank you for the offer. I’m excited about the opportunity. Based on my research and my [specific skills/experience], I was hoping we could discuss a salary of [10-15% higher]. I believe this better reflects the market rate and the value I’ll bring to the role. Is there flexibility here?”

Most companies expect negotiation and have budget for it.

10. What happens if I lose my job while on H-1B?

Answer: You have a 60-day grace period to either:

Option 1: Find new sponsor

• New employer files H-1B transfer
• You can start working when they file (don’t wait for approval)
• This is most common solution

Option 2: Change to different visa status

• F-1 student visa (enroll in school)
• B-2 visitor visa (temporary stay)
• O-1 if you qualify

Option 3: Leave the United States

• Return home within 60 days
• Can apply for new job and visa from outside US
• Not ideal but protects your immigration record

Option 4: If you have pending or approved I-140

• Your priority date is preserved (crucial for green card)
• Can port to new employer
• Have more flexibility

Important:

• Grace period starts from last day of employment OR last day you were paid, whichever is later
• Don’t overstay—creates serious future visa problems
• File for status change or leave before 60 days ends
• Keep documentation of termination and grace period

Unemployment is stressful but manageable if you act quickly.

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Conclusion: Your $90k American Dream Is Waiting

I’ve given you everything. The industries. The companies. The visa pathways. The step-by-step process. The insider strategies. The scams to avoid.

Now comes the hardest part: execution.

Here’s what’s going to happen. Thousands of people will read this guide. Maybe 500 will save it. Maybe 200 will actually start preparing documents. Maybe 100 will apply to jobs seriously. And maybe 10-20 will actually land in America within 18 months, earning $90k+ and building new lives.

The question is: which group will you be in?

Every successful person (Applicant) had three things in common:

1. They started before they felt ready

They didn’t wait for perfect English. They didn’t wait for more experience. They didn’t wait for the “right time.” They started with what they had.

2. They were persistent through rejection

They got rejected 40, 50, 60 times. They kept applying. They refined their approach. They didn’t take rejection personally. They treated it like a numbers game because that’s what it is.

3. They invested in themselves

They paid for credential evaluations. They took English tests multiple times to improve scores. They got certifications. They built portfolios. They hired attorneys when needed. They saw it as investment, not expense.

Your action today determines where you’ll be in 18 months.

If you do nothing, 18 months from now you’ll be exactly where you are today—reading another article, dreaming about America, wondering “what if.”

But if you take action—just one action today—18 months from now you could be:

• Depositing a $7,500 monthly paycheck
• Living in a safe, clean apartment with reliable electricity and water
• Sending your kids to excellent schools
• Building a savings account with real money
• On a path to permanent residence and citizenship
• Creating generational wealth for your family

The difference between dreamers and achievers is action.

So here’s my final challenge to you: Close this article and do ONE thing in the next 30 minutes.

• Register for IELTS/TOEFL
• Order your credential evaluation
• Update your LinkedIn headline
• Apply to one job
• Connect with one person at a target company
• Save 10 companies to research
• Download a spreadsheet to track applications

Just. One. Thing.

Because that one thing starts the momentum. And momentum is everything.

Your $90,000 American salary is waiting for you. The companies are waiting. The visa pathways exist. The opportunity is real.

Now go claim it. 🇺🇸

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Have questions I didn’t answer? Drop them in the comments below. I respond to everyone. And if this guide gave you clarity and hope, share it with someone else dreaming of America. Success is better when shared.

Now stop reading and start doing. Your future is calling.