H-1B Approval Rates by Company 2026: Data Analysis & Top Sponsors
Not all H-1B sponsors are created equal. Some companies have 98%+ approval rates while others see 50%+ denials. Here's the data-driven breakdown.
Quick Answer
H-1B approval rates vary significantly by employer, with top tech companies achieving 95%+ approval rates while smaller or less established sponsors may see rates below 70%. Approval rates are publicly available through USCIS data and can help you evaluate potential employers.
FY2025 H-1B Data Summary
Overall approval rate
Registrations received
Selected in lottery
Unique employers
Source: USCIS H-1B Employer Data Hub (uscis.gov/h-1b-data-hub)
Top 10 Highest H-1B Approval Rate Companies (Large Employers)
These major employers consistently achieve near-perfect H-1B approval rates. Data is based on FY2025 USCIS reporting for companies with 100+ petitions filed.
| Rank | Company | Approval Rate | Petitions Filed | Industry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 98% | 3,500+ | Technology | |
| 2 | Microsoft | 97% | 4,200+ | Technology |
| 3 | Apple | 97% | 1,800+ | Technology |
| 4 | Meta | 96% | 2,100+ | Technology |
| 5 | Amazon | 95% | 5,600+ | Technology/Retail |
| 6 | JPMorgan Chase | 94% | 1,200+ | Finance |
| 7 | Goldman Sachs | 94% | 800+ | Finance |
| 8 | Deloitte | 93% | 3,800+ | Consulting |
| 9 | EY (Ernst & Young) | 92% | 2,400+ | Consulting |
| 10 | Intel | 92% | 1,100+ | Semiconductors |
Note: Data compiled from USCIS H-1B Employer Data Hub. Approval rates include initial and continuing petitions. For the most current data, use TrackMyOPT's H-1B Sponsor Database.
Companies With Lower Approval Rates (Red Flags)
IT outsourcing and staffing companies tend to have significantly lower approval rates. USCIS has increased scrutiny on these employers since 2020.
| Company Type | Typical Approval Rate | Common Issues |
|---|---|---|
| IT Staffing Firms | 60-75% | Third-party worksite issues, specialty occupation challenges |
| Small Consulting Firms | 50-70% | Employer-employee relationship questions, low wages |
| Companies <50 Employees | 65-80% | Ability to pay concerns, less track record |
How to Research H-1B Sponsors Before Applying
Check the USCIS H-1B Employer Data Hub
Free official data on every employer that has filed H-1B petitions. Search by company name, city, or industry.
Use TrackMyOPT's Sponsor Database
Our database shows approval rates, salary data, E-Verify status, fraud alerts, and year-over-year trends for 25,000+ employers.
Look for Red Flags
Be cautious of companies with: very low salaries, virtual office addresses, high denial rates, or DOL investigations.
Verify E-Verify Enrollment
If you plan to apply for STEM OPT extension, your employer must be E-Verify enrolled. Check on e-verify.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies have the highest H-1B approval rates?
Major tech companies like Google (98%), Microsoft (97%), and Apple (97%) consistently have the highest H-1B approval rates. Large finance and consulting firms like JPMorgan (94%) and Deloitte (93%) also perform well. Source: USCIS H-1B Employer Data Hub.
What is the average H-1B approval rate?
The overall H-1B approval rate across all employers in FY2025 was approximately 85%. However, this varies significantly — top tech companies see 95%+ while IT staffing firms may see 60-75%.
Why do IT staffing companies have lower approval rates?
USCIS scrutinizes third-party worksite placements more heavily. Common denial reasons include: inability to prove a specialty occupation, employer-employee relationship issues, and wages below prevailing levels.
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