The H-1B visa program serves as a pivotal mechanism for the US to attract highly skilled foreign professionals, particularly in sectors like technology, engineering, and healthcare. According to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), in Fiscal Year 2024, a total of 399,395 H-1B petitions were approved. India emerged as the dominant source, accounting for 71% of these approvals, with 283,397 beneficiaries. China followed distantly with 46,680 beneficiaries, representing 11.7% of the total. Other countries such as the Philippines, Canada, and South Korea, each contributed between 1% and 1.3% to the overall numbers. This distribution underscores the significant role of Indian professionals in the US workforce and highlights global trends in talent mobility. Check the list of top 10 H-1B visa most approved by which countries.
List of countries by number of H-1B beneficiaries (FY 2024)
Countries contributing the most skilled H-1B professionals
India (71%): India overwhelmingly dominates the H-1B visa program, with more than two-thirds of all beneficiaries coming from the country. This reflects India’s strong focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, producing a large pool of highly skilled professionals. Indian IT and tech experts are particularly sought after in the United States, fulfilling critical roles in software development, data analytics, and engineering sectors. The continued demand underscores India’s position as the leading supplier of talent for US specialty occupations.China (11.7%): China ranks second among H-1B beneficiaries, contributing a substantial portion of professionals entering the US workforce. Chinese nationals often possess strong technical and engineering backgrounds, making them attractive for roles in technology, research, and innovation-driven sectors. The presence of Chinese H-1B workers reflects both the country’s growing emphasis on higher education in STEM fields and its increasing participation in global tech industries. Their contribution demonstrates China’s rising influence in supplying highly skilled labor to international markets.Philippines (1.3%): The Philippines holds a notable share of H-1B beneficiaries, particularly in healthcare, nursing, and information technology. Filipino professionals are valued for their high English proficiency, adaptability, and cultural compatibility with the United States, which facilitates workplace integration. Many also fill essential roles in hospitals, IT companies, and support services. The country’s growing presence in the H-1B program highlights its specialized workforce that can meet US labor demands, while also offering opportunities for Filipinos to advance their careers abroad.Canada (1.1%): Canadian professionals represent a smaller but steady portion of H-1B visa holders. Proximity to the United States, shared language, and cultural similarities make it easier for Canadians to transition into US workplaces, especially in technology and business sectors. Many Canadian workers possess advanced degrees in engineering, IT, and other specialized fields, contributing to innovative projects across the US economy. Their participation demonstrates the seamless labor mobility between the two neighboring countries, reflecting a mutually beneficial exchange of talent.South Korea (1%): South Korea contributes around 1% of H-1B beneficiaries, showcasing its strong educational system and well-trained workforce. Professionals from South Korea often excel in technology, engineering, and scientific research, which aligns with US demand for specialized skills. The country’s emphasis on higher education and technological expertise allows its nationals to secure positions in competitive industries. South Korean H-1B workers bring high technical proficiency, innovation, and problem-solving skills to the American workforce, making them valuable contributors to research and development initiatives.Mexico (<1%): Mexico has a modest representation among H-1B visa holders, reflecting its geographic proximity and economic ties to the United States. Mexican professionals often work in technology, engineering, and business-related roles, supporting industries where specialized skills are needed. Cross-border labor mobility allows Mexican talent to fill gaps in the US workforce while gaining international experience. Despite being a smaller share, Mexico’s participation highlights regional cooperation in skilled labor and its potential to provide expertise in niche sectors requiring technical or professional proficiency.Taiwan (<1%): Taiwan’s skilled workforce contributes less than 1% of H-1B beneficiaries but remains significant in high-tech and engineering fields. Taiwanese professionals often specialize in semiconductor technology, software development, and electronics, aligning with US industry needs. The H-1B program provides a pathway for these highly trained individuals to work on advanced projects in the United States. Taiwan’s participation underscores the global demand for its technological expertise and the role of international talent in strengthening US innovation and competitiveness in technology-driven sectors.Pakistan (<1%): Pakistani nationals make up a small portion of H-1B visa recipients, mainly in IT, engineering, and technical services. Pakistan’s higher education system, particularly in STEM disciplines, produces professionals capable of meeting US industry standards. Many Pakistani H-1B workers fill critical roles in software development, networking, and project management. Their presence in the US workforce provides opportunities for skill development, exposure to advanced technologies, and contributes to the diversification of talent in American industries that rely on specialized international expertise.Brazil (<1%): Brazil contributes a modest share of H-1B beneficiaries, primarily in engineering, IT, and business process roles. Brazilian professionals often seek opportunities in the US to gain international experience and advance their careers in competitive industries. The participation of Brazilian workers reflects growing South American engagement in global talent mobility. They bring unique perspectives and problem-solving approaches, supporting innovation in the US workforce while strengthening economic ties between Brazil and the United States in sectors that require specialized knowledge.Nigeria (<1%): Nigeria’s representation among H-1B visa holders highlights the increasing movement of African professionals into the US workforce. Nigerian nationals typically enter technology, engineering, and healthcare fields, leveraging strong educational backgrounds and English proficiency. Participation in the H-1B program allows these skilled professionals to contribute to US industries in high-demand sectors while gaining exposure to advanced practices and technologies. Nigeria’s presence underscores the broader trend of African talent participating in global labor markets and the US’s role as a hub for skilled international professionals.Also Read | Top 10 US billionaires leading charity and philanthropy efforts in 2025: Warrant Buffet, Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg and others
