The H-1B visa serves as a key gateway for skilled foreign professionals—especially in tech, engineering, and science—to work in the United States.
Each year, the program faces intense competition due to its strict annual cap and the continued demand for specialized expertise.
Recently, Donald Trump’s proposal to impose a $100,000 supplemental fee on new H-1B applications sent shockwaves through the global business community, underscoring how politically charged the visa has become.
Despite the controversy, the program remains essential to major U.S. employers that depend on global talent.
The following data presents the leading countries of origin for H-1B approvals, based on USCIS’s official report to Congress released on April 29, 2025.
#11 Other
This group includes all countries not listed individually, accounting for roughly 10.4% of total H-1B approvals in FY 2024.
These applicants come from dozens of nations across Europe, South America, Africa, and Asia. Many work in specialized fields like software engineering, research, and health care.
Although their total numbers are smaller than those of the top countries, this category shows the wide global interest in U.S. high-skill jobs.
The H-1B program continues to attract professionals from every continent, highlighting the international demand for employment in America’s technology and business sectors.
#10 Nigeria
Nigeria accounted for about 0.6% of H-1B visa approvals in FY 2024, representing 2,273 applicants. Most Nigerian recipients work in technology, health care, or higher education.
The country’s strong English-speaking workforce makes it well-suited for U.S. employers seeking skilled professionals.
Nigerian nationals often hold advanced degrees in STEM fields and play a growing role in U.S. tech hubs like Texas and California.
Although smaller in number, Nigerian H-1B applicants reflect the expanding contribution of African professionals to the U.S. economy and the continued growth of global tech talent beyond Asia.
#9 Brazil
Brazil had 2,638 approved H-1B applicants in FY 2024, about 0.7% of the total. Many Brazilian professionals work in software engineering, data science, and engineering design.
As Latin America’s largest economy, Brazil produces a steady stream of highly skilled workers, particularly in technology and finance.
English fluency among Brazilian engineers has improved, helping them qualify for positions with major U.S. companies.
Brazilian H-1B holders often work in Silicon Valley and New York, contributing to innovation and cross-border cooperation between U.S. and Brazilian industries.
#8 Pakistan
Pakistan accounted for 3,052 H-1B approvals in FY 2024, or roughly 0.8% of all applicants. Most Pakistani professionals come from software development, IT services, and engineering backgrounds.
The country’s strong emphasis on computer science education and technical training has produced a large pool of talent sought by U.S. employers.
Many H-1B workers from Pakistan also transition from U.S. universities, where they complete advanced degrees in STEM fields.
The steady approval rate shows Pakistan’s continued presence in the global technology workforce and its growing reputation for skilled labor.
#7 Taiwan
Taiwan received 3,099 H-1B approvals in FY 2024, representing about 0.8% of the total. With a strong background in semiconductors, hardware, and engineering, Taiwanese professionals are key contributors to U.S. technology firms.
Many work for companies involved in electronics manufacturing, research, and software development. Taiwan’s education system emphasizes science and engineering, producing graduates who adapt well to U.S. corporate and research environments.
The country’s participation in the H-1B program also reflects the close ties between the U.S. and Taiwan in the tech supply chain.
#6 Mexico
Mexico had 3,333 H-1B approvals in FY 2024, making up around 0.8% of all applicants. Many Mexican professionals fill roles in engineering, information technology, and manufacturing.
The close economic partnership between the U.S. and Mexico encourages cross-border employment opportunities, especially under trade frameworks like USMCA.
Mexican H-1B workers often hold advanced degrees from U.S. universities, allowing them to bridge technical and cultural expertise between the two nations.
Their growing participation in STEM fields strengthens regional innovation and professional mobility across North America.
#5 South Korea
South Korea had 3,983 approved H-1B visas in FY 2024, accounting for about 1.0% of the total. Korean professionals are well represented in engineering, biotechnology, and information technology.
The country’s world-class education system and strong English proficiency make its graduates highly competitive in U.S. industries.
Many South Koreans transition from U.S. universities to H-1B employment, particularly in major cities such as San Francisco and Boston.
Their involvement supports the exchange of advanced skills between the two countries’ technology sectors.
#4 Canada
Canada had 4,222 H-1B approvals in FY 2024, or roughly 1.1% of total applicants. Canadian professionals often work in tech, finance, and research roles, benefiting from cultural and geographic proximity to the U.S.
Many H-1B holders from Canada are already employed by American firms operating north of the border before transferring under visa sponsorship.
Canada’s strong education system and established professional standards make its workforce a natural fit for U.S. employers seeking skilled talent.
Cross-border collaboration continues to boost both economies.
#3 Philippines
The Philippines accounted for 5,248 H-1B approvals in FY 2024, or about 1.3% of the total. Many Filipino workers in the U.S. specialize in information technology, health care, and engineering.
The Philippines’ English proficiency and Western-oriented education system make its professionals well-prepared for U.S. work environments.
Filipino H-1B holders contribute significantly to hospitals, tech firms, and consulting companies.
With its long-standing cultural ties to the U.S., the Philippines remains a key source of skilled labor in critical industries.
#2 China
China had 46,680 H-1B approvals in FY 2024, representing about 11.7% of all applicants. Chinese nationals are heavily concentrated in science, engineering, and computer technology fields.
Many earned advanced degrees from U.S. universities before transitioning into full-time employment under H-1B sponsorship.
Despite visa restrictions and competition, China remains the second-largest contributor to the U.S. skilled labor force.
Chinese professionals play major roles in research, AI development, and semiconductor industries, strengthening both U.S. innovation and international collaboration in high-tech fields.
#1 India
India dominates the H-1B program, with 283,397 approvals in FY 2024—roughly 71% of all applicants. Indian professionals are the backbone of the U.S. tech workforce, holding major roles in software development, data science, and IT management.
Most H-1B visa holders from India have advanced degrees and experience in global technology firms.
The strong educational focus on engineering and computer science in India, along with partnerships between Indian and U.S. companies, keeps this trend growing.
Indian nationals continue to lead the global migration of high-skilled labor, deeply shaping America’s technology and innovation sectors.
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Ed spent his childhood in the backwoods of Maine, where harsh winters taught him the value of survival skills. With a background in bushcraft and off-grid living, Ed has honed his expertise in fire-making, hunting, and wild foraging. He writes from personal experience, sharing practical tips and hands-on techniques to thrive in any outdoor environment. Whether it’s primitive camping or full-scale survival, Ed’s advice is grounded in real-life challenges.
