H-1B Visa: How Hard Is Sponsorship After a US Master’s?

Getting a job in the U.S. after completing a master’s degree with H-1B visa sponsorship is challenging but possible, depending on your field, job market trends, and company policies. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Advantages of Having a U.S. Master's Degree

Higher Chance in the H-1B Lottery: Master's degree holders from U.S. universities get two chances in the H-1B lottery (first in the regular 65,000 pool, then in the additional 20,000 pool for master’s graduates).

STEM OPT Extension: If your degree is in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), you can work on OPT (Optional Practical Training) for up to 3 years, giving 3 attempts at the H-1B lottery.

Employers Prefer U.S. Graduates: A U.S. degree improves job prospects compared to international applicants with foreign degrees.

2. Challenges in Getting H-1B Sponsorship

a) The H-1B Lottery System

The H-1B visa cap is 85,000 per year (65,000 for general applicants + 20,000 for U.S. master's degree holders).

In 2024, there were over 700,000 applications, making the selection rate below 20%.

Even if an employer sponsors you, there’s no guarantee you’ll be selected.

b) Company Willingness to Sponsor

Some companies have stopped sponsoring new H-1Bs (e.g., Amazon reduced sponsorship).

Startups and small companies often avoid sponsorship due to high costs and legal complexities.

Top H-1B sponsors include: Infosys, TCS, Cognizant, Google, Microsoft, Apple, Meta.

c) Non-STEM Degrees Face More Difficulty

Non-STEM graduates (MBA, humanities, law) only get 1 year of OPT, limiting their H-1B lottery attempts.

Fewer employers sponsor H-1Bs in non-STEM fields, making job searches harder.

3. Strategies to Increase Your Chances

✅ Choose a STEM degree (if possible) to get 3 years of OPT.

✅ Apply to H-1B-friendly companies (big tech firms, consulting firms, research labs).

✅ Network aggressively through LinkedIn, career fairs, and alumni.

✅ Consider cap-exempt employers (universities, nonprofits, government research centers).

✅ Be open to Day 1 CPT programs (alternative work-authorized master's programs).

Conclusion

???? For STEM master’s grads: Moderately difficult but manageable if you plan well.

???? For non-STEM grads: Much harder, requiring strong networking and sponsorship-friendly employers.