The H-1B job market has shifted overnight. With the U.S. introducing a $100K fee for new petitions filed from abroad, many employers have paused overseas sponsorship — but not all. For candidates already in the U.S. on OPT or other statuses, opportunities still exist, and success now depends on speed, strategy, and precision.
This guide breaks down what’s changed, how to adapt your job search, and how Proficiently can help you land interviews faster in a tougher market.
In late 2025, the U.S. introduced a one-time $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa petitions, reshaping how employers hire international talent. The policy now effectively divides candidates into two groups: those already in the U.S. and those abroad.
If you’re already in the U.S. (F-1 OPT, H-4, or H-1B transfer):
If you’re outside the U.S.:
Bottom line: In 2025, the first question employers ask isn’t “Can you do the job?” but “Are you already here?” If yes, you start ahead.
Thousands of U.S. employers still file H-1Bs each year — especially for technical, research, and healthcare roles. The key is focusing on current, active sponsors.
To get an H-1B job in 2025 - focus your search on companies and jobs that are likely to sponsor - we’re seeing success with:
In addition to your job search - you should engage with communities that have h-1b job leads.
I’ve been following [Team/Project]’s work on [X]; really impressed by how you approached [Y]. Would love to learn more about it.
Build relationships first and establish your expertise and value. Once you have done that, you can open the door to discuss job postings.
In 2025, success depends on speed and focus — not mass applications.
Research indicates that employers only need to review the first 50 applicants to find someone to hire - applying early could be the difference in your search. Here’s how:
Applications alone often get lost in ATS queues. In addition to your application, we recommend reaching out directly to hiring managers and team members. But don’t just ask for a job, explain how you can help.
I noticed your team is hiring a [Role] to solve [Problem]. I’ve successfully solved [Problem] with [Project] — would love to compare notes.
That curiosity-driven tone can spark conversations and referrals.
These tactics ensure that you’re playing the job search numbers game, strategically.
Still struggling with h-1b sponsorship? There are other options!
O-1 Visa (Extraordinary Ability)
L-1 Visa (Intracompany Transfer)
Even strong candidates lose ground because they approach the process like it’s still 2019. Here are the biggest traps international job seekers fall into — and how to avoid them.
The top 20% of applications usually land in the first 24 hours of a job posting.
Waiting even a couple of days often means you’re applying after interviews have already started.
Automate alerts and block out time each day to submit new roles immediately.
Don’t waste time on employers who will never consider you.
Check for recent filings on H1Bdata.info or explicit sponsorship language in the posting.
If the company hasn’t filed an H-1B in the past two years, move on.
Nothing kills momentum faster than a resume that doesn’t clearly demonstrate your value to the role.
Employers paying attention to sponsorship expect tailored materials that show genuine interest and expertise.
Use role-specific keywords, responsibilities, and results.
If you’re short on time, pre-build 5–10 title-specific versions (resources here) or use Proficiently to get tailored materials automatically.
The biggest brands are drowning in applicants — but mid-sized firms (50–500 people) often still sponsor selectively and respond faster.
Many have quietly filed multiple petitions even after the fee change — they just don’t advertise it.
Prioritize them in your search mix.
When networking, don’t open with “Do you sponsor?”
Instead, start conversations about shared work interests:
“I saw your team just launched [X]; I’ve worked on similar [Y project] — would love to swap notes.”
Once someone wants to work with you, the sponsorship discussion becomes a logistics question — not a barrier.
Indeed: Find current H-1B-friendly roles.
Search “H-1B sponsorship,” filter past 24h + U.S. only.
Migrate Mate: Aggregates visa-ready jobs.
Focuses only on employers open to sponsorship.
H1Bdata.info / USCIS Data Hub: Verify recent filings.
Filter for 2024–2025 data.
Proficiently: Automates the job search process and takes it off your plate. Curates roles, tailors resumes, and drafts outreach.
Reddit Communities: r/h1b, r/jobs
Does the $100K fee apply to everyone?
Only to new petitions from abroad. U.S.-based candidates are exempt.
How many applications should I send?
10–20 tailored applications per day is ideal.
Should I mention visa status up front?
Yes — clearly and positively.
Are remote-only H-1Bs possible?
Rarely. Most require a U.S. work site.
Can startups still sponsor?
Yes, selectively — mostly for fee-exempt or critical hires.
How does Proficiently help?
We curate H-1B-friendly roles, tailor your resume and cover letters, and send you ready-to-apply packets every morning.
The H-1B market in 2025 is challenging, but not impossible. Speed, focus, and relationship-building now matter more than luck. With the right workflow and support, you can still turn U.S. opportunity into a sponsored offer.
Proficiently helps international job seekers apply smarter and faster — with curated H-1B-friendly jobs, tailored resumes, and personalized outreach every day.
