Computer jobs are among top H-1B occupations

The number one occupation for H-1B filings is Computer Systems Analysts, followed by Software Application Developers and Computer Programmers, according to the most recent statistics released on 02/14/2014 by the Employment and Training Administration, a branch office of the U.S. Department of Labor.  

According to these statistics, the top ten occupations are as follows:  Computer System Analysts (47,860), Software Developers, Applications (16,792), Computer Programmers (15,205), Computer Occupations, All Other (12,982), Software Developers, Systems Software (5,492), Accountants and Auditors (5,101), Management Analysts (3,367), Computer and Information Systems Manager (2,830), Electronics Engineers, Except Computers (2,759), Network and Computer Systems Administrators (2,645). 

It is not surprising that computer-related jobs are the most popular among H-1B applicants.  The shortage of skilled U.S. workers in the technology field has been known and discussed for many years.  In fact, this is one of the main reasons for Congress to create the H-1B visa classification in the Immigration Act of 1990. Among IT positions, software positions are the most in demand on different levels  - systems, applications, web-based, cloud-based, etc.  

It should be noted that many H-1B applicants are also Accountants and Auditors, which are the 6th most popular occupation. The other non-computer occupation is Management Analysts, which consumed 3,367 H-1B visa numbers. 

Where are the H-1B jobs?  Not surprisingly, they are concentrated in the coastal areas. The new report shows that the top five (5) States for H-1B filings are: California (28,287), New York (12,139), Texas (11,889), New Jersey (10,001), and Illinois (6,636).   The next five States are: Massachusetts (5,519), Pennsylvania (5,537), Florida (5,181), Washington (5,115), and George (4,819).

These FY2014 statistics include data from H-1B, H-1B1 and E3 Specialty Occupations Labor Condition Applications.  For FY2015, demand for these specialty occupation visas is expected to be high.  In fact, USCIS is already geared up for the upcoming H-1B filing season which begins on April 1.  As usual, computer jobs are likely to be the most popular occupations.  If one's H-1B petition is approved, the applicant will be able to start H-1B employment on October 1, 2014.  H-1B is a highly regulated temporary employment program.  Both employers and employees must fully comply with the terms and requirements according to the regulations.