Characteristics of Specialty 

Occupation Workers (H-1B): 

Fiscal Year 2004

Issued November 2006 

Report Mandated by Public Law 105-277, Division C, American Competitiveness and Workforce 

Improvement Act of 1998
Page 2 

Characteristics of Specialty Occupation Workers (H-1B): 

October 2003 to September 2004 

This report is mandated under section 416(c)(2) of the American Competitive and Workforce 

Improvement Act of 1998 (ACWIA), which states: “...(T)he Attorney General shall submit on an annual 

basis, to the Committees on the Judiciary of the United States House of Representatives and the Senate, 

information on the countries of origin and occupations of, educational levels attained by, and compensation 

paid to, aliens who were issued visas or otherwise provided nonimmigrant status under section 

101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act during the previous fiscal year.” 

During the transition to the Department of Homeland Security, the legacy Immigration and 

Naturalization Service (INS) and the newly created United States Citizenship and Immigration Services 

(USCIS) failed to identify and assume the reporting responsibility for this report and therefore did not 

provide the report in a timely manner. USCIS is submitting the required information and will provide 

future reports in accordance with applicable statutes. 

Highlights

• The number of petitions filed increased 35% from 231,030 in fiscal year 2003 to 312,200 in fiscal 

year 2004. 

• The number of petitions approved increased 32% from 217,340 in fiscal year 2003 to 287,418 in 

fiscal year 2004. 

• Approximately 43 percent of all petitions approved in fiscal year 2004 were for workers born in 

India. 

• Sixty-six percent of petitions approved in fiscal year 2004 were for workers between the ages of 25 

and 34. 

• Forty-nine percent of petitions approved in fiscal year 2004 were for workers with a bachelor’s 

degree. Thirty-four percent had a master’s degree, eleven percent had a doctorate and five percent 

were for workers with a professional degree. 

• Forty-four percent of petitions approved in fiscal year 2004 were for workers in computer-related 

occupations. 

• The median salary rose slightly from $52,000 in fiscal year 2003 to $53,000 in fiscal year 2004. 
Page 3 

Background 

An H-1B temporary worker is an alien admitted to the United States to perform services in a 

“specialty occupations.”1

The H-1B nonimmigrant classification is a vehicle through which qualified aliens may seek 

admission to the United States on a temporary basis to work in their fields of expertise. Prior to 

employing an H-1B temporary worker, a U.S. employer must first file an H-1B petition with USCIS. 

However, while USCIS is responsible for evaluating an alien’s qualifications for the H-1B classification, 

approval of an H-1B petition does not equate to admission of the alien to the U.S. in H-1B status. The 

Department of State (DOS) plays a vital role in the H-1B admission process. 

Prior to filing the H-1B petition with USCIS, the U.S. employer must first file a Labor Condition 

Application (LCA) with the Department of Labor (DOL) specifying the job, salary, length and geographic 

location of employment. In addition, the employer must agree to pay the alien the greater of the actual or 

prevailing wage for the position. Once DOL approves the LCA, the U.S. employer may file the H-1B 

petition with USCIS. 

 

To qualify as a specialty occupation, the position must meet one of the following requirements: (1) 

a bachelor’s or higher degree or its equivalent is normally the minimum entry requirement for the position; 

(2) the degree requirement is common to the industry or, in the alternative, the position is so complex or 

unique that it can be performed only by an individual with a degree; (3) the employer normally requires a 

degree or its equivalent for the position; or (4) the nature of the specific duties is so specialized and 

complex that the knowledge required to perform the duties is usually associated with attainment of a 

bachelor’s or higher degree. See 8 C.F.R. § 214.2(h)(4)(iii)(A). In order to perform services in a specialty 

occupation, an alien must meet one of the following criteria: (1) hold a United States baccalaureate or 

higher degree as required by the specialty occupation from an accredited college or university; (2) possess 

a foreign degree determined to be equivalent to a United States baccalaureate or higher degree as required 

by the specialty occupation from an accredited college or university; (3) have any required license or other 

official permission to practice the occupation (for example, architect, surveyor, physical therapist) in the 

state in which employment is sought; or (4) have, as determined by USCIS, the equivalent of the degree 

required by the specialty occupation acquired through a combination of education, training, and/or 

experience. Specialty occupations may include, but are not limited to, computer systems analysts and 

programmers, physicians, professors, engineers, and accountants. 

An alien may be admitted to the United States in H-1B status for a maximum period of six years; 

however, the H-1B petition may only be approved for a maximum period of three years. See INA § 

214(g)(4). Thus, the H-1B petition may be used to sponsor an alien for an initial period of H-1B 

employment or to extend or change the authorized stay of an alien previously admitted to the United States 

in H-1B status or another nonimmigrant status. Additionally, an employer may file the petition to sponsor 

an alien who currently has status as an H-1B nonimmigrant working for another employer or to seek an 

amendment of a previously approved petition. In the case of a petition to amend a previously approved 

petition, no corresponding request need be made to extend the authorized stay of the beneficiary. For 

 

1

 Section 214(i)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act defines a specialty occupation as “an occupation that requires (A) the 

theoretical and practical application of a body of highly specialized knowledge, and (B) attainment of a bachelor’s or higher 

degree in the specific specialty (or its equivalent) as a minimum for entry into the occupation in the United States.” 8 U.S.C. 

§1184(i). 
Page 4 

example, an employer may file an amended petition notifying USCIS of a different location where the 

beneficiary will be employed or a material change in the beneficiary’s job duties. Therefore, the total 

number of approved petitions exceeds the actual number of aliens who are provided nonimmigrant status as 

H-1B. At the end of the six-year period, the alien must either change to a different status (if eligible) or 

depart the United States.3 USCIS regulations provide that an alien who has been outside the United States 

for at least one year may be eligible for a new six-year period of admission in H-1B status. See 8 CFR 

214.2(h) (13)(iii)(A). 

 When the H-1B category was enacted in 1990, Congress established that a maximum of 65,000 H1B visas may be issued to aliens during each fiscal year. This limitation, commonly referred to as the “H1B cap,” does not apply to H-1B petitions filed on behalf of aliens who have been counted against the cap 

in the previous six years and who have not been outside of the United States for one year or longer. Thus, 

generally, petitions to extend an H-1B nonimmigrant’s period of stay, change the conditions of the H-1B 

nonimmigrant’s current employment, or request new H-1B employment filed on behalf of H-1B workers 

already in the United States will not count against the H-1B fiscal year cap. 

 The INA, as amended by the Immigration Act of 1990 and the American Competitiveness and 

Workforce Improvement Act of 1998 (ACWIA) and the American Competitiveness in the Twenty-first 

Century Act (AC21), made significant changes to policy and procedure governing the H-1B category, 

including providing temporary increases in the fiscal year limitations on available H-1B visas and 

providing for certain exemptions to these limitations. Under ACWIA, the annual ceiling of H-1B petitions 

valid for new employment was increased from 65,000 to 115,000 in fiscal years 1999 and 2000 and to 

107,500 in 2001. AC21 raised the limit on petitions in fiscal year 2001 from 107,500 to 195,000 and in 

fiscal year 2002 from 65,000 to 195,000. The limit in fiscal year 2003 was 195,000. Starting in fiscal year 

2004, the H-1B cap reverted back to 65,000 per fiscal year and presently remains at that level. These 

statutory provisions also provided for certain exemptions from the fiscal year H-1B cap and petitions for 

new H-1B employment are exempt if the aliens will be employed at institutions of higher education or 

related or affiliated nonprofit entities, or at nonprofit research organizations or governmental research 

organizations. In addition, the H-1B Visa Reform Act of 2004 mandates that the first 20,000 H-1B 

petitions filed on behalf of aliens with U.S.-earned masters’ or higher degrees will be exempt from any 

fiscal year cap on available H-1B visas. 

 

3

 Certain aliens are exempt from the six-year maximum period of admission under the provisions of the American 

Competitiveness in the Twenty-First Century Act of 2000 (AC21) (Public Law 106-313). 
Page 5 

Petitions 

During fiscal year 2004, USCIS approved 287,418 H-1B petitions submitted by employers on 

behalf of alien workers. The number of approved petitions exceeds the number of individual H-1B 

workers because more than one U.S. employer may submit a petition on behalf of an individual H-1B 

worker (multiple petitions). The number of approved H-1B petitions for new employment also exceeds the 

cap because of employer-based cap exemptions and multiple petitions for individuals. For example, 

approved petitions for initial employment are exempt from the cap if the sponsors are institutions of higher 

education or nonprofit organizations affiliated with institutions of higher education. Likewise, approved 

petitions for new H-1B employment are exempt from the cap if the alien worker will be employed at a 

nonprofit research organization or a governmental research organization. 

Table 1 shows for fiscal year 2004 the number of petitions filed and/or approved for initial and 

continuing employment. Of the 287,418 petitions approved in 2004, a total of 130,497 petitions, or 45 

percent, were for initial employment.3

 The corresponding number of petitions for continuing employment 

was 156,921.4 These workers may have had a second (or subsequent) petition filed on their behalf in order 

to: 1) extend the period allowed to work with their current employer; 2) notify USCIS of changes in the 

conditions of employment including a change of employer; or 3) request concurrent H-1B status with 

another employer. 

The number of H-1B petitions filed increased 35 percent and petitions approved increased 32 

percent between fiscal years 2003 and 2004. For initial employment, petitions filed increased 51 percent 

and petitions approved rose 24 percent. In contrast, petitions filed for continuing employment climbed 21 

percent and petitions approved increased 40 percent. The number of petitions approved for continuing 

employment increased from 112,026 in 2003 to 156,921 in 2004. 

Table 1. H-1B Petitions Filed and/or Approved by Type of Petition: 

Fiscal Years 2001 to 2004 

 

 FY 2001 FY 2002 FY 2003 FY 2004 

Petitions filed 342,035 215,190 231,030 312,200

 Initial Employment 201,543 109,576 108,526 163,549

 Continuing Employment 140,492 105,614 122,504 148,651

Petitions approved 1 331,206 197,537 217,340 287,418

 Initial Employment 201,079 103,584 105,314 130,497

 Continuing Employment 130,127 93,953 112,026 156,921

1 Regardless of when filed. 

 

3

 The terms “initial employment” and “continuing employment” are used throughout this report to identify two types of 

petitions. Petitions for initial employment are filed for first-time H-1B employment with employers, only some of which are 

applied to the annual cap. Continuing employment petitions refer to extensions, sequential employment, and concurrent 

employment, which are filed for aliens already in the United States. Extensions are filed for H-1B workers intending to work 

beyond the initial 3-year period up to 6 years, the maximum period permissible under law during fiscal year 2004. Sequential 

employment refers to petitions for workers transferring between H-1B employers within the 6-year period. Finally, petitions for 

concurrent employment are filed for H-1B workers intending to work simultaneously for a second or subsequent H-1B 

employer. 

4

 Neither AC21 nor prior legislation established a cap on H-1B petitions for continuing employment. 
Page 6 

Table 2 shows the number of petitions filed by quarter in fiscal years 2001 to 2004. Petitions filed 

in 2004 increased from 69,835 in the first quarter to 103,520 in the fourth quarter. The trend over the last 

two fiscal years has been a general increase in filings each quarter of the fiscal year. 

Table 2. H-1B Petitions Filed by Quarter: Fiscal Years 2001 to 2004 

Quarter FY 

2001 

FY 

2002 

FY 

2003 

FY 

2004 

Initial 

Employment

FY 2004 

Percent 

of 

Total 

Continuing 

Employment

FY 2004 

Percent

of 

Total 

Total 342,035 215,190 231,030 312,200 163,549 100 148,651 100

 

October-December 128,758 53,888 50,633 69,835 34,949 21.4 34,886 23.5

January-March 75,395 51,905 52,722 64,022 26,891 16.4 37,131 25.0

April-June 65,942 53,429 61,302 74,823 35,560 21.7 39,263 26.4

July-September 71,940 55,968 66,373 103,520 66,149 40.4 37,371 25.1

Table 3 provides a breakdown of approved petitions in fiscal years 2001 to 2004 by type of petition. 

Approximately 130,500 H-1B beneficiaries were approved for initial employment and about 157,000 for 

continuing employment in fiscal year 2004. Approximately 54 percent of the beneficiaries of initial 

employment were in the United States in another nonimmigrant status. In 2002 and 2003, these numbers 

were 65 and 60 percent, respectively. 

The number of aliens outside the United States approved for initial employment grew from 41,895 

to 60,271 in fiscal year 2004, still 48 percent below fiscal year 2001. The corresponding numbers for 

aliens in the United States changing to H-1B status rose to 70,226 in 2004 from 63,419. The number of H1B workers approved to continue employment increased 29 percent in 2004. 

Table 3. H-1B Petitions Approved by Type: Fiscal Years 2001 to 2004 

Type of Petition Petitions Approved 

 FY 2001 Percent FY 2002 Percent FY 2003 Percent FY 2004 Percent

Total 331,206 100 197,537 100 217,340 100 287,418 100

 

Initial employment 201,079 61 103,584 52 105,314 48 130,497 45

 Aliens outside U.S. 115,759 35 36,494 18 41,895 19 60,271 21

 Aliens in U.S. 85,320 26 67,090 34 63,419 29 70,226 24

Continuing employment 130,127 39 93,953 48 112,026 52 156,921 55

 
Page 7 

Country of Birth

Tables 4A and 4B show the distribution of beneficiaries by country of birth.5 Forty-three percent of 

the H-1B petitions approved in fiscal year 2004 were granted to individuals born in India, an increase of 

fifty-six percent over 2003. The number of beneficiaries from China, the second leading source of H-1B 

beneficiaries, increased thirty-one percent in 2004. The number of beneficiaries from India approved for 

initial employment increased 105% over 2003, while the number of beneficiaries approved for continuing 

employment increased by 27%. There was an increase in the number of beneficiaries for the top 20 

countries. 

Table 4A. H-1B Petitions Approved by Country of Birth of Beneficiary and Type of 

Petition (Number): Fiscal Years 2003 and 2004 

 All Beneficiaries Initial Employment Continuing Employment 

Country of Birth FY 2003 FY 2004 FY 2003 FY 2004 FY 2003 FY 2004 

 Number Number Number Number Number Number 

Total 217,340 287,418 105,314 130,497 112,026 156,921

 

Country of birth known 217,031 287,418 105,185 130,497 111,846 156,921

India 79,166 123,567 29,269 60,062 49,897 63,505

China, People's Republic 20,063 26,258 11,144 11,365 8,919 14,893

Canada 11,160 13,412 6,201 5,229 4,959 8,183

Philippines 10,454 11,300 6,852 4,783 3,602 6,517

United Kingdom 7,599 8,198 3,871 3,391 3,728 4,807

Korea 6,614 8,159 3,893 3,924 2,721 4,235

Japan 5,716 6,234 3,287 2,845 2,429 3,389

Taiwan 4,076 4,860 2,109 1,922 1,967 2,938

Pakistan 3,549 4,174 1,501 1,536 2,048 2,638

Germany 3,408 3,981 1,788 1,769 1,620 2,212

Colombia 3,125 3,892 1,771 1,578 1354 2,314

Mexico 3,407 3,884 1,969 1,601 1,438 2,283

France 3,190 3,735 1,621 1,622 1,569 2,113

Russia 2,905 3,421 1,265 1,308 1,640 2,113

Venezuela 2,677 3,027 1,798 1,532 879 1,495

Turkey 2,305 2,796 1,311 1,328 994 1,468

Brazil 2,354 2,688 1,307 1,201 1047 1,487

Argentina 2,230 2,384 1,479 1,118 751 1,266

Israel 1,841 2,173 1,085 1,053 756 1,120

Australia 1,925 2,128 986 907 939 1,221

Other countries 39,267 47,147 20,678 20,423 18,589 26,724

 

Country of birth unknown 309 0 129 0 180 0

 Notes: Countries of birth are ranked based on 2004 data. 

 

 

5

 Data actually represent countries and territories of birth. 
Page 8 

Table 4B. H-1B Petitions Approved by Country of Birth of Beneficiary and Type of 

Petition (Percent): Fiscal Years 2003 and 2004 

 All Beneficiaries Initial Employment Continuing Employment 

Country of Birth FY 2003 FY 2004 FY 2003 FY 2004 FY 2003 FY 2004 

 Percent Percent Percent Percent Percent Percent 

Total ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------

 

Country of birth known 100 100 100 100 100 100

India 36.5 43.0 27.8 46.0 44.6 40.5

China, People's Republic 9.2 9.1 10.6 8.7 8.0 9.5

Canada 5.1 4.7 5.9 4.0 4.4 5.2

Philippines 4.8 3.9 6.5 3.7 3.2 4.2

United Kingdom 3.5 2.9 3.7 2.6 3.3 3.1

Korea 3.0 2.8 3.7 3.0 2.4 2.7

Japan 2.6 2.2 3.1 2.2 2.2 2.2

Taiwan 1.9 1.7 2.0 1.5 1.8 1.9

Pakistan 1.6 1.5 1.4 1.2 1.8 1.7

Germany 1.6 1.4 1.7 1.4 1.4 1.4

Colombia 1.4 1.4 1.7 1.2 1.2 1.5

Mexico 1.6 1.4 1.9 1.2 1.3 1.5

France 1.5 1.3 1.5 1.2 1.4 1.3

Russia 1.3 1.2 1.2 1.0 1.5 1.3

Venezuela 1.2 1.1 1.7 1.2 0.8 1.0

Turkey 1.1 1.0 1.2 1.0 0.9 0.9

Brazil 1.1 0.9 1.2 0.9 0.9 0.9

Argentina 1.0 0.8 1.4 0.9 0.7 0.8

Israel 0.8 0.8 1.0 0.8 0.7 0.7

Australia 0.9 0.7 0.9 0.7 0.8 0.8

Other countries 18.1 16.4 19.7 15.7 16.6 17.0

 

Country of birth unknown ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------

Notes: Countries of birth are ranked based on 2004 data. 

Percents shown in the table are based on the total number of petitions approved with country of birth known. 

Totals may not add due to rounding.
Page 9 

Age

 Table 5 shows the age distribution of the H-1B beneficiaries in fiscal year 2004 by type of petition. 

Sixty-six percent of workers granted H-1B status during 2004 were between 25 and 34 years of age at the 

time their petitions were approved. Initial beneficiaries were younger than continuing beneficiaries. Fiftyseven percent of initial beneficiaries were under 30, compared with thirty percent of continuing 

beneficiaries. 

Table 5. H-1B Petitions Approved by Age of Beneficiary at Time of Approval and by 

Type of Petition: Fiscal Year 2004 

Age Total Percent Initial 

Employment

Percent Continuing 

Employment 

Percent 

Total 287,418 130,497 156,921 

 

Age known 287,179 100 130,379 100 156,800 100

Under 20 174 0.1% 156 0.1% 18 0.0%

20-24 22,074 7.7% 19,976 15.3% 2,098 1.3%

25-29 99,497 34.6% 54,066 41.5% 45,431 29.0%

30-34 88,830 30.9% 31,197 23.9% 57,633 36.8%

35-39 42,013 14.6% 13,323 10.2% 28,690 18.3%

40-44 19,811 6.9% 6,356 4.9% 13,455 8.6%

45-49 8,633 3.0% 2,984 2.3% 5,649 3.6%

50-54 3,652 1.3% 1,361 1.0% 2,291 1.5%

55-59 1,685 0.6% 645 0.5% 1040 0.7%

60-64 601 0.2% 235 0.2% 366 0.2%

65 and over 209 0.1% 80 0.1% 129 0.1%

 

Age unknown 239 ------ 118 ------ 121 ------

 Notes: Age of beneficiary is calculated based on the date the petition was approved. 

 Sum of the percents may not add to 100.0 due to rounding. 

Percentages shown in the table are based on the total number of approved petitions with known ages. 

Education

 Tables 6 and 7 show the highest level of education achieved by the beneficiaries at the time of 

their application. Employers are asked to provide the highest degree (domestic or foreign) but not training 

or experience deemed equivalent to a degree. The reporting of a domestic or foreign degree is not required 

in a standard format on USCIS or Department of Labor forms. However, in nearly all cases, the petitioning 

employer provides the information in supporting documentation. For degrees earned outside the United 

States, the employer usually supplies a credential evaluation stating that the foreign degree is “equivalent 

to” a particular U.S. degree. USCIS does not maintain separate data regarding whether the degree was 

earned in the United States or abroad. (Data on beneficiaries with U.S. advanced degrees has been 

available since May 2005.) 
Page 10 

The breakdown of the highest level of education achieved by H-1B beneficiaries remained about 

the same between Fiscal years 2003 and 2004. As shown in Table 6, forty-nine percent of all H-1B 

petitions approved for workers in 2004 reported that the beneficiary had earned the equivalent of a 

bachelor’s degree; thirty-four percent a master’s degree; eleven percent a doctorate, and five percent a 

professional degree. Altogether, ninety-nine percent earned at least a bachelor’s degree and fifty percent 

earned at least a master’s degree. 

Table 6. H-1B Petitions Approved by Level of Education: 

Fiscal Years 2001-2004 

 Percent of beneficiaries 

Level of Education FY 2001 FY 2002 FY 2003 FY 2004 

Education known 100 100 100 100 

Less than a Bachelor's degree 2 2 2 1 

Bachelor's degree 57 50 50 49 

Master's degree 31 30 31 34 

Doctorate degree 7 12 12 11 

Professional degree 3 5 6 5 

Note: Sum of percent may not sum to 100 due to rounding. 

Table 7. H-1B Petitions Approved by Level of Education of Beneficiary and Type of 

Petition: Fiscal Year 2004 

Level of Education Total Percent Initial 

Employment

Percent Continuing

Employment

Percent 

Total 287,418 130,497 156,921

 

Education known 287,126 100 130,342 100 156,784 100

No high school diploma 207 0.1% 123 0.1% 84 0.1%

High school graduate 1,047 0.4% 690 0.5% 357 0.2%

Less than 1 year of college credit 236 0.1% 137 0.1% 99 0.1%

1 or more years of college credit, no diploma 1,061 0.4% 421 0.3% 640 0.4%

Associate's degree 975 0.3% 432 0.3% 543 0.3%

Bachelor's degree 139,693 48.7% 62,163 47.7% 77,530 49.5%

Master's degree 97,419 33.9% 45,707 35.1% 51,712 33.0%

Doctorate degree 32,219 11.2% 14,006 10.7% 18,213 11.6%

Professional degree 14,269 5.0% 6,663 5.1% 7,606 4.9%

 

Education unknown 292 155 137

Notes: Sum of the percents may not add to 100.0 due to rounding. 

Percents shown in the table are based on the number of approved petitions with known levels of education. 
Page 11 

Occupation

- Occupation Category 

Tables 8A and 8B shows the distribution of beneficiaries by occupation category for fiscal year 

2004. The petitioning employer supplies the occupation code on the Labor Condition Application (LCA).6 

Computer-related occupations were the most numerous occupation category in 2004; their share of total 

petitions approved increased from 39 percent in 2003 to 45 percent in fiscal year 2004. The corresponding 

percentages for initial employment and continuing employment in computer-related occupations were 44 

and 45 percent, respectively. Thirteen of the seventeen occupation categories had more continuing than 

initial H-1B beneficiaries. One category – namely, occupations in architecture, engineering and surveying 

had - 54 percent more continuing than initial beneficiaries. 

The number of H-1B petitions approved for workers in computer-related occupations increased 

almost 53 percent from 83,114 in 2003 to 127,279 in 2004. Nearly every occupation group increased 

between 2003 and 2004. The only exception was occupations in religion and theology (-4 percent). 

 

6 H-1B status requires a sponsoring U.S. employer. The employer must file a Labor Condition Application (LCA) with the 

Department of Labor attesting to several items, including payment of prevailing wages for the position, and the working 

conditions offered.
Page 12 

Table 8A. H-1B Petitions Approved by Major Occupation Group of Beneficiary and 

Type of Petition (Number): Fiscal Years 2003 and 2004 

All Beneficiaries Initial Employment Continuing 

Employment 

FY 2003 FY 2004 FY 2003 FY 2004 FY 2003 FY 2004 

Occupation Number Number Number Number Number Number 

Total 217,340 287,418 105,314 130,497 112,026 156,921

Occupation known 215,955 285,778 104,458 129,703 111,497 156,075

Computer-Related Occupations 83,114 127,279 28,879 56,559 54,235 70,720

Occupations in Architecture, Engineering, and Surveying 26,843 34,595 12,551 13,625 14,292 20970

Occupations in Education 23,980 27,583 15,008 13,185 8,972 14,398

Occupations in Administrative Specializations 23,072 27,537 13,892 13,792 9,180 13745

Occupations in Medicine and Health 15,623 17,676 8,934 8,465 6,689 9211

Managers and Officials n.e.c. 10,457 12,047 5,854 5,326 4,603 6,721

Occupations in Life Sciences 8,111 9,290 4,770 4,340 3,341 4,950

Occupations in Mathematics and Physical Sciences 5,679 7,129 3,110 3,105 2,569 4024

Occupations in Social Sciences 5,709 6,557 3,409 3,261 2,300 3,296

Miscellaneous Professional, Technical, and Managerial 4,876 6,055 2,745 2,879 2,131 3176

Occupations in Art 3,355 4,078 1,951 1,959 1,404 2,119

Occupations in Law and Jurisprudence 1,575 1,962 977 1022 598 940

Occupations in Writing 1,564 1,826 931 869 633 957

Occupations in Entertainment and Recreation 708 834 425 393 283 441

Fashion Models 808 811 705 645 103 166

Occupations in Museum, Library, and Archival Sciences 320 364 194 174 126 190

Occupations in Religion and Theology 161 155 123 104 38 51

Occupation unknown 1,385 1,640 856 794 529 846

Notes: Occupations ranked based on 2004 data. 

n.e.c. indicates not elsewhere classified. 
Page 13 

Table 8B. H-1B Petitions Approved by Major Occupation Group of Beneficiary and 

Type of Petition (Percent): Fiscal Years 2003 and 2004 

All Beneficiaries Initial Employment Continuing 

Employment 

FY 2003 FY 2004 FY 2003 FY 2004 FY 2003 FY 2004 

Occupation Percent Percent Percent Percent Percent Percent 

Total ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------

Occupation known 100 100 100 100 100 100

Computer-Related Occupations 38.5 44.5 27.6 43.6 48.6 45.3

Occupations in Architecture, Engineering, and Surveying 12.4 12.1 12.0 10.5 12.8 13.4

Occupations in Education 11.1 9.7 14.4 10.2 8.0 9.2

Occupations in Administrative Specializations 10.7 9.6 13.3 10.6 8.2 8.8

Occupations in Medicine and Health 7.2 6.2 8.6 6.5 6.0 5.9

Managers and Officials n.e.c. 4.8 4.2 5.6 4.1 4.1 4.3

Occupations in Life Sciences 3.8 3.3 4.6 3.3 3.0 3.2

Occupations in Mathematics and Physical Sciences 2.6 2.5 3.0 2.4 2.3 2.6

Occupations in Social Sciences 2.6 2.3 3.3 2.5 2.1 2.1

Miscellaneous Professional, Technical, and Managerial 2.3 2.1 2.6 2.2 1.9 2.0

Occupations in Art 1.6 1.4 1.9 1.5 1.3 1.4

Occupations in Law and Jurisprudence 0.7 0.7 0.9 0.8 0.5 0.6

Occupations in Writing 0.7 0.6 0.9 0.7 0.6 0.6

Occupations in Entertainment and Recreation 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.3

Fashion Models 0.4 0.3 0.7 0.5 0.1 0.1

Occupations in Museum, Library, and Archival Sciences 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.1

Occupations in Religion and Theology 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.0

Occupation unknown ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------

Notes: Occupations ranked based on 2003 data. 

Sum of the percents may not add to 100.0 due to rounding.

Percents shown in the table are based on the total number of petitions approved with known occupations. 

n.e.c. indicates not elsewhere classified. 
Page 14 

- Detailed Occupation 

Tables 9A and 9B indicates the distribution of beneficiaries by detailed major occupation 

group in descending order in fiscal year 2004. The relative distributions in 2003 and 2004 were 

similar. The list is limited to the top 20 categories. More than one-third of the approved petitions 

in 2004 were for aliens working as systems analysts or programmers. The second largest category 

was occupations in colleges and university education. 

Table 9A. H-1B Petitions Approved by Detailed Occupation of Beneficiary and Type 

of Petition (Number): Fiscal Years 2003 and 2004 

 All Beneficiaries Initial Employment 

Continuing 

Employment 

FY 2003 FY 2004 FY 2003 FY 2004 FY 2003 FY 2004

Occupation Number Number Number Number Number Number

Total 217,340 287,418 105,314 130,497 112,026 156,921

 

Occupation known 215,890 285,700 104,430 129,671 111,460 156,029

Occupations in Systems Analysis and Programming 72,359 112,168 24,967 50,960 47,392 61,208

Occupations in College and University Education 16,840 19,712 10,116 9,596 6,724 10,116

Accountants, Auditors and Related Occupations 10,415 12,778 6,223 6,384 4,192 6,394

Electrical/Electronics Engineering Occupations 8,391 11,607 3,169 3,913 5,222 7,694

Computer-Related Occupations, n.e.c. 6,744 10,087 2,270 3,653 4,474 6,434

Physicians and Surgeons 6,111 7,022 2,976 3,213 3,135 3,809

Occupations in Biological Sciences 6,075 6,944 3,507 3,205 2,568 3,739

Occupations in Economics 5,161 6,000 3,035 2,950 2,126 3,050

Miscellaneous Managers and Officials, n.e.c. 4,985 5,843 2,615 2,423 2,370 3,420

Occupations in Architecture, Engineering, and Surveying, n.e.c. 4,547 5,528 1,796 1,848 2,751 3,680

Miscellaneous Professional, Technical, and Managerial 

Occupations, n.e.c. 4,187 5,296 2,277 2,509 1,910 2,787

Mechanical Engineering Occupations 3,928 4,804 1,927 2,151 2,001 2,653

Budget and Management Systems Analysis Occupations 3,443 4,300 2,183 2,334 1,260 1,966

Occupations in Administrative Specializations, n.e.c. 3,599 4,287 2,271 2,191 1,328 2,096

Occupations in Medicine and Health, n.e.c. 3,825 4,102 2,511 2,192 1,314 1,910

Occupations in Preschool, Primary School, and Kindergarten 

Education 3,355 3,682 2,412 1,762 943 1,920

Civil Engineering Occupations 2,740 3,494 1,592 1,635 1,148 1,859

Architectural Occupations 2,610 3,333 1,438 1,403 1,172 1,930

Occupations in Chemistry 2,515 2,934 1,354 1,159 1,161 1,775

Commercial Artists: Designers and Illustrators, Graphic Arts 2,177 2,756 1,281 1,364 896 1,392

Other Occupations 41,883 49,023 24,510 22,826 17,373 26,197

 

Occupation Unknown 1,450 1,718 884 826 556 892

Notes: Occupations ranked on 2004 data. 

 n.e.c. indicates not elsewhere classified. 
Page 15 

Table 9B. H-1B Petitions Approved by Detailed Occupation of Beneficiary and Type 

of Petition (Percent): Fiscal Years 2003 and 2004 

 All Beneficiaries Initial Employment

Continuing 

Employment 

FY 2003 FY 2004 FY 2003 FY 2004 FY 2003 FY 2004

Occupation Percent Percent Percent Percent Percent Percent 

Total ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------

 

Occupation known 100 100 100 100 100 100

Occupations in Systems Analysis and Programming 33.5 39.3 23.9 39.3 42.5 39.2

Occupations in College and University Education 7.8 6.9 9.7 7.4 6 6.5

Accountants, Auditors and Related Occupations 4.8 4.5 6 4.9 3.8 4.1

Electrical/Electronics Engineering Occupations 3.9 4.1 3 3 4.7 4.9

Computer-Related Occupations, n.e.c. 3.1 3.5 2.2 2.8 4 4.1

Physicians and Surgeons 2.8 2.5 2.8 2.5 2.8 2.4

Occupations in Biological Sciences 2.8 2.4 3.4 2.5 2.3 2.4

Occupations in Economics 2.4 2.1 2.9 2.3 1.9 2

Miscellaneous Managers and Officials, n.e.c. 2.3 2 2.5 1.9 2.1 2.2

Occupations in Architecture, Engineering, and Surveying, n.e.c. 2.1 1.9 1.7 1.4 2.5 2.4

Miscellaneous Professional, Technical, and Managerial Occupations, 

n.e.c. 1.9 1.9 2.2 1.9 1.7 1.8

Mechanical Engineering Occupations 1.8 1.7 1.8 1.7 1.8 1.7

Budget and Management Systems Analysis Occupations 1.6 1.5 2.1 1.8 1.1 1.3

Occupations in Administrative Specializations, n.e.c. 1.7 1.5 2.2 1.7 1.2 1.3

Occupations in Medicine and Health, n.e.c. 1.8 1.4 2.4 1.7 1.2 1.2

Occupations in Preschool, Primary School, and Kindergarten 

Education 1.6 1.3 2.3 1.4 0.8 1.2

Civil Engineering Occupations 1.3 1.2 1.5 1.3 1 1.2

Architectural Occupations 1.2 1.2 1.4 1.1 1.1 1.2

Occupations in Chemistry 1.2 1 1.3 0.9 1 1.1

Commercial Artists: Designers and Illustrators, Graphic Arts 1 1 1.2 1.1 0.8 0.9

Other Occupations 19.4 17.2 23.5 17.6 15.6 16.8

 

Occupation unknown ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------

Notes: Occupations ranked on 2004 data. 

 Sum of the percents may not add to 100.0 due to rounding. 

 Percents shown in the table are based on the total number of petitions approved with known occupations. 

n.e.c. indicates not elsewhere classified. 
Page 16 

Annual Compensation 7

Tables 10, 11, and 12 show compensation by occupation for beneficiaries of all, initial, and 

continuing employment, respectively. Each table shows occupations arranged by the total number of 

beneficiaries approved in fiscal year 2004. As shown in Table 10, the median annual compensation 

reported by employers of H-1B workers approved for employment during fiscal year 2004 was 

$53,000. This number compares with $52,000 in 2003 and $53,200 in 2002. One-half were expected 

to earn between $42,000 and $72,000. Median compensation ranged from a low of $33,000 for 

occupations in religion and theology to a high of $100,000 for fashion models. 

Table 10. Annual Compensation of All H-1B Beneficiaries by Major Occupation 

Group: Fiscal Year 2004 

 Total 25th Median 75th

Occupation Reported Percentile Percentile

Total 282,404 42,000 53,000 72,000

 

Occupations with annual compensation known 280,854 42,000 53,000 72,000

Computer-related occupations 126,054 47,000 58,000 72,000

Occupations in Architecture, Engineering, and Surveying 34,079 46,000 60,000 77,000

Occupations in Education 27,004 33,000 39,000 50,000

Occupations in Administrative Specializations 26,897 36,000 45,000 62,000

Occupations in Medicine and Health 16,927 40,000 49,000 100,000

Managers and Officials N.E.C 11,804 40,000 61,000 97,000

Occupations in Life Sciences 9,205 34,000 41,000 55,000

Occupations in Mathematics and Physical Sciences 7065 43,000 58,000 77,000

Occupations in Social Sciences 6,384 36,000 49,000 70,000

Miscellaneous Professional, Technical, and Managerial 5947 40,000 58,000 85,000

Occupations in Art 3,977 33,000 40,000 58,000

Occupations in Law and Jurisprudence 1,900 43,000 88,500 135,000

Occupations in Writing 1777 29,000 36,000 50,000

Occupations in Entertainment and Recreation 794 26,000 35,000 45,000

Fashion Models 536 100,000 100,000 150,000

Occupations in Museum, Library, and Archival Sciences 357 33,000 39,000 51,000

Occupations in Religion and Theology 147 25,000 33,000 45,000

 

Unknown occupation 1,550 34,000 45,000 61,000

Notes: Occupations ranked by number of beneficiaries. 

 Of the 287,418 petitions approved, 1.7 percent (4,924) did not have compensation reported. Another 

.03 of 1 percent did not have either an occupation or compensation reported. 

Of the 282,404 petitions approved with compensation reported, 0.5 of 1 percent (1,550) did not have 

an occupation reported. 

n.e.c. indicates not elsewhere classified. 

Definitions: Median is the middle ranking value (50th percentile) of all values. 25th percentile and 75th 

percentile are the lower quarter and upper quarter ranking values, respectively. 

 

7

 Annual compensation refers to what the employer agreed to pay the beneficiary at the time the application was filed. The 

amount excludes non-cash compensation and benefits such as health insurance and transportation. Further, compensation is 

based on full-time employment for 12 months, even if the beneficiary actually worked fewer than 12 months. 
Page 17 

 As revealed in Tables 11 and 12, beneficiaries for continuing employment reported 

annual compensation one-quarter higher than did beneficiaries for initial employment. Median 

annual compensation was $60,000 for the former and $48,000 for the latter. In fiscal year 

2003, workers approved for continuing employment and initial employment reported median 

annual compensation of $60,000 and $44,800 respectively. 

Table 11. Annual Compensation of H-1B Beneficiaries for Initial 

Employment by Major Occupation Group: Fiscal Year 2004 

 Total 25th Median 75th 

Occupation Reported Percentile Percentile

 

Total 127,925 39,000 48,000 60,000

 

Occupations with annual compensation known 127,177 39,000 48,000 60,000

Computer-related occupations 55,987 45,000 50,000 60,000

Occupations in Administrative Specializations 13,415 34,000 42,000 55,000

Occupations in Architecture, Engineering, and Surveying 13,369 42,000 50,000 67,000

Occupations in Education 12,906 32,000 38,000 47,000

Occupations in Medicine and Health 8,162 38,000 45,000 85,000

Managers and Officials N.E.C 5,196 36,000 50,000 83,500

Occupations in Life Sciences 4,297 33,000 37,000 45,000

Occupations in Social Sciences 3,155 35,000 44,000 60,000

Occupations in Mathematics and Physical Sciences 3,080 39,500 50,000 67,000

Miscellaneous Professional, Technical, and Managerial 2,812 36,000 52,000 79,500

Occupations in Art 1,904 30,000 36,000 48,000

Occupations in Law and Jurisprudence 990 38,000 75,000 125,000

Occupations in Writing 847 28,000 33,000 43,000

Fashion Models 419 100,000 100,000 130,000

Occupations in Entertainment and Recreation 370 25,000 32,000 42,000

Occupations in Museum, Library, and Archival Sciences 170 31,000 36,000 47,000

Occupations in Religion and Theology 98 25000 31000 44000

 

Unknown occupation 748 33,000 42,000 54,000

Notes: Occupations ranked by the number of beneficiaries. 

Of the 130,497 petitions approved for initial employment, 1.9 percent (2,526) did not have 

compensation reported. Another .04 of 1 percent did not have either an occupation or 

compensation reported. 

Of the 127,177 petitions approved for initial employment with compensation reported, 0.6 of 1 

percent (748) did not have an occupation reported. 

n.e.c. indicates not elsewhere classified. 

Definitions: Median is the middle ranking value (50th percentile) of all values. 

25th percentile and 75th percentile are the lower quarter and upper quarter ranking values, 

respectively. 

 
Page 18 

Table 12. Annual Compensation of H-1B Beneficiaries for Continuing Employment by 

Major Occupation Group: Fiscal Year 2004 

 Total 25th Median 75th 

Occupation Reported Percentile Percentile 

Total 154,479 45,000 60,000 80,000

 

Occupations with annual compensation known 153,677 45,000 60,000 80,000

Computer-related occupations 70,067 53,000 65,000 80,000

Occupations in Architecture, Engineering, and Surveying 20,710 50,000 65,000 82,000

Occupations in Education 14,098 35,000 41,000 53,000

Occupations in Administrative Specializations 13,482 38,000 50,000 70,000

Occupations in Medicine and Health 8,765 42,000 55,000 110,000

Managers and Officials N.E.C 6,608 45,000 72,000 105,000

Occupations in Life Sciences 4,908 37,000 45,000 63,000

Occupations in Mathematics and Physical Sciences 3,985 48,000 65,000 80,000

Occupations in Social Sciences 3,229 39,000 54,000 77,000

Miscellaneous Professional, Technical, and Managerial 3,135 43,000 66,000 95,000

Occupations in Art 2,073 36,000 45,000 65,000

Occupations in Writing 930 31,000 40,000 54,000

Occupations in Law and Jurisprudence 910 50,000 105,000 150,000

Occupations in Entertainment and Recreation 424 28,000 36,000 49,000

Occupations in Museum, Library, and Archival Sciences 187 35,000 43,000 56,000

Fashion Models 117 100,000 100,000 208,000

Occupations in Religion and Theology 49 28,000 36,000 50,000

 

Unknown occupation 802 35,000 50,000 67,000

Notes: Occupations ranked by the number of beneficiaries. 

Of the 156,921 petitions approved for continuing employment, 1.6 percent (2,442) did not have 

compensation reported. 

Of the 153,677 petitions approved for continuing employment with compensation reported, 0.5 of 1 

percent (802) did not have an occupation reported. 

n.e.c. indicates not elsewhere classified. 

Definitions: Median is the middle ranking value (50th percentile) of all values. 

25th percentile and 75th percentile are the lower quarter and upper quarter ranking values, 

respectively.
Page 19 

Industry

 Tables 13A and 13B shows the industries that employed the most H-1B workers in fiscal year 

2004. The leading and largest growth industry was computer systems design and related services, with 

95,459 workers compared to 56,872 in 2003, an increase of 68 percent. Among the remaining top ten 

industries, securities and commodity contracts and brokerage (65%); accounting, tax preparation, 

bookkeeping and payroll services (37%); semiconductor and other electronic component manufacturing 

(34%); and architectural, engineering and related services (28%) experienced the fastest growth. 

Industry data are collected using the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS). 

Unlike country of birth, age, education, and occupation, USCIS does not verify the NAICS code because 

the sponsor does not provide supporting documentation. 
Page 20 

Table 13A. H-1B Petitions Approved by Detailed Industry and Type of Petition 

(Number): Fiscal Years 2003 and 2004 

 All Beneficiaries Initial Employment 

Continuing 

Employment 

FY 2003 FY 2004 FY 2003 FY 2004 FY 2003 FY 2004 

Industry Number Number Number Number Number Number 

Total 217,340 287,418 105,314 130,497 112,026 156,921

 

Industry known 198,407 265,126 94,615 119,899 103,792 145,227

Computer Systems Design & Related Services 56,872 95,459 19,347 46,573 37,525 48,886

Colleges, Universities, & Professional Schools 21,956 25,784 13,116 12,674 8,840 13,110

Architectural, Engineering, & Related Services 8,969 11,452 4,589 4,992 4,380 6,460

Management, Scientific, & Technical Consulting Services 8,612 9,551 5,023 5,004 3,589 4,547

Scientific Research and Development Services 7,119 8,787 3,818 3,648 3,301 5,139

Elementary and Secondary Schools 4,992 5,553 3,413 2,458 1579 3,095

Accounting, Tax Preparation, Bookkeeping, & Payroll Services 3,759 5,156 2,160 2,672 1,599 2,484

Securities & Commodity Contracts Intermediation & Brokerage 3,100 5,114 1,294 2,057 1,806 3,057

Semiconductor & Other Electronic Component Manufacturing 3,636 4,891 1,084 1,307 2,552 3,584

General Medical and Surgical Hospitals 4,042 4,683 2,171 2,259 1,871 2,424

Telecommunications 3,807 4,550 1,022 1,092 2,785 3,458

Offices of Physicians 3,019 3,340 1,596 1,543 1,423 1,797

Computer and Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing 1,692 2,618 470 593 1222 2,025

Communications Equipment Manufacturing 1,856 2,252 353 512 1503 1,740

Other Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services 1,916 2,208 1,109 1,025 807 1,183

Other Financial Investment Activities 1,788 2,202 923 909 865 1,293

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services 1,888 2,129 845 750 1043 1,379

Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing 1,477 1,903 703 649 774 1,254

Specialized Design Services 1,551 1,900 904 938 647 962

Offices of Other Health Practitioners 1,871 1,880 1145 899 726 981

Legal Services 1,479 1,854 882 937 597 917

Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing 1,315 1,678 346 331 969 1,347

Employment Services 1,508 1,595 788 730 720 865

Software Publishers 1,319 1,584 355 343 964 1,241

Other industries 48,864 57,003 27,159 25,004 21,705 31,999

 

Industry unknown 18,933 22,292 10,699 10,598 8,234 11,694

Notes: Industries ranked by total beneficiaries in 2004. 

NAICS stands for North American Industry Classification System.
Page 21 

Table 13B. H-1B Petitions Approved by Detailed Industry and Type of Petition 

(Percent): Fiscal Years 2003 and 2004 

 All Beneficiaries Initial Employment 

Continuing 

Employment 

FY 2003 FY 2004 FY 2003 FY 2004 FY 2003 FY 2004 

Industry Percent Percent Percent Percent Percent Percent 

Total ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------

 

Industry known 100 100 100 100 100 100

Computer Systems Design & Related Services 28.7 36.0 20.4 38.8 36.2 33.7

Colleges, Universities, & Professional Schools 11.1 9.7 13.9 10.6 8.5 9.0

Architectural, Engineering, & Related Services 4.5 4.3 4.9 4.2 4.2 4.4

Management, Scientific, & Technical Consulting Services 4.3 3.6 5.3 4.2 3.5 3.1

Scientific Research and Development Services 3.6 3.3 4.0 3.0 3.2 3.5

Elementary and Secondary Schools 2.5 2.1 3.6 2.1 1.5 2.1

Accounting, Tax Preparation, Bookkeeping, & Payroll Services 1.9 1.9 2.3 2.2 1.5 1.7

Securities & Commodity Contracts Intermediation & Brokerage 1.6 1.9 1.4 1.7 1.7 2.1

Semiconductor & Other Electronic Component Manufacturing 1.8 1.8 1.1 1.1 2.5 2.5

General Medical and Surgical Hospitals 2.0 1.8 2.3 1.9 1.8 1.7

Telecommunications 1.9 1.7 1.1 0.9 2.7 2.4

Offices of Physicians 1.5 1.3 1.7 1.3 1.4 1.2

Computer and Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing 0.9 1.0 0.5 0.5 1.2 1.4

Communications Equipment Manufacturing 0.9 0.8 0.4 0.4 1.4 1.2

Other Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services 1.0 0.8 1.2 0.9 0.8 0.8

Other Financial Investment Activities 0.9 0.8 1.0 0.8 0.8 0.9

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services 1.0 0.8 0.9 0.6 1.0 0.9

Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.5 0.7 0.9

Specialized Design Services 0.8 0.7 1.0 0.8 0.6 0.7

Offices of Other Health Practitioners 0.9 0.7 1.2 0.7 0.7 0.7

Legal Services 0.7 0.7 0.9 0.8 0.6 0.6

Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing 0.7 0.6 0.4 0.3 0.9 0.9

Employment Services 0.8 0.6 0.8 0.6 0.7 0.6

Software Publishers 0.7 0.6 0.4 0.3 0.9 0.9

Other industries 24.6 21.5 28.7 20.9 20.9 22.0

 

Industry unknown ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ 

Notes: Industries ranked by total beneficiaries in 2003. 

Sum of the percents may not add to 100.0 due to rounding. 

Percents shown are based on the total number of petitions approved with industry known. 

NAICS stands for North American Industry Classification System 
Page 22 

Appendix: H-1B Petition Processing and Data Limitations

Petition Processing 

Petitions for obtaining H-1B nonimmigrant status for alien workers are submitted by their 

prospective employers on USCIS Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, and the addendum 

Data Collection and Filing Fee Exemption Supplement. The petitions are mailed to one of four USCIS 

Service Centers for processing depending on the location of the sponsoring employer: St. Albans, 

Vermont; Lincoln, Nebraska; Dallas Texas; and Laguna Nigel, California. 

Upon receipt, each petition is stamped with its date of arrival at the Service Center. File assembly 

clerks create a paper file that contains the original petition as well as all supporting documentation. This 

file becomes the official file of record for all activities connected with the petition. 

Bio-data such as name, date of birth, and country of birth are entered from the petition by data entry 

clerks into the case tracking system Computer-Linked Application Information Management System 

(CLAIMS3). The computer system generates a unique number for the file, known as a receipt number. 

The files are distributed to adjudicators after being sorted into potential cap and non-cap cases. 

After being received, the files are reviewed by adjudicators, who determine whether they have 

adequate information in the file to approve or deny the petition. If sufficient evidence is available, a 

decision is made by the adjudicator and then corresponding information is entered into the tracking system. 

Otherwise, additional information is sought from the sponsoring employer by the adjudicator. A response 

from the employer must be made within a set period of time or else the petition will be denied. 

After petitions are adjudicated, the associated paper files are forwarded either to the USCIS records 

center in Harrisonburg, Virginia for storage or to the Kentucky Consular Center in Williamsburg, 

Kentucky for consular processing. 

 

Data Limitations 

The tables in this report have been tabulated from an electronic data file created at headquarters 

from USCIS service center electronic data files. Errors in this extract file may have occurred in several 

ways. For example, petition data might have been inaccurate on petitions; keying errors may have occurred 

during data entry at the service centers or as a result of being improperly transferred electronically between 

the service centers and headquarters. Minimum editing has been done to the data in this file. Impossible or 

highly improbable values have been defined as unknown; for example, beneficiaries younger than 16 

(except for fashion models) or those beneficiaries working without compensation. 

Lastly, information in electronic format is not available regarding the city or state where H-1B 

workers are employed.