Nigerian professionals hoping to secure employment in the United States in 2026 may improve their chances by targeting companies with a strong record of sponsoring H-1B work visas.

The H-1B visa programme allows US employers to hire foreign professionals for specialised positions requiring advanced knowledge and at least a bachelor’s degree.

Despite intense competition for the limited number of visas issued annually, several American companies consistently sponsor thousands of skilled workers each year.

According to data compiled by Ellis Visa Sponsors, which tracks more than 180,000 US employers, the companies below rank among the leading sponsors of H-1B visas and also demonstrate long-term support for foreign employees through permanent residency applications.

Top 10 US companies sponsoring H-1B visas in 2026

1. Google

Google continues to recruit international professionals in software engineering, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud computing, data science and product management. The company has recorded more than 36,500 H-1B filings and maintains a strong record of supporting employees seeking permanent residency.

2. Amazon

Amazon remains the largest H-1B sponsor in the US, with more than 187,000 visa petitions filed. Hiring spans Amazon Web Services (AWS), logistics, artificial intelligence, software development and retail technology.

3. Microsoft

Microsoft continues expanding its workforce across cloud computing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and software development. It also leads many major employers in PERM labour certification filings, reflecting its commitment to long-term employment.

4. Ernst & Young (EY)

The professional services firm regularly sponsors foreign professionals in auditing, tax, consulting, financial advisory and digital transformation roles.

5. Deloitte Consulting

Deloitte recruits international talent across technology consulting, cybersecurity, enterprise software, cloud migration and business strategy.

6. Accenture

Accenture remains a major employer of global talent, offering opportunities in cloud computing, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, enterprise technology and digital transformation.

7. Apple

Apple continues hiring highly skilled engineers in software development, machine learning, hardware engineering, silicon design and product development.

8. Intel

The semiconductor manufacturer sponsors professionals in electrical engineering, chip manufacturing, artificial intelligence, hardware validation and software engineering.

9. IBM

IBM recruits international professionals across enterprise technology, hybrid cloud, consulting, quantum computing, software engineering and scientific research.

10.Meta

Meta rounds out the list with sponsorship opportunities across its Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and Reality Labs divisions, particularly in artificial intelligence, machine learning and infrastructure engineering.

Industries with the strongest demand

Technology continues to dominate H-1B sponsorship, although opportunities also exist in healthcare, finance, accounting, consulting, engineering, scientific research and semiconductor manufacturing.

Skills that improve employment prospects

Professionals seeking H-1B sponsorship can strengthen their chances by developing expertise in areas such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, cybersecurity, software development, data analytics, DevOps, Python, Java, SQL, AWS, Microsoft Azure and financial modelling.

Employers also value recognised professional certifications, leadership experience, effective communication skills and strong project portfolios.

Tips for Nigerian applicants

Career experts advise Nigerians seeking H-1B-sponsored jobs to focus on employers with established immigration programmes. Applicants are also encouraged to tailor their CVs to each role, optimise their LinkedIn profiles, earn internationally recognised certifications, prepare thoroughly for interviews and submit applications early during recruitment cycles.

Sponsorship is not automatic visa approval

Receiving a job offer from a sponsoring company does not guarantee an H-1B visa. Applicants must still satisfy US immigration requirements, secure a qualifying position and, in most cases, be selected through the annual H-1B lottery before their petitions are approved.

With growing demand for skilled workers in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, cybersecurity and software engineering, Nigerians with the right qualifications and experience remain well placed to pursue career opportunities in the United States in 2026. (Sunday Vanguard)

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