Which H-1B Workers Earn the Highest Wages? Distinctions by Visa Status at the Time of Petition

Chad Sparber ()
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Chad Sparber: Colgate University

No 18940, IZA Discussion Papers from IZA Network @ LISER

Abstract: H-1B status grants highly-educated foreign nationals the right to work in specialized occupations in the United States. Recent policy proposals include altering the method for allocating H-1B status, raising payments associated with entry into the country, and changing the limit on new issuances available. To help inform policy, this paper uses the universe of cap-bound H-1Bs awarded in fiscal year 2024 to examine how wages vary across different groups. Workers on F-1 student status accounted for 45% of new issuances, while another 43% went to individuals living abroad without any contemporary US immigration status. This former group earned 10% higher wages than the latter, or 6% more after accounting for observable differences between groups. Indian-born workers without current status seeking new employment at H-1B dependent firms earn the lowest wages. Policies favoring one of these groups over another -- whether intended or not -- will affect the average wage paid to H-1B recipients.

Keywords: skilled immigration; H-1B; wage differentials (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: F22 J31 J61 J68 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026-09
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:iza:izadps:dp18940

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