Discover which accounting firms — from the Big 4 to regional CPA practices — actively sponsor H-1B work visas for international accounting professionals.
Accounting is one of the most reliable industries for H-1B visa sponsorship. The Big 4 firms alone file thousands of H-1B petitions annually, and many mid-size and regional CPA firms also sponsor international accountants, auditors, and tax professionals. Wisa tracks verified filing data so you can find the right accounting employer.
Deloitte, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Ernst & Young (EY), and KPMG are consistently among the top H-1B sponsors across all industries. Collectively, the Big 4 file over 10,000 H-1B petitions each year. These firms sponsor H-1B workers for roles including:
The Big 4 maintain dedicated immigration teams that handle large volumes of H-1B petitions efficiently. Their approval rates are generally high, and they typically begin the sponsorship process during the candidate's final year of a U.S. graduate program or during OPT.
Beyond the Big 4, many mid-size accounting firms also sponsor H-1B visas. Firms like BDO, Grant Thornton, RSM, Crowe, and Baker Tilly are active sponsors. These firms may file fewer petitions overall but offer advantages including more direct partner interaction, faster advancement, and specialized industry focus.
Regional CPA firms with 50 to 500 employees increasingly sponsor H-1B workers to address talent shortages in accounting. The U.S. has experienced a well-documented decline in accounting graduates, making international professionals more valuable to firms of all sizes.
To qualify for H-1B sponsorship in accounting, you typically need at minimum a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a closely related field. Many firms prefer or require candidates to be CPA-eligible or already hold a CPA license. A master's degree in accounting (MAcc) or an MBA with an accounting concentration strengthens your candidacy significantly.
Most international accounting professionals enter the U.S. on F-1 student visas, complete a master's program, and work under OPT before transitioning to H-1B status. The OPT period gives firms time to evaluate candidates and prepare H-1B petitions for the April filing window.
H-1B salaries in accounting vary by firm size, role, and location. At the Big 4, starting salaries for audit and tax associates typically range from $65,000 to $85,000, with higher figures in major metros like New York, San Francisco, and Chicago. Senior associates and managers can earn $90,000 to $150,000 or more. Mid-size firms offer comparable compensation in many markets.
Use Wisa to search for accounting firms by name, location, or filing volume. Look at firms' recruiting pages for international student hiring programs — most Big 4 and mid-size firms have dedicated international recruiting tracks. Attending campus recruiting events at your university and connecting with firm recruiters on LinkedIn are effective strategies for securing sponsorship.
Search thousands of verified H-1B sponsors by company, industry, and location.
Search H-1B Sponsors on Wisa →Yes, all four — Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG — are major H-1B sponsors. They collectively file over 10,000 H-1B petitions annually across audit, tax, advisory, and technology roles. Each firm has a dedicated immigration team to manage the process.
A CPA license is not strictly required for H-1B sponsorship, but most firms strongly prefer candidates who are CPA-eligible. Having passed the CPA exam or being on track to complete it significantly improves your chances of receiving an offer with sponsorship.
Yes, mid-size firms like BDO, Grant Thornton, RSM, Crowe, and Baker Tilly regularly sponsor H-1B workers. Some regional firms with 50+ employees also sponsor, especially in areas with accounting talent shortages.
Most international accountants enter the U.S. on F-1 visas, complete a master's in accounting, work under OPT at a firm, and then transition to H-1B. From there, the path typically progresses from associate to senior associate to manager, with many firms also sponsoring green cards for long-term employees.