Which construction and engineering firms sponsor H-1B visas, what roles qualify, and alternative pathways for skilled construction workers.
The U.S. construction industry faces significant labor shortages, particularly in skilled trades and engineering roles. While H-1B sponsorship is most common for construction engineers, project managers, and architects, there are also immigration pathways for skilled tradespeople through the EB-3 green card category. Wisa tracks H-1B filings in the construction sector so you can identify active sponsors.
H-1B visas in construction are primarily filed for roles that require at least a bachelor's degree — the "specialty occupation" requirement. Common H-1B-eligible construction roles include:
Large construction and engineering firms are the most active H-1B sponsors in this sector. Companies like Bechtel, Fluor Corporation, AECOM, Turner Construction, Skanska, Kiewit, and Jacobs Engineering file significant numbers of H-1B petitions each year. Major architecture and engineering (A/E) firms including WSP, Thornton Tomasetti, and HDR also sponsor construction-related roles. These firms have established immigration programs and routinely hire international engineers.
H-1B is well-suited for degreed engineers and managers in construction. Skilled trades — electricians, plumbers, welders, heavy equipment operators — generally do not qualify for H-1B because the roles typically do not require a bachelor's degree. However, skilled tradespeople have alternative options:
Construction-sector H-1B prevailing wages vary significantly by role and region. Civil engineers see Level 1 wages ranging from $65,000 to $80,000 depending on the metro area, while Level 3-4 positions for experienced structural or project engineers can exceed $130,000. Project managers at major firms often file at Level 2-3 wages, ranging from $90,000 to $140,000 in high-cost areas.
For both engineers and skilled tradespeople, the EB-3 green card category is a common long-term immigration solution in construction. Employers file PERM labor certification demonstrating that no qualified U.S. workers are available for the position. Given the well-documented construction labor shortage, PERM cases in this sector often have strong labor market arguments. Processing times and visa availability depend on the worker's country of birth.
Search thousands of verified H-1B sponsors by company, industry, and location.
Search H-1B Sponsors on Wisa →H-1B visas in construction are available for roles requiring a bachelor's degree, such as civil engineers, structural engineers, architects, and construction project managers. Skilled trade roles (electricians, welders, etc.) generally do not qualify for H-1B but may pursue EB-3 green cards or H-2B temporary visas.
Major construction and engineering firms like Bechtel, Fluor, AECOM, Turner Construction, Skanska, Kiewit, and Jacobs Engineering are among the most active H-1B sponsors. Large architecture and engineering firms including WSP, HDR, and Thornton Tomasetti also sponsor significant numbers of international engineers.
The EB-3 green card category includes a 'skilled worker' subcategory for positions requiring at least 2 years of training or experience. This is the primary immigration pathway for skilled construction tradespeople who don't qualify for H-1B. The employer must complete PERM labor certification to demonstrate a shortage of qualified U.S. workers.
H-1B salaries in construction vary by role and location. Civil engineers typically see $65,000-$120,000 depending on experience level. Construction project managers range from $80,000-$140,000. Structural engineers can earn $75,000-$135,000. All H-1B wages must meet or exceed the DOL prevailing wage for the specific role and metro area.