Yes — there is no minimum company size for H-1B sponsorship. Here's how small businesses sponsor visas, what it costs them, and how to find them.
One of the biggest misconceptions about H-1B visas is that only large corporations can sponsor workers. In reality, there is no minimum company size, revenue, or employee count required to sponsor an H-1B visa. A one-person startup can legally sponsor an H-1B worker, provided the role qualifies as a specialty occupation and the employer can pay the prevailing wage. Thousands of small businesses across the U.S. sponsor H-1B workers every year.
| Company | Total H-1B Filings |
|---|---|
| Amazon | 55,150 |
| Microsoft | 34,626 |
| 33,416 | |
| Infosys | 32,840 |
| Tata Consultancy Services | 28,950 |
| Cognizant | 26,700 |
| Deloitte | 18,200 |
| Apple | 15,800 |
| Meta | 14,900 |
| JPMorgan Chase | 12,400 |
Small companies sponsor H-1B workers for the same reason large companies do: they need specialized talent they cannot find domestically. For startups and small businesses, international workers often bring niche technical skills, bilingual capabilities, or specialized industry knowledge that is scarce in the local labor market. Many small company sponsors are in technology, healthcare, engineering, and professional services.
According to DOL data, approximately 70% of all H-1B sponsors file fewer than 5 petitions per year, and many file just 1. These small sponsors collectively represent a significant share of total H-1B activity. The misconception that only large companies sponsor arises because the top 100 sponsors account for a disproportionate share of total filing volume — but the long tail of small sponsors is much larger in number.
Small companies do face additional USCIS scrutiny during the adjudication process. USCIS may request evidence that the company has sufficient work for the H-1B worker, that the role truly requires a specialty occupation, and that the company has the financial ability to pay the prevailing wage. Having a clear business plan, financial statements, and a detailed job description helps small employers navigate this scrutiny successfully.
A: There is no minimum. Even a sole proprietorship or a company with one employee can sponsor an H-1B worker. The key requirements are that the role qualifies as a specialty occupation, the company can pay the prevailing wage, and there is a legitimate employer-employee relationship.
Q: Do small companies face more scrutiny from USCIS?
A: Yes, to some degree. USCIS may issue Requests for Evidence (RFEs) asking small companies to demonstrate they have enough work for the H-1B position, that the role is truly specialized, and that the company has the financial resources to pay the stated salary. Having organized financial records and a clear job description helps significantly.
Use Wisa's free search to find H-1B sponsors of all sizes. Filter by filing count to discover smaller companies that actively sponsor international workers in your field. Search H-1B sponsors on Wisa →
Search thousands of verified H-1B sponsors by company, industry, and location.
Search H-1B Sponsors on Wisa →There is no minimum company size. A company with 1 employee, a startup with no revenue, or a sole proprietorship can all sponsor H-1B workers. The requirements are that the role qualifies as a specialty occupation, the employer can pay the prevailing wage, and a legitimate employer-employee relationship exists.
Total H-1B sponsorship costs for a small company (under 25 employees) range from $5,000 to $10,000, including attorney fees ($2,000-$5,000), filing fees ($1,710 base fee — small companies are exempt from the $4,000 ACWIA fee that large companies pay), and the $10 lottery registration fee. Premium processing adds $2,805.
Small companies do face higher RFE (Request for Evidence) rates than large companies, primarily because USCIS scrutinizes the legitimacy of the role and the company's financial ability more closely. However, well-prepared petitions with strong documentation, clear job descriptions, and financial evidence can achieve approval rates comparable to larger employers.
Search Wisa's database and filter for companies with lower filing counts (1-10 filings). Also target industries where small businesses commonly sponsor: tech startups, healthcare practices, accounting firms, and engineering consultancies. Networking at industry events and reaching out directly to hiring managers is often more effective than applying through job boards for small company positions.