An overview of H-1B sponsorship across UC campuses for academic and research roles.
International professionals frequently ask if the University of California (UC) system sponsors H-1B visas. This page analyzes the UC system's historical H-1B filings across its various campuses, providing insights into their sponsorship for faculty and research positions in 2026.
| Feature | Data Point | Trend vs 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| FY2027 Lottery Level 1 Odds | ~15% | ↓ Significant |
| FY2027 Lottery Level 4 Odds | ~62% | ↑ Significant |
| $100K Fee Applicability | Consular processing ONLY | → Clarified |
| F-1 OPT Change of Status Fee | EXEMPT from $100K fee | ↑ Benefit |
| UC System H-1B Filings (Historical) | High volume across multiple campuses | → Stable Trend |
Our analysis of DOL data reveals that the University of California system, encompassing campuses like UCLA, UC Berkeley, and UC San Diego, is a substantial H-1B sponsor. They consistently file for faculty, researchers, and specialized academic roles, indicating a strong commitment to international talent acquisition in 2026.
When applying for H-1B sponsorship within the UC system, research specific campus needs and departments. While the system is large, individual campus hiring patterns and wage levels can vary, impacting lottery odds and PERM processing.
For international professionals targeting the University of California system in 2026, H-1B sponsorship is a significant opportunity. The system's campuses are major employers of academic and research talent. Understanding the wage-weighted lottery is crucial, as Level 4 wage positions have significantly higher odds (~62%) than Level 1 (~15%).
The mandatory April 2026 implementation of Form I-129 affects all UC campuses. While PERM and PWD processing times remain consistent, applicants should be aware of the $100K fee's limited applicability (consular processing only) and the exemption for F-1 OPT Change of Status filings.
DOL records show extensive H-1B sponsorship across the University of California system:
Q: Does the University of California system sponsor H-1B visas in 2026?
A: Yes, the University of California system is a major H-1B sponsor, with multiple campuses actively hiring international faculty and researchers.
Q: Which UC campuses are top H-1B sponsors for researchers?
A: UCLA, UC Berkeley, and UC San Diego are among the top UC campuses for H-1B sponsorship of researchers and academic staff.
Q: How do wage levels affect H-1B lottery odds for UC system hires?
A: Higher wage levels significantly increase selection odds in the wage-weighted lottery. Positions at Level 4 wages have much better chances than Level 1.
Q: Is the $100K fee applicable to H-1B filings by UC campuses?
A: The $100K fee applies only to consular processing. F-1 OPT Change of Status filings are exempt, which is relevant for many UC hires.
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Search H-1B Sponsors on Wisa →Yes, the University of California system is a major H-1B sponsor, with multiple campuses actively hiring international faculty and researchers.
UCLA, UC Berkeley, and UC San Diego are among the top UC campuses for H-1B sponsorship of researchers and academic staff.
Higher wage levels significantly increase selection odds in the wage-weighted lottery. Positions at Level 4 wages have much better chances than Level 1.
The $100K fee applies only to consular processing. F-1 OPT Change of Status filings are exempt, which is relevant for many UC hires.