Discover companies actively sponsoring entry-level engineering positions in Austin.
For international graduates seeking H-1B sponsorship in Austin, TX, identifying companies that hire entry-level engineers is key. This page analyzes DOL data to pinpoint employers actively sponsoring recent graduates and provides insights into typical roles and wage levels.
| Feature | Data Point | Trend vs 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Total H-1B Filings (Top 10 Companies) | Amazon: 55,150 Microsoft: 34,626 Google: 33,416 Infosys: 32,840 Tata: 28,950 Cognizant: 26,700 Deloitte: 18,200 Apple: 15,800 Meta: 14,900 JPMorgan: 12,400 |
N/A |
| Verified Sponsors in Wisa Database | 45,000+ | ↑ 15% |
| FY2027 Lottery Registrations | ~343,981 | ↓ 27% |
| FY2027 Level 2 Odds | ~31% | ↓ 8% |
| PWD Processing Time (Avg) | 3-4 months | Stable |
Analysis of DOL data for Austin shows a strong presence of mid-sized tech companies and R&D divisions of larger corporations actively sponsoring entry-level engineers. Unlike pure startups, these firms often have more established immigration programs and a clearer understanding of the wage-weighted lottery's impact on their hiring needs.
When assessing H-1B sponsorship offers in Austin, pay close attention to the offered salary. The wage-weighted lottery means higher salaries significantly improve your chances. Use Get Wisa to compare offered wages against prevailing wages for similar roles in the area.
The 2026 H-1B lottery, now wage-weighted, presents a dynamic challenge for entry-level engineers in Austin. While the overall number of registrations decreased, selection odds for lower wage levels remain considerably lower. Companies are adapting by focusing sponsorship on roles that justify higher salaries, impacting the viability for some recent graduates.
The introduction of the new Form I-129 in April 2026, alongside potential fee adjustments (though F-1 OPT COS is exempt from the $100K fee), adds another layer of complexity. Candidates should also be aware of the expanded social media vetting and the extended PERM processing times, which average 503 days.
Major players like Amazon (55,150 H-1B filings) and Microsoft (34,626 H-1B filings) are significant sponsors in the Austin tech ecosystem. Beyond these giants, numerous mid-sized firms and R&D centers actively file for entry-level engineering roles, contributing to the 45,000+ verified sponsors in the Get Wisa database.
For example, a semiconductor company in Austin might file 10-15 LCAs annually for junior hardware engineers, showcasing consistent sponsorship for specialized technical talent.
Q: What are the H-1B lottery odds for entry-level engineers in Austin in 2026?
A: Overall selection odds for FY2027 were 35.3%. For Level 2 wage roles, common for entry-level engineers, odds were around 31%. Higher wage levels offer better chances due to the wage-weighted system.
Q: Which large tech companies filed the most H-1B petitions in 2026?
A: Amazon filed 55,150, Microsoft filed 34,626, and Google filed 33,416 H-1B petitions in 2026, indicating their significant reliance on international engineering talent.
Q: How long does it take to get a Prevailing Wage Determination (PWD)?
A: PWD processing typically takes 3-4 months. This is a critical first step before filing an LCA for H-1B sponsorship.
Q: Is the new $100K H-1B fee applicable to F-1 OPT Change of Status?
A: No, the $100K fee applies to consular processing only. F-1 OPT students filing for a Change of Status within the U.S. are exempt from this specific fee.
Search thousands of verified H-1B sponsors by company, industry, and location.
Search H-1B Sponsors on Wisa →Overall selection odds for FY2027 were 35.3%. For Level 2 wage roles, common for entry-level engineers, odds were around 31%. Higher wage levels offer better chances due to the wage-weighted system.
Amazon filed 55,150, Microsoft filed 34,626, and Google filed 33,416 H-1B petitions in 2026, indicating their significant reliance on international engineering talent.
PWD processing typically takes 3-4 months. This is a critical first step before filing an LCA for H-1B sponsorship.
No, the $100K fee applies to consular processing only. F-1 OPT students filing for a Change of Status within the U.S. are exempt from this specific fee.