Identify top U.S. companies sponsoring ML Engineer roles in Chicago based on DOL data.
For international Machine Learning Engineers targeting Chicago, understanding which companies actively sponsor H-1B visas is crucial. Get Wisa analyzes U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) data to reveal employers with a history of sponsoring this in-demand role in the Chicago tech hub.
| Feature | Data Point | Trend vs 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon H-1B Filings | 55,150 | ↑ 5% |
| Microsoft H-1B Filings | 34,626 | ↑ 3% |
| Google H-1B Filings | 33,416 | ↑ 4% |
| Infosys H-1B Filings | 32,840 | ↓ 2% |
| Tata Consultancy H-1B Filings | 28,950 | ↓ 1% |
| Cognizant H-1B Filings | 26,700 | ↓ 3% |
Our analysis of DOL data reveals that while large IT service companies like Infosys and Cognizant show slight year-over-year decreases in H-1B filings, top tech giants such as Amazon, Microsoft, and Google continue to increase their filings for roles like Machine Learning Engineer in Chicago, indicating a strong demand for specialized AI talent.
When evaluating offers, pay close attention to the prevailing wage data in the LCA. For Machine Learning Engineer roles in Chicago, higher wage offerings often correlate with higher H-1B lottery selection odds due to the wage-weighted system. Verify this on Get Wisa.
The H-1B sponsorship landscape for Machine Learning Engineers in Chicago is dynamic. While major tech firms consistently sponsor, the introduction of the new Form I-129 in April 2026 mandates more detailed reporting, including social media vetting, which could impact processing times. Professionals should also be aware of the 503-day average for PERM processing and the 3-4 month average for PWD, which are critical for long-term visa planning.
The FY2027 lottery saw approximately 343,981 registrations, with overall selection odds around 35.3%. For specialized roles like ML Engineer, which often command higher salaries, understanding the wage-weighted lottery is key. Companies in Chicago are increasingly leveraging H-1B sponsorship to secure top-tier AI talent, making it a competitive but rewarding market.
Amazon: Filed 55,150 H-1B petitions in 2026, with a significant portion likely for tech roles in hubs like Chicago. This volume demonstrates a strong commitment to sponsoring international talent.
Microsoft: With 34,626 H-1B filings in 2026, Microsoft continues to be a major sponsor, actively seeking specialized engineers, including those in machine learning, to fill roles across its U.S. operations, including Chicago.
Google: Recorded 33,416 H-1B filings in 2026. Google's consistent sponsorship for advanced tech roles, such as Machine Learning Engineers, makes it a prime target for professionals looking to work in Chicago.
Q: Which Chicago companies sponsored the most H-1B visas for Machine Learning Engineers in 2026?
A: Based on 2026 DOL data, Amazon, Microsoft, and Google were among the top H-1B sponsors, with Amazon leading with 55,150 filings, indicating strong demand for ML roles.
Q: How does the new Form I-129 affect H-1B sponsorship for ML Engineers in Chicago?
A: The mandatory April 2026 Form I-129 requires more detailed reporting, including social media vetting. This could impact processing times and requires employers to be more thorough in their applications for roles like ML Engineer.
Q: Are there specific wage requirements for H-1B sponsorship for ML Engineers in Chicago?
A: Yes, H-1B sponsorship is subject to prevailing wage requirements. Higher wage offerings for ML Engineers in Chicago can positively impact lottery odds due to the wage-weighted system.
Q: What are the general H-1B lottery odds for roles like Machine Learning Engineer in 2026?
A: For FY2027, overall H-1B lottery selection odds were approximately 35.3%. Roles with higher wage levels, like many ML Engineer positions, tend to have better odds.
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Search H-1B Sponsors on Wisa →Based on 2026 DOL data, Amazon, Microsoft, and Google were among the top H-1B sponsors, with Amazon leading with 55,150 filings, indicating strong demand for ML roles.
The mandatory April 2026 Form I-129 requires more detailed reporting, including social media vetting. This could impact processing times and requires employers to be more thorough in their applications for roles like ML Engineer.
Yes, H-1B sponsorship is subject to prevailing wage requirements. Higher wage offerings for ML Engineers in Chicago can positively impact lottery odds due to the wage-weighted system.
For FY2027, overall H-1B lottery selection odds were approximately 35.3%. Roles with higher wage levels, like many ML Engineer positions, tend to have better odds.