Identify U.S. companies historically sponsoring the I-140 Immigrant Petition for Data Scientists in Chicago.
For international Data Scientists seeking U.S. permanent residency, identifying employers with a strong I-140 sponsorship history is crucial. Get Wisa analyzes Department of Labor data to highlight companies in Chicago, Illinois, that have consistently sponsored these critical roles in 2026.
| Feature | Data Point | Trend vs 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Top H-1B Filing Companies (Nationwide) | Amazon: 55,150 | [Data not available] |
| Top H-1B Filing Companies (Nationwide) | Microsoft: 34,626 | [Data not available] |
| Top H-1B Filing Companies (Nationwide) | Google: 33,416 | [Data not available] |
| Total H-1B Filing Records in Wisa Database | 323,617 | [Data not available] |
| Total PERM Records in Wisa Database | 283,422 | [Data not available] |
| Verified Sponsors in Wisa Database | 45,000+ | [Data not available] |
Our analysis of DOL data reveals that while specific Chicago-based I-140 sponsorship numbers for Data Scientists are not granularly public, the high volume of H-1B filings by major tech companies nationwide (like Amazon with 55,150 in 2026) strongly correlates with their capacity and willingness to sponsor I-140 petitions. This suggests that professionals targeting Chicago should look at companies with a significant national H-1B footprint.
Before accepting an offer, research the company's PERM filing history on Get Wisa. A high volume of PERM filings, even if not specific to Chicago, indicates a commitment to sponsoring immigrant petitions, which is a strong indicator for I-140 success.
The landscape for I-140 sponsorship in 2026 is heavily influenced by overall H-1B filing trends and employer capacity. Companies like Amazon (55,150 H-1B filings in 2026) demonstrate a substantial infrastructure for handling immigration processes, which often extends to I-140 petitions. While specific city-level data for I-140s is limited, a company's national sponsorship volume is a key indicator.
Navigating the path to an I-140 often involves the PERM labor certification process, which averaged 503 days in 2026. Understanding these timelines and the employer's commitment to the process is vital. Additionally, the mandatory April 2026 update to Form I-129 and expanded social media vetting by USCIS are factors that may indirectly impact overall processing and employer focus.
While specific I-140 data for Chicago Data Scientists isn't publicly disaggregated, we can infer sponsorship potential from national H-1B filing volumes:
Q: How can I find Chicago-specific I-140 sponsors for Data Scientists?
A: While granular city-specific I-140 data is scarce, focus on companies with high national H-1B filing volumes. Get Wisa's database of 45,000+ verified sponsors can help identify these employers.
Q: What is the average PERM processing time that precedes an I-140?
A: PERM labor certification, a common prerequisite for I-140, averaged 503 days in 2026. This highlights the importance of employer commitment to the sponsorship process.
Q: Does the new Form I-129 impact I-140 sponsorship?
A: The mandatory Form I-129 update in April 2026 primarily affects H-1B filings. While not directly altering I-140, it signifies evolving USCIS processes that employers must manage.
Q: Are there specific wage levels that improve I-140 chances for Data Scientists?
A: While not a direct factor for I-140 itself, higher wage levels often correlate with more senior roles, which may have a stronger case for I-140 approval and are less impacted by H-1B lottery odds.
Search thousands of verified H-1B sponsors by company, industry, and location.
Search H-1B Sponsors on Wisa →While granular city-specific I-140 data is scarce, focus on companies with high national H-1B filing volumes. Get Wisa's database of 45,000+ verified sponsors can help identify these employers.
PERM labor certification, a common prerequisite for I-140, averaged 503 days in 2026. This highlights the importance of employer commitment to the sponsorship process.
The mandatory Form I-129 update in April 2026 primarily affects H-1B filings. While not directly altering I-140, it signifies evolving USCIS processes that employers must manage.
While not a direct factor for I-140 itself, higher wage levels often correlate with more senior roles, which may have a stronger case for I-140 approval and are less impacted by H-1B lottery odds.