Discover leading technology firms in Austin that sponsor H-1B visas for international OPT/STEM OPT graduates.
For international STEM graduates in Austin's booming tech industry on F-1 OPT or STEM OPT, securing H-1B sponsorship is a key career step. Get Wisa provides data-driven insights into Austin's tech employers known for sponsoring international talent.
| Feature | Data Point | Trend vs 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Top Austin Tech H-1B Filings (FY2025 Est.) | Dell Technologies: 4,500+ | ↑ 8% |
| Top Austin Tech H-1B Filings (FY2025 Est.) | IBM: 3,800+ | ↑ 5% |
| Top Austin Tech H-1B Filings (FY2025 Est.) | Oracle: 3,200+ | ↑ 10% |
| Average H-1B Salary (Software Engineer) | $110,000 - $135,000 | ↑ 6% |
| FY2027 Lottery Odds (Overall) | 35.3% | ↓ 10% |
| F-1 OPT Change of Status Fee | EXEMPT ($0) | N/A |
Analysis of DOL data for Austin tech shows a consistent increase in H-1B filings from major players like Dell and IBM. Notably, the average H-1B salary for Software Engineers has risen by 6% year-over-year, indicating a competitive market for skilled international talent.
When considering H-1B sponsorship in Austin's tech scene, prioritize companies that offer salaries significantly above the prevailing wage for your role. This not only strengthens your application but also improves your standing in the wage-weighted H-1B lottery system.
Austin's tech industry continues to be a strong hub for H-1B sponsorship for F-1 OPT and STEM OPT graduates. Companies like Dell, IBM, and Oracle consistently file a high volume of petitions, reflecting their reliance on international tech talent. The overall H-1B selection odds for FY2027 were 35.3%, a slight decrease from the previous year, underscoring the importance of strategic application and employer choice.
A critical piece of information for OPT students is that Change of Status applications filed within the U.S. are exempt from the $100K fee, which only applies to consular processing abroad. With the new Form I-129 mandatory from April 2026, employers must adapt their filing processes. Additionally, the expanded social media vetting effective March 30, 2026, requires candidates to maintain a professional online presence.
Here are examples of major tech companies in Austin with substantial H-1B filing records, based on U.S. DOL data:
Q: Can OPT students avoid the $100K H-1B fee by applying for Change of Status?
A: Yes, F-1 OPT students applying for H-1B Change of Status within the U.S. are exempt from the $100K fee. This fee only applies to H-1B applications processed through consular services abroad.
Q: What is the average H-1B salary for Software Engineers in Austin?
A: In 2026, the average H-1B salary for Software Engineers in Austin typically ranges from $110,000 to $135,000, reflecting the competitive tech market and demand for skilled professionals.
Q: How does the new Form I-129 affect H-1B applications for OPT graduates in Austin?
A: The mandatory Form I-129, effective April 2026, requires employers to use the updated form for all H-1B filings, including Change of Status applications for OPT graduates. Ensure your sponsoring employer is compliant.
Q: Are there specific tech companies in Austin with a higher H-1B sponsorship rate?
A: Companies like Dell, IBM, and Oracle consistently show high H-1B filing volumes. Get Wisa's database allows you to filter and analyze sponsors based on their historical filing data and approval rates.
Search thousands of verified H-1B sponsors by company, industry, and location.
Search H-1B Sponsors on Wisa →Yes, F-1 OPT students applying for H-1B Change of Status within the U.S. are exempt from the $100K fee. This fee only applies to H-1B applications processed through consular services abroad.
In 2026, the average H-1B salary for Software Engineers in Austin typically ranges from $110,000 to $135,000, reflecting the competitive tech market and demand for skilled professionals.
The mandatory Form I-129, effective April 2026, requires employers to use the updated form for all H-1B filings, including Change of Status applications for OPT graduates. Ensure your sponsoring employer is compliant.
Companies like Dell, IBM, and Oracle consistently show high H-1B filing volumes. Get Wisa's database allows you to filter and analyze sponsors based on their historical filing data and approval rates.