You might think that only tech giants like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft lead the pack in hiring foreign workers through the H-1B visa program. But, surprise! Even electric car maker Tesla is now high on the list, doubling its H-1B hires in just one year. Tesla’s jumped from 328 approved petitions in 2023 to 742 in 2024, placing it at number 16 among top companies. Elon Musk, who also worked in the U. S. on an H-1B visa early in his career, is no stranger to the debate over these visas. The program is crucial, he says, for bringing in skilled workers that help companies like SpaceX and Tesla grow and strengthen the U. S. economy.

Technology firms have long pushed for more H-1B visas, capped at 65, 000 new visas yearly, with an extra 20, 000 for those with advanced degrees. In 2024, Amazon topped the list with 3, 871 approved H-1B visas, followed by Cognizant with 2, 837. Other top firms include Infosys, TCS, IBM, and Microsoft. Interestingly, these visas aren't just for tech jobs; companies from various sectors, including retail giants like Walmart, are benefiting too.

Finding and hiring skilled workers is a global game, and these H-1B visas play a big role in helping U. S. companies stay competitive. But the debate continues on whether these visas are fair to domestic workers and how many should be granted each year.

Top Companies Hiring Foreign Workers: Who's Leading the Way?

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