by Interstride
If you are an international student looking to work, live, and potentially establish long-term residency in the United States, obtaining an H-1B visa might be the best option. However, to apply for the H-1B, your employer must sponsor you. If you are exploring job opportunities in New York City, we highlight the top 10 companies sponsoring H-1B visas in 2023 in this blog.
What is H-1B visa sponsorship?
The H-1B visa is a temporary non-immigrant work authorization. This visa is considered a“dual-intent” visa, making it one of the most popular pathways for international students hoping to pursue permanent residency through a green card. Applications for H-1B visas are submitted by the employer to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), on behalf of the international employee. Each year, USCIS uses a lottery system to distribute H-1B visas, as the demand for these visas is extremely competitive. H-1B visa applications are typically submitted in early March, with decisions released in late March/early April. For 2023, almost 500,000 H-1B applications were submitted, and 120,000 registrations were selected.
Why work in New York City?
Known as the “Big Apple,” and the “City that Never Sleeps,” New York City is located in the southernmost part of New York State, with a population of almost 8.5 million people. Given its importance as the epicenter of global finance and trading markets, some consider New York City to be the financial capital of the world. New York is also home to a vibrant community of culture, theater, arts, cuisine, and fashion, and has one of the largest populations of international students in the US
Like every city, there are pros and cons to working and living in New York City. As an international student, here are some to consider:
Pros:
- Job Opportunities: New York City offers the largest variety in career opportunities in the country. While it’s widely known as a global finance epicenter, career opportunities also include jobs in marketing, journalism, fashion, and technology. The job market can be competitive though, so it’s important to network any chance you can.
- Cultural Diversity: New York City’s cultural diversity can be seen in its people, food cuisines, fashion, and habits. Residents of the city come from across the globe, making the city a melting pot of cultures and ideas.
- Public Transportation: The city’s rail and bus transit system make it easy to commute to and from, whether you live in the middle of the city, or on the outskirts. Many companies in New York will also subsidize the cost of monthly metro passes for employees as part of their benefits. For international students, who likely won’t have a car, this is a big pro of living in New York City!
Cons:
- Cost of Living: Rent prices in New York City are among the top 5 highest in the US. Due to the high rent prices, many residents live outside of Manhattan, and need to find roommates. Apart from high rent prices, other expenses like groceries, clothing, meals, and other general expenses can be higher than most places.
- It’s Crowded: New York City holds the number one spot for the highest density in the US, with over 26,000 people per square mile. Whether commuting or walking through the city, crowds and lines are a guarantee. Not to mention, NYC is one of the biggest tourist spots in the world. While the city is incredibly diverse, this can also make it feel overwhelming for international students looking to find community.
- City Never Sleeps: New York is never quiet. Many restaurants and social scenes are open until the early morning, many companies require long work hours, and the city is constantly moving at a fast pace. Some find this exciting, while others might find this overwhelming. If a fast paced lifestyle differs from the culture of your home country or university, this could take some adjusting.
Top 10 companies sponsoring H-1B visas in New York City in 2023
| Rank | H-1B Visa Sponsor | Number of H-1B Applications | Average Salary for H-1B Employees |
| 1 | Ernst Young | 988 | $121,659 |
| 2 | Goldman Sachs | 977 | $158,511 |
| 3 | 717 | $161,182 | |
| 4 | 573 | $176,913 | |
| 5 | JP Morgan Chase & Co | 511 | $152,578 |
| 6 | Morgan Stanley Services Group | 470 | $143,179 |
| 7 | Citibank | 402 | $158,024 |
| 8 | Bloomberg | 378 | $198,624 |
| 9 | Amazon | 378 | $138,464 |
| 10 | Columbia University | 358 | $92,785 |
- Ernst Young (EY): Among other services, EY most notably offers consulting and financial services to industries and companies across the globe. Another member of the “Big Four,” EY is often at the top of the list for number of H-1B applications filed.
- Goldman Sachs: Goldman Sachs is a global investment management, securities, and banking firm. Goldman offers their services to corporations, governments, individuals, and financial institutions. The company is headquartered out of New York City, and has offices in major cities across the globe.
- Google: One of the biggest names in the world, Google has a few office locations in New York City. Google’s newest office location in the city, known as the “Hudson River Campus,” includes a two acre rooftop green space, a public food hall, and spaces dedicated to environmental education.
- Facebook: Part of Meta Platforms, who also own and operate Instagram, Whatsapp, and Messenger, Facebook is a popular social media outlet. Top Facebook jobs in New York City include roles in software engineering, product design, data science, and program management.
- JP Morgan Chase & Co: JP Morgan Chase & Co is a bank that offers financial services and solutions to businesses and individuals in over 100 global markets. JP Morgan Chase & Co offers careers in asset management, commercial banking, technology, investment banking, and more.
- Morgan Stanley Services Group: Morgan Stanley is a financial services company that provides services in securities, wealth, and investment management, as well as services in research and sales.
- Citibank: Citibank is a global investment bank and financial services firm that services individuals and corporations in personal banking, investment banking, global wealth management, and more.
- Bloomberg: Bloomberg is a media, software, and data company that provides software tools to financial organizations, like data analysis services, trading platforms, and more.
- Amazon: The wide variety of services Amazon covers, means there is a diverse range of job opportunities, from business operations and customer experience, to product and mechanical engineering.
- Columbia University: Located in Manhattan, Columbia University is a research institution that connects its global learning environment to the surrounding city. Columbia’s commitment to faculty and staff include a focus on career advancement, health and wellbeing, personal and professional growth, and comprehensive benefits.
