Ur Mendoza Jaddou, Director of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (left) and Jennifer B. Higgins, Deputy Director. | https://www.uscis.gov/about-us/organization/leadership
Ur Mendoza Jaddou, Director of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (left) and Jennifer B. Higgins, Deputy Director. | https://www.uscis.gov/about-us/organization/leadership
That year, the statewide average approval rate for H-1B petitions stood at 95.5%, slightly lower than 2023's 96.6%. Across the publication area, employers across all industries submitted 46 petitions during the same period, with an approval rate of 93.5%.
For comparison, the U.S. reported an average approval rate of 98% in 2024.
Employers are classified under industries based on their reported operations and may be involved in multiple industries.
The H-1B visa program allows U.S. employers to temporarily hire foreign workers in specialty occupations requiring specialized knowledge and at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent. It is designed to address skill gaps in the U.S. workforce while ensuring wage standards to protect both U.S. and H-1B workers. Employers must certify that they will pay H-1B workers wages equal to or greater than those of similarly qualified U.S. employees or the prevailing local wage.
While the Educational Services industry led the H-1B filings with 33 petitions, representing 71.7% of all submissions in Western ND News publication area during 2024, the next largest contributor was the Health Care and Social Assistance industry, which accounted for nine petitions and represented 19.6% of the total. Among petitions from employers in the Health Care and Social Assistance industry, all were approved.
Compared to 2023, the Accommodation and Food Services sector saw an increase in the number of H-1B petitions across Western ND News publication area during 2024.
The United States admits around 1 million legal immigrants annually, most of whom receive permanent residence (green cards) through family sponsorship or employment-based visas. In 2023, about 1.2 million immigrants were granted green cards, a return to pre-pandemic levels. Temporary visa programs, such as the H-1B for highly skilled workers and H-2A for seasonal agricultural workers, also play a critical role in filling workforce needs.
Public opinion on immigration varies, with 46% of Americans favoring maintaining current legal immigration levels, according to a 2024 Pew Research Center survey. Additionally, 42% believe that highly skilled workers, such as scientists, doctors, and programmers, should be prioritized for legal immigration, compared to 25% who prioritize workers filling labor shortages and 19% who emphasize family sponsorship. Despite this, family sponsorship remains the most common path to permanent residency, accounting for 63% of green cards issued in 2023.
The data in this article comes from the H-1B Employer Data Hub provided by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). While USCIS strives for accuracy, manual data entry and errors on paper forms submitted by applicants or petitioners may result in discrepancies in employer names, tax IDs, locations, or other details.
| Rank | Industry | Total Petitions | % of All Submissions | % Approved | % Denied |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Educational Services | 33 | 71.7% | 97% | 3% |
| 2 | Health Care and Social Assistance | 9 | 19.6% | 100% | 0% |
| 3 | Finance and Insurance | 2 | 4.3% | 0% | 100% |
| 4 | Construction | 1 | 2.2% | 100% | 0% |
| 4 | Accommodation and Food Services | 1 | 2.2% | 100% | 0% |
| Company Name | Industry | Total Petitions | % Approved | % Denied |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Town Public School District 1 | Educational Services | 18 | 94.4% | 5.6% |
| Three Affiliated Tribes Head Start | Educational Services | 9 | 100% | 0% |
| Divide County School District | Educational Services | 3 | 100% | 0% |
| Mercy Medical Center | Health Care and Social Assistance | 3 | 100% | 0% |
| CHI St. Josephs Health | Health Care and Social Assistance | 2 | 100% | 0% |
| Dakota West Credit Union | Finance and Insurance | 2 | 0% | 100% |
| Eight Mile School District #6 | Educational Services | 1 | 100% | 0% |
| Ion Field Services, LLC | Construction | 1 | 100% | 0% |
| Mountrail Bethel Home | Health Care and Social Assistance | 1 | 100% | 0% |
| St. Luke S Hospital | Health Care and Social Assistance | 1 | 100% | 0% |
| Tioga Medical Center | Health Care and Social Assistance | 1 | 100% | 0% |
| Tioga Sunrise Hotel, LLC | Accommodation and Food Services | 1 | 100% | 0% |
| Twin Buttes School District 37 | Educational Services | 1 | 100% | 0% |
| West River Health Services | Health Care and Social Assistance | 1 | 100% | 0% |
| Williston State College | Educational Services | 1 | 100% | 0% |
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