Chicago – February 28, 2026
New federal data shows that Illinois is one of the leading U.S. states employing workers under the H-1B visa program, highlighting the state’s continued reliance on high-skill immigrant labor.
According to recent figures from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Illinois accounted for about 11,250 certified H-1B positions in the first quarter of fiscal year 2026, placing it among the top five states in the nation for H-1B hires. States like California, Texas, and New York still lead in total numbers, but Illinois’s share underscores its strong demand for specialized talent.
The H-1B visa allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations that typically require advanced degrees or highly specific technical expertise — particularly in fields like technology, engineering, and professional services. Recent data shows nearly 68% of all H-1B positions were concentrated in California, Texas, Washington, New York, and Illinois combined.
Major metropolitan areas such as Chicago also rank among the top cities nationally in hiring H-1B workers, reflecting the broader economic role that skilled immigrants play in sectors ranging from software and engineering to healthcare and research.
The data provides a snapshot of how the program continues to shape labor markets across states — especially in regions balancing growing tech industries and talent shortages.
