During times of high demand and low unemployment, companies in the highly competitive IT industry of the US work hard to smooth the process of USA immigration for software engineers. We are here to demystify the software engineer’s move to the USA. How do we do it? By providing the most up-to-date information available to help you immigrate to the USA as a software engineer.
If you are interested in moving to the USA as a software developer, then read this article to the end.
How to Immigrate to the USA as a Software Engineer?
The million-dollar question is: “How to move to the US as a software engineer?” It can be a complex process, but it’s certainly achievable. Let’s dig deeper:
Step 1. Assess Your Eligibility
To immigrate to the USA as a software engineer, you typically need:
- An undergraduate degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Technology, or related fields.
- In some positions, 1-2 years of experience is sufficient, while in more senior positions, 5+ years is required.
- Obtain a visa or green card sponsorship offer from a US employer.
- Software engineering expertise in programming languages such as Java, C++, Python, and JavaScript is often essential.
- You must meet the English test requirements per your visa/green card category.
- TOEFL: A score of 80–100
- IELTS: A score of 6.0–7.5
- Clean record in the legal system.
- Undergoing a medical examination (specifically, the Immigrant Visa Medical Examination) is a standard procedure to ensure public health safety.
- Demonstrate your ability to support yourself. The exact amount varies, but $5,000 to $10,000 can be a reasonable range.
Step 2. Find a Job in the USA
To immigrate to the USA as a software engineer, get a job offer from a company in the United States. Find businesses that will sponsor your work visa. Professional organizations, online job boards, and social media can all help you land a new job. You can read more about it in the following sections. You can see how to get a job in the USA as a software engineer in the sections below.
For clarity and legal compliance, a software engineer’s employment contract must outline the software engineer’s salary, duties, benefits, location, visa sponsorship, and termination terms.
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Immigrate to the USA as a Software Engineer
Step 3. Understand Visa Options
A US visa for software engineers includes options like H-1B, L-1, O-1, STEM OPT extension, EB-1A, EB-2 NIW, or family-sponsored options, depending on qualifications, job offers, and goals. Again, you can see which visa is for software engineers in the USA with detailed information about each one in the sections below.
Step 4. Obtain a Visa
To immigrate to the USA as a software engineer, you must get a visa. Here are the steps to applying for a US work visa:
- Get a job offer from a US employer willing to sponsor your visa application.
- Choose the right type of US work visa based on your situation.
- Your employer submits a petition for your work visa.
- Your employer then fills out Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker. It asks for details about the company, the job being offered, and information about you, the prospective employee.
- The employer must submit supporting documents, including proof of your qualifications, job offer details, evidence of the employer’s ability to pay the salary, and proof of your employment with the company abroad.
- The petition enters the USCIS processing queue. Your employer can opt for premium processing to get a result within 15 calendar days (an additional $2,500).
- If the petition is approved, you’ll receive a Notice of Action (Form I-797), which is your green light to proceed with the visa application at a US embassy or consulate.
- If you are getting a H-1B and H-2B visa, your employer must submit a request to the Department of Labor (DOL) to determine the prevailing wage for the position in question.
- The employer must show that there are no willing, able, qualified, and available US workers to fill the position.
- Your employer proceeds to file an ETA Form 9089 – Application for Permanent Employment Certification with the DOL electronically through the PERM system.
- The DOL verifies the recruitment process and reviews the submitted application for compliance with all the requirements.
- If the DOL finds everything in order, the Labor Certification is approved, and your employer receives a certified ETA Form 9089. This form is crucial for the next steps in applying for a green card through USCIS.
- After your employer’s petition is approved, complete the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160. You’ll need to provide personal information, details of your intended employment, and your background. Print the application form confirmation page for your interview.
- Schedule your US visa interview at a US Embassy in your home country. During the interview, You’ll need to bring:
- A passport valid for travel to the US
- The Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page.
- A photo if the upload failed during the online application.
- Receipts proving payment of the application fee.
- The approved petition from USCIS (not applicable for E-2 visa applicants).
- Additional documents that prove your eligibility, such as your resume, letters from current and previous employers, and academic records, are required.
- If your visa is approved, your officer will keep your passport to affix the visa stamp. This stamp indicates the visa type, issue and expiry date, and other details. After the visa is stamped, you’ll receive instructions on how to collect your passport.
- Application fees for US work visas can vary, ranging from approximately $160 to $460 for the application process alone.
- The processing time to immigrate to the USA as a software engineer varies. Generally, expect a range from 2 months to 6 months for standard processing.
Step 5. Preparing for the Move to the US
Immigrating to the US as a software engineer involves several practical steps. Upon arrival, you’ll need to take care of some essential registrations:
- Social Security Number (SSN). Apply for an SSN at your local Social Security Administration (SSA) office. You must fill out an application form and provide identification documents, such as your passport and work visa. There is no fee to apply for an SSN.
- State Driver’s License or ID. Check with your state’s DMV. Generally, you have to pass a written test and a practical test. The fee varies by state, but it’s usually $20 to $60.
Settling In The US
Banking
- Chase
- Wells Fargo
- Citibank
Housing
- Zillow
- Apartments.com
- Craigslist
- Trulia
Health Insurance
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- UnitedHealthcare
- Aetna
- Cigna
Cost of Living
The cost of living for software engineers in the US can vary. Generally, you can expect a range from $2,000 to $5,000 per month.
Which Visa is for Software Engineers in the USA?
There are various work visas for software engineers in the USA for you to immigrate to the USA as a software engineer, including:
H-1B Visa for Software Engineers (Specialty Occupations)
- Software engineers with a bachelor’s degree or higher in their field or equivalent work experience are qualified.
- The visa duration is initially granted for up to 3 years and can be extended to 6 years.
- You must have a job offer from a US employer who will also file a petition on your behalf.
- The fee is $1,710 to $6,460, depending on company size and if premium processing is used.
- The regular processing can take 3 to 6 months; premium processing shortens it to 15 calendar days.
- The H-1B visa requires the employer to file a Labor Condition Application with the DOL before submitting the visa petition to USCIS.
O1 Visa for Software Engineers (Individuals with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement)
- Software engineers who are recognized nationally or internationally for their achievements in the field match the O1 visa requirements for software engineers.
- The visa duration is up to 3 years, extendable in 1-year increments if the job continues.
- You must have a job offer, along with a petition filed by the US employer.
- The fee is $460 for the petition, plus additional fees for premium processing or optional services.
- The processing time can vary, typically a few weeks to months; premium processing is available for a 15-day turnaround.
- No annual cap, and it requires extensive documentation of the engineer’s extraordinary abilities.
L-1 Visa Software Engineers (Intracompany Transferees)
- Software engineers who are transferring within the same company to a US office in a managerial, executive, or specialized knowledge capacity are eligible.
- The visa duration is up to 7 years for L-1A and up to 5 years for L-1B.
- There is no need for a new job offer but a transfer within the company.
- The fee ranges from $805 to $4,325, including the base fee and potential fraud prevention and visa issuance fees.
- The processing takes a few months; premium processing can reduce this to 15 days.
- Needs a qualifying relationship between the foreign and US offices of the employer.
E-3 Visa for Software Engineers (Specialty Occupation Workers from Australia)
- Australian citizens in specialty occupations, including software engineering, with a relevant degree are qualified for this visa.
- The visa duration is 2 years, indefinitely renewable.
- There is a need for a job offer, including a Labor Condition Application filed to the DOL.
- The fee is $205 for the application, plus any additional consulate fees.
- The processing generally takes a few weeks to a couple of months.
- Exclusive to Australians and requires fewer fees compared to the H-1B visa.
TN Visa (NAFTA Professionals)
- Canadian and Mexican citizens in certain professions, including software engineering, are eligible for this visa.
- The visa duration is up to 3 years, indefinitely renewable.
- The need for a job offer exists. But no need for the employer to file a petition with USCIS.
- The fee is $50 for application at the border for Canadians and $160 for Mexicans applying at a consulate.
- The processing time is immediate at the border for Canadians and a few weeks for Mexicans at a consulate.
- It streamlines the process for Canadians, but Mexicans must apply at a consulate.
How to Get a Job as a Software Engineer in the US?
The question is, “How to get a job in the USA as a software engineer? “Getting a job as a software engineer in the US involves several steps:
- Utilize sites like LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, and Stack Overflow for local opportunities.
- Check We Work Remotely and Remote OK for US companies offering global remote positions.
- Explore American tech firms’ employment pages for job listings.
- Expand your network through LinkedIn groups, online job fairs, and tech conferences.
- Consider tech-focused agencies to aid your US job search.
- Seek companies with a history of sponsoring work visas for international applicants.
Software Engineering Jobs in the USA for Foreigners
Here are some programmer jobs in the USA for foreigners:
- Software Engineer
- Software Developer
- Web Developer
- Mobile App Developer
- Data Scientist
- DevOps Engineer
- Front-End Developer
- Back-End Developer
- Cloud Solutions Architect
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) Engineer
Can Foreign Software Engineers Work in the USA?
Yes, a foreigner can immigrate to the USA as a software engineer by obtaining the right software engineer visa in the USA. We will talk about the visa processes. It’s essential to follow the current visa application guidelines and requirements set by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Software Engineer Jobs in the USA with Visa Sponsorship
Finding software developer jobs in the USA with visa sponsorship involves seeking out companies willing to support the H-1B visa process. Here are some examples for you:
- Tech Giants and Multinational Corporations: Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Facebook, and Apple often sponsor visas for global talent.
- Startup Companies: Startups in Silicon Valley, New York City, and Austin seek specialized talent, offering visa sponsorships.
- Consulting Firms: Deloitte, PwC, Ernst & Young, and KPMG hire software engineers for diverse projects, providing visa support.
- Financial Institutions: JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Citibank look for engineers for digital and financial systems, with visa sponsorships.
- Healthcare and Biotech Companies: Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, and tech-driven startups need engineers for health tech, offering visas.
- Educational and Research Institutions: Universities and research organizations sometimes sponsor visas for software engineering roles.
- Government Contractors: Firms requiring cybersecurity, data analysis, and cloud computing skills may sponsor visas.
- Entertainment and Media Companies: Disney, Netflix, and Warner Bros search for engineers for digital platforms, with visa options.
- Automotive Industry: Tesla, General Motors, and Ford hire for autonomous driving and in-car software roles, potentially sponsoring visas.
- E-commerce Sector: eBay, Shopify, and Walmart seek engineers for platform improvements, with sponsorship possibilities.
Immigrate to the USA as a Software Engineer: Salary
Let’s break down some questions about the salary of software engineers in the USA. Keep in mind that all the figures are subject to change due to experience, location, role, and the specific sector within the tech industry.
Are software engineers well-paid in the USA?
A software engineer’s salary in the United States varies according to their experience and location.
How much does a software engineer make in America?
On average, they earn between $70,000 and over $150,000 annually. In tech hubs like Silicon Valley or Seattle, salaries can be even higher.
How much does a software engineer earn per month in the USA?
If we take an average annual salary of around $105,000 as a reference (mid-level software engineer), the monthly pre-tax income would be approximately $8,750.
What is the lowest salary of a software engineer in the US?
The minimum salary in the US for software engineers in some regions and smaller companies could be as low as $50,000 to $60,000 annually.
What is the starting salary of a software engineer in the US?
The average salary of an entry level software engineer in the US is typically in the range of $70,000 to $90,000 annually for entry-level positions in most companies.
What is the average salary of a software engineer with 8 years of experience in the USA?
A software engineer with 8 years of experience in the USA can expect from $120,000 to over $160,000 annually, depending on the said factors.
Which City is the Best for Software Engineers in the US?
San Francisco, California is the home to Silicon Valley and the best city to immigrate to the USA as a software engineer. It offers many startups and tech giants like Google, Apple, and Facebook. The city is known for high salaries, innovative culture, and networking opportunities.
Which is the Best State to Work as a Software Engineer?
California with cities like San Francisco, San Jose, and Los Angeles, California is the best state for software engineers. California offers competitive salaries, a strong tech community, and a lifestyle that’s attractive to many.
Immigrate to the US as a Software Engineer: Let’s Recap
A software engineering and software development professional in the US has several advantages, including high compensation, market value, future scope, and flexible prospects. Currently, software engineers and software programmers are in high demand in the US. We dare you to find a better job than this one. If you are fascinated by and love programming, congrats—you have begun the perfect profession for yourself.
If you want to learn more about other immigration plans to the US, check out the sidebar on the right. You can also use Visa Library’s consultation plans.
FAQs
There is a high demand for these jobs, but competition varies depending on location and skill level.
Follow the immigration process after securing a job offer and securing a work visa.
Apply for a H-1B visa after securing a job offer.
A strong skill set and qualifications can improve job prospects.
Your H-1B eligibility is related to the job requirements. A CS degree is not always necessary.
- Author
- Max-B.
- October 26, 2022
2 Comments
I am feeling so lucky to find you guys, I’m an Indian Citizen pursuing masters degree in Ireland in the field of Computing Information System Processes as soon as I finished my masters which will end on September 2024 I’m planning to move to USA immediately for my First job in my career ( I’m still a fresher) will this be possible for me through your guidance and consulting? If yes then I request you to please guide me for finding a job in USA
We do not provide visa services for now. You can ask your questions in the comment section.