State Data

Washington — Visa Sponsorship in United States 🇺🇸

Explore visa sponsorship statistics for Washington state in United States. Track approvals over time and find top employers.

139,500
Total Approvals
4,350
Approvals in 2023
-80%
Year-over-year

Washington is a standout state for visa sponsorship in the United States, with a total of 139,500 sponsorships granted over the years. The state is particularly notable for its concentration of major global employers, especially in the technology sector. Leading companies such as AMAZON COM SERVICES LLC, MICROSOFT CORPORATION, and AMAZON WEB SERVICES INC are prominent sponsors, making Washington a major destination for international professionals seeking employment through visa sponsorship. The annual data shows significant fluctuations in sponsored positions, with a steady increase through the 2010s and a notable surge in 2020 (27,158 grants) and 2021 (29,590 grants), reflecting the region's ongoing demand for skilled workers. Though the numbers decreased in 2022 and 2023, Washington remains a highly active state for sponsorship, with over 4,300 grants in 2023 alone. This trend underscores the resilience and ongoing need for talent across diverse industries, not just IT. For job seekers, Washington offers opportunities in a range of fields, but candidates should be aware that competition is strong, especially for roles at top-tier employers. Experience with large-scale organizations, advanced technical skills, and familiarity with high-paced work environments are often valued. The state's evolving industry mix means that healthcare, engineering, and other skilled professions are also in demand, in addition to technology roles. Candidates targeting Washington should be prepared for a robust application process, often involving multiple interview rounds and rigorous background checks. Understanding the sponsorship timeline and aligning applications with peak hiring periods can also be advantageous. Washington's diverse economy, driven by innovation and global commerce, continues to attract professionals worldwide, making it a prime state for those seeking visa sponsorship in the United States.

Key Requirements for Washington

  • Demonstrated experience or relevant degree in the target industry (e.g., computer science for tech roles, nursing for healthcare)
  • Strong proficiency in English, with the ability to communicate effectively in professional settings
  • Familiarity with large-scale corporate environments, especially for roles at major sponsors like Amazon and Microsoft
  • Ability to navigate multi-stage interview and background check processes common among top Washington employers
  • Appropriate state or national certifications or licenses if required (e.g., Washington RN license for nursing, engineering licensure)

Washington — Yearly Approvals

5,838 approvals
2014
5,605 approvals
2015
4,834 approvals
2016
5,477 approvals
2017
6,727 approvals
2018
7,569 approvals
2019
27,158 approvals
2020
29,590 approvals
2021
21,957 approvals
2022
4,350 approvals
2023

Top Employers in Washington

1
AMAZON COM SERVICES LLC
27,589 approvals
2
MICROSOFT CORPORATION
23,400 approvals
3
AMAZON CORPORATE LLC
9,013 approvals
4
AMAZON WEB SERVICES INC
8,252 approvals
5
AMAZON.COM SERVICES LLC
3,490 approvals
6
EXPEDIA INC
3,130 approvals
7
T MOBILE USA INC
2,384 approvals
8
AMAZON DEVELOPMENT CENTER US INC
1,814 approvals
9
UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
1,629 approvals
10
SLALOM LLC
1,586 approvals
11
T-MOBILE USA INC
1,492 approvals
12
NORDSTROM INC
1,265 approvals
13
ZILLOW INC
1,258 approvals
14
BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE
1,137 approvals
15
STARBUCKS COFFEE COMPANY
1,067 approvals
16
F5 NETWORKS INC
825 approvals
17
UNIV OF WASHINGTON
590 approvals
18
EDIFECS INC
574 approvals
19
ADITI TECHNOLOGIES PRIVATE LTD
572 approvals
20
FRED HUTCHINSON CANCER RESEARCH CE
564 approvals

Related States

Tips for Visa Sponsorship in Washington

  • Focus your job search on major sponsors in Washington such as AMAZON COM SERVICES LLC, MICROSOFT CORPORATION, and AMAZON WEB SERVICES INC, as they account for a significant share of sponsorships.
  • Monitor annual and seasonal hiring trends: the highest volume of sponsorships occurred in 2020 and 2021, so applying ahead of peak periods can increase your chances.
  • Highlight experience with innovation, scalability, and adaptability in your application, as Washington employers value skills suited for dynamic and high-growth environments.
  • Research whether your field requires Washington-specific licensing or certification, particularly for healthcare and engineering roles, to ensure eligibility for sponsorship.
  • Leverage the diversity of Washington's job market by considering opportunities outside of tech—healthcare, manufacturing, and business services also seek international talent.
  • Prepare for competitive selection processes, as large volumes of applications are common for positions at prominent sponsors.
  • Stay updated on yearly visa trends in the state to better time your applications and understand where demand is highest.

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Frequently Asked Questions — Washington, United States

Which employers sponsor the most visas in Washington?

The leading visa sponsors in Washington include AMAZON COM SERVICES LLC, MICROSOFT CORPORATION, AMAZON CORPORATE LLC, and AMAZON WEB SERVICES INC. These employers consistently sponsor a large number of international hires across various roles, reflecting the state's tech-driven economy.

How has the number of visa sponsorships changed in Washington in recent years?

Washington saw a sharp increase in sponsorships in 2020 and 2021, with 27,158 and 29,590 grants respectively. Although numbers decreased to 21,957 in 2022 and 4,350 in 2023, the trend shows strong ongoing demand for skilled workers, especially in technology and related sectors.

Are tech roles the only positions sponsored for visas in Washington?

While technology giants like Amazon and Microsoft are the top sponsors, Washington’s visa sponsorship extends to other fields, including healthcare, engineering, and business services. Job seekers from various professions, not just IT, can find opportunities here.

What qualifications are typically needed for visa sponsorship in Washington?

Candidates usually need a relevant degree or professional experience in their field, strong English skills, and, in some cases, Washington-specific certifications or licenses. Employers often look for adaptability and experience with large organizations.

What’s the visa sponsorship application process like with major Washington employers?

Applicants can expect multi-stage interviews and comprehensive background checks, particularly with large sponsors like Amazon and Microsoft. It's important to prepare strong documentation and be ready for a competitive hiring process, given the high number of applicants.

Salary & Compensation — Washington, United States

Washington is known for offering competitive salaries, particularly in industries like technology and healthcare. While specific figures aren’t provided here, compensation tends to reflect the state's higher cost of living, especially in urban centers such as Seattle. Visa sponsorship does not typically reduce salary offers; instead, compensation packages are designed to attract global talent.

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