U.S. faces workers shortage in science, engineering, mathematics; seeks foreign talent
The U.S is grappling with a shortage of skilled workers, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.
Projections from the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicate that the country will require approximately 1 million additional STEM workers between 2023 and 2033, with job growth in the tech sector outpacing the overall labor market.
To help bridge this gap, the H-1B visa program—introduced in 1990—has played a crucial role by allowing U.S. companies to temporarily employ foreign workers in specialised fields.
Under this program, businesses and immigration attorneys submit petitions on behalf of foreign professionals seeking employment in the United States.
Congress has set an annual limit of 65,000 H-1B visas, with an additional 20,000 reserved for applicants holding advanced degrees from U.S. institutions.
Despite these restrictions, demand for the program remains strong. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services received 470,000 H-1B applications for fiscal year 2025, underscoring the persistent need for skilled foreign labor even as both employers and workers navigate a complex visa process.
“I’m not sure if people in the U.S. truly understand the level of headache that people who are on H-1 have to go through, which nobody else has. For example, every three years we need to get our H-1 renewal. For that renewal, you have to pay renewal fees. You’ve got to hire a lawyer,” said Gaurav Saxena, an H-1B visa holder residing in Reston, Virginia, as quoted by CNBC news.
Tech giants such as Amazon, Google, Meta, and Microsoft are among the leading employers utilizing the program.
However, concerns persist that some businesses exploit it to secure lower-cost labor.
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Despite recent waves of layoffs in the tech industry, the number of H-1B petitions from employers has not diminished.
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