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Saturday, March 29, 2025

How many H-1B petitions made by Iowa employers were approved during 2024?

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Jennifer B. Higgins, Deputy Director, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services | https://medium.com/the-u-s-digital-service/meet-the-dhs-digital-service-champions-may-2018-caee7dade2b

Jennifer B. Higgins, Deputy Director, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services | https://medium.com/the-u-s-digital-service/meet-the-dhs-digital-service-champions-may-2018-caee7dade2b

In 2024, 1,557 of the 1,587 H-1B petitions submitted by employers based in Iowa were approved, according to data provided by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services via the H-1B Employer Data Hub.

This represents an approval rate of 98.1%, which is higher than the nationwide average.

In 2024, the average approval rate for H-1B petitions across the U.S. stood at 98%, slightly higher than the 97.3% recorded in 2023.

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. 

The Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services industry led H-1B petition approvals in Iowa during 2024, filing a total of 551 petitions (34.7% of all submissions) and receiving 538 approvals, resulting in an approval rate of 97.6%. The Educational Services industry followed, with 395 petitions (24.9% of all submissions), receiving 383 approvals and an approval rate of 97%.

Employers are classified under industries based on their reported operations and may be involved in multiple industries.

The Iowa employers with the most approvals during 2024 included The University of Iowa, filing a total of 207 petitions and receiving 202 approvals, resulting in an approval rate of 97.6%, and Rockwell Collins, Inc., which filed 150 petitions and received 148 approvals, resulting in an approval rate of 98.7%.

Compared to 2023, Iowa saw a 5.4% increase in the number of H-1B petitions 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.

Iowa H-1B Petition Distribution by Industry in 2024

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services [34.7%]Educational Services [24.9%]Manufacturing [15.3%]Health Care and Social Assistance [9.7%]Finance and Insurance [8.8%]Industries <5% [5.3%]

H-1B Petitions by Industry in Iowa, 2024

RankIndustryTotal Petitions% of All SubmissionsApproved Petitions% Approved% Denied
1Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services55134.7%53897.6%2.4%
2Educational Services39524.9%38397%3%
3Manufacturing24315.3%24199.2%0.8%
4Health Care and Social Assistance1549.7%15399.4%0.6%
5Finance and Insurance1408.8%13999.3%0.7%
6Utilities201.3%20100%0%
7Retail Trade130.8%13100%0%
8Information110.7%11100%0%
9Other Services (except Public Administration)80.5%8100%0%
9Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation80.5%8100%0%
9Transportation and Warehousing80.5%8100%0%
12Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services40.3%4100%0%
13Construction30.2%3100%0%
14Public Administration20.1%2100%0%
14Wholesale Trade20.1%2100%0%
14Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting20.1%2100%0%
17Real Estate and Rental and Leasing10.1%1100%0%
17Accommodation and Food Services10.1%1100%0%

Top 100 Employers in Iowa, 2024

RankCompany NameIndustry(ies)Total PetitionsApproved Petitions% Approved% Denied
1The University of IowaEducational Services20720297.6%2.4%
2Rockwell Collins, Inc.Manufacturing15014898.7%1.3%
3Iowa State UniversityEducational Services959195.8%4.2%
4Pioneer Consulting, LLCProfessional, Scientific, and Technical Services7272100%0%
5E-Giants Technologies, LLCProfessional, Scientific, and Technical Services716693%7%
6Softworld Technologies, LLCProfessional, Scientific, and Technical Services666395.5%4.5%
7Kanap Systems, LLCProfessional, Scientific, and Technical Services545398.1%1.9%
8Inteliroute Technologies, LLCProfessional, Scientific, and Technical Services5151100%0%
9Transamerica Life Insurance CompanyFinance and Insurance3333100%0%
10Siri Consultancy Service, Inc.Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services252496%4%
10Athene Annuity and Life CompanyFinance and Insurance2424100%0%
12Iowa Physicians Clinic Medical FoundationHealth Care and Social Assistance2121100%0%
13Sanav Technologies, LLCProfessional, Scientific, and Technical Services2020100%0%
14Launch It, Corp.Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services191894.7%5.3%
15Mercyone North IowaHealth Care and Social Assistance1717100%0%
15Maharishi International UniversityEducational Services181794.4%5.6%
15American Technology Consulting, LLCProfessional, Scientific, and Technical Services1717100%0%
18Quality Consulting, Inc.Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services171694.1%5.9%
19Pella CorporationManufacturing1515100%0%
20Cambrex Charles City, Inc.Manufacturing1414100%0%
20VRK It Vision, Inc.Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services1414100%0%
22Midamerican Energy CompanyUtilities1313100%0%
22Viac Services CompanyFinance and Insurance141392.9%7.1%
24Mercy Clinics, Inc.Health Care and Social Assistance1212100%0%
24Des Moines Independent Community School DistrictEducational Services1212100%0%
26Federal Home Loan Bank of Des MoinesFinance and Insurance1111100%0%
26Danfoss Power Solutions US CompanyManufacturing1111100%0%
28Covenant Medical Center D B a, Inc.Finance and Insurance; Health Care and Social Assistance99100%0%
28Wellmark, Inc.Finance and Insurance99100%0%
28Trustees of Grinnell CollegeEducational Services99100%0%
28Intelix Systems, LLCProfessional, Scientific, and Technical Services99100%0%
28HNI CorporationManufacturing99100%0%
33University of Northern IowaEducational Services9888.9%11.1%
33Great River Health System, Inc.Health Care and Social Assistance88100%0%
35Employers Mutual Casualty CompanyInformation; Finance and Insurance77100%0%
35Future Foam, Inc.Manufacturing77100%0%
35Infoweb Systems, Inc.Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services77100%0%
35Eneric Petroleum CorporationFinance and Insurance77100%0%
35Epathusa, Inc.Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services77100%0%
35Central Iowa Hospital CorporationHealth Care and Social Assistance77100%0%
35Sciplay Games, LLCArts, Entertainment, and Recreation77100%0%
35Berkley Technology Services, LLCFinance and Insurance77100%0%
43Skywalk Global, LLCProfessional, Scientific, and Technical Services66100%0%
43Community CPA and Associates, Inc.Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services66100%0%
43Mindzone It SolutionsProfessional, Scientific, and Technical Services66100%0%
43Southeast Iowa Regional Medical CeHealth Care and Social Assistance66100%0%
47Integrated DNA TechnologiesManufacturing55100%0%
47Genesis Health SystemHealth Care and Social Assistance6583.3%16.7%
47CRST Expedited, Inc.Transportation and Warehousing55100%0%
47American Equity Investment Life Insurance CompanyFinance and Insurance55100%0%
47Nybble Teksolutions, Inc.Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services55100%0%
52Aegon Global Services, LLCFinance and Insurance44100%0%
52Advanced Technologies Group, LLCProfessional, Scientific, and Technical Services44100%0%
52Workiva, Inc.Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services44100%0%
52Softversal, Inc.Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services44100%0%
52ACT Education Formerly ACT in, Corp.Educational Services44100%0%
52Iowa City VA Health Care SystemEducational Services; Health Care and Social Assistance44100%0%
52CDS Global, Inc.Information44100%0%
52Kingland Systems, LLCProfessional, Scientific, and Technical Services44100%0%
52Meredith Operations CorporationInformation44100%0%
52Mercy Hospital Cedar Rapids IowaHealth Care and Social Assistance44100%0%
62Sears Manufacturing CompanyManufacturing33100%0%
62Ringgold County HospitalHealth Care and Social Assistance33100%0%
62Infinite Computing Systems, Inc.Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services33100%0%
62RDG Planning and Design, Inc.Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services33100%0%
62Stanley Consultants, Inc.Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services33100%0%
62Hancock County Health SystemHealth Care and Social Assistance33100%0%
62Greater Regional Medical CenterHealth Care and Social Assistance33100%0%
62Sunhydrogen, Inc.Utilities33100%0%
62Fidelity and Guaranty Life Business Services, Inc.Finance and Insurance33100%0%
62Kossuth County HospitalHealth Care and Social Assistance33100%0%
62Luther CollegeEducational Services33100%0%
62ACT, Inc.Educational Services33100%0%
62Caseys Retail CompanyRetail Trade33100%0%
62Dee Zee, Inc.Retail Trade33100%0%
62Agencybloc, LLCFinance and Insurance; Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services33100%0%
62Businessolver Com, Inc.Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services33100%0%
62Dordt University IncorporatedEducational Services33100%0%
62Aegon USA Realty Advisors, LLCFinance and Insurance33100%0%
62Drake UniversityEducational Services33100%0%
62Cedar Valley Medical Specialists, P CHealth Care and Social Assistance33100%0%
82Catholic Health Initiatives Iowa, Corp.Health Care and Social Assistance22100%0%
82Mahaska County HospitalHealth Care and Social Assistance22100%0%
82Lutheran Services in Iowa, Inc.Health Care and Social Assistance22100%0%
82Loras CollegeEducational Services22100%0%
82Lanware Solutions, LLCProfessional, Scientific, and Technical Services22100%0%
82St. Joseph Mercy Hospital Centerville IAHealth Care and Social Assistance22100%0%
82Avera Holy Family HospitalHealth Care and Social Assistance22100%0%
82Council Bluffs Community School DistrictEducational Services3266.7%33.3%
82Crawford County Memorial HospitalHealth Care and Social Assistance22100%0%
82Kemin Industries, Inc.Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services22100%0%
82JT Logistics Solutions, LLCTransportation and Warehousing22100%0%
82Itvian, Inc.Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services22100%0%
82Iowa Kidney Physicians, P CHealth Care and Social Assistance22100%0%
82Von Maur, Inc.Retail Trade22100%0%
82QuadysterProfessional, Scientific, and Technical Services22100%0%
82Riverhead Resources, LLCProfessional, Scientific, and Technical Services22100%0%
82Cardiovascular Medicine, PLLCHealth Care and Social Assistance22100%0%
82Cedar Falls UtilitiesUtilities22100%0%
82Overland Sheepskin Company, Inc.Retail Trade22100%0%

ORGANIZATIONS IN THIS STORY

Mahaska County Hospital• Crawford County Memorial Hospital• Vgm Group• Lutheran Services In Iowa• City of Cedar Falls• Drake University• Sukup Manufacturing Company• Manning Regional Healthcare Center• Infonet Corporation• Cedar Falls Utilities• Loras College• Employers Mutual Casualty Company• St. Ambrose University• Floyd Valley Healthcare• Digital Canal Corporation• Iowa Kidney Physicians Pc• Central College• Avera Holy Family Hospital• Infoweb Systems Inc• Wartburg College• University of Northern Iowa• Ringgold County Hospital• Kuder Inc• South Tama County Community School District• Albaugh Llc• Hancock County Health System• Siouxland Regional Cancer Center• Kirkwood Community College• Mason City Clinic• Act Inc• Pella Corporation• Sacmi USA Ltd.• Ita Group Inc.• Des Moines Independent Community School District• Opn Inc.• Hawkeye Hospitality Management Inc.• Bankers Trust• Graceland University-Lamoni• Matta Dental Care PLC• Sioux Center Health• Hni Corporation• Guttenberg Municipal Hospital• Vida Diagnostics Inc.• Simpson College• University of Dubuque• Inteliroute Technologies LLC• Northeast Iowa Community College• Luther College• University of Iowa• Northwestern College• United Fire And Casualty• Skywalk Global LLC• Van Buren County Hospital• English Valleys School District• Launchit Corp.• Its Inc.• Softworld Technologies LLC• Nybble Teksolutions Inc.• Design Engineers P.C.• Wilton Community School District• Epathusa Inc.• Infinite Computing Systems Inc.• Ida County Iowa Community Hospital• Greater Regional Medical Center• Physicians' Clinic of Iowa PC• Winegard Company• Riverhead Resources LLC• Sioux Center Community School District• Ebmeier Engineering LLC• Council Bluffs Community School District• Esco Electric Company• Cedar Valley Medical Specialists Pc• Pella Regional Health Center• Integrated Dna Technologies• Marion Music Academy LLC• Davis County Hospital• Flexsteel Industries Inc• American Technology Consulting LLC• Young Parents Network• Cerebral Group LLC• Iowa State University• Cultureall Inc.• Spencer Municipal Hospital• Midamerican Energy Company• TPR Enterprises LLC• E-Giants Technologies LLC• Christner Contracting Inc.• Denver Community School District• Sears Manufacturing Company• Upper Iowa University• Consumer Safety Technology LLC• Graettinger-Terril Community School District• Capitol Resources Inc.• Kossuth County Hospital• Maple Valley-Anthon Oto Community School District• Pella Christian Grade School• Ring-O-Matic Inc.• Fbl Financial Group• Overland Sheepskin Co. Inc.

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