The H-1B Visa Immigration Program: Analysis and Comments
Edgar W. Butler

Abstract
The H-1B visa program was instituted to enable employers to hire workers in specialty occupations. The GAO evaluated companies that recruited, hired, and retained workers based on skills needed rather than the applicant’s citizenship or visa status. Employers reported that they hired H-1B workers only when qualified US workers were not available. In 2011, many employers approved for H-1B were approved to hire workers in scientific, professional and technical services. Other approvals were in manufacturing, health care and social assistance, educational services, and in finance or insurance. Employers approved for H-1B workers are located in major US cities with most of them having many H-1B workers. Complaint violations involved that the company failed to pay the required wage. As well, the employer did not pay wages associated with the highest level skills in their field. The GAO 2011 report concludes that there is no way to precisely determine the level of unmet demands by employers. Comments include suggestions on how to improve the program and includes making companies respond to surveys.

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