H-1B Jobs in Illinois (2026)

Illinois H-1B activity is concentrated in Chicago's tech, finance, and consulting sectors. Unique to Illinois is the large quantitative trading and hedge fund ecosystem (Citadel, Two Sigma, DRW) that files high-wage H-1B petitions.

~14,000 H-1B approvals/yr
Annual H-1B Approvals
$118,000
Median LCA Wage
IL
State

Top H-1B Employers in Illinois

Boeing (HQ)Motorola SolutionsCaterpillarAccenture (HQ)United AirlinesDeere & CompanyWalgreens Boots AllianceHyattMcDonald's (HQ)Citadel

Top H-1B Cities in Illinois

ChicagoSchaumburgNapervilleRockfordPeoria

Top H-1B Roles in Illinois

Software EngineerFinancial AnalystManagement ConsultantMechanical EngineerData Scientist

Green Card Pathway

No backlog for rest-of-world nationals.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many H-1B visas are approved in Illinois each year?

Illinois receives approximately ~14,000 H-1B approvals/yr. The state's major employers file for roles in Software Engineer, Financial Analyst, Management Consultant.

What is the average H-1B salary in Illinois?

The median LCA prevailing wage for H-1B workers in Illinois is $118,000. Wages vary significantly by role and metro area within the state.

Which companies sponsor the most H-1B visas in Illinois?

Top H-1B sponsors in Illinois include: Boeing (HQ), Motorola Solutions, Caterpillar, Accenture (HQ), United Airlines. Illinois H-1B activity is concentrated in Chicago's tech, finance, and consulting sectors. Unique to Illinois is the large quantitative trading and hedge fund ecosystem (Citadel, Two Sigma, DRW) that files high-wage H-1B petitions.

What is the green card timeline for H-1B workers in Illinois?

No backlog for rest-of-world nationals.

Related: H-1B Salary Guide  · Find H-1B Jobs  · H-1B Process Guide