Massachusetts Institute of Technology H-1B Sponsorship Guide (2026)

MIT is one of the most active cap-exempt H-1B sponsors in the US. As a nonprofit educational institution, MIT can file H-1B petitions year-round outside the annual lottery cap.

~1,800/yr
Annual H-1B Petitions
$98,000
Median LCA Wage
Yes β€” Title 26 nonprofit
Cap-Exempt Status
Cambridge, MA
Location

Top Departments Sponsoring H-1B

EECSMechanical EngineeringBiology/Life SciencesEconomicsSloan School

Top Affiliated H-1B Employers

MIT Lincoln LabDraper LabMIT Media Lab affiliatesBroad Institute

Frequently Asked Questions

Does MIT sponsor H-1B visas?

Yes. MIT sponsors H-1B visas for faculty, postdoctoral researchers, and specialized staff across all schools. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, MIT is cap-exempt and can file petitions year-round without lottery.

What is the H-1B prevailing wage at MIT?

MIT's median LCA wage is approximately $98,000, but ranges widely by role: postdocs and research scientists often file at Level I-II ($65,000-$90,000), while senior research staff and faculty file at Level III-IV ($120,000-$180,000+).

Can MIT postdocs get H-1B?

Yes. MIT routinely sponsors H-1B for postdoctoral researchers. The process typically takes 2-4 months. MIT's International Scholars Office (ISO) manages the petition. Postdoc H-1B petitions file at Level I-II prevailing wage.

Does MIT sponsor green cards for researchers?

Yes, for tenure-track faculty and senior research scientists. MIT primarily sponsors EB-1B (Outstanding Researcher/Professor) or EB-2 PERM. Postdocs rarely receive green card sponsorship directly from MIT β€” most transition to industry for PERM sponsorship.