University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill H-1B Sponsorship Guide (2026)
UNC Chapel Hill is a top public health and medical research university and a significant H-1B sponsor in the Research Triangle region.
Top Departments Sponsoring H-1B
Top Affiliated H-1B Employers
Frequently Asked Questions
Does UNC Chapel Hill sponsor H-1B?
Yes. UNC Chapel Hill sponsors H-1B for faculty and research staff through the International Faculty and Staff Services (IFSS). As a public research university, UNC is cap-exempt.
What departments sponsor the most H-1B at UNC?
The School of Medicine, Gillings School of Public Health, and the Department of Computer Science are the highest-volume sponsors. UNC Health separately sponsors H-1B for clinical faculty and physicians.
What is the H-1B prevailing wage at UNC Chapel Hill?
Median LCA wage is approximately $80,000. North Carolina prevailing wages are below coastal markets. Medical faculty and senior research professors file at $110,000-$200,000+.
Does the Research Triangle Park location benefit UNC H-1B workers?
Yes. The Research Triangle region (UNC, Duke, NC State) has a dense biotech and pharma ecosystem. UNC researchers who transition from cap-exempt academic positions to industry H-1B have access to Pfizer, Burroughs Wellcome Fund, and dozens of RTP biotechs.