Tesla H1B Sponsorship: Visa Data, Salaries & Jobs (2025)
Updated May 2025 · 1,200 annual petitions · 87% approval rate · Median wage $138,500
Tesla files approximately 1,200 H1B petitions per year, making it one of the most active sponsors in the electric vehicle and energy sector. With a median prevailing wage of $138,500 and facilities across Austin, Fremont, and Reno, Tesla attracts engineers from around the world.
Tesla H1B Key Stats (2024)
Key fact: Tesla's Gigafactory in Austin is now its primary manufacturing hub and employs thousands of H1B workers in engineering and technical roles.
Top H1B Job Titles at Tesla
Pros & Cons of Tesla for H1B Workers
✓ Pros
• Strong demand for hardware/firmware engineers
• Competitive wages above DOL prevailing rates
• Unique EV/energy sector experience
✗ Cons
• High RFE rate (18%) — complex job duties
• Intense work culture with long hours
• Cap-subject only — no cap-exempt divisions
Tesla H1B Frequently Asked Questions
Does Tesla sponsor H1B visas?
Yes. Tesla files approximately 1,200 H1B petitions per year, primarily for software, mechanical, and electrical engineers. Tesla is a cap-subject employer, so candidates must win the H1B lottery.
What is Tesla's H1B approval rate?
Tesla's H1B approval rate is approximately 87%, which is slightly below the industry average due to a higher-than-average RFE rate of 18%. Engineering roles with clearly specialized duties have the best outcomes.
What are the top H1B roles at Tesla?
The most common H1B roles at Tesla are Software Engineer, Battery Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Autopilot/ML Engineer, and Manufacturing Engineer. Median wages range from $125,000 to $175,000.
Does Tesla sponsor green cards?
Tesla does sponsor green cards through PERM labor certification for certain employees, but the timeline can be lengthy. Tesla primarily files EB-2 and EB-3 petitions for engineering staff.
Which Tesla location hires the most H1B workers?
Tesla's Fremont, CA factory and Austin, TX Gigafactory are the primary H1B hiring locations. Tesla's Palo Alto engineering offices also sponsor significant numbers of software engineering H1B positions.