Of these, 196 were approved (91.6%), while 18 were denied (8.4%).
Employers are classified under industries based on their reported operations and may be involved in multiple industries.
The H-1B visa program allows U.S. employers to temporarily hire foreign workers in specialty occupations requiring specialized knowledge and at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent. It is designed to address skill gaps in the U.S. workforce while ensuring wage standards to protect both U.S. and H-1B workers. Employers must certify that they will pay H-1B workers wages equal to or greater than those of similarly qualified U.S. employees or the prevailing local wage.
The average approval rate for H-1B petitions across the United States in 2024 stood at 98%, higher than 2023's 97.3%. Statewide, South Dakota employers across all industries submitted 872 petitions during the same period, achieving an approval rate of 96.9%.
The Finance and Insurance industry led the H-1B filings in South Dakota during 2024, with 429 petitions (49.2% of all submissions), and an approval rate of 99.8%. Meanwhile, the Health Care and Social Assistance industry was the second largest contributor, filing 214 petitions (24.5% of the total), with an approval rate of 91.6%.
The South Dakota employers which made the most petitions in the Health Care and Social Assistance sector during 2024 included Sanford Clinic with 50 petitions, Sanford with 42 petitions, and Sanford Health with 28 petitions.
Compared to 2023, the Health Care and Social Assistance sector in South Dakota saw a 59.7% increase in the number of H-1B petitions during 2024.
The United States admits around 1 million legal immigrants annually, most of whom receive permanent residence (green cards) through family sponsorship or employment-based visas. In 2023, about 1.2 million immigrants were granted green cards, a return to pre-pandemic levels. Temporary visa programs, such as the H-1B for highly skilled workers and H-2A for seasonal agricultural workers, also play a critical role in filling workforce needs.
Public opinion on immigration varies, with 46% of Americans favoring maintaining current legal immigration levels, according to a 2024 Pew Research Center survey. Additionally, 42% believe that highly skilled workers, such as scientists, doctors, and programmers, should be prioritized for legal immigration, compared to 25% who prioritize workers filling labor shortages and 19% who emphasize family sponsorship. Despite this, family sponsorship remains the most common path to permanent residency, accounting for 63% of green cards issued in 2023.
The data in this article comes from the H-1B Employer Data Hub provided by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). While USCIS strives for accuracy, manual data entry and errors on paper forms submitted by applicants or petitioners may result in discrepancies in employer names, tax IDs, locations, or other details.
| Rank | Industry | Total Petitions | % of All Submissions | % Approved | % Denied |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Finance and Insurance | 429 | 49.2% | 99.8% | 0.2% |
| 2 | Health Care and Social Assistance | 214 | 24.5% | 91.6% | 8.4% |
| 3 | Educational Services | 160 | 18.4% | 96.3% | 3.8% |
| 4 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | 51 | 5.9% | 98% | 2% |
| 5 | Manufacturing | 9 | 1% | 100% | 0% |
| 6 | Public Administration | 3 | 0.3% | 100% | 0% |
| 6 | Information | 3 | 0.3% | 100% | 0% |
| 8 | Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting | 2 | 0.2% | 100% | 0% |
| 9 | Wholesale Trade | 1 | 0.1% | 0% | 100% |
Top Employers in Health Care and Social Assistance Industry in South Dakota, 2024
| Rank | Company Name | Total Petitions | % Approved | % Denied |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sanford Clinic | 50 | 100% | 0% |
| 2 | Sanford | 42 | 81% | 19.1% |
| 3 | Sanford Health | 28 | 96.4% | 3.6% |
| 4 | Avera Mckennan | 23 | 91.3% | 8.7% |
| 5 | Monument Health Rapid City Hospita | 16 | 56.3% | 43.8% |
| 6 | Sanford Clinic North | 12 | 100% | 0% |
| 7 | Sanford Medical Center Fargo | 10 | 100% | 0% |
| 8 | Sanford Bismarck | 8 | 100% | 0% |
| 9 | Avera St. Marys Hospital | 4 | 100% | 0% |
| 9 | Huron Regional Medical Center | 4 | 100% | 0% |
| 11 | Experity, Inc. | 3 | 100% | 0% |
| 12 | Sanford Health of Northern Minneso | 2 | 100% | 0% |
| 12 | Philip Health Services, Inc. | 2 | 100% | 0% |
| 12 | Avera St. Lukes Hospital | 2 | 100% | 0% |
| 15 | Prairie Lakes Healthcare System, Inc. | 1 | 100% | 0% |
| 15 | Carroll Institute | 1 | 100% | 0% |
| 15 | Yankton Medical Clinic, PC | 1 | 100% | 0% |
| 15 | United Way of Vermillion | 1 | 100% | 0% |
| 15 | Horizon Health Care, Inc. | 1 | 100% | 0% |
| 15 | Avera Health | 1 | 100% | 0% |
| 15 | Sanford Health Plan | 1 | 100% | 0% |
| 15 | Eureka Community Benevolent Hospital | 1 | 100% | 0% |