Of these, 56 were approved (98.2%), while one was denied (1.8%).
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, Montana employers across all industries submitted 167 petitions during the same period, achieving an approval rate of 97.6%.
The Educational Services industry led the H-1B filings in Montana during 2024, with 57 petitions (34.1% of all submissions), and an approval rate of 98.3%. Meanwhile, the Health Care and Social Assistance industry was the second largest contributor, filing 51 petitions (30.5% of the total), with an approval rate of 100%.
The Montana employers which made the most petitions in the Educational Services sector during 2024 included University of Montana with 18 petitions, Montana State University with 12 petitions, and Brockton School District 55 & 55F with seven petitions.
Compared to 2023, the Educational Services sector in Montana saw a 23% decrease 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 | Educational Services | 57 | 34.1% | 98.3% | 1.8% |
| 2 | Health Care and Social Assistance | 51 | 30.5% | 100% | 0% |
| 3 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | 44 | 26.4% | 97.7% | 2.3% |
| 4 | Manufacturing | 5 | 3% | 100% | 0% |
| 4 | Finance and Insurance | 5 | 3% | 100% | 0% |
| 6 | Information | 2 | 1.2% | 100% | 0% |
| 7 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | 1 | 0.6% | 100% | 0% |
| 7 | Public Administration | 1 | 0.6% | 0% | 100% |
| 7 | Transportation and Warehousing | 1 | 0.6% | 0% | 100% |
Top Employers in Educational Services Industry in Montana, 2024
| Rank | Company Name | Total Petitions | % Approved | % Denied |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Montana | 18 | 100% | 0% |
| 2 | Montana State University | 12 | 91.7% | 8.3% |
| 3 | Brockton School District 55 & 55F | 7 | 100% | 0% |
| 4 | County of Blaine Blaine County School | 4 | 100% | 0% |
| 5 | Montana State University Billings | 3 | 100% | 0% |
| 5 | Jordan Public Schools | 3 | 100% | 0% |
| 7 | Lame Deer Public School District N | 2 | 100% | 0% |
| 8 | Turner School District 43 | 1 | 100% | 0% |
| 8 | Dawson Community College | 1 | 100% | 0% |
| 8 | Shelby Public School District 14 | 1 | 100% | 0% |
| 8 | County of Valley School District 23 | 1 | 100% | 0% |
| 8 | Wolf Point School Districts 45-45a | 1 | 100% | 0% |
| 8 | Carroll College | 1 | 100% | 0% |
| 8 | Wolf Point Public School District 45 45A | 1 | 100% | 0% |
| 8 | Hardin School Districts 17H and 1 | 1 | 100% | 0% |