Ted H. Kim, Associate Director Refugee, Asylum and International Operations Directorate for USCIS | https://www.naco.org/
Of these, 300 were approved (99.3%), while two were denied (0.7%).
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, Mississippi employers across all industries submitted 455 petitions during the same period, achieving an approval rate of 98.7%.
While the Educational Services industry led the H-1B filings with 302 petitions, representing 66.4% of all submissions in Mississippi during 2024, the next largest contributor was the Health Care and Social Assistance industry, which accounted for 48 petitions and represented 10.6% of the total. Among petitions from employers in the Health Care and Social Assistance industry, 300 were approved and two were denied.
The Mississippi employers which made the most petitions in the Educational Services sector during 2024 included Jackson Public School District with 92 petitions, Mississippi State University with 52 petitions, and University of Mississippi Med CT with 50 petitions.
Compared to 2023, the Educational Services sector in Mississippi saw a 36% 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 | Educational Services | 302 | 66.4% | 99.3% | 0.7% |
| 2 | Health Care and Social Assistance | 48 | 10.6% | 93.8% | 6.3% |
| 3 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | 26 | 5.7% | 96.2% | 3.9% |
| 4 | Finance and Insurance | 23 | 5.1% | 100% | 0% |
| 5 | Manufacturing | 17 | 3.7% | 100% | 0% |
| 6 | Construction | 16 | 3.5% | 100% | 0% |
| 7 | Public Administration | 4 | 0.9% | 100% | 0% |
| 8 | Utilities | 3 | 0.7% | 100% | 0% |
| 8 | Information | 3 | 0.7% | 100% | 0% |
| 8 | Retail Trade | 3 | 0.7% | 100% | 0% |
| 11 | Wholesale Trade | 2 | 0.4% | 100% | 0% |
| 11 | Accommodation and Food Services | 2 | 0.4% | 100% | 0% |
| 11 | Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation | 2 | 0.4% | 100% | 0% |
| 14 | Transportation and Warehousing | 1 | 0.2% | 100% | 0% |
| 14 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | 1 | 0.2% | 100% | 0% |
| 14 | Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | 1 | 0.2% | 100% | 0% |
| 14 | Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services | 1 | 0.2% | 100% | 0% |
Top Employers in Educational Services Industry in Mississippi, 2024
| Rank | Company Name | Total Petitions | % Approved | % Denied |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jackson Public School District | 92 | 100% | 0% |
| 2 | Mississippi State University | 52 | 100% | 0% |
| 3 | University of Mississippi Med CT | 50 | 100% | 0% |
| 4 | University of Mississippi | 37 | 100% | 0% |
| 5 | University of Southern Mississippi | 13 | 100% | 0% |
| 6 | Jackson State University | 8 | 100% | 0% |
| 7 | Sunflower County Cons School District | 5 | 100% | 0% |
| 8 | Western Line School District | 4 | 100% | 0% |
| 8 | Delta State University | 4 | 100% | 0% |
| 8 | Holly Springs School District | 4 | 100% | 0% |
| 11 | Alcorn State University | 3 | 100% | 0% |
| 11 | North Panola School District | 3 | 100% | 0% |
| 11 | William Carey University | 3 | 100% | 0% |
| 14 | Mississippi College | 2 | 100% | 0% |
| 14 | Pearl River Community College | 2 | 100% | 0% |
| 14 | Meridian Public School District | 2 | 100% | 0% |
| 14 | Tougaloo College | 2 | 100% | 0% |
| 14 | MS Achievement School District | 2 | 100% | 0% |
| 19 | Leland School District | 1 | 100% | 0% |
| 19 | Mississippi Valley State Universit | 1 | 0% | 100% |
| 19 | South Dallas School District | 1 | 100% | 0% |
| 19 | Laurel School District | 1 | 100% | 0% |
| 19 | Walthall County School District | 1 | 100% | 0% |
| 19 | Copiah County School District | 1 | 100% | 0% |
| 19 | Rust College | 1 | 100% | 0% |
| 19 | Clarksdale Municipal School Distri | 1 | 100% | 0% |
| 19 | PHI Theta Kappa Honor Society | 1 | 0% | 100% |
| 19 | Millsaps College | 1 | 100% | 0% |
| 19 | Belhaven University | 1 | 100% | 0% |
| 19 | Holmescountyconsolidatedschooldist | 1 | 100% | 0% |
| 19 | Lula Rich Educational Foundation I | 1 | 100% | 0% |
| 19 | Gulfport School District | 1 | 100% | 0% |