2020 H-1B Visa Salary Data

The year 2020 was marked by unprecedented disruption to the H-1B visa program due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite travel restrictions, embassy closures, and a dramatic shift to remote work, employers continued to file labor condition applications for H-1B workers, though at reduced volumes compared to previous years. The pandemic accelerated digital transformation across industries, maintaining strong demand for technology professionals even as other sectors faced significant layoffs.

Several executive orders in 2020 temporarily restricted H-1B visa issuance, citing economic conditions and the need to protect American workers during the pandemic. These restrictions created uncertainty for both employers and H-1B workers, though many companies found ways to adapt by delaying start dates, arranging remote work from employees' home countries, or utilizing other visa categories.

Despite the challenges, average H-1B salaries in 2020 remained competitive, as the positions most commonly sponsored — software engineers, data scientists, and other technology professionals — were in high demand due to the rapid digitalization of business operations. Companies that had already invested in remote work infrastructure were better positioned to continue their H-1B programs.