One-quarter of U.S. employers are struggling to fill roles due to a lack of available talent, per a new report from TechNet. The study also finds that 64% of employers are finding a lack of alignment between available workforce skills and their needs. Without these roles being filled, companies believe productivity could be dramatically reduced by nearly half. The solution to the issue is in increasing available visas for highly skilled workers under the H-1B visa program.

CompTia, one of the premier trade associations for the technology industry, released the 2021 Cyberstates report earlier this year. In that report, CompTia projects 12.4 million net tech employment roles in 2021, with nearly 250,000 being new. In addition, they estimate 3.9 million total job postings for 2021, with over 20% being in emerging technology roles.

The TechNet report states there are an estimated 250,000 computer science jobs available in the US at any point in time. There are approximately five open jobs per software developer seeking a position. The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) forecast growth of 1.4 million jobs being open in computer specialist roles in the new future. In contrast, U.S. universities produced less than 30% of the need. Of those graduates who are ready for entry-level roles, the need is for more experienced individuals. In September 2021, there were over 1.2 million technology-related job openings.

Technology-focused companies continue to rely on the H-1B program to fill some of these needs. As the role of technology expands in importance for all companies, more demand is created, without an increase in availability. All of this leads to a very competitive environment.

The Build Back Better Act, currently awaiting review and approval in the Senate, offers some support, albeit not a change in policy. The Act includes the recapture of expired visas and a five- to ten-year parole program granting U.S. employment rights for qualifying individuals.

The opposition claims the H-1B program takes jobs away from U.S. citizens. They also claim that immigrants are paid a lower rate, under market standards. However, based on analysis from the American Immigration Council, both of these complaints lack supporting information.

If you have questions about the H-1B visa program and how to leverage the visa to fill your tech roles, contact us at ILBSG. We put our expertise and experience to work for you to ensure you get the right advice. In fact, for 2021, ILBSG clients have enjoyed over 99% approval for their H-1B filings. See how we can help you.

H-1B Visa Technology Talent Shortage