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Looking for H1B visa jobs? Trying to figure out if the job you’re offering will qualify for an H1B specialty occupation visa?
This occupation list serves as an H1B database and practical H1B grader for occupations most likely to qualify as a “specialty occupation.” We focus strictly on O*NET Job Zone 4 (“Considerable Preparation Needed”) and Job Zone 5 (“Extensive Preparation Needed”).
We’ve excluded: Job Zone 3 occupations. Please understand, some Job Zone 3 roles can qualify if the employer normally requires a bachelor’s degree in a specific field or the duties are unusually complex. We omit them here to keep this H1B database focused on the highest-probability categories.
How to read this H1B grader: We list SOC codes in numeric order and group by their first two digits (broad category). The grading column offers a concise likelihood statement based on how often roles are treated as H-1B specialty occupations and what kind of evidentiary support is commonly needed. Please note, this is no substitute for formal legal advice, and in some cases, even if the grading is low, there may be ways to present the case for possible approval. Conversely, even if an occupation is graded as high eligibility, USCIS may still question the job’s eligibility, particularly when the employer’s situation is not typical for the particular job.
SOC Code
Occupation Title (Job Zone)
H-1B Eligibility Grading
11-1011
Chief Executives (Zone 4)
Moderate – Sometimes disputed; must show degree in a specific field tied to complex corporate duties.
11-1021
General and Operations Managers (Zone 4)
Low – Too broad; often denied as not requiring a degree in a specific specialty absent highly technical scope.
11-2011
Advertising and Promotions Managers (Zone 4)
Moderate – Sometimes disputed; requires strong evidence of degree specialization (e.g., marketing analytics).
11-2021
Marketing Managers (Zone 4)
Moderate – Sometimes disputed; document specialized, data-driven duties and degree specificity.
11-2022
Sales Managers (Zone 4)
Low – Typically denied unless role is highly technical with specific degree requirement (e.g., engineering sales leadership).
11-2032
Public Relations Managers (Zone 4)
Moderate – Requires evidence of specialized communications/PR education and complex strategy duties.
11-2033
Fundraising Managers (Zone 4)
Moderate – Sometimes disputed; show specialized analytics, donor data modeling, or regulated nonprofit finance.
11-3012
Administrative Services Managers (Zone 4)
Low – Often viewed as generalist; needs strong proof of specialized systems, compliance, or facilities engineering.
11-3013
Facilities Managers (Zone 4)
Moderate – Arguable when duties are technical (e.g., building systems, energy management) requiring engineering-related degrees.
11-3021
Computer and Information Systems Managers (Zone 4)
High – Well-recognized as specialty occupation in tech-centric environments; degree in CS/IS/related expected.
11-3031
Financial Managers (Zone 4)
High – Classic specialty occupation when duties involve complex financial modeling, reporting, and controls.
11-3051
Industrial Production Managers (Zone 4)
Moderate – Strengthen with engineering/operations degrees and evidence of lean/quality systems.
11-3061
Purchasing Managers (Zone 4)
Moderate – Arguable if role requires specialized supply-chain/quantitative analysis degrees.
11-3071
Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (Zone 4)
Low – Often broad; improve odds with logistics engineering and regulated hazardous/temperature-controlled ops.
11-3111
Compensation and Benefits Managers (Zone 4)
Moderate – Better with quantitative/actuarial grounding and regulatory plan design duties.
11-3121
Human Resources Managers (Zone 4)
Moderate – Sometimes disputed; show specialized compliance, analytics, and policy architecture.
11-3131
Training and Development Managers (Zone 4)
Moderate – Document instructional design science and enterprise L&D systems.
11-9021
Construction Managers (Zone 4)
Moderate – Stronger when duties demand construction management/civil engineering degree and codes/estimating expertise.
11-9031
Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare (Zone 4)
Low – Frequently viewed as non-specialty; improve with licensure and curriculum/program compliance complexity.
11-9032
Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary (Zone 5)
High – Advanced education credentials/licensure support specialty occupation treatment.
11-9033
Education Administrators, Postsecondary (Zone 5)
High – Often requires advanced degrees; policy, accreditation, and governance are complex.
11-9041
Architectural and Engineering Managers (Zone 5)
High – Classic specialty occupation; engineering/architecture degree normally required.
11-9111
Medical and Health Services Managers (Zone 4)
Moderate – Show specialized healthcare admin, informatics, and regulatory compliance scope.
11-9121
Natural Sciences Managers (Zone 5)
High – Well-recognized; scientific advanced degree and lab/program leadership expected.
11-9141
Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers (Zone 4)
Low – Typically non-specialty unless managing complex, regulated, or engineered facilities portfolios.
11-9151
Social and Community Service Managers (Zone 4)
Moderate – Strengthen with public health/policy degrees and grant/compliance-heavy duties.
SOC Code
Occupation Title (Job Zone)
H-1B Eligibility Grading
13-1011
Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes (Zone 4)
Low – Too broad; typically denied unless duties are demonstrably specialized (IP/licensing, analytics).
13-1021
Buyers and Purchasing Agents, Farm Products (Zone 4)
Moderate – Improve with commodity analytics, contracts, and ag-science knowledge.
13-1023
Purchasing Agents, Except Wholesale, Retail, and Farm Products (Zone 4)
Moderate – Stronger where supply-chain analytics and technical specs are central.
13-1031
Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators (Zone 4)
Low – Often treated as non-specialty; elevate with actuarial/forensic or heavily regulated lines.
13-1041
Compliance Officers (Zone 4)
Moderate – Arguable with specialized regulatory regimes (FDA, SOX, HIPAA, export controls).
13-1051
Cost Estimators (Zone 4)
Moderate – Better with engineering/construction degrees and complex quantitative takeoffs.
13-1071
Human Resources Specialists (Zone 4)
Low – Frequently viewed as generalist; bolster with comp analytics, immigration/I-9 compliance, HRIS.
13-1075
Labor Relations Specialists (Zone 4)
Moderate – Strengthen with labor law policy, bargaining analytics, and compliance scope.
13-1081
Logisticians (Zone 4)
Moderate – Arguable with supply-chain or industrial engineering-level analytics.
13-1111
Management Analysts (Zone 4)
High – Classic specialty occupation when duties involve structured analytics and domain-specific methods.
13-1121
Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners (Zone 4)
Low – Usually non-specialty; may improve with regulated/pharma/medical education events and compliance.
13-1131
Fundraisers (Zone 4)
Moderate – Better with data-driven donor analytics and regulated nonprofit finance.
13-1141
Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists (Zone 4)
Moderate – Strengthen with quant modeling (comp surveys, ranges, equity plans) and compliance.
13-1151
Training and Development Specialists (Zone 4)
Low – Often treated as non-specialty; bolster with instructional design and learning science.
13-1161
Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists (Zone 4)
High – Well-recognized when duties emphasize quantitative research, statistics, and analytics.
13-1199
Business Operations Specialists, All Other (Zone 4)
Low – Catch-all; typically denied unless narrowly tailored to a technical specialty.
13-2011
Accountants and Auditors (Zone 4)
High – Classic specialty occupation; widely accepted.
13-2020
Property Appraisers and Assessors (Zone 4)
Moderate – Elevate with finance/real-estate analytics and compliance/licensure.
13-2031
Budget Analysts (Zone 4)
High – Well-recognized; degree specificity and public finance methods help.
13-2041
Credit Analysts (Zone 4)
High – Strong quantitative/financial modeling supports specialty treatment.
13-2051
Financial and Investment Analysts (Zone 4)
High – Classic specialty; financial modeling, valuation, and risk methods.
13-2052
Personal Financial Advisors (Zone 4)
Moderate – Sometimes disputed; strengthen with CFP/CFA and complex planning scope.
13-2053
Insurance Underwriters (Zone 4)
Moderate – Sometimes disputed; show specialized actuarial/line-specific models.
13-2054
Financial Risk Specialists (Zone 4)
High – Advanced risk modeling/quant methods support specialty classification.
13-2061
Financial Examiners (Zone 4)
High – Regulatory capital/compliance analysis favors specialty treatment.
13-2071
Credit Counselors (Zone 4)
Low – Often viewed as non-specialty; case-by-case.
13-2072
Loan Officers (Zone 4)
Low – Typically denied; improve only with highly technical/commercial underwriting scope.
13-2099.01
Financial Quantitative Analysts (Zone 5)
High – Classic specialty occupation; advanced quantitative degree often expected.
Note: This section lists only Job Zone 4 & 5 occupations. Common Zone 3 roles (e.g., user/network support) are excluded here.
SOC Code
Occupation Title (Job Zone)
H-1B Eligibility Grading
15-1211
Computer Systems Analysts (Zone 4)
High – Classic specialty occupation; requires degree-aligned systems analysis & integration duties.
15-1212
Information Security Analysts (Zone 4)
High – Well-recognized specialty; cybersecurity frameworks & credentials strengthen the case.
15-1221
Computer and Information Research Scientists (Zone 5)
High – Classic specialty occupation; often requires advanced (Master’s/PhD) degrees.
15-1241
Computer Network Architects (Zone 4)
High – Complex network design/architecture typically requires a specific computing degree.
15-1242
Database Administrators (Zone 4)
High – Well-recognized; enterprise DB design/tuning & SQL expertise show degree specificity.
15-1243
Database Architects (Zone 4)
High – Classic specialty; data modeling, schema design, and performance engineering.
15-1244
Network and Computer Systems Administrators (Zone 4)
Moderate – Sometimes disputed; emphasize enterprise-scale systems and vendor-certified complexity.
15-1251
Computer Programmers (Zone 4)
High – Generally treated as specialty; align languages, SDLC, & platform duties to degree fields.
15-1252
Software Developers (Zone 4)
High – Classic specialty occupation across most industries.
15-1253
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers (Zone 4)
High – Accepted when duties involve test automation, frameworks, and formal QA methodologies.
15-1254
Web Developers (Zone 4)
Moderate – Can be disputed; focus on complex full-stack engineering vs. purely content/design.
15-1255
Web and Digital Interface Designers (Zone 4)
Moderate – Sometimes disputed; bolster with HCI/UX degree and research-driven design methods.
15-1299
Computer Occupations, All Other (Zone 4)
Moderate – Catch-all category; define highly specialized, degree-specific duties to avoid denials.
15-2011
Actuaries (Zone 4)
High – Classic specialty occupation; strong quantitative/actuarial coursework & exams expected.
15-2021
Mathematicians (Zone 5)
High – Advanced math roles typically require graduate study; strong specialty alignment.
15-2031
Operations Research Analysts (Zone 5)
High – Optimization/stochastic modeling indicate clear specialty occupation.
15-2041
Statisticians (Zone 5)
High – Classic specialty occupation; advanced statistics & methods are degree-specific.
15-2051
Data Scientists (Zone 4)
High – Recognized specialty; emphasize ML/statistics, modeling, and domain data engineering.
Professional engineering & architecture roles are overwhelmingly Job Zone 4 (and sometimes 5). Engineering technologist/technician roles (often Zone 3) are excluded.
SOC Code
Occupation Title (Job Zone)
H-1B Eligibility Grading
17-1011
Architects, Except Landscape and Naval (Zone 4)
High – Classic specialty; accredited architecture degree & licensure path bolster the case.
17-1012
Landscape Architects (Zone 4)
High – Degree/licensure frameworks typically support specialty occupation status.
17-1021
Cartographers and Photogrammetrists (Zone 4)
High – GIS/remote sensing & geospatial analytics show specialized degree requirement.
17-1022
Surveyors (Zone 4)
Moderate – Often specialty with licensure and formal surveying/geomatics education.
17-2011
Aerospace Engineers (Zone 4)
High – Classic specialty occupation.
17-2021
Agricultural Engineers (Zone 4)
High – Specialized engineering degree normally required.
17-2031
Biomedical Engineers (Zone 4)
High – Classic specialty; medical device/regulatory integration strengthens the case.
17-2041
Chemical Engineers (Zone 4)
High – Classic specialty occupation.
17-2051
Civil Engineers (Zone 4)
High – Classic specialty; codes/standards/PE track demonstrate degree specificity.
17-2061
Computer Hardware Engineers (Zone 4)
High – Recognized specialty requiring EE/CE or closely related degrees.
17-2071
Electrical Engineers (Zone 4)
High – Classic specialty occupation.
17-2072
Electronics Engineers, Except Computer (Zone 4)
High – Classic specialty; device/embedded systems show narrow degree alignment.
17-2081
Environmental Engineers (Zone 4)
High – Specialty with regulatory/codes & environmental systems analysis.
17-2111
Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety and Health (Zone 4)
High – Specialty when tied to engineering controls, risk and standards (e.g., ISO/OSHA).
17-2112
Industrial Engineers (Zone 4)
High – Recognized specialty; process optimization/IE methods demonstrate degree specificity.
17-2121
Marine Engineers and Naval Architects (Zone 4)
High – Classic specialty; naval architecture/marine systems degrees.
17-2131
Materials Engineers (Zone 4)
High – Specialty with materials science, metallurgy, composites, etc.
17-2141
Mechanical Engineers (Zone 4)
High – Classic specialty occupation.
17-2151
Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers (Zone 4)
High – Specialty with geotechnical/mining curricula and safety regulations.
17-2161
Nuclear Engineers (Zone 4)
High – Classic specialty; highly regulated domain with clear degree requirements.
17-2171
Petroleum Engineers (Zone 4)
High – Specialty occupation; reservoir/drilling/production engineering scope.
17-2199
Engineers, All Other (Zone 4)
Moderate – Catch-all; define the specialization clearly (e.g., mechatronics, energy systems) to avoid denials.
This section lists only Job Zone 4 and 5 science occupations. Technician/assistant roles (often Zone 3) are excluded.
SOC Code
Occupation Title (Job Zone)
H-1B Eligibility Grading
19-1011
Animal Scientists (Zone 5)
High – Advanced research/design in animal science typically requires a specialized graduate degree.
19-1012
Food Scientists and Technologists (Zone 4)
High – Degree-specific chemistry/processing and regulatory methods support specialty status.
19-1013
Soil and Plant Scientists (Zone 4)
High – Agronomy/plant science specialization with research/analytics meets degree-specific standard.
19-1021
Biochemists and Biophysicists (Zone 5)
High – Classic specialty; advanced lab/research design requires graduate-level preparation.
19-1022
Microbiologists (Zone 4)
High – Degree-specific lab science; pathogen/microbial methods are narrowly specialized.
19-1023
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists (Zone 4)
High – Field/lab research with statistical design indicates degree specialization.
19-1029
Biological Scientists, All Other (Zone 4)
Moderate – Define the sub-specialty (e.g., immunology, genomics) to avoid catch-all issues.
19-1031
Conservation Scientists (Zone 4)
High – Environmental policy/quantitative resource modeling supports specialty classification.
19-1032
Foresters (Zone 4)
Moderate – Stronger with accredited forestry curricula and regulatory compliance focus.
19-1041
Epidemiologists (Zone 5)
High – Classic specialty; biostatistics/study design often requires a master’s/PhD.
19-1042
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists (Zone 5)
High – Advanced biomedical research duties require specialized graduate preparation.
19-2011
Astronomers (Zone 5)
High – Graduate-level astrophysics methods; clear specialty occupation.
19-2012
Physicists (Zone 5)
High – Classic specialty; advanced theoretical/experimental physics.
19-2021
Atmospheric and Space Scientists (Zone 5)
High – Specialized modeling/forecasting and research methods indicate degree specificity.
19-2031
Chemists (Zone 4)
High – Degree-specific lab/methods (analytical/organic/physical); common specialty occupation.
19-2032
Materials Scientists (Zone 4)
High – Materials characterization/design is distinctly specialized.
19-2041
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health (Zone 4)
High – Regulatory/quantitative risk analysis and sampling plans support specialty status.
19-2042
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers (Zone 5)
High – Structural geology/geophysics/petrophysics indicate advanced specialty work.
19-2043
Hydrologists (Zone 5)
High – Advanced hydro models and water resources analysis are degree-specific.
19-2099
Physical Scientists, All Other (Zone 5)
High – Specialty evidenced by narrowly defined physical science sub-discipline.
19-3011
Economists (Zone 5)
High – Econometrics/research design and policy modeling require advanced degrees.
19-3022
Survey Researchers (Zone 4)
Moderate – Strengthen with statistics/research methods and complex sampling design.
19-3031
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists (Zone 5)
High – Licensure/doctoral training requirements support specialty occupation.
19-3032
Industrial-Organizational Psychologists (Zone 5)
High – Advanced psychometrics/organizational science are clearly specialized.
19-3033
Psychologists, All Other (Zone 5)
High – Specialty reflected in subspecialty (neuropsych, health psych, etc.).
19-3041
Sociologists (Zone 5)
High – Graduate-level research methods and theory indicate specialty status.
19-3051
Urban and Regional Planners (Zone 5)
High – Classic specialty; accredited planning degrees and statutory/codes expertise.
19-3091
Anthropologists and Archeologists (Zone 5)
High – Field methods/analysis and advanced theory are degree-specific.
19-3092
Geographers (Zone 4)
High – GIS/remote sensing and spatial analysis show clear degree specialization.
19-3093
Historians (Zone 5)
High – Graduate-level research/writing; specialty field alignment required.
19-3094
Political Scientists (Zone 5)
High – Quantitative/policy research requires advanced specialized education.
19-3099
Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other (Zone 5)
Moderate – Define the niche (e.g., demography, criminology) to avoid catch-all denials.
Many counselor/therapist roles are Job Zone 5 (graduate study/licensure). Social worker roles span Zones 4–5 depending on specialization. Zone 3 assistants are excluded.
SOC Code
Occupation Title (Job Zone)
H-1B Eligibility Grading
21-1011
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors (Zone 5)
High – Licensure and graduate education requirements support specialty status.
21-1012
Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors (Zone 5)
High – Graduate credentials/licensure and formal counseling frameworks.
21-1013
Marriage and Family Therapists (Zone 5)
High – Classic specialty; master’s degree and licensure standards.
21-1014
Mental Health Counselors (Zone 5)
High – Graduate training and licensure support specialty classification.
21-1015
Rehabilitation Counselors (Zone 5)
High – Specialized counseling practice requiring graduate programs/licensure.
21-1021
Child, Family, and School Social Workers (Zone 4)
Moderate – Stronger with MSW/licensure and complex casework/compliance.
21-1022
Healthcare Social Workers (Zone 5)
High – Medical social work with licensure and specialized healthcare systems.
21-1023
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers (Zone 5)
High – Clinical scope with licensure requirements supports specialty status.
21-1029
Social Workers, All Other (Zone 4)
Moderate – Define clinical programmatic specialization to avoid generalist denials.
21-1091
Health Education Specialists (Zone 4)
Moderate – Stronger with MPH/public health science and program evaluation.
21-1092
Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists (Zone 4)
Low – Often treated as non-specialty; case-by-case with specialized programming.
21-1094
Community Health Workers (Zone 4)
Low – Frequently generalist; improve with program evaluation and regulatory scope.
21-1099
Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other (Zone 4)
Moderate – Clarify specialty (e.g., program evaluation, policy analysis) to avoid catch-all issues.
Legal practice roles are typically Job Zone 5; some support roles are Zone 4 and can be difficult for H-1B unless the duties are narrowly specialized.
SOC Code
Occupation Title (Job Zone)
H-1B Eligibility Grading
23-1011
Lawyers (Zone 5)
High – Classic specialty; J.D. and bar admission are clear degree/licensure requirements.
23-1012
Judicial Law Clerks (Zone 5)
High – Requires law degree and specialized legal research/writing.
23-1021
Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers (Zone 5)
High – Specialized legal adjudication responsibilities.
23-1022
Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators (Zone 5)
High – Specialized dispute resolution/legal frameworks and credentials.
23-1023
Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates (Zone 5)
High – Advanced legal practice standards and licensure.
23-2011
Paralegals and Legal Assistants (Zone 4)
Low – Often viewed as non-specialty; degree may be broad; argue only for narrowly specialized practice areas.
23-2091
Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners (Zone 4)
Low – Skills/credential based; usually not degree-specific.
23-2093
Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers (Zone 4)
Low – Frequently treated as non-specialty; case-specific if heavily regulated/analytical.
23-2099
Legal Support Workers, All Other (Zone 4)
Low – Catch-all; typically denied unless duties are highly specialized and degree-specific.
Most teaching roles requiring state licensure or graduate-level preparation fall under Job Zone 5 and are generally strong H-1B candidates. Instructor and assistant roles without degree/licensure requirements (often Zone 3) are excluded.
SOC Code
Occupation Title (Job Zone)
H-1B Eligibility Grading
25-1011
Business Teachers, Postsecondary (Zone 5)
High – Graduate degrees typically required; classic specialty occupation.
25-1021
Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary (Zone 5)
High – Strongly degree-specific; clear specialty classification.
25-1022
Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary (Zone 5)
High – Graduate math/statistics requirements; classic specialty.
25-1031
Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary (Zone 5)
High – Specialty occupation requiring accredited architecture degrees.
25-1032
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary (Zone 5)
High – Advanced engineering credentials; classic specialty status.
25-1041
Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary (Zone 5)
High – Specialty classification due to field-specific graduate education.
25-1042
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary (Zone 5)
High – Graduate specialization in biology-related disciplines required.
25-1043
Forestry and Conservation Science Teachers, Postsecondary (Zone 5)
High – Specialized forestry/environmental science graduate degrees.
25-1051
Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary (Zone 5)
High – Specialty aligned with advanced degrees in physical sciences.
25-1052
Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary (Zone 5)
High – Graduate chemistry specialization; classic specialty role.
25-1053
Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary (Zone 5)
High – Degree-specific and research-intensive teaching duties.
25-1054
Physics Teachers, Postsecondary (Zone 5)
High – Advanced physics knowledge; specialty occupation.
25-1061
Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Postsecondary (Zone 5)
High – Graduate-level anthropology/archeology specialization.
25-1062
Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary (Zone 5)
High – Specialized graduate preparation; typically considered specialty.
25-1063
Economics Teachers, Postsecondary (Zone 5)
High – Econometrics/policy curriculum requires advanced specialization.
25-1064
Geography Teachers, Postsecondary (Zone 5)
High – Degree-specific GIS/spatial analysis instruction.
25-1065
Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary (Zone 5)
High – Advanced political science/quantitative training.
25-1066
Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary (Zone 5)
High – Graduate specialization required; classic specialty.
25-1067
Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary (Zone 5)
High – Graduate sociological research/teaching indicates specialty.
25-1069
Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other (Zone 5)
Moderate – Stronger with narrowly defined specialty duties.
25-1071
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary (Zone 5)
High – Clinical/healthcare graduate specialization and licensure.
25-1072
Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary (Zone 5)
High – Graduate degree/licensure; classic specialty occupation.
25-1081
Education Teachers, Postsecondary (Zone 5)
High – Requires advanced education degrees; recognized specialty.
25-1111
Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary (Zone 5)
High – Graduate criminal justice/legal specialization supports H-1B eligibility.
25-1112
Law Teachers, Postsecondary (Zone 5)
High – JD/graduate law credentials; classic specialty status.
25-1121
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary (Zone 5)
High – MFA/graduate-level creative arts credentials typically required.
25-1122
Communications Teachers, Postsecondary (Zone 5)
High – Graduate specialization in communications/media.
25-1123
English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary (Zone 5)
High – Graduate specialization; strong specialty classification.
25-1124
Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary (Zone 5)
High – Advanced language/cultural instruction is degree-specific.
25-1125
History Teachers, Postsecondary (Zone 5)
High – Graduate history specialization; classic specialty role.
25-1126
Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary (Zone 5)
High – Graduate specialization; clear specialty occupation.
25-1199
Postsecondary Teachers, All Other (Zone 5)
Moderate – Catch-all; must show narrowly specialized subject area.
25-2012
Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education (Zone 5)
High – State licensure and education degrees required.
25-2021
Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education (Zone 5)
High – Degree/licensure requirements support specialty occupation.
25-2022
Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education (Zone 5)
High – State licensure/degree programs; strong specialty status.
25-2031
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education (Zone 5)
High – Graduate/degree and licensure required; classic specialty.
25-2032
Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School (Zone 4)
Moderate – Sometimes disputed; stronger if tied to licensure or industry certifications.
25-2051
Special Education Teachers, Preschool (Zone 5)
High – Graduate/degree with licensure; clear specialty occupation.
25-2052
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary (Zone 5)
High – State credentialed; specialty supported by licensure/degree.
25-2053
Special Education Teachers, Middle School (Zone 5)
High – Graduate specialization/licensure required; specialty occupation.
25-2054
Special Education Teachers, Secondary School (Zone 5)
High – Classic specialty; licensure and advanced degree required.
25-2059
Special Education Teachers, All Other (Zone 5)
High – Graduate specialization/licensure requirements; specialty occupation.
25-3011
Adult Basic and Secondary Education and ESL Instructors (Zone 4)
Moderate – Stronger with formal TESOL/education graduate preparation.
25-3021
Self-Enrichment Teachers (Zone 4)
Low – Too broad; typically not degree-specific unless in niche technical subject.
25-3097
Teachers and Instructors, All Other, Except Substitute Teachers (Zone 4)
Moderate – Catch-all; define the narrow specialty subject to succeed.
Creative occupations vary. MFA/graduate-level design or performance fields (Zone 5) fare well; Zone 4 design/media roles may require stronger documentation of complexity and degree specificity.
SOC Code
Occupation Title (Job Zone)
H-1B Eligibility Grading
27-1011
Art Directors (Zone 4)
Moderate – Sometimes disputed; emphasize MFA/advanced design credentials.
27-1012
Craft Artists (Zone 4)
Low – Typically denied; not degree-specific.
27-1013
Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators (Zone 4)
Moderate – Case-by-case; MFA or advanced portfolio-based practice improves odds.
27-1014
Special Effects Artists and Animators (Zone 4)
High – Increasingly recognized specialty when duties involve technical 3D/CG pipelines.
27-1021
Commercial and Industrial Designers (Zone 4)
High – Specialty classification; industrial/product design degrees typically required.
27-1022
Fashion Designers (Zone 4)
Moderate – Sometimes disputed; stronger with formal fashion design degree.
27-1024
Graphic Designers (Zone 4)
Moderate – Frequently challenged; must stress advanced design software/complex campaigns.
27-1025
Interior Designers (Zone 4)
Moderate – Disputed; stronger with NCIDQ credential or complex commercial projects.
27-1026
Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers (Zone 4)
Low – Typically denied; not degree-specific.
27-1027
Set and Exhibit Designers (Zone 4)
High – Specialized MFA/design programs align with degree-specific classification.
27-2012
Producers and Directors (Zone 4)
Moderate – Sometimes disputed; stronger with MFA/advanced film studies.
27-2019
Entertainers and Performers, All Other (Zone 4)
Low – Typically denied unless role is highly specialized and credentialed.
27-2021
Athletes and Sports Competitors (Zone 4)
Low – Performance-based; not tied to degree.
27-2022
Coaches and Scouts (Zone 4)
Moderate – Disputed; stronger with graduate sports science credentials.
27-2023
Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials (Zone 4)
Low – Generally not degree-specific.
27-2031
Dancers (Zone 4)
Low – Performance-based; usually denied.
27-2032
Choreographers (Zone 4)
Moderate – Case-by-case; stronger with MFA/graduate dance credentials.
27-2041
Music Directors and Composers (Zone 4)
High – Stronger when supported by MMus/MFA and advanced musical training.
27-2042
Musicians and Singers (Zone 4)
Low – Performance-based; usually not degree-specific.
27-2099
Entertainers and Performers, Sports and Related Workers, All Other (Zone 4)
Low – Catch-all category; usually not specialty.
27-3011
Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys (Zone 4)
Low – Typically denied; not degree-specific.
27-3023
News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists (Zone 4)
Moderate – Sometimes disputed; stronger with graduate journalism credentials.
27-3031
Public Relations Specialists (Zone 4)
Moderate – Often challenged; stronger if duties are technical/strategic in nature.
27-3041
Editors (Zone 4)
High – Typically recognized as specialty when advanced editing/publishing required.
27-3042
Technical Writers (Zone 4)
High – Classic specialty; requires specialized technical knowledge + writing skills.
27-3043
Writers and Authors (Zone 4)
Moderate – Case-specific; stronger if duties involve technical or specialized fields.
27-3091
Interpreters and Translators (Zone 4)
High – Specialty occupation; requires advanced language/linguistics knowledge.
27-3092
Court Interpreters (Zone 4)
High – Clear specialty tied to advanced linguistic/legal terminology expertise.
Nearly all professional healthcare roles (physicians, pharmacists, nurses, therapists, etc.) are Job Zone 5 and are strong H-1B candidates. Technician/support roles (often Zone 3) are excluded here.
SOC Code
Occupation Title (Job Zone)
H-1B Eligibility Grading
29-1011
Chiropractors (Zone 5)
High – Doctor of Chiropractic degree/licensure supports specialty classification.
29-1021
Dentists, General (Zone 5)
High – Classic specialty; DDS/DMD and state licensure required.
29-1022
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (Zone 5)
High – Advanced specialty training; clearly degree- and license-specific.
29-1023
Orthodontists (Zone 5)
High – Specialty residency/licensure; classic specialty occupation.
29-1024
Prosthodontists (Zone 5)
High – Specialized prosthodontics training/licensure supports specialty.
29-1029
Dentists, All Other Specialists (Zone 5)
High – Advanced dental specialties with licensure are clearly degree-specific.
29-1031
Dietitians and Nutritionists (Zone 5)
High – Graduate education/licensure; regulated clinical scope favors specialty.
29-1041
Optometrists (Zone 5)
High – Doctor of Optometry (OD) & licensure; classic specialty.
29-1051
Pharmacists (Zone 5)
High – PharmD & licensure; classic specialty occupation.
29-1071
Physician Assistants (Zone 5)
High – Graduate PA programs and licensure; specialty classification.
29-1081
Podiatrists (Zone 5)
High – DPM & licensure; clearly degree-specific.
29-1122
Occupational Therapists (Zone 5)
High – Graduate OT programs & licensure; specialty occupation.
29-1123
Physical Therapists (Zone 5)
High – DPT/graduate training and licensure; classic specialty.
29-1124
Radiation Therapists (Zone 4)
High – Degree/certification in radiation therapy; specialized clinical equipment and protocols.
29-1125
Recreational Therapists (Zone 4)
Moderate – Stronger with CTRS/graduate therapeutic recreation and clinical plans.
29-1126
Respiratory Therapists (Zone 4)
Moderate – Often degree/licensure-based; emphasize acute/ICU protocols and regulated practice.
29-1127
Speech-Language Pathologists (Zone 5)
High – Graduate SLP programs & licensure; classic specialty occupation.
29-1128
Exercise Physiologists (Zone 4)
Moderate – Stronger with clinical programs, ACSM credentials, and supervised cardiac rehab scope.
29-1131
Veterinarians (Zone 5)
High – DVM & licensure; classic specialty occupation.
29-1141
Registered Nurses (Zone 4)
High – Generally degree/licensure required; often accepted as specialty (note some scrutiny for generalized RN roles).
29-1151
Nurse Anesthetists (Zone 5)
High – CRNA programs & licensure; clear specialty.
29-1161
Nurse Midwives (Zone 5)
High – Graduate midwifery programs & licensure; specialty.
29-1171
Nurse Practitioners (Zone 5)
High – Advanced practice nursing and licensure; specialty occupation.
29-1181
Audiologists (Zone 5)
High – AuD/graduate programs & licensure; specialty classification.
29-1211
Anesthesiologists (Zone 5)
High – MD/DO residency, board certification, and licensure; classic specialty.
29-1212
Cardiologists (Zone 5)
High – Advanced specialty training & licensure; clearly degree-specific.
29-1213
Dermatologists (Zone 5)
High – Specialty residency/licensure; classic specialty.
29-1214
Emergency Medicine Physicians (Zone 5)
High – Residency/board certification; specialty occupation.
29-1215
Family Medicine Physicians (Zone 5)
High – MD/DO + licensure; classic specialty.
29-1216
General Internal Medicine Physicians (Zone 5)
High – Residency/licensure; specialty occupation.
29-1217
Neurologists (Zone 5)
High – Specialty training/licensure; clearly degree-specific.
29-1218
Obstetricians and Gynecologists (Zone 5)
High – Specialty residency & licensure; classic specialty.
29-1219
Pathologists (Zone 5)
High – Subspecialty pathology training/licensure; specialty occupation.
29-1221
Pediatricians, General (Zone 5)
High – MD/DO + residency and licensure; classic specialty.
29-1222
Physicians, All Other; Except Pediatric (Zone 5)
High – Advanced training/licensure; clearly degree-specific.
29-1223
Psychiatrists (Zone 5)
High – Graduate medical education/licensure; specialty occupation.
29-1224
Radiologists (Zone 5)
High – Specialty residency/fellowship and licensure; classic specialty.
29-1225
Sports Medicine Physicians (Zone 5)
High – Specialty fellowship/licensure; degree-specific.
29-1229
Physicians, All Other Subspecialists (Zone 5)
High – Advanced specialty training and licensure; clear specialty classification.
29-1241
Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric (Zone 5)
High – Specialty residency/licensure; classic specialty.
29-1242
Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric (Zone 5)
High – Surgical specialty; degree/licensure specific.
29-1243
Pediatric Surgeons (Zone 5)
High – Advanced surgical training & licensure; specialty occupation.
29-1249
Surgeons, All Other (Zone 5)
High – Surgical specialties require advanced training and licensure.
29-1291
Acupuncturists (Zone 4)
Moderate – Credentialed/licensed alternative medicine; show specialized training and state regulation.
29-1292
Dental Hygienists (Zone 4)
Moderate – Licensure and degree requirements; may face scrutiny as ancillary vs. professional role.
29-1299
Healthcare Diagnosing or Treating Practitioners, All Other (Zone 4/5)
Moderate – Define the narrow specialty (e.g., naturopathic, genetic counseling) to avoid catch-all denials.
29-2011
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists (Zone 4)
High – Bachelor’s in lab sciences; complex assays and CLIA compliance favor specialty.
29-2012
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians (Zone 3)
— Excluded (Zone 3) —
29-2013
Histotechnologists and Histologic Technicians (Zone 4)
Moderate – Strengthen with bachelor’s-level histology/ASCP and complex pathology workflows.
29-2021
Dental Laboratory Technicians (Zone 4)
Moderate – Specialty fabrication methods; document degree-specific training where applicable.
29-2031
Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians (Zone 4)
Moderate – Degree/certification and complex diagnostics; still sometimes disputed.
29-2032
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (Zone 4)
Moderate – Degree/certification; emphasize advanced modalities and clinical protocols.
29-2033
Nuclear Medicine Technologists (Zone 4)
High – Specialized nuclear imaging & radiopharmaceuticals; degree/certification support specialty.
29-2034
Radiologic Technologists and Technicians (Zone 4)
Moderate – Degree/certification; highlight advanced interventional/CT/MRI modalities.
29-2035
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists (Zone 4)
Moderate – Degree/certification; focus on advanced MRI protocols and safety compliance.
29-2041
Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics (Zone 3)
— Excluded (Zone 3) —
29-2051
Dietetic Technicians (Zone 3)
— Excluded (Zone 3) —
29-2052
Pharmacy Technicians (Zone 3)
— Excluded (Zone 3) —
29-2053
Psychiatric Technicians (Zone 3)
— Excluded (Zone 3) —
29-2055
Surgical Technologists (Zone 3)
— Excluded (Zone 3) —
29-2056
Veterinary Technologists and Technicians (Zone 4)
Moderate – Degree/certification; emphasize advanced lab/clinical protocols.
29-2057
Ophthalmic Medical Technicians (Zone 3)
— Excluded (Zone 3) —
29-2061
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses (Zone 3)
— Excluded (Zone 3) —
29-2071
Medical Records Specialists (Zone 3)
— Excluded (Zone 3) —
29-2081
Opticians, Dispensing (Zone 3)
— Excluded (Zone 3) —
29-2091
Orthotists and Prosthetists (Zone 4)
High – Specialized clinical fabrication/fitting; credentialing/licensure favor specialty.
29-2092
Hearing Aid Specialists (Zone 3)
— Excluded (Zone 3) —
29-9091
Athletic Trainers (Zone 4)
Moderate – Degree/certification; emphasize clinical sports medicine protocols.
29-9092
Genetic Counselors (Zone 5)
High – Graduate genetic counseling and licensure; classic specialty.
29-9093
Surgical Assistants (Zone 4)
Moderate – Credentialed perioperative scope; specify advanced procedures and protocols.
29-9099
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Workers, All Other (Zone 4/5)
Moderate – Define the precise clinical specialty to avoid catch-all denials.
Most line officer roles are Zone 2–3 and excluded. Inspectors/investigators with technical or regulatory specialization are more likely to be Zone 4.
SOC Code
Occupation Title (Job Zone)
H-1B Eligibility Grading
33-2021
Fire Inspectors and Investigators (Zone 4)
Moderate – Strengthen with fire protection engineering, NFPA codes, and complex forensic analysis.
33-2022
Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists (Zone 4)
Moderate – Technical fire behavior, GIS, and wildland fuel modeling support specialty arguments.
33-3021
Detectives and Criminal Investigators (Zone 4)
Moderate – Sometimes disputed; improve with forensic science, financial crimes analytics, or cyber investigation scope.
33-3031
Fish and Game Wardens (Zone 4)
Moderate – Environmental/biology specialization and complex enforcement regimes help.
Sales occupations vary widely. Roles tied to complex technical, scientific, or regulated products/services tend to fare far better for H-1B. Zone 3 sales roles are excluded.
SOC Code
Occupation Title (Job Zone)
H-1B Eligibility Grading
41-1012
First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers (Zone 4)
Moderate – Sometimes disputed; strengthen with specialized B2B analytics, pricing strategy, and CRM architectures.
41-3011
Advertising Sales Agents (Zone 4)
Moderate – Often challenged; bolster with programmatic adtech, analytics platforms, and degree-specific marketing science.
41-3031
Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents (Zone 4)
High – Frequently accepted when duties require advanced finance/economics knowledge and licensing (e.g., Series exams).
41-4011
Sales Reps, Wholesale & Manufacturing, Technical & Scientific Products (Zone 4)
High – Strong H-1B fit when selling engineered or scientific products requiring technical bachelor’s-level knowledge.
41-9021
Real Estate Brokers (Zone 4)
Low – Typically viewed as licensure/experience-driven rather than degree-specific; case-by-case.
41-9031
Sales Engineers (Zone 4)
High – Classic specialty; engineering or closely related degree tied to product architecture/requirements.
Most construction roles are Zone 2–3. A notable Job Zone 4 role is inspectors, where code compliance and engineering knowledge are central.
SOC Code
Occupation Title (Job Zone)
H-1B Eligibility Grading
47-4011
Construction and Building Inspectors (Zone 4)
Moderate – Stronger with civil/structural/building science degrees and demonstrated mastery of IBC/IPC/IFC codes.
Many IM&R jobs are Zone 3 (excluded). Several technical/mechatronics roles are Zone 4 and can qualify when duties require bachelor’s-level engineering/EE/biomed knowledge.
SOC Code
Occupation Title (Job Zone)
H-1B Eligibility Grading
49-2091
Avionics Technicians (Zone 4)
Moderate – Emphasize FAA-regulated avionics integration, systems diagnostics, and OEM documentation.
49-2093
Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment (Zone 4)
Moderate – Stronger with EE/controls knowledge and safety/regulatory compliance.
49-2094
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment (Zone 4)
Moderate – Argue specialty via PLCs, VFDs, SCADA, and schematics requiring degree-level theory.
49-3011
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians (Zone 4)
Moderate – FAA A&P plus complex airframe/powerplant systems; sometimes treated as license- vs. degree-based.
49-9062
Medical Equipment Repairers (Zone 4)
High – Biomedical/electronics specialization and FDA/IEC compliance support specialty classification.
49-9041
Industrial Machinery Mechanics (Zone 4)
Moderate – Sometimes disputed; strengthen with mechatronics/industrial engineering-level diagnostics.
Most production roles fall in Zone 2–3. Programming roles tied to advanced manufacturing automation may be Zone 4 and can qualify when duties are engineering-level.
SOC Code
Occupation Title (Job Zone)
H-1B Eligibility Grading
51-4012
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (Zone 4)
Moderate – Improve with CAD/CAM, GD&T, multi-axis programming, and manufacturing engineering knowledge.
Transportation is mostly Zone 2–3, but several highly regulated roles are Zone 4 and can qualify, especially where licensure and complex safety systems are involved.
SOC Code
Occupation Title (Job Zone)
H-1B Eligibility Grading
53-2011
Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers (Zone 4)
High – FAA licensure, flight systems, and complex safety protocols; strong specialty argument.
53-2012
Commercial Pilots (Zone 4)
Moderate – License-centric; argue specialty with advanced aircraft/IFR operations and safety management systems.
53-2021
Air Traffic Controllers (Zone 4)
High – Highly specialized FAA-regulated role; strong specialty classification.
53-6051
Transportation Inspectors (Zone 4)
Moderate – Stronger when duties involve federal safety regulations and complex mechanical/avionics systems.
Reminder: This H1B grader focuses on Job Zone 4 & 5 roles from O*NET. We exclude Job Zone 3 occupations in the tables above; however, some Zone 3 jobs can still qualify if the employer normally requires a bachelor’s degree in a specific field for the role, or if the position is unusually complex for the industry.
Use this page as a practical H1B database when evaluating potential H1B visa jobs. For case-specific strategy (especially for roles graded “Moderate” or “Low”), consult with counsel to tailor evidence: degree-specialized duty matrices, industry data, expert letters, and organizational records that align the position with recognized specialty occupation criteria.
To make this H1B Grader more practical, here are answers to common questions about H1B visa jobs, specialty occupations, and how Job Zone 4 and Job Zone 5 roles fit into the H1B process.
An H1B Grader is a tool or guide that evaluates how likely a job is to qualify as a specialty occupation under H1B rules. In this article, we graded every Job Zone 4 and Job Zone 5 occupation in the O*NET system to create a practical H1B database for employers, attorneys, and workers.
Job Zone 4 and 5 occupations almost always require a bachelor’s degree or higher. These jobs are the strongest candidates for H1B approval. Job Zone 3 roles (which often accept either a degree or experience) are excluded, although in rare cases they may qualify if the employer proves that a degree is normally required or the duties are unusually complex.
Classic examples include Software Developers, Electrical Engineers, Statisticians, Physicians, Accountants, and Architects. These are well-recognized as specialty occupations and align directly with degree programs.
Moderate likelihood jobs include Network Administrators, Web Developers, and Construction Inspectors — they can qualify, but require stronger documentation. Low likelihood jobs include General Managers, Real Estate Brokers, and Sales Agents — they are often denied unless tied to very specialized industries with strong degree requirements.
Employers can strengthen borderline cases by providing:
This article serves as a free H1B database and grader. Instead of guessing whether a role qualifies, you can check the SOC code, Job Zone, and our H1B eligibility grading to quickly understand the strengths and weaknesses of your case. It’s a valuable resource for planning H1B visa jobs and avoiding denials.
