Federal infrastructure, semiconductor and clean-energy investment has kept demand for engineers strong in the US. Engineering is a degree-level profession, so it fits the H-1B visa and employer-sponsored green cards.
Typical salaries
- Civil engineer: roughly $80,000–$110,000
- Mechanical engineer: roughly $85,000–$115,000
- Electrical engineer: roughly $90,000–$120,000+
Pay rises with experience, licensing (PE) and location.
Read also: H-2A Farm Jobs in the USA: Pay, Housing and How Agricultural Workers Are Hired
Making your foreign degree count
- Get a credential evaluation (for example from WES or ECE) showing US degree equivalency.
- For civil and structural roles that sign off designs, US employers value the FE exam and later the PE licence. NCEES offers the FE exam at test centres in many countries.
- Learn the US tools and codes used in your field, such as AutoCAD Civil 3D, Revit, SolidWorks, ASCE/ACI codes and NEC.
Visa routes
- H-1B: subject to the annual lottery unless the employer is cap-exempt, such as a university or government research lab.
- L-1: work for a multinational engineering firm abroad for at least a year, then transfer to its US office.
- EB-2 NIW: for engineers whose work has national importance, such as energy or infrastructure research.
Note for Nigerian applicants: since 1 January 2026, a US presidential proclamation has suspended most immigrant visas (green cards processed at an embassy) and B, F, M and J visas for Nigerian nationals who were outside the US without a valid visa on that date, with limited exceptions. Temporary work visas such as H-1B are not on the suspended list, but consulates may issue them with shorter validity. Check the latest guidance from the US Embassy in Nigeria before you pay for anything.
Where to look
Large engineering consultancies, utilities, contractors, semiconductor and EV manufacturers, and state transport departments’ consultants. Check DOL disclosure data to see which ones have filed H-1B applications for engineers before.
Frequently asked questions
Is a PE licence required for a visa?
No. The visa depends on the degree and the job. The PE is a career requirement for signing designs.
Does a Nigerian or Indian engineering degree count?
Usually yes, after an evaluation shows US bachelor's equivalence.
Can engineers qualify for NIW?
Yes, if their work has national importance, for example energy, infrastructure resilience or advanced manufacturing.
Information checked in October 2026. Immigration rules change often, so always confirm the latest requirements on the official government website before applying or paying any fees.
