Ted H. Kim, Associate Director Refugee, Asylum and International Operations Directorate for USCIS | https://www.naco.org/
Ted H. Kim, Associate Director Refugee, Asylum and International Operations Directorate for USCIS | https://www.naco.org/
Of these, 154 were approved (96.2%), while six were denied (3.8%).
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, South Dakota employers across all industries submitted 872 petitions during the same period, achieving an approval rate of 96.9%.
The Finance and Insurance industry led the H-1B filings in South Dakota during 2024, with 429 petitions (49.2% of all submissions), and an approval rate of 99.8%. Meanwhile, the Health Care and Social Assistance industry was the second largest contributor, filing 214 petitions (24.5% of the total), with an approval rate of 91.6%.
The South Dakota employers which made the most petitions in the Educational Services sector during 2024 included South Dakota State University with 49 petitions, Todd County School District 66-1 with 18 petitions, and Sioux Falls School District 49-5 with 16 petitions.
Compared to 2023, the Educational Services sector in South Dakota saw a 44.1% 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 | Finance and Insurance | 429 | 49.2% | 99.8% | 0.2% |
| 2 | Health Care and Social Assistance | 214 | 24.5% | 91.6% | 8.4% |
| 3 | Educational Services | 160 | 18.4% | 96.3% | 3.8% |
| 4 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | 51 | 5.9% | 98% | 2% |
| 5 | Manufacturing | 9 | 1% | 100% | 0% |
| 6 | Public Administration | 3 | 0.3% | 100% | 0% |
| 6 | Information | 3 | 0.3% | 100% | 0% |
| 8 | Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting | 2 | 0.2% | 100% | 0% |
| 9 | Wholesale Trade | 1 | 0.1% | 0% | 100% |
Top Employers in Educational Services Industry in South Dakota, 2024
| Rank | Company Name | Total Petitions | % Approved | % Denied |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Dakota State University | 49 | 98% | 2% |
| 2 | Todd County School District 66-1 | 18 | 94.4% | 5.6% |
| 3 | Sioux Falls School District 49-5 | 16 | 100% | 0% |
| 4 | Sicangu Oyate Ho, Inc. | 15 | 100% | 0% |
| 5 | Sanford School of Medicine of the | 12 | 100% | 0% |
| 6 | Crow Creek Tribal School | 8 | 100% | 0% |
| 7 | Tiospaye Topa School | 6 | 100% | 0% |
| 7 | Wounded Knee District School | 6 | 100% | 0% |
| 7 | Augustana University | 6 | 100% | 0% |
| 10 | Tiospa Zina Tribal School | 5 | 100% | 0% |
| 11 | Mclaughlin School District 15-2 | 3 | 100% | 0% |
| 11 | Lower Brule Day School | 3 | 100% | 0% |
| 11 | Little Wound School | 3 | 0% | 100% |
| 14 | Pahin Sinte Owayawa | 2 | 100% | 0% |
| 14 | Willow Lake School District 12-3 | 2 | 100% | 0% |
| 16 | Eagle Butte School District 20 1 | 1 | 0% | 100% |
| 16 | Bowdle School District No 22-1 | 1 | 100% | 0% |
| 16 | Bison School District 52-1 | 1 | 100% | 0% |
| 16 | Loneman School Isna Wica Owayawa | 1 | 100% | 0% |
| 16 | Sioux Falls School District 49 5 | 1 | 100% | 0% |
| 16 | Lemmon School District 52 4 | 1 | 100% | 0% |
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