The US remains the deepest pool of experienced technology leaders in the world. After a difficult 2025, the market is forecast to grow again, but AI is changing what employers ask for and immigration policy is adding uncertainty.
A market returning to growth
CompTIA’s State of the Tech Workforce 2026 found that US net tech employment fell by 0.3% in 2025, but forecasts growth of 1.9% in 2026, creating around 185,500 positions. In January 2026 alone, more than 275,000 active job postings referenced AI skills, covering both dedicated AI roles and roles that now expect AI fluency.
Immigration is a moving target
A $100,000 fee on new H-1B petitions was introduced by proclamation in September 2025. It is currently paused because of legal challenges, and its future depends on the courts and on any further action by the administration. Employers planning sponsored hires should take specialist immigration advice before committing to timelines.
What it means for international employers
A deep leadership pool
The US holds experienced platform, data, AI and cybersecurity leaders, many with global experience.
AI fluency is expected
Senior candidates increasingly bring hands-on experience of AI adoption.
Relocation needs care
Moving a US leader to the Gulf or UK means discussing tax, schooling and family early.
Five steps for hiring US-based leaders
- 1Be clear on location. US-based, relocating or hybrid across time zones are three different searches.
- 2Test AI experience properly. Ask what they delivered with AI, not which tools they know.
- 3Take early advice on immigration and tax. For both US sponsorship and moves abroad.
- 4Compete on scope. International roles offering regional or global remit are attractive to US leaders.
- 5Plan for time zones. Agree working patterns before the offer, not after.
The US market is recovering, but the leaders employers want most, the ones who have delivered with AI at scale, are still in short supply.
Ameera Talent SolutionsKiller questions for hiring US talent
| Will this leader be US-based, relocating or hybrid? | Based / Relocating / Hybrid |
| Does the role require visa sponsorship? | Yes / No |
| Can candidates evidence AI delivered in production? | Yes / No |
| How many hours of time-zone overlap does the role need? | Number |
| Has immigration or tax advice been taken? | Yes / No |
Hiring US-based or relocating leaders?
We connect employers in the Middle East, UK and Europe with experienced US technology leaders.
Request a callContact usGeneral information only, not legal or immigration advice. Rules can change quickly.
Sources: CompTIA, State of the Tech Workforce 2026; Meltzer Hellrung, H-1B fee status (September 2026); WR Immigration, H-1B proclamation update (September 2026).
