‘Talent War’ at Home Prompts U.S. Employers to Take Another Look Abroad

"U.S. companies racing to tap artificial intelligence (AI) and other high-tech tools face a shortage of workers at home," states the Wall Street Journal . As a result, employers are taking a closer look at skilled digital workers outside the United States even though the process of applying for H-1B visas for such hires is very complex. H-1B visas have an annual cap of 85,000, and approval rates have declined to 75 percent from 92 percent in 2016. According to CompTIA, U.S. job postings for AI positions alone soared 159 percent over the last year as the pace of digital growth across all industries is creating demand faster than typical education paths can create a supply of skilled employees. Consequently, U.S. companies are considering alternatives for sourcing talent, like tech boot camps, while looking into the feasibility of getting employees from abroad.