Amazon consistently ranks as a top employer for global software engineers eager to launch or advance their tech careers in the United States. The company’s commitment to visa sponsorship remains strong for 2025, with thousands of engineering roles open to international candidates.

With total compensation in top locations reaching up to $230,000, Amazon offers some of the most competitive pay in the industry. As the largest US tech sponsor of H-1B visas, Amazon gives talented engineers access to high-profile projects that build skills and drive career growth.

Demand for these roles is fierce, but Amazon’s transparent sponsorship process and wide range of locations make it a standout choice for those seeking to contribute at scale. This post will give you a clear roadmap for landing a sponsored software engineer role at Amazon in 2025 and making the most of this high-earning opportunity.

Amazon’s Approach to Software Engineer Visa Sponsorship in 2025

Amazon stays at the top when it comes to sponsoring international software engineers for US jobs. In 2025, Amazon’s strategy revolves around sourcing some of the world’s best technical talent by offering a transparent, well-structured sponsorship process and hiring across many offices. With over 7,000 H-1B visa approvals in recent years and major investments in tech hubs, Amazon shows its commitment to building a diverse and high-performing engineering workforce. Whether you’re a grad student, an experienced developer, or an AI specialist, understanding which visas and roles qualify (and where) helps you plan your career move with confidence.

Key Visa Types and Eligibility

To support its global hiring push, Amazon focuses on several key US work visas for software engineers and related talent:

• H-1B (Specialty Occupations)
  • Basic requirements: Bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant field, job offer in a specialty occupation.
  • Amazon roles that qualify: Software Development Engineers, Data Scientists, AI Researchers, Product Managers, Cloud Architects.
  • Process: Annual lottery due to high demand. Amazon stays at the front of the line with thousands of petitions each year.
• Green Card (Permanent Residency)
  • Basic requirements: Employment-based sponsorship, usually after H-1B or L-1. Requires employer support and proof that no qualified US worker can fill the role.
  • Amazon roles that qualify: High-performing engineers, senior technical leads, and long-term employees who bring unique value.
• L-1 (Intra-company Transfer)
  • Basic requirements: Employees who have worked at Amazon abroad for at least 1 year within the past 3 years and are being transferred to the US to continue in a similar role.
  • Amazon roles that qualify: Senior engineers, architects, managers, or anyone in key technical or leadership positions from international Amazon branches.
• F-1 OPT/STEM OPT (Student Visa with Optional Practical Training)
  • Basic requirements: Graduating from a US university, eligible for at least 12 months of work post-graduation (up to 36 months for STEM fields).
  • Amazon roles that qualify: Internships, new graduate roles (often the first step before H-1B sponsorship).
• TN (Canadian/Mexican Professionals)
  • Basic requirements: Available to citizens of Canada and Mexico with a job offer in a qualifying professional occupation.
  • Amazon roles that qualify: Software engineers, analysts, certain IT professionals with NAFTA-aligned degrees.
• O-1 (Individuals with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement)
  • Basic requirements: Demonstrated record of extraordinary achievement in technology or science.
  • Amazon roles that qualify: Distinguished engineers, principal scientists, individuals with patents or published research relevant to Amazon’s tech stack.

Key facts for 2025:
Amazon’s H-1B sponsorship leads the industry. Over 7,000 engineers and other specialists were approved in the last fiscal year. Many start under F-1 or L-1 and transition to H-1B or green card status as their career grows at Amazon. The company sponsors a wide range of roles, but engineering, AI, cloud, and data positions see the greatest volume.

Where Amazon Hires: Top Hubs for Sponsored Engineers

Amazon’s US hiring for international engineers is concentrated in a handful of powerhouse tech cities, and for good reason. These locations offer rich pipelines of talent, proximity to academic research, and robust tech communities that foster innovation.

Here are the main hubs for software engineer sponsorship in 2025:

• Seattle, Washington (HQ)
  • It’s the heart of Amazon’s operations, home to thousands of engineers across Alexa, AWS, Prime Video, robotics, and logistics.
  • The nearby University of Washington and over 17,000 Amazon employees amplify the region’s tech ecosystem.
• Sunnyvale/Bay Area, California
  • Amazon Labs, AWS, Prime Video, and the newly expanded offices in Sunnyvale and San Francisco attract some of the world’s brightest software minds.
  • Access to Silicon Valley’s talent pool and major AI advancements.
• New York City, New York
  • Amazon’s Manhattan and Queens offices drive growth in digital advertising, fintech, and AWS.
  • The city’s diversity and access to East Coast universities feed Amazon’s appetite for sponsored engineering talent.
• Austin, Texas
  • Rapid expansion makes Austin one of Amazon’s fastest-growing tech hubs, with fierce competition for cloud, retail, and device engineers.
  • The cost of living and talent from the University of Texas make it a magnet for new hires.

Notable mentions:
Other key cities include Dallas, Boston, Detroit, Denver, Phoenix, Arlington (HQ2 in Virginia), and San Diego. Each of these offices adds its own specialties, from robotics and AI to logistics and e-commerce.

Why these hubs?

• Talent density: Top universities and large tech communities nearby.
• Research partnerships: Close ties with local research organizations and academic programs, like UW-Amazon Science Hub in Seattle.
• Scale of operations: Large teams working on global platforms, requiring a constant inflow of diverse talent.
• Quality of life and diversity: Cities chosen for their livability, international community, and cost advantages.

Amazon’s investments in these regions mean more opportunities for international engineers to land a sponsored role, work on high-impact projects, and access paths to permanent residency—all while earning a top-tier salary.

2025 Salary Expectations and Career Paths for Sponsored Engineers

Amazon gives sponsored software engineers a clear path for both exceptional pay and growth. Whether you’re entering at the ground floor or targeting a mid-career jump, Amazon’s transparent leveling system and robust compensation make it a top choice. Sponsored engineers can expect salaries that stand shoulder-to-shoulder with leading tech companies, paired with career ladders built for long-term advancement.

Amazon Salary Bands and Sample Total Compensation

Amazon’s 2025 software engineering compensation is more than just base pay. Packages blend salary, restricted stock units (RSUs), and bonuses, weighted toward long-term stock to reward loyalty.

Here’s what real-world total compensation looks like by level and city:

• SDE I (L4, Entry-Level)
  • US Average: $120,000 to $137,000 (base), $140,000 to $165,000 (total with stock/bonus)
  • Seattle: $120,000 base, $145,000–$170,000 total comp
  • New York/Bay Area: $127,000–$140,000 base, $155,000–$180,000 total
  • London: £63,000–£72,000 base, £80,000–£100,000 total
  • Vancouver: CA$95,000–CA$110,000 base, CA$120,000–CA$130,000 total
• SDE II (L5, Mid-Level/Experienced)
  • US Average: $147,000 to $170,000 (base), $185,000 to $220,000 (total with stock/bonus)
  • Seattle/New York/SF: $155,000 base, $200,000–$240,000 total
  • London: £80,000–£90,000 base, £120,000–£150,000 total
  • Vancouver: CA$115,000–CA$135,000 base, CA$145,000–CA$160,000 total
• Senior SDE (L6)
  • US Average: $164,000–$185,000 (base), $230,000–$270,000 (total)
  • Bay Area/NY/Seattle: $180,000 base, $250,000–$280,000 total
  • London: £110,000–£130,000 base, £160,000–£200,000 total
• Principal Engineer (L7)
  • US: $225,000–$260,000 base, $350,000–$600,000+ (total with larger RSUs/bonuses)

Key facts to know:

• Amazon pays above national averages for tech throughout the US, especially in high-cost urban markets.
• Total compensation is weighted toward stock. Expect high equity for most full-time offers, with annual refreshers based on performance.
• Benefits include health insurance, paid time off, relocation support, and optional wellness services.
• RSUs typically vest over 4 years, rewarding those who stay and perform.

For sponsored engineers, pay scales do not differ based on citizenship or visa status. All employees meeting the role’s requirements are offered compensation within the public pay bands.

Boosting your number:

• Negotiation is expected. Strong candidates with in-demand skills (Python, AWS infrastructure, ML, large-scale system design) can push toward the top of each range.
• Certification (AWS Solutions Architect, DevOps Engineer) increases your salary potential.

Promotion Tracks and Long-Term Growth for International Engineers

Amazon’s engineering ladder supports every stage of your career, from entry-level to technical leadership. Sponsored engineers enjoy equal opportunity on this track and clear promotion targets.

Engineer levels and growth expectations:

• SDE I (L4):
  • Most hires start here with 0–2 years of non-internship experience. Core skills in Java, C++, Python, and strong teamwork matter most.
  • Stay at this level averages 1–2 years. Progression is expected; those who don’t promote within the window risk “up-and-out” policies.
• SDE II (L5):
  • Engineers with 2–5 years’ experience (or fast-tracked SDE I’s) move up by leading small features and minor projects.
  • SDE II’s often mentor others and show strong ownership.
  • Time in level varies by performance, usually 2–4 years.
• Senior SDE (L6):
  • Engineers at this level own major projects, lead teams, and design systems that serve millions.
  • You manage code and guide development for cross-team efforts.
  • Most L6’s have 5–8 years’ experience, but top engineers can promote faster.
• Principal/Lead Engineers (L7+):
  • These are leaders with influence across orgs. They set technical standards, review architecture, and mentor many teams.
  • Principal Engineers shape the strategy, not just the code.

Path to promotion:

• Impact, not time, drives advancement. Completing high-profile projects and showing cross-team leadership is key.
• Mentorship and visibility matter. Those who coach others, share knowledge, and own outcomes see quicker growth.
• Internal mobility: Amazon supports switching teams and global transfers, making it easier to move up or specialize.

Here’s how a growth journey might look for a sponsored software engineer:

1. Year 1–2: Join as SDE I. Contribute to your team, fix bugs, and ship features.
2. Year 3–4: Show ownership, lead projects, move to SDE II. Take on mentorship or lead scrum meetings.
3. Year 5–8: Deliver major business features, design architecture, promote to Senior SDE (L6).
4. Beyond: Drive strategic initiatives, become a leader, and work toward Principal Engineer.

Career fuelers:

• Amazon Tech Academy and internal upskilling tools for rapid skill growth.
• Cross-functional teams and Hackathons to showcase leadership and ingenuity.
• Visa-to-Green Card pipeline: Amazon actively supports green card applications for performers after initial visa years.

Sponsored engineers at Amazon gain more than just a pay boost. The company’s engineering ladder, project scale, and commitment to mobility create a launchpad for many international tech leaders.

How to Apply for Amazon’s 2025 Software Engineer Visa Sponsorship Roles

Landing a software engineering role at Amazon with visa sponsorship can open doors to top-tier US tech jobs, robust compensation, and a thriving global community. Understanding the process and using the right strategies gives you an edge in a competitive field. This section covers how Amazon supports international hires through the visa process and proven ways to boost your chances.

Navigating the Visa Process with Amazon’s Support

After you secure an offer, Amazon moves quickly to help international hires transition smoothly to the US. Their sponsorship process stands out for its clarity and comprehensive assistance.

Key support features include:

• In-house immigration team: Amazon assigns you a dedicated immigration specialist who explains every visa step so you always know what to expect.
• Full documentation guidance: They provide checklists for required paperwork, help you complete forms (like the H-1B petition), and connect with you for any missing documents or follow-up questions.
• Legal assistance: Amazon partners with top immigration law firms to handle filings, compliance, and responses to government requests, relieving most of the pressure from you.
• Timeline transparency: You’ll receive a personalized timeline that spells out when to expect each milestone—application filing, approval updates, and tentative start dates.

Typical visa process steps with Amazon:

1. Offer acceptance: Once you say yes, your information is sent to their immigration team.
2. Immigration kickoff: You get onboarding documents and are assigned an immigration specialist.
3. Document gathering: Submit personal details, passports, transcripts, and employment proofs with Amazon’s help.
4. Filing and waiting: Amazon files petitions (H-1B, L-1, or others). You receive real-time updates.
5. Approval and relocation: Once approved, Amazon guides you through travel, pre-arrival checklists, temporary housing, and first-day logistics.

Expect Amazon’s process to be highly organized but dependent on government timelines. Most candidates moving on new H-1B visas can expect a six- to eight-month wait from offer to arrival if outside the US. If you’re already in the US on F-1 OPT or STEM OPT, the transition is often faster.

Tips to Increase Your Chances of Securing Sponsorship

A high volume of candidates apply for Amazon’s international software roles every recruitment window. To rise above the crowd and secure sponsorship, use these proven strategies:

Target In-Demand Roles

Amazon’s hiring needs shift, but some software roles stay in constant demand:

• Backend and distributed systems engineers
• AI/ML specialists
• Front-end engineers with deep experience in modern frameworks
• Site reliability and DevOps roles
• Cloud infrastructure (AWS) experts

Focus your search on jobs in Seattle, the Bay Area, Austin, New York, and Arlington—their long-standing hubs for international hiring.

Build a Strong Coding Portfolio

Your technical portfolio speaks louder than any credential. Stand out by:

• Creating a detailed GitHub with popular repositories or real-world projects
• Sharing code that solves actual engineering problems
• Listing open-source contributions, hackathon wins, or relevant side-projects

Recruiters often review your public code. Make your documentation, testing, and structure easy to follow.

Pursue Relevant Advanced Degrees

While not required, a master’s or PhD in computer science, data science, AI, or software engineering gives weight to your application. Amazon prioritizes candidates with advanced degrees for both sponsorship and fast-track hiring. Many successful hires begin in the US on F-1 visas, completing OPT or STEM OPT, then transition to H-1B with Amazon’s in-house support.

Customize Your Resume and Application

Submitting a generic resume reduces your callback odds. Make every application count:

• Tailor your resume to each job description—mirror keywords from the posting.
• Highlight technical internships, leadership roles, and software you’ve shipped.
• Emphasize teamwork, communication, and how your work improved outcomes.
• Align achievements with Amazon’s Leadership Principles—echo them in bullet points.

Ace the Interview Process

Prepare for multiple rounds—coding assessments, technical interviews, and behavioral interviews tied to Amazon’s Leadership Principles (LPs). Here’s how to boost your performance:

• Practice 150+ LeetCode or HackerRank problems—focus on arrays, graphs, and dynamic programming.
• Get comfortable explaining your thought process out loud while you code.
• For system design interviews (L5+), review distributed systems, AWS services, and architectural trade-offs.
• Use the STAR+R method in behavioral answers (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

Connect With Employees

Referrals matter at Amazon. Reach out to current engineers on LinkedIn (especially those from your university or country). Ask thoughtful questions—don’t just request a referral outright. Demonstrating real interest gets you noticed.

Success Stories: What Works

Real examples from foreign engineers highlight what makes the difference:

• A recent grad from India built several open-source distributed tools, got noticed through GitHub, and landed an SDE I job in Seattle.
• A master’s student from Germany joined Amazon Austin after networking with alumni and practicing mock interviews for two months straight.
• A senior engineer from Brazil posted technical blogs about AWS best practices, got approached by a recruiter, and now works in New York after an L-1B transfer.

Summary of Actionable Steps:

• Apply directly via Amazon’s career portal and filter for “Visa sponsorship available”
• Focus your efforts on high-demand locations and roles
• Build a technical portfolio beyond just academic projects
• Highlight advanced degrees and STEM OPT eligibility where relevant
• Use clear, focused bullet points and keywords in your resume
• Practice coding and behavioral interviews to master both skill and communication
• Build network connections with current Amazon engineers for referrals and insights

Taking these steps increases your odds of not only landing an offer but also successfully securing visa sponsorship—with Amazon’s full support along every step.

Conclusion

Pursuing a software engineering role at Amazon with visa sponsorship in 2025 offers more than just a job. It provides a structured path to work alongside top engineers, access some of the highest compensation packages in the industry, and build a long-term tech career in the US. Amazon’s established sponsorship programs, high volume of approvals, and clear support systems make it a strong choice for international talent ready to grow and contribute.

Taking action now could open doors to specialized work in cloud, AI, and large-scale systems—all while securing a future in one of America’s leading tech firms. Your background and skill set may be exactly what Amazon needs to solve tomorrow’s big challenges.

Thank you for reading. If you found this guide useful or want to share your own experience, leave a comment below or pass this post on to someone considering a similar opportunity. Your move today could shape your tech career for years to come.