If you have used H1BGrader, you already know it is the most popular H1B sponsor lookup tool, and for good reason. They have been around for years, they have a massive database, and their grading system gives you a quick snapshot of any employer's H1B track record.
But H1BGrader has limitations. The ads are everywhere. The data stops at approval rates and LCA filings. There is no RFE intelligence, no stamping data, no attorney-level analysis. We built H1BSignal because we wanted something better, not a replacement out of spite, but a genuine improvement built on the belief that this data should be free, clean, and deeper than what exists today. All data is sourced directly from DOL public LCA disclosures and USCIS petition data.
H1BGrader vs. H1BSignal: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | H1BGrader | H1BSignal |
|---|---|---|
| Company search | Yes | Yes |
| Approval/denial rates | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Heavy (4-5 per page) | None |
| Free tier | Limited (some features require login) | Full access, no gates |
| RFE rates by company | No | Yes (coming soon) |
| Attorney success rates | Basic (LCA-level only) | Detailed petition-level data (coming soon) |
| Visa stamping intelligence | No | Coming soon |
| Transfer risk data | No | Coming soon |
| Lottery odds calculator | Yes (wage-weighted) | Yes (wage-weighted) |
| Extension access | Requires registration + access code | Free, instant |
| Data-driven articles/guides | 5-6 blog posts | 20+ in-depth guides |
| Company comparison | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile experience | Desktop-optimized | Mobile-first |
| Design | Dated (Bootstrap-era) | Modern, clean |
What H1BGrader Does Well
Credit where it is due.
- Database depth: H1BGrader has over 6 million records spanning FY2011-2025. Their coverage is comprehensive.
- Grading system: Their A/B/C/D employer grades give users a quick, intuitive read on a company's H1B reliability. It is a smart UX choice.
- Lottery odds calculator: Their FY2027 wage-weighted lottery predictor is well-designed, with SOC code auto-suggest and MSA-based prevailing wage lookup.
What H1BSignal Does Better
No ads. Period.
H1BGrader runs 4-5 display ads per page: banner ads, sidebar ads, video overlays, interstitial popups. When you are trying to make a career decision that affects your immigration status, the last thing you need is a mortgage refinancing ad covering the data. H1BSignal has zero ads.
Deeper data, not just approval rates
H1BSignal is building layers of intelligence that do not exist anywhere else:
- RFE Intelligence: Company-level RFE rates — the hidden risk most immigrants never check.
- Attorney success rates: Which law firms have the best petition-level outcomes.
- Visa stamping data: Consulate-level approval rates by nationality.
- Transfer risk analysis: Company-to-company transfer probability based on historical data.
No gates, no friction
H1BGrader requires registration for some features and an access code for their Chrome extension. H1BSignal gives you everything without creating an account. No access codes, no login walls, no "sign up to see this data."
Built for mobile
Check a company's H1B signal while you are sitting in a waiting room before an interview, or while you are on a call with a recruiter. H1BSignal is designed mobile-first.
Who Should Use Which
Use H1BGrader if you want the largest historical database (10+ years) and their grading system works for your needs. Their data coverage for FY2011-2020 is currently deeper.
Use H1BSignal if you want a cleaner experience, deeper analysis beyond basic approval rates, and data-driven content that helps you understand the H1B landscape. Especially valuable if you care about RFE risk, attorney quality, or the wage-weighted lottery system. Start with our research guides or ask the H1BSignal AI assistant any H1B question.
Use both if you are making a major career decision. Cross-reference the data. The stakes are too high to rely on a single source.