Unlocking the H1B Puzzle: A Deep Dive into Wage Standards and Strategies

2. The Four Levels of H1B Wage Standards

There are four levels of prevailing wage standards for H-1B:

Each H-1B eligible position corresponds to four levels of prevailing H1B wage standards. The key factors that determine these levels include the professional knowledge, skills, and work experience required for the position.

Each level's wage is divided into hourly and annual salaries. If you cannot meet the annual salary for a particular level, you can also apply for H-1B part-time, as long as the hourly wage meets the standard.

• Level 1: Generally requires basic theoretical knowledge and skills. It represents the lowest level of the prevailing wage standard. Usually, the minimum educational requirement is a bachelor's degree or less than one year of work experience. Companies often apply for this level for recent graduates. However, during Trump's administration, Level 1 applications were often subjected to RFE (Request for Evidence). To increase the approval rate of H-1B, it is common to apply for Level 2 even for recent graduates.

• Level 2: This level requires a higher level of education, related experience, and professional knowledge. A bachelor's degree is acceptable, but two years of work experience is preferred. A master's degree can also apply for this level to compensate for the lack of work experience.

• Level 3: This level is for applicants with more experience and responsibilities in their job roles and functions, including mid-to-senior management positions. Typically, an undergraduate degree plus over three years of work experience can attempt to apply for this level.

• Level 4: Suitable for top-tier workers with extensive experience, professional knowledge, and higher education qualifications. Only employees with extensive experience in their field are eligible for Level 4, generally requiring a high-level management position.

After understanding the four levels of H-1B wage standards, it's clear that even if your employer is generous and willing to pay a higher wage level, your personal educational background, skill set, and actual work experience must match the requirements of the prevailing wage standard level. The application materials must provide a reasonable explanation and proof.