DENIED H-1B FY 2021

Cellular and Molecular Biologist

Acerand Therapeutics USA Limited · Carmel, Indiana

Case #I-200-21253-576566

In FY2021, Acerand Therapeutics USA Limited sought H-1B sponsorship for a Cellular and Molecular Biologist in Carmel, Indiana at $97k per year, which is 15% above the prevailing wage of $84k. The case was denied in 5 days during the FY FY2021 cycle. This position is for continued employment.

$97k
Annual Salary
$84k
Prevailing Wage
+15.0%
Wage Premium
1
Positions

Filing Details

Case NumberI-200-21253-576566
Case StatusDenied
Visa ClassH-1B
Fiscal YearFY 2021
EmployerAcerand Therapeutics USA Limited
Employer LocationCarmel, Indiana
Job TitleCellular and Molecular Biologist
SOC Code19-102902 – Molecular and Cellular Biologists
WorksiteCarmel, Indiana
Annual Wage$97k
Prevailing Wage$84k
Wage Premium+15.0%
Positions1 (0 new, 0 continued)

Timeline

Sep 10, 2021
Received
Sep 15, 2021
Decision
Oct 2, 2021
Employment Start
Oct 1, 2024
Employment End

More Filings from Acerand Therapeutics USA Limited

Job TitleSalaryStatusDate
Cellular and Molecular Biologist $104k CERTIFIED May 28, 2024
Cellular and Molecular Biologist $97k CERTIFIED Sep 15, 2021

View all Acerand Therapeutics USA Limited filings →

Explore More

About This H-1B Filing

This Labor Condition Application (LCA) was filed by Acerand Therapeutics USA Limited for the position of Cellular and Molecular Biologist in Carmel, Indiana. The offered annual salary is $97k, compared to the prevailing wage of $84k for this occupation and location. This represents a wage premium of +15.0% above the prevailing wage.

The LCA is the first step in the H-1B visa process. Employers must file an LCA with the Department of Labor certifying that they will pay the foreign worker at least the prevailing wage for the occupation in the area of intended employment. A certified LCA is required before the employer can file an H-1B petition with USCIS.

Case status: Denied. This means the Department of Labor has denied the application, possibly due to wage or documentation issues.

Understanding This LCA Filing

A Labor Condition Application (LCA) is a mandatory document that U.S. employers must file with the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) before they can petition for a foreign worker under the H-1B, H-1B1, or E-3 visa categories. The LCA process was established under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to protect both foreign and domestic workers by ensuring fair wages and working conditions.

Why Employers File LCAs

When a U.S. company identifies a foreign national to fill a specialty occupation position, they must first obtain DOL certification through the LCA process before filing the H-1B petition (Form I-129) with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). In this case, Acerand Therapeutics USA Limited filed LCA case number I-200-21253-576566 to sponsor a Cellular and Molecular Biologist position at their worksite in Carmel, Indiana. By filing this LCA, the employer attests to four key conditions: (1) paying the higher of the actual wage or prevailing wage, (2) providing working conditions that will not adversely affect other similarly employed workers, (3) no strike or lockout at the worksite, and (4) providing notice of the filing to the bargaining representative or posting notice at the worksite.

What Wage Levels Mean

The DOL establishes four wage levels for each occupation and geographic area, representing the progression from entry-level to fully competent workers:

For this filing, the offered wage of $97k compares to the DOL prevailing wage of $84k for Molecular and Cellular Biologists positions in the Carmel, Indiana area. The positive wage premium of +15.0% indicates the employer is offering above the DOL-determined average for this occupation and location.

What is Prevailing Wage?

The prevailing wage is the average wage paid to similarly employed workers in a specific occupation in the area of intended employment. The DOL determines prevailing wages using data from the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey conducted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Employers must pay H-1B workers the higher of the prevailing wage or the actual wage paid to other employees in similar positions at the company. This requirement is designed to prevent employers from using H-1B workers to undercut domestic wages.

How to Interpret This Data

What Denied Means for This Application

A "Denied" status means the DOL has determined that Acerand Therapeutics USA Limited's LCA did not meet one or more regulatory requirements. Common reasons for denial include: the offered wage falling below the prevailing wage, errors in the application, failure to properly attest to working conditions, or prior violations by the employer. The employer may correct the identified issues and submit a new LCA.

Processing Time

This LCA was received by the DOL on Sep 10, 2021 and a decision was rendered on Sep 15, 2021, a processing time of approximately 5 business days. The standard DOL processing time for LCA applications is 7 to 10 business days. This application was processed within the standard timeframe.

Comparing to Industry Standards

The offered salary of $97k for this Cellular and Molecular Biologist position provides a data point for evaluating compensation trends in H-1B visa sponsorship. When reviewing H-1B salary data, consider that wages vary significantly based on geographic location, employer size, industry sector, and the worker's experience level. This position falls under SOC code 19-102902 (Molecular and Cellular Biologists), which standardizes how the Bureau of Labor Statistics classifies occupations across industries. Metropolitan areas like New York, San Francisco, and Seattle typically command higher salaries due to higher costs of living, while positions in smaller markets may offer lower nominal wages but comparable purchasing power.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary for this Cellular and Molecular Biologist position?

The offered annual salary for this Cellular and Molecular Biologist position at Acerand Therapeutics USA Limited is $97k. The Department of Labor prevailing wage for this occupation and location is $84k. The offered wage represents a +15.0% premium over the prevailing wage.

Where is this Cellular and Molecular Biologist job located?

This H-1B filing is for a position located in Carmel, Indiana. The employing company, Acerand Therapeutics USA Limited, is headquartered in Carmel, Indiana.

What visa type is this filing for?

This Labor Condition Application is filed under the H-1B visa classification. The H-1B visa is designed for specialty occupation workers who possess at least a bachelor's degree or equivalent in a specific field related to the job.

Who is the employer for this H-1B filing?

The employer for this filing is Acerand Therapeutics USA Limited, located in Carmel, Indiana. Acerand Therapeutics USA Limited filed this Labor Condition Application (case number I-200-21253-576566) for a Cellular and Molecular Biologist position during fiscal year FY 2021. View all Acerand Therapeutics USA Limited H-1B filings.

What does LCA “Denied” mean?

Denied means the U.S. Department of Labor has rejected this Labor Condition Application. Common reasons for denial include offering a wage below the prevailing wage, incomplete documentation, failure to properly attest to working conditions, or prior violations.

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