CERTIFIED H-1B FY 2024

Research Associate

BSCS Science Learning · Redwood, California

Case #I-200-24025-666826

BSCS Science Learning filed an H-1B petition for a Research Associate position in Redwood, California at $56k per year — 6% above the prevailing wage of $52k. The case was certified in 7 days during the FY FY2024 cycle. This position is for continued employment.

$56k
Annual Salary
$52k
Prevailing Wage
+6.4%
Wage Premium
1
Positions

Filing Details

Case NumberI-200-24025-666826
Case StatusCertified
Visa ClassH-1B
Fiscal YearFY 2024
EmployerBSCS Science Learning
Employer LocationColorado Springs, Colorado
Job TitleResearch Associate
SOC Code19-406100 – Social Science Research Assistants
WorksiteRedwood, California
Annual Wage$56k
Prevailing Wage$52k
Wage Premium+6.4%
Positions1 (0 new, 0 continued)

Timeline

Jan 25, 2024
Received
Feb 1, 2024
Decision
Jun 25, 2024
Employment Start
Jun 24, 2027
Employment End

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Science Educator $96k CERTIFIED Jan 25, 2024
Research Assistant $53k CERTIFIED Jul 28, 2022

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About This H-1B Filing

This Labor Condition Application (LCA) was filed by BSCS Science Learning for the position of Research Associate in Redwood, California. The offered annual salary is $56k, compared to the prevailing wage of $52k for this occupation and location. This represents a wage premium of +6.4% 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: Certified. This means the Department of Labor has certified that the employer meets the wage and working condition requirements.

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, BSCS Science Learning filed LCA case number I-200-24025-666826 to sponsor a Research Associate position at their worksite in Redwood, California. 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 $56k compares to the DOL prevailing wage of $52k for Social Science Research Assistants positions in the Redwood, California area. The positive wage premium of +6.4% 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 Certified Means for This Application

A "Certified" status means the DOL has reviewed BSCS Science Learning's attestations and determined that the LCA meets all regulatory requirements. The employer has demonstrated that the offered wage of $56k meets or exceeds the prevailing wage for Research Associate positions in the Redwood, California area. It is important to understand that LCA certification does not guarantee H-1B visa approval. The next step is for the employer to file Form I-129 with USCIS, which evaluates whether the position qualifies as a specialty occupation and whether the beneficiary has the required qualifications.

Processing Time

This LCA was received by the DOL on Jan 25, 2024 and a decision was rendered on Feb 1, 2024, a processing time of approximately 7 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 $56k for this Research Associate 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 19-406100 (Social Science Research Assistants), 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 Research Associate position?

The offered annual salary for this Research Associate position at BSCS Science Learning is $56k. The Department of Labor prevailing wage for this occupation and location is $52k. The offered wage represents a +6.4% premium over the prevailing wage.

Where is this Research Associate job located?

This H-1B filing is for a position located in Redwood, California. The employing company, BSCS Science Learning, is headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

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 BSCS Science Learning, located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. BSCS Science Learning filed this Labor Condition Application (case number I-200-24025-666826) for a Research Associate position during fiscal year FY 2024. View all BSCS Science Learning H-1B filings.

What does LCA “Certified” mean?

Certified means the U.S. Department of Labor has approved this Labor Condition Application, confirming that BSCS Science Learning has attested to meeting all wage and working condition requirements. A certified LCA does not guarantee H-1B visa approval — the employer must still file a separate petition (Form I-129) with USCIS.

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