DENIED H-1B FY 2025

Software Engineer II

DigitalOcean, LLC · Seattle, Washington

Case #I-200-25160-071244

In FY2025, DigitalOcean, LLC sought H-1B sponsorship for a Software Engineer II in Seattle, Washington at $6,496k per year, which is 5100% above the prevailing wage of $125k. The case was denied in 1 days during the FY FY2025 cycle. This position is for continued employment.

$6,496k
Annual Salary
up to $7,140k
$125k
Prevailing Wage
+5100.0%
Wage Premium
1
Positions

Filing Details

Case NumberI-200-25160-071244
Case StatusDenied
Visa ClassH-1B
Fiscal YearFY 2025
EmployerDigitalOcean, LLC
Employer LocationBroomfield, Colorado
Job TitleSoftware Engineer II
SOC Code15-125200 – Software Developers
WorksiteSeattle, Washington
Annual Wage$6,496k – $7,140k
Prevailing Wage$125k
Wage Premium+5100.0%
Positions1 (0 new, 0 continued)

Timeline

Jun 9, 2025
Received
Jun 10, 2025
Decision
Jun 16, 2025
Employment Start
Jun 15, 2028
Employment End

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Senior Software Engineer II - GenAi (Backend) $264k CERTIFIED Jul 10, 2025
Engineering Manager $215k CERTIFIED Jun 16, 2025

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Explore More

About This H-1B Filing

This Labor Condition Application (LCA) was filed by DigitalOcean, LLC for the position of Software Engineer II in Seattle, Washington. The offered annual salary is $6,496k, compared to the prevailing wage of $125k for this occupation and location. This represents a wage premium of +5100.0% 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, DigitalOcean, LLC filed LCA case number I-200-25160-071244 to sponsor a Software Engineer II position at their worksite in Seattle, Washington. 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 $6,496k compares to the DOL prevailing wage of $125k for Software Developers positions in the Seattle, Washington area. The positive wage premium of +5100.0% 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 DigitalOcean, LLC'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 Jun 9, 2025 and a decision was rendered on Jun 10, 2025, a processing time of approximately 1 business day. 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 $6,496k for this Software Engineer II 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 15-125200 (Software Developers), 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 Software Engineer II position?

The offered annual salary for this Software Engineer II position at DigitalOcean, LLC is $6,496k to $7,140k. The Department of Labor prevailing wage for this occupation and location is $125k. The offered wage represents a +5100.0% premium over the prevailing wage.

Where is this Software Engineer II job located?

This H-1B filing is for a position located in Seattle, Washington. The employing company, DigitalOcean, LLC, is headquartered in Broomfield, 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 DigitalOcean, LLC, located in Broomfield, Colorado. DigitalOcean, LLC filed this Labor Condition Application (case number I-200-25160-071244) for a Software Engineer II position during fiscal year FY 2025. View all DigitalOcean, LLC 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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