CERTIFIED H-1B FY 2025

Data Scientist

Meta Platforms, Inc · Menlo Park, California

Case #I-200-25262-320575

In FY2025, Meta Platforms, Inc sought H-1B sponsorship for a Data Scientist in Menlo Park, California at $197k per year, which is 1% above the prevailing wage of $195k. The case was certified in 7 days during the FY FY2025 cycle. This position is for continued employment. The filing covers 25 positions.

$197k
Annual Salary
$195k
Prevailing Wage
+1.1%
Wage Premium
25
Positions

Filing Details

Case NumberI-200-25262-320575
Case StatusCertified
Visa ClassH-1B
Fiscal YearFY 2025
EmployerMeta Platforms, Inc
Employer LocationMenlo Park, California
Job TitleData Scientist
SOC Code15-205100 – Data Scientists
WorksiteMenlo Park, California
Annual Wage$197k
Prevailing Wage$195k
Wage Premium+1.1%
Positions25 (0 new, 0 continued)

Timeline

Sep 19, 2025
Received
Sep 26, 2025
Decision
Sep 24, 2025
Employment Start
Sep 23, 2028
Employment End

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About This H-1B Filing

This Labor Condition Application (LCA) was filed by Meta Platforms, Inc for the position of Data Scientist in Menlo Park, California. The offered annual salary is $197k, compared to the prevailing wage of $195k for this occupation and location. This represents a wage premium of +1.1% 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, Meta Platforms, Inc filed LCA case number I-200-25262-320575 to sponsor a Data Scientist position at their worksite in Menlo Park, 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 $197k compares to the DOL prevailing wage of $195k for Data Scientists positions in the Menlo Park, California area. The positive wage premium of +1.1% 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 Meta Platforms, Inc's attestations and determined that the LCA meets all regulatory requirements. The employer has demonstrated that the offered wage of $197k meets or exceeds the prevailing wage for Data Scientist positions in the Menlo Park, 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 Sep 19, 2025 and a decision was rendered on Sep 26, 2025, 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 $197k for this Data Scientist 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 15-205100 (Data Scientists), 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.

This LCA covers 25 positions (0 new hires, 0 continued employment), indicating that Meta Platforms, Inc has multiple openings for this role. Multi-position LCAs are common among larger employers who need to hire several workers for the same job classification and location.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary for this Data Scientist position?

The offered annual salary for this Data Scientist position at Meta Platforms, Inc is $197k. The Department of Labor prevailing wage for this occupation and location is $195k. The offered wage represents a +1.1% premium over the prevailing wage.

Where is this Data Scientist job located?

This H-1B filing is for a position located in Menlo Park, California. The employing company, Meta Platforms, Inc, is headquartered in Menlo Park, California.

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 Meta Platforms, Inc, located in Menlo Park, California. Meta Platforms, Inc filed this Labor Condition Application (case number I-200-25262-320575) for a Data Scientist position during fiscal year FY 2025. View all Meta Platforms, Inc H-1B filings.

What does LCA “Certified” mean?

Certified means the U.S. Department of Labor has approved this Labor Condition Application, confirming that Meta Platforms, Inc 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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