DENIED H-1B FY 2023

Software Engineer

Playbook Digital, Inc. · San Francisco, California

Case #I-200-23250-329106

Playbook Digital, Inc. filed an H-1B petition for a Software Engineer position in San Francisco, California at $159k per year — 8% above the prevailing wage of $147k. The case was denied in 4 days during the FY FY2023 cycle. This position is for new employment.

$159k
Annual Salary
$147k
Prevailing Wage
+7.6%
Wage Premium
1
Positions

Filing Details

Case NumberI-200-23250-329106
Case StatusDenied
Visa ClassH-1B
Fiscal YearFY 2023
EmployerPlaybook Digital, Inc.
Employer LocationSan Francisco, California
Job TitleSoftware Engineer
SOC Code15-125200 – Software Developers
WorksiteSan Francisco, California
Annual Wage$159k
Prevailing Wage$147k
Wage Premium+7.6%
Positions1 (1 new, 0 continued)

Timeline

Sep 7, 2023
Received
Sep 11, 2023
Decision
Oct 1, 2023
Employment Start
Sep 30, 2026
Employment End

More Filings from Playbook Digital, Inc.

Job TitleSalaryStatusDate
Software Engineer $150k CERTIFIED May 1, 2024
Product Designer $130k CERTIFIED Apr 1, 2024
Software Engineer $159k CERTIFIED Oct 6, 2023

View all Playbook Digital, Inc. filings →

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About This H-1B Filing

This Labor Condition Application (LCA) was filed by Playbook Digital, Inc. for the position of Software Engineer in San Francisco, California. The offered annual salary is $159k, compared to the prevailing wage of $147k for this occupation and location. This represents a wage premium of +7.6% 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, Playbook Digital, Inc. filed LCA case number I-200-23250-329106 to sponsor a Software Engineer position at their worksite in San Francisco, 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 $159k compares to the DOL prevailing wage of $147k for Software Developers positions in the San Francisco, California area. The positive wage premium of +7.6% 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 Playbook Digital, Inc.'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 7, 2023 and a decision was rendered on Sep 11, 2023, a processing time of approximately 4 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 $159k for this Software Engineer 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 position?

The offered annual salary for this Software Engineer position at Playbook Digital, Inc. is $159k. The Department of Labor prevailing wage for this occupation and location is $147k. The offered wage represents a +7.6% premium over the prevailing wage.

Where is this Software Engineer job located?

This H-1B filing is for a position located in San Francisco, California. The employing company, Playbook Digital, Inc., is headquartered in San Francisco, 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 Playbook Digital, Inc., located in San Francisco, California. Playbook Digital, Inc. filed this Labor Condition Application (case number I-200-23250-329106) for a Software Engineer position during fiscal year FY 2023. View all Playbook Digital, Inc. 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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