Shell Exploration and Production Company · Houston, Texas
Case #I-200-21307-684969
In FY2022, Shell Exploration and Production Company sought H-1B sponsorship for a Petrophysical Engineer in Houston, Texas at $120k per year, which is 33% above the prevailing wage of $90k. The case was certified in 7 days during the FY FY2022 cycle. This position is for continued employment.
| Case Number | I-200-21307-684969 |
| Case Status | Certified |
| Visa Class | H-1B |
| Fiscal Year | FY 2022 |
| Employer | Shell Exploration and Production Company |
| Employer Location | Houston, Texas |
| Job Title | Petrophysical Engineer |
| SOC Code | 19-404100 – Geological and Petroleum Technicians |
| Worksite | Houston, Texas |
| Annual Wage | $120k – $150k |
| Prevailing Wage | $90k |
| Wage Premium | +33.1% |
| Positions | 1 (0 new, 0 continued) |
| Job Title | Salary | Status | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enhanced Problem Solving Team - Manager | $190k | CERTIFIED | Nov 3, 2022 |
| Team Lead, Exploration Portfolio Maturation Campeche and RoA | $301k | CERTIFIED | Nov 3, 2022 |
| Regional Exploration Adviser | $271k | CERTIFIED | Nov 20, 2020 |
| Regional Exploration Adviser | $280k | CERTIFIED | Nov 10, 2020 |
| Reservoir Engineer | $150k | CERTIFIED | Sep 21, 2021 |
This Labor Condition Application (LCA) was filed by Shell Exploration and Production Company for the position of Petrophysical Engineer in Houston, Texas. The offered annual salary is $120k, compared to the prevailing wage of $90k for this occupation and location. This represents a wage premium of +33.1% 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.
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.
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, Shell Exploration and Production Company filed LCA case number I-200-21307-684969 to sponsor a Petrophysical Engineer position at their worksite in Houston, Texas. 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.
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 $120k compares to the DOL prevailing wage of $90k for Geological and Petroleum Technicians positions in the Houston, Texas area. The positive wage premium of +33.1% indicates the employer is offering above the DOL-determined average for this occupation and location.
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.
A "Certified" status means the DOL has reviewed Shell Exploration and Production Company's attestations and determined that the LCA meets all regulatory requirements. The employer has demonstrated that the offered wage of $120k meets or exceeds the prevailing wage for Petrophysical Engineer positions in the Houston, Texas 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.
This LCA was received by the DOL on Nov 3, 2021 and a decision was rendered on Nov 10, 2021, 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.
The offered salary of $120k for this Petrophysical 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 19-404100 (Geological and Petroleum Technicians), 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.
The offered annual salary for this Petrophysical Engineer position at Shell Exploration and Production Company is $120k to $150k. The Department of Labor prevailing wage for this occupation and location is $90k. The offered wage represents a +33.1% premium over the prevailing wage.
This H-1B filing is for a position located in Houston, Texas. The employing company, Shell Exploration and Production Company, is headquartered in Houston, Texas.
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.
The employer for this filing is Shell Exploration and Production Company, located in Houston, Texas. Shell Exploration and Production Company filed this Labor Condition Application (case number I-200-21307-684969) for a Petrophysical Engineer position during fiscal year FY 2022. View all Shell Exploration and Production Company H-1B filings.
Certified means the U.S. Department of Labor has approved this Labor Condition Application, confirming that Shell Exploration and Production Company 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.