CERTIFIED H-1B FY 2022

Pastor

Washington Conference of Seventh-day Adventists · Federal Way, Washington

Case #I-200-22074-980519

A Pastor position at Washington Conference of Seventh-day Adventists in Federal Way, Washington was filed at $54k per year, offering 16% above the prevailing wage of $46k. The case was certified in 7 days during the FY FY2022 cycle. This position is for new employment.

$54k
Annual Salary
$46k
Prevailing Wage
+16.1%
Wage Premium
1
Positions

Filing Details

Case NumberI-200-22074-980519
Case StatusCertified
Visa ClassH-1B
Fiscal YearFY 2022
EmployerWashington Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
Employer LocationFederal Way, Washington
Job TitlePastor
SOC Code21-201100 – Clergy
WorksiteFederal Way, Washington
Annual Wage$54k
Prevailing Wage$46k
Wage Premium+16.1%
Positions1 (1 new, 0 continued)

Timeline

Mar 15, 2022
Received
Mar 22, 2022
Decision
Aug 31, 2022
Employment Start
Aug 30, 2025
Employment End

More Filings from Washington Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

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Pastor $89k CERTIFIED Aug 7, 2025
Minister $61k CERTIFIED Nov 16, 2024
Pastor $54k WITHDRAWN Mar 15, 2022

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About This H-1B Filing

This Labor Condition Application (LCA) was filed by Washington Conference of Seventh-day Adventists for the position of Pastor in Federal Way, Washington. The offered annual salary is $54k, compared to the prevailing wage of $46k for this occupation and location. This represents a wage premium of +16.1% 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, Washington Conference of Seventh-day Adventists filed LCA case number I-200-22074-980519 to sponsor a Pastor position at their worksite in Federal Way, 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 $54k compares to the DOL prevailing wage of $46k for Clergy positions in the Federal Way, Washington area. The positive wage premium of +16.1% 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 Washington Conference of Seventh-day Adventists's attestations and determined that the LCA meets all regulatory requirements. The employer has demonstrated that the offered wage of $54k meets or exceeds the prevailing wage for Pastor positions in the Federal Way, Washington 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 Mar 15, 2022 and a decision was rendered on Mar 22, 2022, 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 $54k for this Pastor 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 21-201100 (Clergy), 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 Pastor position?

The offered annual salary for this Pastor position at Washington Conference of Seventh-day Adventists is $54k. The Department of Labor prevailing wage for this occupation and location is $46k. The offered wage represents a +16.1% premium over the prevailing wage.

Where is this Pastor job located?

This H-1B filing is for a position located in Federal Way, Washington. The employing company, Washington Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, is headquartered in Federal Way, Washington.

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 Washington Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, located in Federal Way, Washington. Washington Conference of Seventh-day Adventists filed this Labor Condition Application (case number I-200-22074-980519) for a Pastor position during fiscal year FY 2022. View all Washington Conference of Seventh-day Adventists H-1B filings.

What does LCA “Certified” mean?

Certified means the U.S. Department of Labor has approved this Labor Condition Application, confirming that Washington Conference of Seventh-day Adventists 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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