Understanding the Labor Condition Application — what it is, how it works, employer obligations, and how LCA data reveals H-1B sponsorship patterns.
Last updated: April 2026 · Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed immigration attorney.
The Labor Condition Application (LCA) is a document that U.S. employers must file with the Department of Labor before submitting an H-1B petition to USCIS. The LCA contains attestations about wages, working conditions, and the impact on U.S. workers. Every LCA filing is a public record — this is the data that powers H1BSalaryCheck, providing transparency into which employers sponsor H-1B workers, for which roles, and at what salaries.
By filing an LCA, the employer attests to four conditions: (1) The H-1B worker will be paid at least the prevailing wage or the actual wage paid to similarly employed workers, whichever is higher. (2) The employment of the H-1B worker won't adversely affect the working conditions of similarly employed U.S. workers. (3) There is no strike, lockout, or work stoppage at the worksite. (4) Notice of the LCA filing has been given to the bargaining representative or posted at the worksite for 10 business days.
The DOL reviews LCAs for completeness (not merit) and typically certifies them within 7 business days. An LCA can be certified, denied, or withdrawn. Certification rates are very high (95%+) because the review is administrative, not substantive. An LCA is valid for up to 3 years and must be obtained before the H-1B petition is filed with USCIS. Each LCA specifies the occupation, wage, and worksite — changes to these require a new or amended LCA.
LCA filings are public records and provide valuable insights for H-1B candidates: you can see which employers actively sponsor H-1B workers, the salary ranges offered for specific roles, geographic distribution of H-1B jobs, and trends over time. Our database processes hundreds of thousands of LCA records to provide employer profiles, job statistics, and salary comparisons. Check any employer's H-1B sponsorship history before accepting a job offer.
No. The LCA is filed with the Department of Labor and attests to wage and working conditions. The H-1B petition (Form I-129) is filed with USCIS and requests the actual visa classification. The LCA must be approved before the H-1B petition can be filed.
Yes. All LCA filings are public records available through the DOL's OFLC disclosure data. Our site makes this data searchable — look up any employer to see their H-1B filing history, salaries, and job titles.
Violations can result in fines ($1,000-$35,000 per violation), back pay to affected workers, debarment from H-1B and other immigration programs, and other penalties. Workers can file complaints with the DOL Wage and Hour Division.