What is a Labor Condition Application?

A Labor Condition Application (LCA) is a document in which employers and agents attest that they will maintain equity between H-1B workers and similarly employed U.S. workers, both in pay and within the workplace. Employers and agents of H-1B workers must complete an LCA and have it certified by the U.S. Department of Labor (which refers to LCAs as ETA 9035). An LCA mandates that an employer or agent adhere to these labor requirements:

• Paying H-1B workers a wage that is not less than the pay of similarly qualified workers. If the wage is higher, it should be consistent with the prevailing wage for the job within the geographic area where the H-1B worker will be employed
• Employers and agents of H-1B workers will foster working conditions that will not negatively impact similarly employed workers
• Confirming that there was no strike or lockout at the workplace at the time the LCA was filed
• Ensuring that a union bargaining representative was given notice that an LCA was filed with the DOL, or that the information was posted in the workplace

If an employer violates these conditions, they may be fined, barred from sponsoring nonimmigrant or immigrant workers, or levied with other sanctions.

If you’re a prospective employer who finds these details to be a bit confusing, don’t worry. It’s wise to take a moment to reach out to an immigration attorney. A skilled attorney can clarify the implications of an LCA for you and ensure that your document is properly completed and submitted to the Department of Labor, since certification of an LCA is at the core of the H-1B process.

How Does an Employer Apply for an H-1B Visa With USCIS?

After the Department of Labor certifies an employer’s LCA, the employer should complete USCIS Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker (briefly mentioned earlier). The petition and the certified LCA should be sent together to USCIS—including the following documentation and evidence, which applies to a specialty occupation worker:

• Evidence that the employment offered qualifies as a specialty profession
• Evidence demonstrating that the prospective H-1B worker is qualified to work in the specialty profession
• A copy of a written contract of the terms of employment between the employer and potential H-1B worker, or a summary of an oral agreement by which the worker will be employed

What Required Evidence Does an Employer or Agent Need to Submit to USCIS in Order to Apply for an H-1B Visa for a U.S. DoD Research and Development Project Worker, and a Fashion Model of Merit?

Required Evidence for a U.S. DoD Research and Development Project Worker (H-1B2)

It’s important to note that an employer does not need to submit a certified LCA to USCIS for a potential DoD project worker. Evidence that should be submitted to USCIS regarding a prospective H-1B2 DoD project worker includes:

• A job description
• A statement that lists the names of noncitizens currently employed on the project, or who have been employed on the project, in the past year—as well as their dates of employment
• Proof that the prospective H-1B2 worker has a bachelor's degree, an equivalent, or a higher degree, in their field
• A letter of verification from the DoD project manager

Required Evidence for a Fashion Model of Distinguished Merit (H-1B3)

Evidence that should be submitted to USCIS regarding an H-1B3 fashion model of merit includes:

• Evidence demonstrating that the individual is a fashion model of merit and ability
• Evidence showing that the individual will perform at events and productions that are highly reputable
• Copies of a written contract between the agent and individual, or a summary of an oral agreement by which the individual will be employed

What is Your Responsibility in the H-1B Visa Process?

After Form I-129 filed on your behalf is approved by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, you will need to apply for a visa with the U.S. State Department at a U.S. embassy or a consulate in your home country. To obtain a visa, you’ll need to show that:

• You have an approved H-1B petition from your employer
• You have a valid passport
• You have sufficient money to sustain yourself while you’re in the U.S.
• You’re healthy, and have received all vaccinations required
• You don’t plan to immigrate to the U.S. permanently (show proof of a continued connection to your country of origin—family, assets, etc.)
• You’re not inadmissible to the U.S.

Once you’re approved for an H-1B visa, you’ll need to apply for admission to the U.S. in an H-1B classification with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Then, you can begin working for your U.S. employer.

How Long Can You Stay in the U.S. on an H-1B Visa?

An H-1B visa allows you admission to the U.S. for up to three years. You may be able to extend your time in the country, but the period of stay is usually limited to a total of six years—some exceptions can be made, however. Your immigration attorney will be able to explain this to you.

Do You Need to Talk to an Attorney About Obtaining an H-1B Visa?

If you’re interested in getting an H-1B visa for a prospective worker, we may be able to help you. Call our office today to schedule a free consultation to speak with an experienced Austin immigration attorney who can provide the legal guidance you need.