Due to the advantages it provides, the H1B is a highly popular visa avenue for employment-based migration to the US. The H1B offers several advantages, the most important being that it is easier for non-immigrants to support their families by allowing them to travel with the H1B holder and even find legal employment.
However, it is not easy to get an H1B; they have to be selected in the lottery that is held. The H1B worker might also be curious about the expected salary and what the H1B salary minimum is to be able to file for H1B.
You will find answers to this and several other such questions on this topic and others related to US immigration on our expertly curated Techfetch H1B website.
Read on below to learn more about H1B salary minimum to qualify for an H1B visa.
What is the expected minimum wage for H1B application?
There is a minimum payment to consider when applying for an H1B status. A number of things can affect the job's minimum wage. The minimum wage varies depending on the job type, the experience required and the geographical area.
The Trump administration suggested that the minimum annual salary for non-immigrant scientists and engineers on H1B status be between $150,000 and $250,000 or higher, depending on the nature and location of the work.
Some reports state that some members of the government are opposed to the concept of an excessive number of non-immigrant employees entering the country. As a result, they are taking advantage of the coronavirus epidemic to prevent many highly-skilled foreign workers from finding employment in the United States.
This limitation, which is currently under discussion, appears to have been put in place to prevent some number of H1B holders - specifically those not getting paid the maximum, or Level 4 salary - from entering the country.
Because of this, employers are quite concerned about the consequences of such a ban. They contend that the present federal government's approach does not accurately represent real market wages. They worry the new idea will make it harder for them to hire the best tech job talent and help the economy recover.
What You Should Know About H1B Salary Minimum
Why is a minimum wage required?
The government is excessively concerned about the applicant-screening method used in the H1B visa program since this program ensures that needs of both employers and employees receive proper attention in the realm of compensation and pay.
To ensure that people get fair compensation for their skill-set and work, the minimum wage was established. It protects against extremely low wages for employees.
How was the H1B salary minimum set?
The union collective bargaining agreement was used to calculate the H1B minimum wage. All pay rates that are applicable to various professions are listed in this contract. However, certain positions are not covered by this union contract. When, or if this occurs, the weightage of average wages paid by other companies in similar industries in other cities will be examined to see if that is the case.
Is there a qualifying salary requirement in the H1B petition process?
If this applies to you, you should make sure your wages at work are the prevailing wage, or at least the minimum in the neighborhood where you live. For your specific job, you should confirm the minimum wage in the location where you work. Access the Foreign Labor Certification Data Center to obtain more information about it.
Exemptions on the H1B Wage Minimum
Only H1B workers earning $60,000 or have a higher degree, like a Masters, are exempt from the H1B salary requirements. The non-immigrant must earn an hourly salary equaling an annual salary of at least $60,000 to be considered the $60,000 pay, regardless of whether the employee works part-time or full-time. In addition to being paid when due, the salary must also be paid "free and clear" and "in cash".
Conclusion
Knowing the minimum salary required to apply for an H1B visa is crucial, especially in light of recent changes to the program by President Trump's Administration. The minimum wage is significantly affected by the location of the job, the nature of the position and the level of experience required.
Therefore, it is essential to examine the H1B salary minimum for the specific profession and region to see if you qualify in that part of the US on the H1B visa. For more information, explore the Techfetch H1B website where we feature carefully curated content in the form of up-to-date US immigration news, in-depth visa guides, NRI life articles, and much more.