What a Law Firm from N.Y. Can Do in the Issue of Hiking Prevailing Wages for H-1B workers

It’s important to understand the recent hike in the prevailing wages for H-1B workers if you’re an employer looking to hire specialist foreign talent. The changes may have a significant effect on the business. It would beneficial to consult with an H1B visa lawyer in NYC for legal guidance. An experienced NY H1b lawyer can explain to you the new minimum wages required by the Department of Labor for the H-1B program and advise you on the best legal strategies to move forward with your hiring efforts.

Here’s the gist: The Department of Labor (DOL) recently restructured the wage system for H-1B workers, requiring their US employers to pay them significantly more. According to the DOL, the existing methodology for determining wage has led to abuses, not the least of which is undermining the job opportunities for US workers. The rule aims to bring the wages paid to skilled guest workers in line with the salaries paid to their US counterparts. The goal is to protect American workers from what the DOL calls “unfair competition” caused by lower-cost foreign workers entering the labor market.

The hike is easily the most significant change to the H-1B program since its creation in 1990. Critics are quick to point out that the increase—which is anywhere from 30% to 70%—is dramatic and unaffordable especially for smaller companies and startups that depend on talent from abroad.

There are currently no figures for New York, but for context, let’s look at how the hike will affect the salary of an H-1B Level 1 computer programmer working in Chicago. Right now, such a worker will be paid $50,000. The hike will bring that number up to $90,000. A Level 4 programmer who used to be paid $120,000 will now need to be paid $222,000.

Consult with an H1B attorney in New York to understand how the new rules will affect your business. A highly experienced immigration and H1B lawyer in New York can guide you in making decisions with these changes in mind.