Analysis Methodology

Our sources and methods

Data Sources

H-1B Labor Condition Applications (LCA)

  • Source: U.S. Department of Labor
  • Frequency: Quarterly releases
  • Coverage: FY2024 Q1-Q4
  • Key metrics: Wage rates, job locations, employer information

PERM Labor Certification Data

  • Source: U.S. Department of Labor
  • Frequency: Quarterly
  • Coverage: FY2024 Q4
  • Key metrics: Permanent labor certification applications

USCIS H-1B Employer Data

  • Source: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
  • Coverage: Most recent fiscal year
  • Key metrics: Approval/denial rates, petition outcomes

BLS Wage Data

  • Source: Occupational Employment Statistics
  • Coverage: May 2023
  • Key metrics: National occupational wage estimates

Analytical Methods

Wage Analysis

Standardization: All wages converted to annual amounts

  • Hourly: × 2080 (40 hours/week × 52 weeks)
  • Weekly: × 52
  • Bi-weekly: × 26
  • Monthly: × 12

Approval Pattern Analysis

Calculation of approval rates:

  • Initial applications: (Approvals) / (Total Initial)
  • Continuing applications: (Approvals) / (Total Continuing)

Risk Assessment Criteria

Wage Risk Flags

High Risk: >10% below market average
Medium Risk: 5-10% below market average
Low Risk: Within 5% of market average

Variance Risk

High: >50% variance in wages
Medium: 25-50% variance
Low: <25% variance

Limitations and Considerations

  • • Geographic cost-of-living variations not adjusted
  • • Remote work arrangements not fully reflected
  • • Limited visibility into individual case progression
  • • Complex relationships between programs not fully captured