An H-1B employee must be paid the required wage, which is determined by International Student and Scholar Services within the Center for Global Engagement in accordance with US Department of Labor (DOL) regulations. The required wage is equal to the prevailing wage or the actual wage, whichever is higher.

The prevailing wage is the average wages of persons similarly employed in the same geographic areas, as determined by the DOL.

The actual wage is the wage rate paid by the employer to all individuals with experience and qualifications similar to the H-1B employee’s experience and qualifications for the specific position.

If the offered wage does not meet the higher of the actual or prevailing wage, the offered wage must be increased to meet or exceed the higher wage in order for ISSS to continue with the H-1B process.