DOL final rule raising H-1B and PERM prevailing wage floors sent to White House review
Key points
- The final rule reached OIRA review on November 6, 2026 and has not yet been published in the Federal Register.
- Level I moves from the 17th to 34th percentile, Level II from the 34th to 52nd, and Level III from the 50th to 70th.
- Entry-level requirements could rise by more than 30%, affecting H-1B, H-1B1, E-3 and PERM.
The US Department of Labor's final rule lifting prevailing wage floors for H-1B, H-1B1, E-3 and PERM workers reached White House OIRA review on November 6, 2026. It will then be published in the Federal Register with a future effective date. Under the proposal, Level I moves from the 17th to 34th percentile, Level II from the 34th to 52nd, and Level III from the 50th to 70th. Entry-level requirements could rise by more than 30%. For reference only; not legal advice.
What employers should do
- Watch for the Federal Register publication and effective date, and estimate salary cost changes for H-1B and PERM roles.
- Review current and planned H-1B and PERM positions against the higher wage floors.
Policy details
- Jurisdiction
- Federal
- Status
- Final rule
- Effective date
- —
- Employers covered
- Employers sponsoring H-1B, H-1B1, E-3 and PERM workers
- Official source
- View official source ↗
Original report: Wocult ↗AI-assisted brief; may contain inaccuracies. Rely on the original reports and official documents. For information only; not legal, immigration or insurance advice.