The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), through its Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC), has released updated Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data for the 2026–2027 wage year. The data, published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), took effect on July 1, 2026, and will remain in effect through June 30, 2027.
During the new wage year, the National Prevailing Wage Center (NPWC) will use the updated data when issuing prevailing wage determinations for applicable employment-based immigration programs.
Prevailing wage requirements affect the wages employers must offer in many immigration filings. Employers planning to sponsor foreign workers should review the updated wage data before initiating new applications.
Understanding Prevailing Wages
A prevailing wage is the average wage paid to workers in a specific occupation and geographic area. The DOL uses prevailing wage determinations to ensure that hiring foreign workers does not adversely affect the wages and working conditions of U.S. workers.
For many employment-based immigration programs, employers must offer at least the applicable prevailing wage to meet federal labor requirements.
Immigration Programs That May Be Affected
The updated prevailing wage data applies to several employment-based immigration programs, including:
- PERM labor certification applications
- H-1B petitions
- H-1B1 petitions
- E-3 petitions
- H-2B temporary worker applications
- Other immigration filings that require a prevailing wage determination
Employers preparing new filings under these programs should verify the applicable wage level before submitting an application or petition.
Why The Updated Wage Data Matters
Prevailing wage requirements may increase or decrease each year based on the occupation, work location, and assigned wage level. Employers may need to reassess:
- Salary offers for sponsored workers
- Budgets for immigration filings
- Recruitment plans for PERM labor certification
- Future workforce needs
- Compliance with DOL wage requirements
Reviewing the updated wage data early may reduce filing delays and confirm that planned applications meet current wage requirements.
Recommended Steps for Employers
Employers planning to sponsor foreign workers during the 2026–2027 wage year should:
- Review the updated OEWS wage data for each position.
- Compare the offered salary with the applicable prevailing wage.
- Account for possible salary adjustments when budgeting for new hires.
- Consult experienced immigration counsel before filing.
- Obtain a new prevailing wage determination when required.
Early review may reduce hiring disruptions and support compliance with current DOL wage requirements.
What the Updated Wage Data Means for Foreign Workers
The updated wage data does not automatically require salary increases for current employees. However, employers filing new employment-based immigration cases must generally ensure that the offered wage meets or exceeds the applicable prevailing wage.
Foreign workers with pending or planned cases should stay informed about annual wage updates and speak with their employer or immigration counsel about any possible effect on their case.
Conclusion
The 2026–2027 OEWS update may change the prevailing wage required for a position based on the occupation, work location, and assigned wage level. Employers should review the current data before starting a new case and continue tracking annual updates when planning future sponsorship. Early review gives employers more time to adjust compensation, budgets, and filing timelines before a wage issue affects the case.
