Can my employer lower my salary after my visa is approved?

No. Once the H-1B is approved, the employer commits to paying the salary declared in the Labor Condition Application (LCA) and cannot simply reduce it. This wage commitment is one of the central obligations the employer takes on when sponsoring the professional.

Under the H-1B, compensation must remain in line with the prevailing wage for the occupation and location, a benchmark overseen by the Department of Labor. By filing the LCA, the employer attests to paying at least that level, specifically to protect the foreign worker and local labor market conditions.

Reducing the salary below what was attested may constitute a breach of employment and immigration obligations, with potential consequences from the relevant agencies, such as the Department of Labor and USCIS. Significant changes to working conditions generally require a formal review of the case, not an informal adjustment.

If your employer proposes changing your compensation after approval, it is worth confirming the applicable rules with the official source (USCIS and the Department of Labor) or with a specialist before accepting any changes.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.