What is the difference between a full-time and a part-time LCA?

In the H-1B visa process, the LCA (Labor Condition Application) is the U.S. Department of Labor certification confirming that the terms of employment comply with applicable labor and immigration rules. The difference between a full-time and a part-time LCA comes down, essentially, to the work schedule.

A full-time LCA corresponds to a full-schedule position, with a schedule that meets the standard for the employer and the occupational category under which the visa was requested. It reflects the typical format of a full-schedule job.

A part-time LCA, on the other hand, refers to a reduced-schedule arrangement, where the professional works fewer hours per week than in the full-time format. Even in a part-time setting, the employer must ensure that the salary and working conditions meet all official requirements.

In either case, the document must accurately reflect the actual terms of the contract: discrepancies can create issues during adjudication. Because the exact parameters depend on the occupation and current regulations, it is worth confirming the details with official sources (USCIS and the Department of Labor) or a qualified specialist.

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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.