H-2B Visa Program
Temporary Work Visas for Seasonal Workers

What is an H-2B Visa?

The H-2B Visa Program allows U.S. employers or U.S. agents who meet specific regulatory requirements to bring foreign nationals to the U.S. to fill temporary nonagricultural jobs. The program allows foreign nationals to work for a sponsoring employer to fill seasonal positions, on one-time projects, during times of exceptionally high workload, or intermittently.

The H-2B Visa Program is designed to benefit various American industries including, landscaping, seasonal hospitality, seasonal construction, to meet specific needs in manufacturing, food packaging and processing, retail, and other industries. The program helps employers who need temporary services or labor bring foreign workers to the U.S. when there is a lack of availability of domestic workers to provide the temporary services or labor.

One of the main driving factors for H-2B visas is the demand for truck drivers. As the country emerges from the pandemic, trucking and transportation companies are struggling to hire enough drivers domestically. If you are interested in coming to America to work as a truck driver, the H-2B nonimmigrant visa program is likely the best path.

H-2B Visa Requirements

To qualify for H-2B nonimmigrant classification, the petitioner (employer) must establish that there are not enough U.S. workers who are able, willing, qualified, and available to provide the temporary services or labor; that employing H-2B workers will not adversely affect the wages and the working conditions of similarly employed U.S. workers; that the petitioner’s need for the prospective worker’s services or labor is temporary regardless of whether the underlying job can be described as temporary; and must submit a single valid temporary labor certification from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) along with the H-2B petition. The employer’s need is considered temporary if it is a one-time occurrence, a seasonal need, during times of exceptionally high workload, or an intermittent need.

Before requesting H-2B classification from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the petitioner must apply for and receive a temporary labor certification application to the DOL. After receiving a temporary labor certification from the DOL, the petitioner must file Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, with USCIS on the prospective employee’s behalf.

Complex Application Process

The H-2B visa application process is a complex process that can be broken down to three distinct phases:

• The employer applies for labor certification from the Department of Labor. This phase includes conducting a labor market test with the State Workforce Agency where the work will be performed.
• Employer petitions USCIS for approval to hire a specific number of workers under the H-2B visa classification.
• After USCIS approves the petition, workers apply with a Department of State visa-issuing embassy or consulate abroad for their H-2B visa.

Number of H-2B Visas Available

H-2B visas are typically capped at 66,000 annually. Half – 33,000 visas – go to workers with job start dates during the first half of the fiscal year, October 1-March 31, and the other half are reserved for workers who begin working April 1-September 30. As demand for H-2B visas typically far exceeds availability, especially for the spring and summer months, the process is competitive and application timing is especially crucial. Applications submitted during the peak three-day window at the beginning of January for jobs with start dates of April 1 or later are randomly assigned to groups, with those in Group A processed first. In 2021, 5,403 applications requesting more than 96,888 positions were received during the three-day peak filing window at the start of the year.

Certain H-2B workers are exempt from the cap. These include workers hired for certain fish roe positions along with workers already in the United States on an H-2B visa who extend their stay, change employers, or change the terms and conditions of their employment.

H-2B Visas for Truck Drivers

To qualify for an H-2B visa as a truck driver, you must be at least 18 years old. While commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) issued in Mexico and Canada are valid in the United States, other drivers will need to pass a test and receive their U.S. CDL before beginning work. Your employer is responsible for ensuring that you are trained and licensed.

H-2B visas are only available to citizens of about 80 countries as approved by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The approved countries list, which was last updated on Jan. 19, 2021, includes Mexico, Canada, and nations from all regions of the world.

H-2B Visas for Construction Workers

Depending on their business, some construction companies may have a seasonal need for workers. For instance, a pool construction company may only have projects during certain times of the year. More commonly, construction companies often have a peak-load need for workers, which means they need to supplement permanent staff with temporary workers to meet a seasonal or short-term demand. For instance, a construction company whose areas of focus include K-12 school renovations may have more projects and therefore more demand for workers during the summer, when schools are closed. Similarly, a construction company with a concentration on outdoor projects may have more demand during the more temperate months of the year, when a greater number of projects happen.

Applying For An H-2B Visa While In The United States

If you’re already in the US, an H-2B visa lawyer can help. At Bolour / Carl Immigration Group, APC, we specialize in assisting both employers and workers through the complexities of immigration law, ensuring that all requirements are met efficiently and effectively.

Eligibility And Requirements

The H-2B visa is designed for temporary or seasonal non-agricultural work. Unlike other work visas, it is not limited to specialty occupations. To qualify, the job must be one that is temporary in nature, such as a peak load need, seasonal need, intermittent need, or a one-time occurrence. The first step for an employer is to prove that there are not enough U.S. workers who are able, willing, qualified, and available to do the temporary work.

For workers applying from within the U.S., it’s essential to verify that your current status allows you to change to an H-2B visa. A lawyer who specializes in temporary work visas for seasonal workers can help you get started.

Steps In The Application Process

The process begins with the employer filing a Temporary Labor Certification for H-2B workers with the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). This certification must demonstrate the temporary nature of the job and the lack of available U.S. workers. Once the labor certification is approved, the employer must then file Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Important Considerations

When applying to change your status to H-2B within the United States, it’s crucial to maintain legal status throughout the process. If your current visa expires before your H-2B application is approved, you could be found to be out of status, which might jeopardize your ability to stay in the U.S. Furthermore, it’s important to understand that H-2B visas are capped annually. There are only a certain number of visas available each fiscal year, so timing your application correctly is essential.

Additionally, while you can legally stay in the U.S. while your change of status application is pending, you should not start working in the H-2B position until your application has been approved. Doing so could lead to violations of your current visa conditions and affect your H-2B status.

How We Can Help

At Bolour / Carl Immigration Group, APC, we have years of experience guiding clients through the H-2B visa application process. We understand the complexities involved and provide personalized assistance to meet the specific needs of both employers and workers. Our goal is to ensure that your application is completed accurately and efficiently, maximizing your chances of approval.

Contact Us Today

If you’re currently in the United States and considering applying for an H-2B visa, or if you’re an employer looking to hire foreign seasonal workers, contact us today. We’ll review your situation, discuss your options, and provide you with a clear path forward. Let Bolour / Carl Immigration Group, APC help you achieve your goals with confidence and peace of mind. Reach out to us to set up a consultation, and see how an H-2B visa lawyer from our office can help you get started.

Your H-2B Application Was Denied. What Next?

The H-2B visa program – temporary work visas for seasonal workers, but what happens if your application was denied? At Bolour / Carl Immigration Group, APC, we’ve been helping thousands of clients with their visa applications since 1993. Read on to learn more about H-2B denials:

Common Reasons For Denial

There are several reasons why temporary work visas for seasonal workers might be denied. Understanding these reasons can help you address the issues and improve your chances of success in the future. Some common reasons for denial include insufficient documentation, failure to meet eligibility requirements, or issues related to the employer’s need for temporary workers.

Reviewing The Denial Notice

The first step after receiving a denial is to carefully review the denial notice. This document will provide specific reasons for the denial, which will help you understand what went wrong. Pay close attention to the details and any instructions provided for appealing the decision or reapplying.

Exploring Reapplication

In many cases, reapplying for the H-2B visa can be a viable option. If the denial was due to missing or incomplete documentation, addressing these issues and resubmitting your application may lead to a successful outcome. It’s essential to ensure that all required documents are complete and accurate before reapplying.

Considering An Appeal

If you believe that your application was wrongly denied, you may have the option to appeal the decision. This involves filing a formal appeal with the appropriate authorities, outlining why you believe the denial was incorrect. The appeals process can be complex, and it is often beneficial to seek legal assistance to ensure that your appeal is properly prepared and submitted.

Seeking Alternative Visa Options

If reapplying or appealing the denial is not feasible, exploring alternative visa options may be necessary. Depending on your qualifications and circumstances, other visa categories might be available to you. For instance, you may qualify for another type of temporary work visa, or you might consider a different visa category that aligns with your skills and career goals.

Employer’s Role In Addressing Denial

Employers play a crucial role in the H-2B visa application process, and their involvement is essential when addressing a denial. If the denial was due to issues related to the employer’s need for temporary workers or the job conditions, the employer may need to provide additional documentation or make adjustments to the job offer.

Staying Positive And Proactive

Facing an H-2B visa denial can be challenging, but it’s important to stay positive and proactive. Understanding the reasons for the denial and taking appropriate steps to address them can significantly improve your chances of success in future applications. Whether you choose to reapply, appeal, or explore alternative visa options, staying informed and engaged in the process is key.

Our Commitment To Your Success

At Bolour / Carl Immigration Group, APC, we are committed to helping you overcome the challenges of an H-2B visa denial. Get in touch with us today, and see how we can help you deal with the H-2B visa program, your application, and the entire process.

H-2B Visa Attorney FAQs

When you’re coming to the US for work, an H-2B visa attorney can make all the difference. At Bolour / Carl Immigration Group, we’ve spent over 25 years helping our clients manage the immigration process, whether they’re individuals, families, or businesses. Now, we’re ready to help you. Read on to see how an H-2B visa can help you get to work.

What Is The Advantage Of The H-2B Visa?

The H-2B Visa offers several advantages for both employers and workers. For employers, it allows the hiring of foreign workers to fill non-agricultural jobs that are temporary, such as in tourism, hospitality, landscaping, and construction. This is particularly helpful during peak seasons when there is a high demand for labor.

For workers, the H-2B Visa provides a chance to work legally in the United States for a specified period, with the potential to return for multiple seasons. It’s an avenue for gaining work experience in the U.S., often leading to better employment opportunities in their home country or potential future U.S. employment.

How Does The H-2B Visa Application Process Work?

An employer must first file a temporary labor certification application with the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) to demonstrate that there are not enough U.S. workers who are able, willing, qualified, and available to perform the work. Once the DOL approves this certification, the employer then files Form I-129, Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker, with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). After this petition is approved, the foreign worker can apply for the H-2B Visa at a U.S. consulate or embassy in their home country. 

What Industries Commonly Use The H-2B Visa Program?

The H-2B Visa program is widely used in industries that experience seasonal or peak load needs. Some of the most common industries include hospitality, landscaping, construction, and seafood processing. For example, during the summer months, hotels and resorts may require additional staff to handle the influx of tourists, or landscaping companies may need extra workers to manage the surge in demand for services.

How Long Can Someone Stay In The U.S. On An H-2B Visa?

The initial period of stay for an H-2B Visa holder is typically up to one year. However, the visa can be extended in increments of up to one year, with a maximum total stay of three years. After three years, the visa holder must leave the U.S. for at least three months before they can apply for another H-2B Visa. It’s important to contact your H-2B visa lawyer if you have any questions about coming and going from the US in the meantime.

Who Can Sponsor H-2B Workers?

To sponsor an H-2B worker, the sponsor must be a U.S. employer with a temporary need for labor that falls outside of agricultural work. The employer must prove that the job is temporary in nature and that there are no qualified U.S. workers available to fill the position. Additionally, the employer must demonstrate that hiring foreign workers will not negatively affect the wages and working conditions of similarly employed U.S. workers.

Contact Us Today

At Bolour / Carl Immigration Group, APC, we are dedicated to helping both employers and workers navigate the H-2B Visa process efficiently and effectively. Contact us today, and see what an H-2B visa attorney from our office can do for you.