The United States H-2B visa program plays a vital role in helping U.S. employers fill temporary, non-agricultural jobs with foreign workers during peak seasons. This visa is a key gateway for thousands of international workers seeking short-term employment in sectors like hospitality, landscaping, construction, and seafood processing. In 2025, the H-2B program continues to see high demand, driven by seasonal labor shortages in many parts of the country.
This comprehensive guide outlines the steps, eligibility requirements, timelines, and tips to secure an H-2B visa sponsorship. Whether you’re a worker outside the U.S. or an employer looking to navigate the process, this blog provides in-depth information to ensure you’re prepared every step of the way.
What is the H-2B Visa?
The H-2B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows U.S. employers to hire foreign nationals for temporary non-agricultural jobs. The visa is designed for seasonal or peak-load employment that cannot be filled by the existing domestic workforce.
Key Features:
- Duration: Up to 9 months (extendable to 3 years in certain cases)
- Cap Limit: 66,000 visas per fiscal year (33,000 for each half)
- Eligible Jobs: Hospitality, landscaping, amusement parks, seafood processing, etc.
Eligibility Criteria for Workers
To be eligible for the H-2B visa, foreign workers must:
- Have a valid job offer from a U.S. employer
- Intend to return home after the employment period ends
- Meet qualifications for the position (if applicable)
- Be from an H-2B eligible country (published by the Department of Homeland Security)
Most H-2B workers come from countries like Mexico, Jamaica, Guatemala, and the Philippines. As of 2025, over 80 countries are on the eligibility list.
Steps to Obtain H-2B Sponsorship
Step 1: U.S. Employer Applies for Temporary Labor Certification
Before hiring H-2B workers, employers must obtain a temporary labor certification from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL).
Requirements for Employers:
- Prove that there are not enough U.S. workers who are able, willing, qualified, and available
- Demonstrate that hiring foreign workers won’t adversely affect the wages or working conditions of U.S. workers
- Provide prevailing wage rate for the job
Step 2: Submit Form I-129 to USCIS
Once certified by the DOL, the employer submits Form I-129 (Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker) to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
This form includes:
- Details about the foreign worker
- Job duties and duration
- DOL certification
Step 3: Apply for the H-2B Visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate
After USCIS approves the petition, the foreign worker applies for the visa at the U.S. embassy in their home country.
Documents Required:
- DS-160 Non-immigrant Visa Application
- Valid passport
- Job contract
- USCIS approval notice (Form I-797)
- Visa fee payment
Step 4: Travel to the U.S. and Begin Work
Once the visa is issued, the worker can travel to the U.S. and begin employment on the start date specified in the contract.
Important Dates and Deadlines
The H-2B program operates in two halves of the fiscal year:
- First Half: October 1 – March 31
- Second Half: April 1 – September 30
Employers must apply well in advance (at least 90–120 days before the job start date) due to strict deadlines and processing times.
H-2B Visa Cap and Supplemental Allocations
The annual cap of 66,000 is split equally between the two halves of the year. Due to high demand, the cap is often reached quickly. However, in recent years, the U.S. government has provided supplemental visas to meet seasonal labor shortages.
In 2024 and 2025, over 64,000 supplemental H-2B visas were issued, prioritizing returning workers and individuals from select countries.
Common Job Sectors Hiring H-2B Workers
1. Hospitality and Tourism
Positions include housekeepers, waitstaff, kitchen helpers, and front desk attendants—especially in resort destinations like Florida, Colorado, and Alaska.
2. Landscaping and Groundskeeping
Jobs involve maintenance of gardens, parks, and golf courses, primarily in suburban and rural areas.
3. Seafood Processing
Seasonal roles in Maine, Maryland, and Alaska for shrimp, crab, and fish processing.
4. Construction
Skilled and semi-skilled labor is required for projects peaking in spring and summer.
5. Amusement Parks and Recreational Facilities
Ride operators, ticket attendants, and food service workers are in demand during summer.
Finding an H-2B Visa Sponsor
A. Recruitment Agencies
There are licensed agencies in the U.S. and abroad that connect workers with employers needing seasonal labor. Always verify their credentials through the U.S. Department of Labor.
B. Job Boards and Portals
Websites like:
- SeasonalJobs.dol.gov
- H2JobBoard.com
- Indeed and ZipRecruiter
These list verified H-2B job offers.
C. Returning to the Same Employer
Many workers return annually to the same employer, which simplifies the application process.
Application Costs and Who Pays
Costs vary depending on your location and type of employment. Generally, employers must cover:
- Petition fees
- Transportation to and from the U.S.
- Lodging (in some cases)
Workers may be responsible for:
- Visa application fees (about $190)
- Medical tests
- Passport fees
Charging workers recruitment fees is illegal under U.S. labor law.
Rights and Protections for H-2B Workers
All H-2B workers are protected under U.S. labor laws, including:
- Right to minimum wage
- Right to safe working conditions
- Freedom from discrimination or retaliation
- Access to a written job contract in a language they understand
If abused or trafficked, workers can contact:
- U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division
- National Human Trafficking Hotline
Tips for a Successful Application
- Apply early – peak months fill up fast
- Ensure all documents are translated and authenticated
- Use only verified agents or apply directly to employers
- Maintain good records of contracts and receipts
Renewals and Changing Employers
An H-2B visa can be renewed for up to 3 consecutive years. After that, workers must leave the U.S. for at least 3 months before reapplying.
Changing employers mid-contract is only allowed with:
- New labor certification
- New Form I-129 petition
Conclusion
Securing an H-2B seasonal work visa in the United States requires planning, patience, and strict adherence to the application process. With demand growing in industries like hospitality, seafood, and construction, the H-2B program offers a viable route for foreign workers to legally work and gain experience in the U.S.
By understanding the requirements, timelines, and legal protections, both employers and workers can benefit from this program. As the U.S. economy continues to rely on seasonal labor, the H-2B visa remains a cornerstone of international workforce exchange.
Whether you’re a worker from the Caribbean, Central America, or Southeast Asia, or an employer in the U.S., the H-2B visa is a bridge to opportunity and mutual benefit. With diligence, the right resources, and support, navigating the system is entirely possible.
Feranmi Nureni