H2B Worker FAQ

H2B Worker FAQ

Q: What is the H2B visa program?

The H-2B visa program allows U.S. employers or U.S. agents who meet specific regulatory requirements to bring foreign nationals to the United States to fill temporary non agricultural jobs.

Q: What types of jobs are eligible for the H2B program?

The H-2B program is commonly used for jobs in landscaping, construction, and hospitality industries.

Q: How can I apply for an H2B visa?

A: You cannot apply for an H-2B visa alone. You must be sponsored by a U.S. employer approved to participate in the H-2Bprogram.

Q: What are the requirements for H2B workers?

A: H-2B workers must meet specifics requirements, including having a valid job offer from a U.S. employer, demonstrating that they will return to their home country after their temporary stay in the United States, and passing a background check.

Q: How long can H2B workers stay in the United States?

A: H-2B workers may stay in the United States for up to 10 months, with the possibility of extensions in certain circumstances.

Q: What are the working conditions and wages for H2B workers?

A: H-2B workers are entitled to the same working conditions and wages as similarly employed U.S. workers. Employers must also provide H-2B workers with housing that meets certain standards.

Q: What is the Numerical Cap for H2B Visas each year?

A: A numerical cap of 66,000 visas is available for each​ H​-2B workers, with an additional 20,000 available if certain conditions are met. The annual numerical cap applies to the entire fiscal year, beginning October 1 and ending September 30. Additionally, citizens of certain countries may be exempt from the cap in certain circumstances.

H2B Employer FAQ

Q: What is the H-2B visa program?

A: The H-2B visa program allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers for temporary non-agricultural jobs.

Q: What is meant by "temporary need"?

A: Temporary need means that the need for H-2Bworkers is seasonal, one-time, intermittent, or peak load

Q: How can I apply for an H2B visa?

A: You cannot apply for an H-2B visa alone. You must be sponsored by a U.S. employer approved to participate in the H-2Bprogram.

Q: What are the criteria for determining an employer's eligibility?

A: The job and the employer's need must be one-time, seasonal, peak load, or intermittent. The job must be for less than one year. There must be no qualified U.S. workers available for the job. The employer must meet all the requirements of the H-2B program

Q: What are the costs associated with the H-2Bvisa?

A: The H-2B visa costs include a filing fee paid by the employer for the I-129 Petition of Nonimmigrant Worker. The worker must pay a visa application fee at the U.S. consulate. For the latest amount, see the Fees for Visa Services page of the State Department website

Q: What types of jobs are eligible for the H2B program?

A: The H-2B program is commonly used for jobs in landscaping, construction, and hospitality industries.

Q: How can I apply for an H2B visa?

A: You cannot apply for an H-2B visa alone. You must be sponsored by a U.S. employer approved to participate in the H-2Bprogram.

Q: What are the requirements for H2B workers?

A: H-2B workers must meet specific requirements, including having a valid job offer from a U.S. employer, demonstrating that they will return to their home country after their temporary stay in the United States, and passing a background check.

Q: How long can H2B workers stay in the United States?

A: H-2B workers may stay in the United States for up to 10 months, with the possibility of extensions in certain circumstances.

Q: What are the working conditions and wages for H2B workers?

A: H-2B workers are entitled to the same working conditions and wages as similarly employed U.S. workers. Employers must also provide H-2B workers with housing that meets certain standards.

Q: What is the Numerical Cap for H2B Visas each year?

A: A numerical cap of 66,000 visas is available for each​​ H2B workers, with an additional 20,000 available if certain conditions are met. The annual numerical cap applies to the entire fiscal year, beginning October 1 and ending September 30. Additionally, citizens of certain countries may be exempt from the cap in certain circumstances.