What is the H-2B Visa?

The H-2B Visa is a temporary work visa for non-agricultural workers in the United States, intended for jobs that are seasonal, intermittent, peak load, or one-time occurrences.

Who is eligible for an H-2B Visa?

Foreign nationals with a job offer from a U.S. employer for temporary non-agricultural work are eligible for the H-2B Visa.

What kind of jobs can I get with an H-2B Visa?

Jobs under the H-2B Visa can include hospitality, construction, landscaping, maintenance, and other non-agricultural roles.

How long can I stay in the U.S. on an H-2B Visa?

You can stay in the U.S. for the duration of your job offer, typically up to one year. Extensions can be granted in increments of up to one year each, with a maximum stay of three years.

Can my family join me on an H-2B Visa?

Yes, your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can apply for the H-4 Visa to accompany you. However, they are not permitted to work while in the U.S.

What is the annual cap for H-2B Visas?

There is an annual cap of 66,000 H-2B Visas, distributed evenly over two halves of the fiscal year.

Can I change employers while on an H-2B Visa?

You can change employers, but your new employer must file a new Form I-129 petition and obtain a new labor certification.

Do I need a job offer to apply for an H-2B Visa?

Yes, a valid job offer from a U.S. employer is required to apply for an H-2B Visa.

What happens if my visa application is denied?

If your visa application is denied, you will be given a reason for the denial. You may correct the issues and reapply, but there is no guarantee of approval.

Is the H-2B Visa dual intent?

No, the H-2B Visa is non-immigrant and does not legally permit dual intent. However, you may apply for a different type of visa or green card in the future, subject to eligibility.

United States of America H-2B Temporary Non-Agricultural Workers Guide

Find out everything you need to know about United States of America H-2B Temporary Non-Agricultural Workers application process and requirements.

What Is the United States of America H-2B Temporary Non-Agricultural Workers?

The H-2B Visa is designed for temporary non-agricultural workers who are looking to work in the United States for industrial or service jobs that are seasonal, intermittent, peak load, or one-time occurrences. This visa is typically used by U.S. employers to hire foreign workers in roles that there are not enough qualified U.S. workers to fill. The eligible individuals for this type of visa are foreign nationals who have an offer of employment from a U.S. employer in a non-agricultural role. The primary goal of the H-2B visa is to help U.S. businesses meet their labor needs for temporary periods while offering foreign workers opportunities to work and live in the United States on a short-term basis.

H-2B Temporary Non-Agricultural Workers Requirements for United States of America

Explore the key requirements for obtaining your H-2B Temporary Non-Agricultural Workers for United States of America. This section covers the necessary documentation, eligibility criteria, and any specific conditions you must meet to successfully apply for and secure your visa.

Valid Job Offer
You must have a valid job offer from a U.S. employer for a seasonal, peak load, intermittent, or one-time non-agricultural role.
Temporary Labor Certification
Your employer must obtain a Temporary Labor Certification from the U.S. Department of Labor to prove there's a lack of available U.S. workers for the position.
Approved Petition
USCIS must approve Form I-129 Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker filed by your employer. This validates the employer's request for foreign labor.
Completed DS-160 Form
Fill out and submit the DS-160 online visa application form, providing your personal and employment information.
Visa Fees
Pay all necessary visa fees, including the visa application fee, to proceed with your application.
Consular Interview
Attend an interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home country where you will be asked about your employment and intent.

How to Apply for United States of America H-2B Temporary Non-Agricultural Workers

Understand the process of applying for an United States of America H-2B Temporary Non-Agricultural Workers, including key steps, document submission, and what to expect throughout the application.

Secure a Job Offer
To apply for an H-2B Visa, you must first secure a job offer from a U.S. employer. This job offer must be for temporary non-agricultural work.
Employer Files Temporary Labor Certification
Your U.S. employer must file a Temporary Labor Certification Application with the Department of Labor (DOL) to demonstrate that there are no qualified U.S. workers available for the job.
USCIS Form I-129 Filing
Once the labor certification is approved, your employer must file Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Complete DS-160 Form
After USCIS approves the petition, you need to complete the online nonimmigrant visa application, Form DS-160.
Pay Visa Fees and Schedule Interview
Pay the applicable visa fees and schedule an interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home country.
Attend Visa Interview
Attend the visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where a consular officer will determine your eligibility for the H-2B Visa.
Receive Visa and Travel to U.S.
If approved, you will receive your visa and can make travel arrangements to the United States. Your employment can begin upon arrival.

Useful United States of America H-2B Temporary Non-Agricultural Workers Resources

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)

U.S. Department of State

Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC)

United States of America H-2B Temporary Non-Agricultural Workers Advice

When applying for an H-2B Visa, make sure to gather all necessary documentation and apply well in advance since there are specific deadlines and caps on the number of visas issued annually. Stay organized and constantly communicate with your potential U.S. employer to ensure they have completed all employer-specific steps, such as applying for a temporary labor certification and filing the petition with USCIS. Be mindful of the expiration date on your visa to avoid overstaying and jeopardizing future ability to work in the U.S.

United States of America H-2B Temporary Non-Agricultural Workers Guide

What Is the United States of America H-2B Temporary Non-Agricultural Workers?

H-2B Temporary Non-Agricultural Workers Requirements for United States of America

Valid Job Offer

Temporary Labor Certification

Approved Petition

Completed DS-160 Form

Visa Fees

Consular Interview

How to Apply for United States of America H-2B Temporary Non-Agricultural Workers

Secure a Job Offer

Employer Files Temporary Labor Certification

USCIS Form I-129 Filing

Complete DS-160 Form

Pay Visa Fees and Schedule Interview

Attend Visa Interview

Receive Visa and Travel to U.S.

Useful United States of America H-2B Temporary Non-Agricultural Workers Resources

United States of America H-2B Temporary Non-Agricultural Workers Advice

Frequently Asked Questions

United States of America Passport Details and Ranking 2024