The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that it plans to issue 64,716 additional H-2B visas in fiscal year 2025. This decision is aimed at solving the problem of labor shortages, particularly in such a scarce industry as tourism. Find out in detail how the H-2B visa will be distributed in 2025 and what are the main requirements for applicants

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For 2025, the US government has planned a significant expansion of the H-2B visa program. This decision was announced recently by representatives of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Labor (DOL). In particular, for 2025, it is planned to issue 64,716 temporary H-2B visas for non-agricultural workers.

Important! The H-2B visa is a non-immigrant visa to America that allows foreign citizens to work in the United States for a limited period of time.

In what industries will foreigners who receive an additional H-2B visa in the United States in 2025 be able to work

The introduction of additional H-2B permits will provide a legal path for foreign workers and stimulate the reduction of labor shortages in sectors such as hospitality, tourism, landscaping, seafood processing, etc.

For which categories of workers will additional H-2B visas be issued?

The 64,716 temporary H-2B visas will be distributed among workers in the following categories:

1. Returning Workers.

Approximately 44,700 visas are reserved for returning workers, that is, those foreigners who already received an H-2B visa in fiscal year 2022, 2023, or 2024.

2. Designated Countries.

20,000 visas are designated for citizens of certain countries: Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, and Honduras, regardless of prior H-2B status.

Timing of H-2B Supplemental Visas

In addition to being allocated to specific categories of workers, the H-2B supplemental visa will also have timing requirements:

1. First half of fiscal year 2025

20,716 visas are scheduled to be issued during this period for returning workers (i.e., those aliens who held H-2B visas or status in fiscal years 2022, 2023, or 2024).

- Employment Period: Through March 31, 2025.

2. Early second half of fiscal year 2025

Early second half of fiscal year 2025, 19,000 visas will be issued to employees returning from fiscal years 2022, 2023, or 2024.

- Employment period: April 1, 2025 to May 14, 2025.

3. Late second half of fiscal year 2025

An additional 5,000 will be issued to employees returning from fiscal years 2022, 2023, or 2024.

- Employment period: May 15, 2025 to September 30, 2025.

4. Entire fiscal year 2025

20,000 visas for citizens of certain countries will be available throughout fiscal year 2025. Representatives of Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, and Honduras are eligible.

- Employment Period: These visas are available throughout fiscal year 2025, and eligibility depends on the time of filing the petition.

Requirements for Employers to Apply for an H-2B Visa

The following requirements are imposed on employers seeking H-2B workers:

- Confirm an acute shortage of a specialist: Employers must demonstrate that their business would be significantly harmed without H-2B workers.

- Labor Market Verification: Employers must obtain a certificate from the DOL confirming a shortage of qualified U.S. workers.

- Wage Protection: Hiring H-2B workers must not adversely affect the wages or working conditions of comparable U.S. workers.

Important! Employers with a history of labor law violations will be subject to more stringent verification.

What is an H-2B visa?

The H-2B visa allows U.S. employers to temporarily hire foreign workers to perform non-agricultural work.

Employment under this authorization must be temporary and meet specific labor market needs. Employers must go through a rigorous process, including labor certification and wage requirements, to qualify as H-2B workers.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Labor (DOL) are committed to protecting the rights of all H-2B workers from potential exploitation and abuse. By enforcing the law, they ensure that employers do not avoid hiring American workers when they are ready and qualified to do the job.

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Visa requirements for temporary workers

Individuals who want to obtain temporary work in the United States under the H-2B visa program must:

- have a valid job offer from an American employer;

- prove that after the end of the work period they want to return to their country.

In addition, potential temporary workers must be citizens of one of the countries listed on the USCIS website.

For what period is an H-2B work visa issued in the USA

As a rule, a work visa to the USA for workers without higher education (H-2B) is issued for the period of validity of the Temporary Labor Certificate obtained by the employer. Usually it is 6-9 months. At the same time, this period can be extended.

The maximum period of stay in the USA under an H-2B visa is up to 3 years. Each extension must be accompanied by obtaining a new Temporary Labor Certificate.

After three years of stay in the USA on an H-2B visa, before applying for a new visa, you must leave the USA for at least 3 months.

How to get an H-2B visa in the USA

In order to get an H-2B visa in the USA, the applicant must undergo an interview at the embassy. Below is a list of the main documents that are required for the interview:

- data (entry number) of the approved I-129 petition;

- detailed information about future employment in the States on an H-2B visa;

- documents confirming your qualifications;

- a completed DS-160 form in electronic form;

- a 5x5 cm photo;

- a passport with a validity period exceeding the planned stay in the USA by at least 6 months.

However, there are cases when additional data may be required from an applicant for an H-2B visa.

How to find an American employer for an H-2B work visa?

Sometimes finding an American employer is the most difficult step in preparing for immigration.

To simplify your search for an employer, we recommend that you use a free online tool on the US Immigration Service (USCIS) website – H-2B Employer Data Hub, which provides information about American employers who have issued H-2B work visas since 2015.

In addition to the information hub, you can search for an employer on the following sites: Indeed, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, ZipRecruiter, Simply Hired, Snagajob, USAJobs.

Additional H-2B visas demonstrate the existing problem of a shortage of specialists in the US and the desire of the country's government to solve this issue. For foreigners, this is a good chance to find temporary work in the US.

Let's remind you! The US government plans to launch a new Heartland visa for skilled workers in 2025. This permit was created to attract skilled workers to economically difficult areas of the central part of America to eliminate labor shortages and stimulate the local economy. We have already told you what is currently known about the future American Heartland visa.

Igor Usyk - Head of Migration department at VisitWorld

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