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H-2B Visa (Temporary Non-Agricultural Work Visa)
The H-2B Visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers for temporary non-agricultural employment. It is ideal for seasonal, intermittent, peak-load, or one-time temporary jobs in industries such as hospitality, landscaping, construction, and tourism.
What is an H-2B Visa?
The H-2B Visa is specifically designed for temporary non-agricultural employment in the United States. It allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers when there are insufficient U.S. workers available to perform the work.
Key features of the H-2B Visa:
Visa validity typically ranges from 1 year up to 3 years, depending on employment.
Allows foreign workers to be employed in the U.S. temporarily for seasonal, intermittent, or peak-load work.
Eligible to include spouse and unmarried children under 21 in limited circumstances (through H-4 or dependent visa options).
Requires employer sponsorship and a valid temporary job offer.
Why Choose an H-2B Visa?
Provides legal work authorization for temporary non-agricultural employment in the U.S.
Opportunity to gain international work experience in industries such as hospitality, tourism, and construction.
Employer-provided housing, transportation, and insurance (mandatory in many cases).
Allows workers to legally work in the U.S. for the contract duration, with potential extensions.
Supports U.S. employers during peak seasons or temporary labor shortages.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for an H-2B Visa:
Must have a job offer from a U.S. employer for temporary non-agricultural work.
Employer must demonstrate that U.S. workers are unavailable for the position.
Must meet health, security, and admissibility standards.
Must be willing to return home after the employment period.
Employment must be temporary in nature (seasonal, peak-load, intermittent, or one-time need).
H-2B Visa Process
Employer Petition (Form I-129): U.S. employer files H-2B petition with USCIS for temporary non-agricultural workers.
Department of Labor Certification: Employer obtains temporary labor certification from the U.S. Department of Labor.
USCIS Petition Approval: Petition is reviewed and approved by USCIS.
Visa Application & Interview: Worker applies for H-2B visa at the U.S. consulate and attends an interview.
Entry to the U.S.: Upon approval, the worker enters the U.S. to begin employment.
Employment Completion: Work is limited to the contract duration; extensions may be possible if approved.
Documents Required
Valid passport.
Job offer letter from U.S. employer.
USCIS Form I-129 petition approval notice.
Department of Labor temporary labor certification.
Proof of relevant work experience or skills.
Birth certificate, marriage certificate (for dependents if applicable).
Medical examination report.
Additional supporting documents as requested by USCIS or consulate.
Timeline & Processing Time
Department of Labor Certification: 1–2 months
USCIS Petition (Form I-129): 1–3 months
Visa Application & Consular Processing: 2–4 weeks
Overall Timeline: Typically 2–6 months, depending on employer and consular schedules.
H-2B vs. Other Work Visas
H-1B: Specialty occupations requiring higher education.
H-2A: Temporary agricultural work.
H-2B: Temporary non-agricultural work.
O-1: Extraordinary ability individuals in arts, sciences, business, or athletics.
How We Help
We provide comprehensive support for H-2B Visa applicants:
Guidance on eligibility and temporary non-agricultural employment requirements.
Assistance with employer petition and Department of Labor certification.
Preparing and submitting visa application forms.
Guidance for consular interview preparation.
Step-by-step support until employment and visa issuance.
Why Choose Us for H-2B Visa Assistance?
Expertise in temporary non-agricultural visa applications.
Strong record of successful H-2B approvals.
Assistance with documentation, employer coordination, and interview preparation.
Transparent process with step-by-step guidance.
Trusted partner for workers and U.S. employers requiring temporary labor.