The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Labor (DOL) have announced a significant expansion of the H-2B visa program for Fiscal Year 2025. An additional 64,716 visas will be made available, bringing the total to 130,716 visas for the year, up from the standard 66,000 allocated by Congress.
This marks the third consecutive year of H-2B visa increases, a move designed to support US businesses and ensure that labor shortages are addressed. DHS Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas emphasized that this expansion would not only meet the needs of American employers but also enhance worker protections. "By maximizing the use of the H-2B visa program, the Department of Homeland Security is helping to ensure the labor needs of American businesses are met," Mayorkas said.
The H-2B program allows US employers to hire foreign workers for non-farm jobs that are hard to fill locally. This includes industries like hospitality, landscaping, seafood processing, and tourism, especially during peak seasons.
Details of the Additional H-2B Visas
Out of the 64,716 new visas, 44,716 will be allocated to workers who have previously held H-2B status in the last three fiscal years. These workers are eligible to return to their previous employers or seek new employment opportunities under the program.
The remaining 20,000 visas will be set aside for nationals from specific countries, including Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Haiti, Colombia, Ecuador, and Costa Rica. This allocation aims to provide legal job opportunities for these nationals, helping to address labor shortages while combating irregular immigration.
Eligibility and Application Process
To qualify for an H-2B visa, workers must first secure a job offer from a US employer who has obtained a labor certification. Once they have the offer, they need to apply for the visa at the US embassy or consulate in their home country. The application involves an interview and submission of relevant documents.
Once granted, H-2B workers can stay in the US for the duration of their employment, typically up to three years. After this period, they must leave the US and stay outside for at least three months before they can apply for readmission under the H-2B program.
The DHS and DOL will soon release additional details through a temporary final rule outlining the expanded visa process.
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