Imperium Workforce

H-2B VISA

The H-2B visa is designed for employers in seasonal industries who need foreign workers to fill temporary non-agricultural jobs.

 

What is the H-2B Visa?

H-2B Visa – Temporary Non-Agricultural Workers

The H-2B Visa is a temporary, non-immigrant visa program that allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers for non-agricultural jobs that are temporary or seasonal in nature.
It is designed to fill labor shortages in industries that experience seasonal, peak-load, intermittent, or one-time demands.

Key Points:

  • For non-agricultural jobs only.

  • Typically valid for up to one year (with possible extensions to 3 years).

  • Requires temporary labor certification from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL).

  • Employers must prove no qualified U.S. workers are available.

H-2B Visa Process (Non-Agricultural Workers)

  • Step 1: Request a Prevailing Wage Determination (PWD)

  • Step 2: File Temporary Labor Certification Application with DOL

  • Step 3: Conduct Recruitment of U.S. Workers

  • Step 4: Receive Temporary Labor Certification

  • Step 5: File Form I-129 with USCIS

  • Step 6: Worker Applies for H-2B Visa

  • Step 7: Worker Travels to U.S.

  • Final Stage: Arrival and Onboarding

H-2B Visa Summary

  • Visa Type: Temporary Non-Agricultural Worker Visa.

  • Duration: Up to 1 year, renewable to 3 years.

  • Eligibility: Temporary, seasonal, or peak-load positions in non-ag industries.

  • Employer’s Role: Must prove labor shortage + apply for labor certification.

  • Employee’s Role: Apply for the visa once petition is approved.

Industries Covered by H-2B Visa

H-2B visas apply to industries that experience labor shortages in seasonal or temporary roles, such as:
Hospitality & Tourism – hotels, resorts, amusement parks.
Restaurants & Food Services – cooks, wait staff, kitchen assistants.
Landscaping & Groundskeeping – seasonal groundskeepers, maintenance crews.
Construction – carpenters, masons, general laborers.
Logistics & Warehousing – temporary workers in peak demand seasons.

Frequently Asked questions

For Employers

There is a statutory cap of 66,000 visas per year, split between two periods (33,000 for October–March, and 33,000 for April–September).

Yes, but you must reapply each season. Workers can return if they meet requirements.

Not always, but many industries (like hospitality or landscaping) provide these as incentives.

It usually takes 3–6 months, so employers should apply early.

Frequently Asked questions

For Foreign Workers

The visa is valid for the period of the job, up to 1 year, with extensions possible for up to 3 years.

Yes. Your spouse and children under 21 can apply for H-4 visas, but they cannot work.

The H-2B is not a direct path to permanent residency, but some workers later transition through employer sponsorship under other visa categories.

No, you can only work for the employer who petitioned for you.

Get intouch

contact us & get support

Have questions about  visa processing or need guidance on how we can assist as an employer or foreign workers? Our team is here to provide personalized support every step of the way. Whether you’re a U.S. employer looking to fill open positions or a foreign worker ready to take the next step, we’re just a message away.

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+1 (888) 383-4506 (Toll Free)

+1 (331) 264-8170 (Voice)

email address

info@imperiumworkforce.com