The Biden administration has announced it will issue an additional 64,716 H-2B visas for the 2025 fiscal year. This brings the total number of H-2B visas available to 130,716, the highest amount the US has seen thus far.
Why the Increase?
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) aims to meet the labor needs of American businesses, particularly in industries like hospitality, landscaping, seafood processing, and tourism. By providing more H-2B visas, the government hopes to:
- Keep prices low to ensure businesses have enough workers can help control costs for consumers.
- Protect workers and aims to deter illegal immigration.
How the Visas Will Be Allocated
- 20,000 visas: Reserved for workers from specific countries, including Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Haiti, Colombia, Ecuador, and Costa Rica.
- 44,716 visas: Set aside for returning workers who have previously held H-2B visas.
What Employers Need to Know
To qualify for the H-2B program, employers must:
- Demonstrate that they cannot find enough qualified U.S. workers.
- Get approval from the Department of Labor in the form of a DOL certification.
- Follow strict recruitment rules and guidelines for hiring U.S. workers.
More Information
The Department of Homeland Security will soon publish a temporary final rule with more details on eligibility, filing requirements, and program safeguards. For the latest information, visit the USCIS H-2B webpage.
Are You Interested in Applying for an H-2B Visa in 2024?
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