Seasonal Work Opportunities in America
The H2B visa connects international workers with seasonal employment opportunities in the United States. From hospitality to landscaping, find your path to American work experience.
Popular H2B Industries
Sectors that frequently hire H2B workers
Hospitality
Hotels, Resorts, Restaurants
Landscaping
Lawn Care, Grounds Maintenance
Construction
Building, Renovation Projects
Winter Recreation
Ski Resorts, Winter Sports
Food Processing
Seafood, Meat Processing
Amusement
Carnivals, Theme Parks
Eligibility & Requirements
What you need to qualify for H2B
Eligibility Criteria
Required Documents
H2B Application Process
Employer-initiated process with worker support
Employer Files Temporary Labor Certification
Your US employer files Form ETA-9142B with the Department of Labor, demonstrating no qualified US workers are available.
USCIS Petition Filing
After labor certification approval, employer files Form I-129 petition with USCIS on your behalf.
Cap Registration & Selection
If cap-subject, petition is entered in the lottery. If selected, USCIS processes the petition.
Visa Application
Once petition is approved, you apply for H2B visa at a US consulate with I-797 approval notice.
Travel & Begin Work
After visa approval, travel to the US and begin your seasonal employment as specified in the petition.
Worker Stories
Experiences from H2B seasonal workers
Carlos Rodriguez
Green Gardens LLC
Landscaping
"The team helped my employer file for H2B workers every season. Their expertise with labor certification and the cap system ensured we got workers on time for spring. Excellent service!"
Maria Santos
Beach Resort Hotel
Hospitality
"Working at a US resort has been an amazing experience. The agency handled everything from petition to visa stamping. Now I return every summer season!"
Pavel Novak
Mountain Peaks Resort
Ski Resort
"Coming from Europe to work at a ski resort required navigating complex visa rules. They made it simple and I've worked three successful seasons now."
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common H2B visa questions
What specific roles qualify for the H2B Seasonal Worker Visa?
The H2B visa is designed for temporary non-agricultural jobs. The employer's need must be strictly temporary, fitting one of four categories: recurring seasonal need (e.g., ski instructors), peakload need (e.g., summer resort staff), intermittent need, or a one-time occurrence. Common industries include hospitality, landscaping, construction, and seafood processing.
How does the annual H2B cap affect my application?
There is a statutory cap of 66,000 visas per fiscal year, split equally between the winter/spring and summer/fall seasons. This cap is often reached very quickly. However, workers who have held H2B status in the past 3 years are often 'returning workers' and may be exempt from the cap, making them highly valuable to employers.
What is the maximum period of stay on an H2B visa?
H2B status is granted for the duration of the temporary labor certification, usually up to 1 year. It can be extended in 1-year increments up to a maximum of 3 years. After reaching the 3-year limit, you must depart the U.S. and remain outside for an uninterrupted period of 3 months before you can seek H2B status again.
Can my family accompany me to the U.S. on H2B?
Yes, your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can apply for H-4 visas to accompany you. While H-4 dependents can attend school in the U.S., they are strictly prohibited from engaging in any form of employment. You must demonstrate sufficient financial means to support them during your stay.
Is there a specific list of eligible countries for H2B?
Yes, unlike H1B, H2B visas are generally restricted to nationals of countries designated by the Department of Homeland Security. This list is updated annually. Most major countries are on the list, but it's crucial to verify your country's current eligibility status before beginning the application process.