More H-2B Visas Available for Temporary Workers in 2025
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Labor (DOL) have announced the availability of 64,716 additional H-2B visas for the 2025 fiscal year. These visas are intended for non-agricultural temporary workers, aiming to support U.S. employers struggling to fill vacancies in sectors such as hospitality, tourism, landscaping, and seafood processing, among others.
Distribution of Additional H-2B Visas
The supplemental visas will be allocated across four key categories:
First half of fiscal year 2025:
- 20,716 visas for returning workers with start dates through March 31, 2025.
- 19,000 additional visas for returning workers with start dates between April 1 and May 14, 2025.
Second half of fiscal year 2025:
- 5,000 visas available from May 15 to September 30, 2025, for returning workers.
Throughout fiscal year 2025:
- 20,000 visas reserved for nationals of Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, and Honduras, regardless of their status as returning workers.
Requirements for Employers
Employers interested in applying for these visas must:
- Certify that no U.S. workers are available and qualified for the position.
- Demonstrate that hiring foreign workers will not negatively affect the wages or working conditions of U.S. employees.
- Prove that they would face irreparable harm if they cannot fill the vacancies with H-2B workers.
You might also be interested in: “U.S.: Over 1.4 Million Asylum Cases Pending.“
Protection for H-2B Workers
To prevent abuse and exploitation, the DHS has implemented additional oversight measures for employers with a history of labor violations. Moreover, enhancements to the H-2B program are being promoted, including greater flexibility and worker protections, as part of broader efforts to modernize labor visa programs.
Impact of H-2B Visas on the Economy
According to Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas, these visas not only bolster the U.S. economy but also provide a safe and legal pathway for foreign workers interested in temporary employment in the United States.
The H-2B program remains a critical tool for addressing temporary labor needs while ensuring compliance with regulations that protect both employers and employees.
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