Last updated: November 2026
What is the H-2B visa?
How H-2B works
| Topic | What to know |
|---|---|
| Who files | The U.S. employer files the petition. A worker cannot self-petition. |
| Type of work | Temporary need only: seasonal, peak-load, intermittent or one-time occurrence. |
| Labor certification | The employer must first get a temporary labor certification from the Department of Labor, showing it could not find enough U.S. workers. |
| Annual cap | There is a yearly limit on new H-2B workers, and the cap is often reached early in the season. |
| Your country | Workers generally need to be citizens of a country on the H-2B eligible countries list. |
| Family | A spouse and unmarried children under 21 can come as H-4 dependents, but they cannot work. |
| Status type | H-2B is temporary. It is a non-immigrant visa and does not lead directly to a green card. |
Steps for a worker
- Check that your country is eligible for H-2B.
- Find a U.S. employer that sponsors H-2B workers for the type of job you do.
- The employer gets the labor certification and files the petition for you.
- You apply for the visa at a U.S. consulate and attend the interview.
- Travel and work only for the approved employer and period.
Protect yourself from recruitment scams
Be careful with anyone who promises a job in exchange for money. In the H-2B program, employers and recruiters are not allowed to charge workers fees for the job. Warning signs include requests for payment before an employer is named, guaranteed visas, and offers that skip the employer's petition. Always confirm that a real U.S. employer has filed or will file for you.
Frequently asked questions
What is the H-2B visa?
The H-2B visa lets U.S. employers bring foreign workers to fill temporary non-agricultural jobs, such as seasonal or peak-load positions.
Can I apply for an H-2B on my own?
No. A U.S. employer must file the petition. A worker cannot self-petition.
Does H-2B lead to a green card?
Not directly. H-2B is a temporary, non-immigrant status. Some workers may qualify for another route later through an employer or family.
Is there a yearly cap on H-2B visas?
Yes. There is an annual limit on new H-2B workers, and it is often reached early in the season.
Can my family come with me?
A spouse and unmarried children under 21 can come as H-4 dependents, but they cannot work in the U.S. on that status.
Can an employer or recruiter charge me a fee for an H-2B job?
No. Employers and recruiters are not allowed to charge H-2B workers fees for the job. If someone asks you for money for a job offer, treat it as a warning sign.
Is an H-2B guaranteed?
No. It depends on the employer, the labor certification, the annual cap and the consulate's decision.
Someone on WhatsApp or Facebook offered me an H-2B job and asked for a fee. Is it real?
Treat it as a scam until proven otherwise. H-2B employers and recruiters may not charge workers fees for the job. Never pay to be “guaranteed” a visa.
Can I change employers once I'm in the U.S.?
A different employer must file a new petition for you. You cannot just start working for someone else.
What happens if I stay after my approved period ends?
Overstaying can create serious problems for future visas. Plan to leave on time.
Can I go home between seasons and come back?
Many H-2B workers do, but each return needs a valid petition. Whether you can return depends on the employer and the annual cap.
Can my spouse work on H-4?
No. H-4 dependents of H-2B workers cannot work.
Can I choose the state or the job?
No. The job, the employer and the location are set in the employer's petition.
Do I need to speak English?
It depends on the employer and the job. Many seasonal jobs need basic English.
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