The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced plans to issue an extra 64,716 H-2B visas for the fiscal year 2025. This is in addition to the 66,000 visas mandated annually by Congress for temporary nonagricultural workers. This increase aims to support industries such as hospitality, landscaping, and seafood processing, which rely on seasonal labor to meet workforce demands.
Why the Increase?
Many American businesses face shortage of seasonal workers, and the H-2B visa program helps fill these gaps when U.S. workers aren’t available. The additional visas also aim at strengthening worker protections and discouraging irregular migration by providing legal pathways for employment in the U.S.
Key Allocations
- 20,000 Visas: Reserved for workers from specific countries in the Americas and Haiti, promoting regional stability.
- 44,716 Visas: Designated for returning workers who held an H-2B visa in the past three years, split between the first and second halves of the fiscal year to address seasonal peaks.
Worker Protections
To ensure fairness, employers must
- Prove there are not enough qualified U.S. workers available for the job.
- Certify that hiring foreign workers won’t negatively impact U.S. wages and conditions.
DHS and the Department of Labor are committed to safeguarding H-2B workers from exploitation and abuse.
Who Does this Plan Benefit?
The additional visas benefit the following businesses and employees, as well.
- Businesses: U.S. businesses gain access to the workforce needed to keep operations running smoothly.
- Workers: Foreign workers get legal, temporary work opportunities in the U.S. with protections in place.
Conclusion
Details on eligibility and application processes will be published soon on the DHS and USCIS websites. Employers and workers should stay updated to take advantage of these additional opportunities. Keep track of Imagility’s blog section to stay updated on the application process, eligibility, and more.
