The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in collaboration with the Department of State (State), has released the lists of nations whose citizens are eligible to take part in the H-2A and H-2B visa programs for the forthcoming 12-month period. The U.S. government has updated the list of countries eligible for H-2A and H-2B visas. Belize has been added to the list, and all previously eligible countries remain on the list.
Moreover, the U.S. government can change the list of countries whose citizens can get H-2 visas. They can do this at any time if a country:
- Has a lot of people overstaying their visas.
- Has fraud or misuse of the H-2 visa program.
- Doesn’t follow the rules of the H-2 visa program.
This is to protect the best interests of the United States.
H-2A and H-2B visas help U.S. businesses hire foreign workers for temporary jobs in agriculture and other non-farm industries. Usually, only workers from certain countries can get these visas. However, in some cases, workers from other countries might be allowed to get these visas if it’s good for the U.S. The U.S. government is always working to make sure these visa programs are fair and follow the rules.
The revised lists of qualifying countries highlight the Department of Homeland Security and the State Department’s dedication to managing the H-2A and H-2B visa programs. This effort aligns with U.S. national priorities and upholds the integrity of these initiatives by ensuring adherence to established standards.
Effective Nov. 8, 2024, nationals of the following countries are eligible to receive H-2A and H-2B visas:
| Andorra | Estonia | Madagascar | Saint Lucia |
| Argentina | The Kingdom of Eswatini | Malta | San Marino |
| Australia | Fiji | Mauritius | Serbia |
| Austria | Finland | Mexico | Singapore |
| Barbados | France | Monaco | Slovakia |
| Belgium | Germany | Mongolia* | Slovenia |
| Belize | Greece | Montenegro | Solomon Islands |
| Bolivia | Grenada | Mozambique | South Africa |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | Guatemala | Nauru | South Korea |
| Brazil | Haiti | The Netherlands | Spain |
| Brunei | Honduras | New Zealand | St. Vincent and the Grenadines |
| Bulgaria | Hungary | Nicaragua | Sweden |
| Canada | Iceland | North Macedonia | Switzerland |
| Chile | Ireland | Norway | Taiwan*** |
| Colombia | Israel | Panama | Thailand |
| Costa Rica | Italy | Papua New Guinea | Timor-Leste |
| Croatia | Jamaica | Paraguay** | Turkey |
| Republic of Cyprus | Japan | Peru | Tuvalu |
| Czech Republic | Kiribati | The Philippines* | Ukraine |
| Denmark | Latvia | Poland | United Kingdom |
| Dominican Republic | Liechtenstein | Portugal | Uruguay |
| Ecuador | Lithuania | Romania | Vanuatu |
| El Salvador | Luxembourg |
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of State have released updated lists of countries eligible for the H-2A and H-2B visa programs. These programs allow U.S. employers to hire foreign workers for temporary agricultural and non-agricultural jobs.
The updated lists reflect the U.S. government’s commitment to ensuring the integrity of these programs and protecting U.S. interests. By carefully reviewing and adjusting the eligible countries, the government aims to balance the needs of U.S. employers with the principles of fair labor practices and national security.
