The United States government has announced the release of 64,716 additional H-2B visas for temporary non-agricultural foreign workers this fiscal year.
These visas go beyond the usual annual limit to help employers facing labor shortages in seasonal industries.
The decision comes through a temporary rule issued jointly by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Labor (DOL).
Employers can access these visas if they can show they would face “irreparable harm” without extra workers.
What Are H-2B Visas?
H-2B visas are non-immigrant visas that allow foreign nationals to work in the U.S. temporarily for non-agricultural jobs.
These visas are meant for:
Seasonal roles
Short-term or intermittent work
Jobs with peak demand
Common industries using H-2B workers include hospitality, construction, landscaping, tourism, and seafood processing.
Employers must prove that qualified U.S. workers are not available and comply with wage standards.
Why the Visa Increase?
The additional visas aim to help businesses facing labor shortages that could affect operations or growth.
Some visas will go to returning H-2B workers
Others will support employers with urgent staffing needs for the remainder of the fiscal year
This temporary increase mirrors past supplemental allocations designed to balance industry needs with workforce regulations.
Key Conditions
The increase is temporary and applies only to the current fiscal year
Employers must demonstrate genuine need to qualify
Petitions must be filed by a set deadline
The move reflects the U.S. government’s efforts to support seasonal industries while maintaining protections for the domestic workforce.
