H-2B Visa
The H-2B visa is a non-immigrant visa category designed for temporary non-agricultural workers in the United States. This visa allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers to fill temporary and seasonal jobs where there is a shortage of U.S. workers. Employment can be seasonal, intermittent, peak load, or one-time. Seasonal employment refers to a temporary form of work that is available during certain times of the year. Intermittent employment involves hiring workers periodically for short-term assignments. Peak load employment involves hiring additional personnel to handle increased supply and demand in addition to permanent employees. One-time employment is a temporary work arrangement available to temporary workers for a single event. In this scenario, the employer has not previously employed temporary workers and does not plan to do so in the future.
The key features of the H-2B Visa are as follows:
Temporary or Seasonal Employment: The H-2B visa is specifically for temporary or seasonal jobs that are non-agricultural. Examples include positions in hospitality, landscaping, construction, and other sectors with seasonal demands.
Employer Sponsorship: A U.S. employer or agent must file a petition for the H-2B visa on behalf of foreign workers. Employers and agents must demonstrate the need for additional temporary workers and that there are no qualified U.S. workers available for the positions.
Duration: The H-2B visa is typically granted for the duration of the employer's approved temporary need, up to a maximum of one year. Extensions may be possible, but the total duration generally cannot exceed three years.
Numerical Cap: There is a legal limit (cap) on the total number of H-2B visas that can be issued in a fiscal year. The cap is divided into two halves with allocations for the first half and the second half of the fiscal year.
Family Members: Any spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 of an H-2B worker may apply for H-4 non-immigrant status. Family members are not eligible for employment in the United States while in H-4 status.
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H-1B Visa
The H-1B visa is the most common work visa that allows American employers to employ foreign professionals in fields requiring higher education and expertise.
H-1B1 Visa
The H-1B1 visa allows citizens of Chile and Singapore to work temporarily in the United States in specialty occupations that require specific expertise.
H-2B Visa
The H-2B visa allows employers in the United States to temporarily employ foreign workers for short-term or seasonal jobs.
H-3 Visa
The H-3 visa allows individuals to participate in short-term vocational training programs in the United States for work, education, or special needs training.
I Visa
The I visa is designed for journalists, media personnel, and representatives of international broadcasting organizations to conduct professional activities in the United States.
L-1B Visa
The L-1B visa allows international companies to temporarily transfer employees with specialized knowledge to their branches in the United States.
R-1 Visa
The R-1 visa grants the right to work in the United States for individuals who wish to serve in religious organizations or engage in spiritual services.
E-3 Visa
The E-3 visa is a special work visa designed for Australian citizens to work in specialty occupations in the United States.
