Cap for Additional H-2B Visas in the First Half of Fiscal Year 2025
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that it will reach the limit for additional H-2B visas for the first half of the fiscal year (FY) 2025. The H-2B visa program is specifically designed for temporary non-agricultural workers. This news is a crucial update for businesses and workers.
What You Need to Know
Cap Reached for an Additional H-2B visa program
USCIS has met the cap for the additional 20,716 H-2B visas set aside for returning workers.
The final date to request consideration was January 7, 2025.
Why Were These Additional Visas Available?
Under the H-2B visa program Supplemental Cap Temporary Final Rule, finalized on December 2, 2024, these additional visas were available.
This was aimed at bringing back workers who have worked in the U.S. before and can begin work by March 31, 2025.
Petitions Are Still Being Accepted for Specific Countries
USCIS still accepts applications for an additional 20,000 H-2B visas for the following countries:
- Costa Rica
- Colombia
- El Salvador
- Ecuador
- Haiti
- Guatemala
- Honduras
Workers from these countries don’t need to meet the “returning worker” rule and can apply if their job start date is before March 31, 2025.
What’s Next?
If you missed the chance to apply for the 20,716 extra H-2B visas, you may still qualify under the country-specific allocation mentioned above.
Why This Matters
The H-2B visa program helps U.S. employers to fill temporary jobs that cannot be filled by local workers. It covers various industries like landscaping, hospitality, and seafood processing. This additional allocation was designed to meet labor shortages and support businesses that rely on these workers.
Need Help?
If you’re looking to work in the U.S. or need assistance with immigration processes, expert services like Asif Consulting can guide you step-by-step.
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