U.S. Seasonal Work Programs

The H-2B non-agricultural temporary worker program was created by Congress to allow U.S. employers to bring noncitizens to the United States to fill temporary non-agricultural jobs.

For more information about the H-2B program, see H-2B Non-Agricultural Workers.

What is the H-2B Cap?

Under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), as amended, there is a statutory numerical limit, or “cap,” on the total number of noncitizens who may receive an H-2B visa, or otherwise be granted H-2B status, during a fiscal year. Currently, Congress has set the H-2B cap at 66,000 per fiscal year, with 33,000 for workers who begin employment in the first half of the fiscal year (Oct. 1 - March 31) and 33,000 for workers who begin employment in the second half of the fiscal year (April 1 – Sept. 30). Any unused numbers from the first half of the fiscal year will be available for employers seeking to hire H-2B workers during the second half of the fiscal year. Unused H-2B numbers from one fiscal year do not carry over into the next fiscal year.

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Workers Who Are Exempt from the H-2B Cap

Generally, workers in the United States in H-2B status who extend their stay, change employers, or change the terms and conditions of employment will not be subject to the cap. Similarly, H-2B workers who have previously been counted against the cap in the same fiscal year that the proposed employment begins will not be subject to the cap if the employer names them on the petition and indicates that they have already been counted. The spouse and children of H-2B workers classified as H-4 nonimmigrants also do not count against this cap.

Additionally, petitions for the following types of workers are exempt from the H-2B cap:

• Fish roe processors, fish roe technicians, or supervisors of fish roe processing;

• Workers performing labor or services in the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands or Guam until Dec. 31, 2029.

Once the H-2B cap is reached, USCIS may only accept petitions for H-2B workers who are exempt or not subject to the H-2B cap.

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H2B Jobs

 

Common job opportunities include hospitality industry roles such as housekeepers, front desk clerks, and bellhops/porters, where they assist with maintaining cleanliness, managing reservations, and providing guest services. In the food service industry, positions such as servers, cooks, and dishwashers are available, involving food preparation, customer service, and maintaining hygiene standards. Landscaping and groundskeeping jobs, including landscapers, groundskeepers, and irrigation technicians, require maintaining outdoor spaces and operating relevant equipment. Construction industry roles like laborers, carpenters, and painters involve assisting with building projects, using carpentry tools, and applying finishes. Resort and recreational facility positions, such as lifeguards, ski resort workers, and activity coordinators, focus on ensuring guest safety and leading recreational activities. Amusement and theme park jobs offer roles like ride operators, game attendants, and food and beverage attendants, which involve operating rides, managing game booths, and serving food. Seafood processing jobs, including fish cutters, packers, and quality control technicians, require preparing seafood products and ensuring quality standards. Forestry and logging jobs like tree planters, log cutters, and forest technicians involve planting trees, cutting logs, and assisting with forest management tasks.

H2A - Agriculture

The H-2A seasonal work program is a U.S. visa program that allows agricultural employers to hire foreign workers on a temporary basis to fill seasonal agricultural jobs when they cannot find enough domestic workers. It's designed to address labor shortages in agriculture that occur during peak seasons.

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Employers who participate in the H-2A program must demonstrate that they have tried and failed to recruit American workers for the positions. They must also provide certain benefits and wages to the H-2A workers, including transportation to and from their home countries and housing while they are working in the United States.

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The H-2A program is regulated by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It's intended to ensure that the employment of foreign workers under the program does not negatively impact the wages and working conditions of U.S. workers.

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Overall, the H-2A program plays a crucial role in ensuring that American agricultural employers have the workforce they need to plant, cultivate, and harvest crops during peak seasons.

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Additionally

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The H-2B visa program allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers for temporary non-agricultural jobs when there are not enough U.S. workers available to fill these positions. Here are some common job positions offered to H-2B visa holders:

1. Hospitality Industry Jobs

Types of Positions:

• Housekeeper: Cleaning and maintaining guest rooms and public areas in hotels and resorts, ensuring a high standard of hygiene and comfort.

• Front Desk Clerk: Handling check-ins and check-outs, managing reservations, and providing information about the hotel and local area.

• Bellhop/Porter: Assisting guests with luggage, providing directions, and performing various guest services.

Skills Needed:

• Strong customer service and communication skills.

• Attention to detail and organizational abilities.

• Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays.

2. Food Service Industry Jobs

Types of Positions:

• Server/Waitstaff: Taking orders, serving food and beverages, and ensuring a pleasant dining experience for customers.

• Cook: Preparing meals according to recipes, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and following food safety guidelines.

• Dishwasher: Cleaning dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment, and maintaining overall kitchen cleanliness.

Skills Needed:

• Good communication and customer service skills.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

• Knowledge of food safety and hygiene practices.

3. Landscaping and Groundskeeping Jobs

Types of Positions:

• Landscaper: Planting, trimming, and maintaining lawns, gardens, and trees, and operating landscaping equipment.

• Groundskeeper: Maintaining the cleanliness and appearance of outdoor areas, including mowing lawns, raking leaves, and clearing debris.

• Irrigation Technician: Installing and maintaining irrigation systems to ensure proper watering of plants and lawns.

Skills Needed:

• Physical stamina and the ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions.

• Knowledge of landscaping tools and equipment.

• Basic understanding of plant care and maintenance.

4. Construction Industry Jobs

Types of Positions:

• Laborer: Assisting with various construction tasks such as digging, loading and unloading materials, and operating basic construction equipment.

• Carpenter: Building and repairing structures made of wood and other materials, reading blueprints, and using carpentry tools.

• Painter: Preparing surfaces and applying paint, varnish, or other finishes to buildings and structures.

Skills Needed:

• Physical strength and stamina.

• Ability to work safely and follow construction site protocols.

• Basic knowledge of construction tools and techniques.

5. Resort and Recreational Facility Jobs

Types of Positions:

• Lifeguard: Monitoring swimming areas, ensuring the safety of swimmers, and responding to emergencies.

• Ski Resort Worker: Assisting with ski lift operations, rental equipment, and providing customer service at ski resorts.

• Activity Coordinator: Organizing and leading recreational activities and events for guests.

Skills Needed:

• Strong swimming skills and lifeguard certification (for lifeguards).

• Customer service and communication skills.

• Enthusiasm and ability to lead group activities.

6. Amusement and Theme Park Jobs

Types of Positions:

• Ride Operator: Operating amusement rides, ensuring the safety of guests, and providing instructions and assistance.

• Game Attendant: Managing game booths, encouraging guests to participate, and awarding prizes.

• Food and Beverage Attendant: Preparing and serving food, handling transactions, and maintaining cleanliness.

Skills Needed:

• Good communication and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to handle large crowds and ensure safety.

• Friendly and approachable demeanor.

7. Seafood Processing Jobs

Types of Positions:

• Fish Cutter: Cleaning, cutting, and preparing fish and seafood products for packaging.

• Packer: Weighing, packaging, and labeling seafood products for shipment.

• Quality Control Technician: Inspecting seafood products to ensure they meet quality standards and regulations.

Skills Needed:

• Physical stamina and ability to work in cold environments.

• Attention to detail and adherence to hygiene standards.

• Ability to follow safety and quality control procedures.

8. Forestry and Logging Jobs

Types of Positions:

• Tree Planter: Planting trees and seedlings in designated areas, often in reforestation projects.

• Log Cutter: Cutting down trees using chainsaws and other logging equipment, and preparing logs for transport.

• Forest Technician: Assisting with forest management tasks, including surveying, data collection, and maintaining forest health.

Skills Needed:

• Physical strength and stamina.

• Knowledge of forestry practices and equipment.

• Ability to work in remote and rugged environments.

These positions provide H-2B visa holders with the opportunity to gain work experience in the United States, contribute to various industries, and earn income during their stay. The roles often require a combination of specific skills, physical endurance, and a willingness to work in diverse and sometimes challenging environments.