What is a H2B visa?

H-2B visa. The H-2B visa nonimmigrant program permits employers to hire foreign workers to come temporarily to the United States and perform temporary nonagricultural services or labor on a one-time, seasonal, peakload or intermittent basis. The H-2B visa classification requires the United States Secretary of Homeland Security to consult

What is the H-2B program and how does it work?

The H-2B program allows U.S. employers or U.S. agents who meet specific regulatory requirements to bring foreign nationals to the United States to fill temporary nonagricultural jobs. A U.S. employer, or U.S. agent as described in the regulations, must file Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, on a prospective worker’s behalf.

What happens to H-2B workers if they are fired?

With the H-2B program (as with most other guestworker programs) the employer owns and controls the visa. In practice that means that if an H-2B worker is fired, he or she becomes instantly deportable. In which occupations are H-2B workers employed?

How long can you work on an H-2B visa?

Migrant workers who are issued an H-2B visa can be employed for up to nine months, but their employment period may be extended for up to three years, or their visa may be initially certified for up to three years if it is considered a “one-time occurrence.” How many H-2B workers are employed in the United States?

What is the H-2B program in USA?

H-2B Program. The H-2B nonimmigrant program permits employers to temporarily hire nonimmigrants to perform nonagricultural labor or services in the United States.The employment must be of a temporary nature for a limited period of time such as a one-time occurrence, seasonal need, peakload need or intermittent need.

How hard is it to get an H-2B visa extension?

Such extensions can be hard to get, however — they’re not automatic at all. The maximum time you can stay in the U.S. with an H-2B visa is three years.

Can I bring my spouse on H-2B visa?

Yes, you may bring your dependents while on H-2B visa. Your spouse and unmarried children are entitled to an H-4 visa and they may stay as long as you have a valid H-2B status. 18. Can my dependents work on H-4 visa?