The H-2B visa is a temporary work visa that allows U.S. businesses to hire foreign workers for non-agricultural jobs when U.S. workers are unavailable. 

Industries that commonly rely on the H-2B visa include: 

• Hospitality and tourism (hotels, resorts, restaurants) 
• Construction (seasonal building projects) 
• Landscaping (seasonal gardening and maintenance) 
• Amusement parks and entertainment (seasonal attractions and event staff) 

To qualify, employers must prove that hiring foreign workers will not negatively impact U.S. wages and job opportunities. 

Employers Must: 

• Prove that their labor needs are temporary, seasonal, or peak-load 
• Obtain a Temporary Labor Certification from the Department of Labor (DOL) 
• Show active recruitment efforts to hire U.S. workers first 

Employees Must: 

• Be foreign nationals with a valid job offer from a U.S. employer 
• Have the skills and experience necessary for the temporary position 
• Intend to return to their home country once the seasonal work ends 

• Solve Seasonal Labor Shortages – Hire workers when demand is high 
• Maintain Productivity – Prevent disruptions during peak workload periods 
• Reduce Legal Risks – Ensure compliance with all Department of Labor (DOL) and USCIS regulations 

• Work Legally in the U.S. – Gain work authorization for a temporary period 
• Potential for Returning Employment – Many workers come back for multiple seasons 
• Bring Family Members – Spouses and children under 21 can apply for H-4 dependent visas 

Employers must follow strict compliance requirements when hiring H-2B workers. Key responsibilities include: 

• Paying Prevailing Wages – Workers must be paid at least the DOL’s set wage for their industry and location 
• Covering Transportation Costs – Employers must pay for workers’ transportation to and from their home country 
• Providing Housing (if required) – Some industries may require employers to offer housing assistance 
• Ensuring a Safe Workplace – Workers must be protected under U.S. labor laws 

At IBP Immigration Law, we ensure compliance with all legal requirements to help businesses avoid fines or penalties. 

1. Determine Temporary Labor Need

• Identify your seasonal or peak workload hiring needs 
• Work with IBP Immigration Law to evaluate eligibility 

2. Obtain Temporary Labor Certification (TLC)

• File for labor certification with the Department of Labor (DOL) 
• Conduct active recruitment to show no qualified U.S. workers are available 

3. File the H-2B Petition with USCIS

• Submit Form I-129 to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) 
• Include proof of labor certification and temporary employment need 

4. Worker Visa Processing

• Workers apply for H-2B visas at a U.S. consulate or embassy abroad 
• Once approved, workers enter the U.S. and begin employment 

• USCIS Filing Fee: $460 for Form I-129 
• Temporary Labor Certification Fee (DOL): $100 per job opportunity 
• Premium Processing (Optional): $2,805 for expedited 15-day processing 
• Additional Costs: May include recruitment advertising, legal fees, and consular processing fees 

At IBP Immigration Law, we provide transparent pricing and flexible payment options to help businesses budget for their workforce needs. 

• Labor Certification: 60-120 days 
• USCIS Petition Processing: 2-4 months 
• Consular Processing: Varies by country, typically 2-4 weeks 

Our team at IBP Immigration Law ensures efficient case preparation to minimize delays.