The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in collaboration with the Department of Labor (DOL), announced plans to issue an additional 64,716 H-2B temporary nonagricultural worker visas for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025. The press release concerning the additional visa allocation can be read here. These supplemental visas will be added to the congressionally mandated annual cap of 66,000 H-2B visas, addressing critical labor shortages faced by American businesses.

H-2B Program Refresher

The H-2B program allows U.S. employers to hire temporary, nonagricultural workers to fill seasonal or temporary positions when there are not enough U.S. workers available, willing, or qualified to fill the roles. This visa program is particularly vital to industries such as hospitality, tourism, landscaping, construction, and others that experience peak demand during specific times of the year.

Details of the H-2B Supplemental Visa Allocation

In order to alleviate ongoing labor challenges, the DHS will issue visas in accordance with the following allocations:

• 20,000 visas reserved for workers from the following countries: Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Haiti, Colombia, Ecuador, and Costa Rica.
• 44,716 visas designated for returning workers. Returning workers are individuals who held H-2B visas or H-2B status during one of the last three fiscal years.

This allocation structure aims to address the immediate labor needs of U.S. employers while ensuring that opportunities are provided to workers from countries with which the United States has strong partnerships.

A final rule to solidify the allocation of these supplemental H-2B visas is expected to be published soon. Until the rule is finalized, employers cannot yet apply for the supplemental visas. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as more information becomes available.

Koley Jessen stays at the forefront of developments in the H-2B visa program, ensuring that businesses have the guidance they need to navigate this complex process. If your company is seeking to utilize H-2B visas or has questions about the latest updates, consult with one of our experienced immigration attorneys.

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