Who the H-2B is for
#- Workers offered temporary nonagricultural jobs in the U.S.
- Applicants with a U.S. employer sponsor
- Workers whose roles meet H-2B program requirements
Official guidance to review
#Employer sponsorship, temporary labor certification, and USCIS petition requirements are detailed in official guidance.
Requirements checklist (high level)
#- USCIS petition filed by a U.S. employer
- Proof the job meets H-2B program rules
- Completed DS-160 for consular processing (if applying abroad)
- Consular interview and required documents
Documents and evidence
#Petition documents are prepared by the employer. Applicants should keep DS-160 confirmation and supporting documents for the interview.
U.S. documents checklistL-1A vs L-1B overviewReview Form I-129 guidanceStep-by-step overview
#- Employer files the H-2B petition with USCIS.
- If applying abroad, complete the DS-160 and schedule a consular interview.
- Attend the interview with required documentation.
- Travel after visa issuance and follow entry guidance.
Fees (verify before you pay)
#H-2B fees include USCIS petition filing fees and Department of State visa application fees for consular processing. Always confirm the latest fee schedules.
Last verified: 2026-02-02 • USCIS filing fees
Last verified: 2026-02-02 • Visa fee schedule (Department of State)
Processing times
#Processing time depends on USCIS petition timelines and consular appointment availability. Use official tools to check current ranges.
Last verified: 2026-02-02 • USCIS processing times tool
Last verified: 2026-02-02 • Visa appointment wait times (Department of State)
Common mistakes that cause delays
#- Submitting incomplete or inconsistent DS-160 information
- Missing required supporting evidence for the job
- Waiting too long to schedule an interview
Next steps
#Use Find My Visa to build a sequenced plan with official sources and deadlines.
FAQs
Is the H-2B visa employer-sponsored?
Yes. A U.S. employer must file a petition with USCIS for H-2B workers.
Where can I check USCIS processing times?
Use the official USCIS processing times tool for petition timelines.
Do I need a consular interview?
Applicants outside the U.S. typically complete the DS-160 and attend a consular interview after USCIS approval.
Is there a cap on H-2B visas?
Yes. H-2B is subject to an annual cap, with separate allocations by half-year. Check current guidance for availability.
Does the employer need a labor certification?
Yes. Employers generally must obtain a temporary labor certification from the Department of Labor before filing the H-2B petition.
Sources
Last reviewed: 2026-01-29
- H-2B temporary nonagricultural workers (USCIS)
- Working in the United States (USCIS)
- Visa interview information (Department of State)
- Visa denials (Department of State)
- DS-160 online application (Department of State)
- Visa fee schedule (Department of State)
- USCIS filing fees
- USCIS processing times tool
- Visa appointment wait times (Department of State)
VisaMind provides informational guidance only and is not a government agency. This is not legal advice. Requirements can change and eligibility depends on your specific facts. If your case is complex or high-stakes, consult a licensed immigration attorney.
Requirements vary by nationality, purpose, timeline, and case details. VisaMind turns uncertainty into a sequenced checklist with official source citations.
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