The H-2B visa lets US employers hire foreign workers for temporary, non-agricultural jobs when they cannot find enough local workers. Typical jobs are in landscaping, hotels and resorts, amusement parks, seafood processing and construction labour.
Pay and conditions
Employers must pay at least the Department of Labor prevailing wage for the job and area. In practice that is often $16 to $24 an hour, with overtime in some jobs. Employers must also cover your visa fees and reimburse inbound travel once you complete half the contract, and return travel if you finish it or are dismissed early.
Read also: Registered Nurse Jobs in the USA with Visa Sponsorship: Requirements, Pay and How to Apply
How the cap works
- There is a yearly cap of 66,000 visas, split between the winter and summer seasons.
- Congress often authorises extra “supplemental” visas. For fiscal year 2026, DOL and DHS released up to 64,716 supplemental H-2B visas, partly reserved for returning workers.
- Both caps fill very quickly, so employers file as early as the rules allow.
Is your country eligible?
DHS publishes a list of countries whose nationals can usually take part in H-2A and H-2B. Nigeria was not on the most recently published list, and other nationalities may face extra scrutiny. Check the current list on the USCIS website before you spend any money.
How to find genuine H-2B jobs
- Search SeasonalJobs.dol.gov, the official Department of Labor site. It lists approved H-2B job orders with the employer’s name, wage, duties and dates.
- Contact employers directly using the details on the job order.
- Expect an interview, then a USCIS petition, then a visa appointment at the US embassy.
Fees: know the rules
It is illegal for employers or their recruiters to charge H-2B workers recruitment fees. If someone asks you to pay for a “slot”, report it and walk away.
Frequently asked questions
How long can I stay on an H-2B visa?
For the length of the approved seasonal need, generally up to 10 months. Extensions are possible up to a maximum of three years in total.
Can I bring my family?
Spouses and children can apply for H-4 status, but they cannot work, and the employer does not have to pay their costs.
Is the job guaranteed once I am selected?
No. The employer needs both an approved labour certification and an approved USCIS petition, and you need a visa approved at the embassy.
Information checked in October 2026. Immigration rules change often, so always confirm the latest requirements on the official government website before applying or paying any fees.
