The H-2B visa program allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers for temporary, non-agricultural jobs when there are not enough U.S. workers available. This program is crucial for industries like hospitality, landscaping, construction, and seafood processing. Below is a detailed, step-by-step guide for companies looking to apply for the H-2B visa, including key dates, requirements, and extensions.
Who Can Apply for an H-2B Visa?
Employers:
A U.S. employer or agent may apply for an H-2B visa if: 
The job is temporary or seasonal (one-time occurrence, seasonal, peak load, or intermittent need). There are not enough U.S. workers willing or able to fill the positions. Hiring foreign workers will not negatively impact U.S. workers’ wages and conditions.
Workers Eligible for H-2B Visa:
Must be from a country approved by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Should be hired for non-agricultural temporary work such as:
Hospitality
Landscaping
Construction
Seafood Processing
Tourism
Manufacturing
Restaurant Workers
Truck Drivers
Entertainers
Resor & Amusement Park Staff
General Laborers
Cruise Ship Workers
Housekeeping & Janitorial Services
Where to Find H-2B Visa Jobs & Sponsoring Employers
For Employees Seeking H-2B Sponsorship:
- SeasonalJobs.dol.gov – Official U.S. Department of Labor job listings for H-2B positions.
- H2 Job Board – Dedicated job board with active H-2B visa job postings.
- Indeed – General job search engine where H-2B positions can be found.
For Employers Seeking H-2B Workers:
- Foreign Labor Recruiter List – Government-maintained list of foreign labor recruiters.
- JTP Agency – U.S.-based recruitment service specializing in H-2B hiring.
- Proactive Labor – Provides workforce solutions for companies in need of H-2B workers.
Skilled vs. Unskilled Jobs Under the H-2B Visa
Skilled Jobs (Require Training or Experience):
Electricians
HVAC Technicians
Welders- Carpenters
Plumbers
Automotive Technicians
Chefs & Cooks
Heavy Equipment Operators
Machinists- Metal Fabricators
- Hotel Managers
Graphic Designers
Medical Technicians- Crane Operators
Aircraft Mechanics
Unskilled Jobs (Little to No Training Required):
- Construction Laborers
- Housekeeping Staff
Landscaping Workers
Janitors & Cleaners
Meatpackers & Poultry Workers
Warehouse Workers
Fast Food Workers- Hotel Housekeepers
Farmworkers & Harvesters- Restaurant Bussers & Dishwashers
- Amusement Park Attendants
- General Factory Workers
Laundry & Dry-Cleaning Workers- Airport Baggage Handlers
- Parking Lot Attendants
Key Dates & Cap Limits for H-2B Visa
The H-2B program is capped at 66,000 visas per fiscal year, split into two periods: 
First Half (October 1 – March 31): Employers apply starting July 1. Second Half (April 1 – September 30): Employers apply starting January 1.
Once the cap is reached, no more H-2B petitions are accepted unless additional visas are released by Congress or DHS.