New H-2A and H-2B Work Visa Eligibility List for Foreign Nationals in the U.S.

U.S. Work Visas Update

The U.S. government has announced an updated list of countries eligible for work visas H-2A and H-2B. These visas allow foreign citizens to work temporarily in the United States, focusing on agricultural and non-agricultural sectors.

On November 18, 2024, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of State (DOS) added Belize to the list of participating countries, while no countries were removed.

What Are H-2A and H-2B Work Visas?

H-2A Visa:

This visa is for temporary agricultural work, such as harvesting crops.

H-2B Visa:

This visa is for temporary non-agricultural jobs in sectors like construction, tourism, and various services.

Both visa programs aim to address labor shortages in specific areas.

Requirements for Work Visas

H-2A Visa Requirements:

• The job must be temporary or seasonal.
• There must not be enough available U.S. workers to perform the job.
• Employment must not adversely affect the wages of local workers.
• A Temporary Labor Certification from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) must be submitted.

H-2B Visa Requirements:

• Applicants must prove that there are no qualified U.S. workers available.
• Hiring should not negatively impact local employee working conditions.
• The labor need must be temporary due to unique circumstances, seasonal demands, intermittent needs, or peak load conditions.
• The H-2B visa has a maximum cap on the number of recipients.

Eligible Latin American Countries

The following Latin American country can apply for H-2A and H-2B visas:

• Paraguay (eligible only for H-2A)

This update offers hope for many seeking work opportunities in the U.S. If you meet the requirements, you may consider applying for these visas to support your employment goals.