The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced an expansion of the H-2B visa program for fiscal year 2025, creating more opportunities for foreign workers to live and work in the United States. An additional 64,716 supplemental H-2B visas will be made available, on top of the program’s annual cap of 66,000 visas.
Of these supplemental visas, 20,000 are reserved for nationals from Latin American and Caribbean countries—including Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, and Honduras. The remaining 44,716 visas will be allocated to returning H-2B workers or those who held H-2B status during the last three fiscal years.
The H-2B visa program is vital for U.S. employers needing to fill temporary non-agricultural roles, such as in hospitality, landscaping, or construction. Workers under this visa can stay for up to three years, after which they must return home unless granted an extension or new visa.
Since 2017, the U.S. government has authorized supplemental H-2B visas beyond the annual cap due to ongoing labor shortages. The additional allocation has increased annually, reaching 64,716 in 2023. However, the program saw a temporary pause in fiscal year 2020 due to the global pandemic.
This increase is excellent news for foreign workers aspiring to contribute to the U.S. economy, particularly as industries recover and grow. With this expansion, the H-2B program continues to address critical workforce gaps while providing valuable opportunities for international workers.
Reference:
DHS – DHS Announces Additional Visas for Foreign Workers to Assist American Businesses at Risk of Failing
US Citizen and Immigration Services – Cap Count for H-2B Nonimmigrants
US Citizen and Immigration Services – DHS to Supplement H-2B Cap with Nearly 65,000 Additional Visas for Fiscal Year 2025
