Skip to Content
Akula & Associates P.C. Akula & Associates P.C.
Call Us Today! 844-299-5003
Top
H-2B Visa Elevating Immigration Solutions with Experience, Diversity, and Cutting-Edge Technology

H-2B Visa: Temporary Non-Agricultural Worker

Assistance for Immigrants in Dallas and Nationwide

Employers can bring in temporary or seasonal non-agricultural workers under this visa if the employer can demonstrate the need[1]. H-2B visa holders are authorized to stay in the U.S. for the period of employment up to a year, with up to 3 years maximum including extensions. Currently, citizens of 84 different countries can qualify.

For more information on how our Dallas immigration lawyers at Akula & Associates can help you file for an H-2B visa, call (844) 299-5003 today.

Who Qualifies for the H-2B Visa?

According to the U.S. Department of Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS), in order to qualify for this nonimmigrant classification, a petitioner must be able to show proof of the following:

  • The U.S. doesn’t have enough domestic employees who are able, willing, and available to do this type of work;
  • Giving this temporary job to a non-citizen would not have a negative effect on similarly employed U.S. workers;
  • The employer’s need is only temporary. Temporary can mean: one-time occurrence, seasonal need, peakload need, or intermittent need.

Process for Getting an H-2B Visa

According to USCIS, there are three main steps petitioners must follow to apply for this type of temporary visa.

  1. Submit temporary labor certification to the Department of Labor
  2. Submit Form I-129 to USCIS
  3. Apply for a visa and/or admission (for those applying outside of the U.S.)

What About Returning Workers?

Every year, there is a cap on the amount of visas USCIS will issue. As of December 2015, anyone who qualifies as a returning worker is exempt from this cap. In order to qualify as a returning worker, the employee must have previously been counted against the cap on visas for fiscal years 2013, 2014, or 2015.

FAQ: H-2B Visa – Temporary Non-Agricultural Worker Guidance

1. What is the purpose of the H-2B visa?

The H-2B visa allows U.S. employers to address labor shortages by temporarily hiring workers from other countries for non-agricultural jobs, ensuring businesses can meet their seasonal or peak demands.

2. How long is the H-2B visa valid?

This visa is typically granted for the duration of the employment need, up to 9 months. Extensions may be allowed, but the total period of stay cannot exceed three years.

3. Who can apply for the H-2B visa?

Employers and workers must meet specific qualifications:

  • For Employers: They must prove a shortage of available U.S. workers and that the job need is temporary.
  • For Workers: They must be citizens of eligible countries (currently 84 are approved) and have a valid job offer from a U.S. employer.

4. What types of jobs qualify for the H-2B visa?

The visa is for non-agricultural roles, often in industries like hospitality, landscaping, construction, and seafood processing.

5. How does an employer obtain an H-2B visa for workers?

The process involves three steps:

  1. Employers must secure a labor certification from the Department of Labor (DOL).
  2. File Form I-129 with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
  3. Workers outside the U.S. must then apply for the visa at a U.S. consulate or port of entry.

6. Is there a limit to the number of H-2B visas issued annually?

Yes, the U.S. imposes an annual cap on H-2B visas, typically set at 66,000. Half are allocated for the first half of the fiscal year and the rest for the second half.

For more information on how our Dallas immigration lawyers at Akula & Associates can help you file for an H-2B visa, call (844) 299-5003 today.

Get to Know Us Our firm is committed to helping you navigate immigration law.
Learn More

A Reputation of Excellence Our Success

    "Great and quick service"
    Great and quick service, thank you all ladies.
    - Maria V.
    "Through honest and direct communication Mr. Akula and her staff is very thorough"
    The relationship between Akula & Associates and CCIT has been very rewarding. Our company continues to trust Ms. Akula’s extensive immigration experience and we have yet to be disappointed. Through honest and direct communication Ms. Akula and her staff is very thorough; we have an understanding and comfort that all immigration matters are handled effectively and efficiently. Quick response is what we expect from legal counsel and that is exactly what the office of Akula& Associates delivers!
    - Vijay Seri, President – CCIT
    "Timely response, dedication towards the work"

    We are an IT consulting firm. Kavitha helped us to get critical H1 case approvals and saved employees from running out of status which leads them to travel to their home country permanently. Timely response, dedication towards the work, having proper immigration knowledge, solving cases with logical thoughts, and the best team are the positives. Thanks!
    - Zuven Technologies
    "Unparalleled expertise and dedication."
    I'm delighted to share my exceptional experience with Akula & Associates P.C. during my green card process. Their team showed unparalleled expertise, professionalism, and dedication. They offered personalized and clear guidance, meticulous documentation prep, and prompt communication. My application was approved smoothly, thanks to their meticulous work. Their expertise and client-centered approach make them a top choice for anyone navigating the complexities of immigration law. Thank you to the team for outstanding service and for helping me achieve this important milestone.
    - Andre & Marie M.
    "The entire process through Akula law firm was easy and stress-free"
    I recently had the pleasure to work with Akula & Associates on an Eb-5 application and have to approve them as the go-to law firm for EB5 . I worked with Kavitha Akula, and was impressed by her immense expertise and knowledge on the EB 5 process. She and her team were available at every step to navigate through the EB-5 process, especially to get the appropriate documents from India. I was able to apply for the EB-5 Visa in a timely manner, and the entire process through Akula law firm was easy and stress-free. Kudos to Akula & Associates.
    - Vishwaroop B.
    "Highly recommended!"
    We are a small business with 20 employees and reached out to Akula & Associates for immigration help, Kavitha Akula, Toki Olowo and their staff have been extremely helpful. They always give very clear instructions for our cases, and yes, we have multiple cases with them and several of which are approved. The staff is very responsive on either email or over the phone; I am grateful that they are around to provide excellent and professional service. Highly recommended!
    - Sheri
    "I had an Amazing experience with Akula and Associates."
    They were very helpful on what they needed for the application
    - Konnie G.
    "Your expertise and diligence have been instrumental in navigating our complex case with efficiency and effectiveness."
    Your expertise and diligence have been instrumental in navigating our complex case with efficiency and effectiveness.
    - "T" Family

Contact Us

We’re Ready to Help

A member of our team will be in touch shortly to confirm your contact details or address questions you may have.

  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • Please enter your phone number.
    This isn't a valid phone number.
  • Please enter your email address.
    This isn't a valid email address.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please enter a message.
  • By submitting, you agree to receive text messages from Akula & Associates P.C. at the number provided, including those related to your inquiry, follow-ups, and review requests, via automated technology. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Msg & data rates may apply. Msg frequency may vary. Reply STOP to cancel or HELP for assistance. Acceptable Use Policy

Choose Excellence, Choose Akula & Associates for Your Immigration Needs

  • Cutting-Edge Technology
    We leverage advanced technology to provide efficient, real-time updates and secure client accessibility, making your immigration journey smoother and hassle-free. Your convenience and progress are our priorities.
  • Diversity and Multilingual Support
    Our multicultural and multilingual team ensures that we understand your background, culture, and language, creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere that simplifies the immigration process.
  • Decades of Expertise
    With over 30 years of global business and industry-specific immigration law experience, our seasoned team is dedicated to delivering successful immigration solutions tailored to your unique needs.