Business
What is an H2B Visa and How is it Different Than an H1B Visa?
Listen to the Article
With the state of immigration programs in the U.S. uncertain, many are asking “What is an H2B visa?” This visa, unlike the H1B visa, is intended for non-agricultural workers coming to the U.S. for temporary employment. The program could have a significant impact on businesses, especially those in the hospitality industry.
What is an H2B Visa?
The H2B Visa is a unique avenue within the U.S. immigration system that caters to non-agricultural temporary workers. It helps businesses when they need additional workers but are unable to find local talent. The visa is only granted for temporary job roles and can fall into four categories: recurring seasonal need, intermittent need, peak-load need, or one-time occurrence. There is also a cap on the number of H2B Visas awarded each year.
What Types of Employees Do H2B Visas Cover?
The H2B Visa program primarily focuses on industries with seasonal or peak-season work fluctuations. Sectors such as amusement parks, ski resorts, golf courses, cruise lines, and resorts often utilize the H2B Visa program. Both skilled and unskilled labor can participate, but the key requirement is the unavailability of U.S. workers for the job role.
Comparison Between H1B and H2B Visas
H1B and H2B visas have different purposes, eligibility criteria, and application processes. The H1B visa is for specialized roles requiring a degree or specialized skills, while the H2B visa is for temporary non-agricultural workers. The industries commonly using the visas also differ. The H2B visa program has an annual cap of 66,000, while the H1B visa has its own cap number. Education requirements are also different between the two visas.
courtesy of smallbiztrends.com
What Changes to H2B Visas Mean for Businesses?
In 2015, changes were made to the H2B Visa program to strengthen worker protections and increase transparency. Anticipated changes to the program include stricter limits on the number of visas awarded and a more rigorous application and vetting process. Businesses and workers should stay informed about the latest updates to understand how these changes may affect them.
Did you miss our previous article…
http://texas.vip/business/what-is-e-verify-and-how-does-it-work/