The Departments of Labor and Homeland Security announced the availability of over 64,000 additional temporary nonagricultural worker visas for FY 2024. This allotment is in addition to the 66,000 H-2B visas mandated by Congress for each fiscal year.
The incremental 64,716 H-2B visas are the maximum number allowed per the September 2023 Fiscal year 2024 Continuing Resolution. These seasonal workers support many businesses, including landscaping, tourism, hospitality, and other seasonal or temporary positions. The additional visas are being made available to satisfy ongoing consumer demand, particularly in geographic areas where there are not sufficient workers available. By announcing the supplemental visas at the beginning of FY2024, businesses can plan ahead to ensure they find the temporary workers they need.
DHS and DOL have robust protection for U.S. and foreign workers, ensuring employers first look for American workers, as required by the H-2B visa program. If foreign temporary workers are hired, protections are in place to not exploit them.
A total of 20,000 H-2B visas are expected to be available for workers from Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, and Honduras. The additional 44,716 visas would be available for those who previously received an H-2B visa or otherwise given H-2B status in the last three fiscal years. The number will be split between the first and second half of the year.
If you have questions about the H-2B program or any other immigration-related issue, contact us at ILBSG. We actively monitor ongoing updates to U.S. immigration policy to ensure our clients get the right advice for their particular situations.
