DHS to Issue Nearly 65,000 Additional H-2B Visas for FY 2025

DHS to Issue Nearly 65,000 Additional H-2B Visas for FY 2025

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced plans to issue an additional 64,716 H-2B temporary nonagricultural worker visas for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025. These supplemental visas, on top of the 66,000 visas mandated annually by Congress, represent the maximum number allowed under existing authority and aim to support U.S. businesses that rely on seasonal labor.

This marks the third consecutive year that the H-2B visa program will operate at full capacity, reflecting its critical role in helping employers address labor shortages in industries such as hospitality, landscaping, seafood processing, and tourism.

“By maximizing the use of the H-2B visa program, the Department of Homeland Security is helping to ensure the labor needs of American businesses are met, keeping prices down for consumers while strengthening worker protections and deterring irregular migration to the United States,” said DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.

Key Details of the Supplemental Visa Allocation

The additional H-2B visas for FY 2025 are divided into two key categories:

• 20,000 visas are reserved for workers from countries such as Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Haiti, Colombia, Ecuador, and Costa Rica.
• 44,716 visas are allocated to returning workers who held H-2B status in one of the past three fiscal years.

The visas will be distributed throughout the fiscal year, with a portion set aside for the peak summer season to accommodate increased seasonal labor demands.

Addressing Workforce Needs

• The H-2B visa program is designed to fill temporary nonagricultural jobs when U.S. workers are unavailable. To participate, employers must demonstrate that:
• There are insufficient U.S. workers able, willing, and qualified to fill the positions.
• Hiring H-2B workers will not negatively affect the wages and working conditions of U.S. workers.

Industries that depend on the H-2B program often face difficulty sourcing sufficient labor for peak seasons. The additional visas will help employers meet customer demand, maintain operations, and stabilize pricing.

Worker Protections

DHS and the Department of Labor (DOL) emphasize strong safeguards to protect U.S. and foreign workers alike. Employers must adhere to recruitment rules, including advertising jobs to U.S. workers first, and comply with fair wage and workplace standards. These measures ensure that the program benefits American businesses without exploiting foreign workers or displacing domestic labor.

Looking Ahead

Details on eligibility, filing requirements, and additional program safeguards will be outlined in a forthcoming temporary final rule. Employers and workers can find updates and guidance on the USCIS H-2B webpage.

The expansion of the H-2B visa program underscores the administration’s commitment to supporting U.S. economic growth, protecting workers, and addressing regional labor shortages in a balanced and equitable manner.

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