The Department of Homeland Security, in coordination with the Department of Labor, announced the release of an additional 64,716 H-2B temporary nonagricultural worker visas for Fiscal Year 2025. These visas are supplemental to the 66,000 visas already mandated by Congress, matching allocations made in previous years.
The H-2B visa program supports American industries with seasonal labor shortages, including landscaping, hospitality and seafood processing. The additional visas aim to provide businesses with the workforce needed to meet seasonal demands while maintaining strong protections for both U.S. and foreign workers.
“The Department of Homeland Security is committed to further growing our nation’s strong economy,” says DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. “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.”
The additional visas include allocations specifically designed to address labor needs and support regional partnerships. Of the supplemental visas, 20,000 are designated for workers from Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Haiti, Colombia, Ecuador or Costa Rica. The remaining 44,716 visas will be available for returning workers who held H-2B status in the last three fiscal years.
To safeguard U.S. workers, employers utilizing the H-2B program must demonstrate that no qualified American workers are available for the roles and that hiring foreign labor will not adversely affect wages or working conditions, according to DHS.
