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WHAT IS H-2B?

The H-2B program is a federal, nonimmigrant visa program that allows employers to hire foreign workers for tough-to-fill temporary jobs. H-2B workers typically come from rural communities (predominantly in Mexico and Central America), go home after each work season, and return to the same U.S. employer year after year. 

As a capped program, visas are limited to 66,000 visas per year (divided into two equal allotments for each half of the government fiscal year). Fall visas become available October 1, while Spring visas become available April 1.

INDUSTRIES PREVIOUSLY SERVED BY MÁSLABOR

  • Landscaping Services

  • Janitorial Services

  • Hotels & Motels

  • Food Services

  • Construction

  • Amusement

  • Forestry

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

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TEMPORARY NEED


H-2B employers must demonstrate that the need for foreign workers is bona fide and temporary in nature. First-time program participants may be subject to enhanced scrutiny by the U.S. Department of Labor. másH2B’s subject matter experts will evaluate your business circumstances and prepare appropriate supporting materials to substantiate your need.

TRANSPORTATION


H-2B employers are responsible for providing, paying, or reimbursing travel costs for all non-local workers hired for the contract (U.S. and foreign). This includes inbound and outbound transportation, meals, and any overnight lodging while in transit. Foreign workers must also be reimbursed all visa costs in the first workweek. másH2B provides detailed travel reimbursement guidance.

WAGE & WORK HOURS


H-2B employers must offer full-time employment (35+ hours per week) for the duration of the H-2B contract period, at a government-assigned wage rate. Employers must also guarantee to offer at least 75% of the specified work hours in each 12-week period. másH2B helps you obtain a prevailing wage determination and works with you to define the terms & conditions of employment.

RECRUITMENT


H-2B employers must attempt to hire local U.S. workers for the job opportunity by advertising the job online and internally and at the place of business, contacting laid-off former employees, and accepting referrals from the local State Workforce Agency (SWA). másH2B ensures that you satisfy all U.S. recruitment obligations in accordance with the regulatory requirements.

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worker trimming weeds

“I have had the pleasure of working with másLabor since 2010, and I cannot say enough positive comments about how well organized they are. All of our workers arrived safely and ready to work…and it’s all because of the dedication of másLabor.”

Woodloch Pines Resort

HOW WE SERVE YOU

másH2B’s services include everything you need to navigate the complex, multi-stage government application process.

We assign each client a dedicated Case Manager, supported by our in-house team of regulatory consultants and subject-matter experts. Your Case Manager works with you to define and scope your labor need, then prepares customized application materials. Upon filing, we interface with the relevant state and federal agencies to ensure timely approval. Your Case Manager is also available to provide comprehensive guidance on your ongoing compliance obligations.

If you require assistance with recruitment and worker logistics, másH2B works with a network of foreign worker facilitators in Mexico, South Africa, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Jamaica.

“We can say unequivocally that másLabor has served us well since we started with the H-2B program. The relationship has been a business partnership in the truest sense of the word, and we look forward to futher growth together.”

Detailed Environments, Inc.

Learn More About Our H-2B Services

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