mas H-2B heading logo

WHAT IS H-2B?

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

H-2B visas are capped, meaning there is a statutory numerical limit on the total number of foreign workers who can be issued one annually. The program is limited to 66,000 visas per year, divided into two equal allotments of 33,000 for each half of the government fiscal year:

  • Fall visas: Fall visas become available on October 1 for workers who start employment in the first half of the fiscal year, from October 1 to March 31. Unused visas will carry over into the second half of the fiscal year.

  • Spring visas: Spring visas become available on April 1 for workers who start work in the second half of the fiscal year, from April 1 to September 30. Unused H-2B visas from this second fiscal period will not carry over.

INDUSTRIES PREVIOUSLY SERVED BY MÁSLABOR

  • Landscaping Services

  • Janitorial Services

  • Hotels & Motels

  • Food Services

  • Construction

  • Amusement

  • Forestry

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

bartender pouring a glass of wine

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 needs.

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). Travel costs include inbound and outbound transportation, meals and any overnight lodging while in transit. Foreign workers must also be reimbursed for all visa costs in the first workweek. másH2B provides detailed travel reimbursement guidance.

worker setting down pavers

AGE & 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 and 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.

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

WHY CHOOSE másH2B LABOR SOLUTIONS?

másLabor is a leading provider of comprehensive labor solutions like H-2B. Our services include everything you need to navigate the complex, multi-stage government application process the right way for your compliance. We use our expertise and status in the industry to secure capable, legal labor for your business. 

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 needs and prepare 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.

Our expertise and years of experience with the H-2B visa program allow us to go above and beyond, offering more services than other companies. Our H-2B labor solutions involve:

  • Assisting with U.S. referrals and applications

  • Verifying worker skills and experience

  • Assisting with audits and appeals

  • Obtaining government approvals

  • Providing ongoing compliance support

  • Developing tailored applications

  • Coordinating foreign recruitment

  • Scheduling consular appointments

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

  • 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

Please provide your information, and we will get back to you within one business day.