TIPS AND NEWS

October 8, 2026

H-2A and H-2B visas: how temporary work in the U.S. works

By: The Look Jobs Team

The H-2A and H-2B visas are the most common pathways for people who want to work a season in the U.S. without a college degree. In both, the U.S. employer files for the visa after showing the government that it could not find enough local workers.

What is the difference

• H-2A — agriculture: planting, harvesting, nurseries, seasonal livestock work. There is no annual cap. The employer must provide free housing to workers who cannot reasonably return home the same day.
• H-2B — other industries: hotels and resorts, restaurants, landscaping, construction, seafood processing, amusement parks. There is an annual cap (66,000 per fiscal year, split into two halves), and the government sometimes releases extra visas.

How the process works

1. The employer asks the Department of Labor (DOL) to certify the temporary job.
2. With the certification, the employer files a petition with USCIS naming the workers.
3. Once approved, the worker has an interview at the U.S. consulate in their country and receives the visa.
4. The visa covers the contract period (usually a few months, up to 1 year), and may be extended within the limits of the law.

Who can take part

Until 2024, only citizens of countries on a yearly list could take part. Since January 2025 that list no longer exists: as a rule, workers from any country can be hired, unless the U.S. government sets restrictions. Mexico is by far the largest participating country.

Rights you should know

• Being paid at least the minimum wage set by the government for that job and area, stated in the contract.
• Having a written contract, in your language, with the working conditions.
• Generally, being reimbursed for travel and visa costs, according to each program's rules.
• Not paying recruitment fees: the law prohibits employers and recruiters from charging workers to get the job.

How to avoid scams

• Every legitimate H-2A and H-2B job goes through the Department of Labor. You can search the registered jobs at seasonaljobs.dol.gov.
• Be wary of anyone asking for a deposit, a transfer or a "registration fee" to guarantee the job or the visa.
• The consulate decides on the visa: nobody can guarantee approval.

On Look Jobs, job posts that ask candidates for money are removed, and you can report any suspicious job with one click.

Official sources

• USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services): uscis.gov
• Department of State (visas and consulates): travel.state.gov
• Department of Labor (H-2A, H-2B and PERM): dol.gov and flag.dol.gov
• H-2A and H-2B jobs registered with the government: seasonaljobs.dol.gov

This article is for general information only and is not legal advice. Rules, timelines and fees change: always check the official websites. Updated October 2026.