DHS and DOL Announce Additional 64,716 H-2B Visas for FY 2025

ALBANY, NY | The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Labor (DOL) have released a temporary final rule, making 64,716 additional H-2B visas available for fiscal year 2025. These supplemental visas aim to assist U.S. employers in industries such as hospitality, landscaping, seafood processing, and others who cannot find enough U.S. workers for temporary positions.

Key Details of the Allocation:

• 44,700 visas are designated for returning workers who held H-2B status in FY 2022, FY 2023, or FY 2024.
• 20,000 visas are reserved for nationals of Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, and Honduras, regardless of previous H-2B status.

The visas are divided into four allocations based on start dates:

1. First Half of FY 2025 (Oct. 1, 2024 – March 31, 2025): 20,716 visas for returning workers.
2. Early Second Half (April 1 – May 14, 2025): 19,000 visas for returning workers.
3. Late Second Half (May 15 – Sept. 30, 2025): 5,000 visas for returning workers.
4. Full FY 2025: 20,000 visas reserved for eligible nationals from specific countries.

Employer Requirements:

Employers must prove they face irreparable harm without the ability to hire H-2B workers. They are also required to test the U.S. labor market and certify that employing foreign workers will not negatively affect wages or working conditions for U.S. workers.

Worker Protections:

DHS and DOL have reinforced provisions to protect H-2B workers from exploitation. Employers with labor law violations will face additional scrutiny, ensuring program compliance.

For employers navigating the H-2B process, this announcement provides a critical opportunity to address workforce shortages while adhering to program guidelines.

For more information, visit USCIS.gov.

The Towne Law Firm, P.C. is here to help employers understand and comply with complex immigration programs like H-2B. Contact us for assistance with your employment needs.

Our dedicated team of lawyers can help you or your company navigate the immigration process smoothly. Whether your case involves representation before the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), U.S. Consulates, or other governmental agencies involved in the immigration process, we can help.