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Frequently Asked Questions


When is the best time for a company to request H-2B candidates?

We highly recommend the application be submitted at least six to seven months before the desired start date in order to ensure that all information is accurate and that petitions are prepared on time.

What is the minimum and maximum amount of time workers can be available to work in the US?

Many U.S. businesses are interested in six or seven month stays on average, with a minimum stay of four months. The length of time a company may request H-2B participants must correspond with the length of your seasonal or peak-load need. The H-2B visa is a temporary visa and must not exceed one year. Typically, a seasonal or peak-load need does not exceed a 10 month period.

What is the minimum and maximum number of workers that a company can request for the H-2B Program?

There is no minimum or maximum number that a company must request. The number of participants you request under the H-2B visa must correspond with your seasonal or peak-load need and the number of permanent and temporary workers employed during previous years.

What are the most commonly requested H-2B positions that are filled?

Many positions requested fall within the hospitality industry such as housekeepers, front desk agents, dining room attendants, banquet servers, waiters, hosts, food preparation workers, cooks, dishwashers, groundskeepers, gift shop attendants, and valet attendants are requested. Additional positions requested include landscapers, lifeguards, amusement park workers, ski lift operators, ski instructors, and other “hands on” positions. Any positions that are unskilled in nature or require minimal training or experience qualify for the H-2B Program.

What is the pay scale for H-2B workers?

Workers must be paid the prevailing wage for the position. The rate paid will be the same as that paid to U.S. workers. This rate is determined by the Department of Labor, compiled by state and county, to reflect the average wage rate being paid to U.S. workers in the same industry and position.

Can a U.S. company request an individual to come back the following year?

Yes. Workers can return for consecutive years, but in some circumstances, may need to remain in their home country for three months (or more) before re-applying for another visa. If the individual is currently in the United States on an H-2B visa, they may extend the visa for up to three consecutive years.

Can someone who has been to the U.S. on a J-1 visa return on the H-2B visa?

Yes. The J-1 Visa is different from the H-2B Visa and they are not mutually exclusive. The approval for a specific visa solely depends upon eligibility of each individual applicant.

Can a U.S. company choose the country from which workers are recruited?

Yes. A company can request the country (or countries) from which the workers are recruited. AAG can provide a list of participating countries upon a company's request.

Does my company have to pay for legal expenses and filing fees?

Yes. H-2B host companies have to pay for legal expenses, attorney fees, and filing fees, but AAG offers these services at very affordable and competitive rate. You will also be responsible for paying advertising cost as per the guidelines of the Department of Labor. Please contact us for more details.

Does my company have to pay for recruiting fees?

The Department of Labor and Department of Homeland Security issued new regulations for the Program that became effective January 18, 2009, that require that the H-2B workers pay no fees associated with legal and recruiting costs to secure H-2B employment. Employers must now pay fees associated with recruitment of individuals on the H-2B visa. Please contact us for more details.

Is there a limit to the number of H-2B Visas approved each year?

Yes. The U.S. Government determines the number of H-2B Visas that will be approved each year. This number is currently set at 66,000 for the fiscal year (October 1 through September 30) and is divided into two seasons: 33,000 visas are approved for the April 1 and later start dates and 33,000 visas are approved for the October 1 and later start dates.

If the H-2B cap is reached, is it still possible for a U.S. company to fill their needs?

Yes. Alliance Abroad maintains a large network of in-country H-2B workers that are extending their visas and looking for positions. We also have J-1 Work/Travel students and J-1 Interns that may suit your needs