H-2B Visas
At Seasonal Workforce Strategies, we have decades of experience with the H-2B visa process.
The H-2B Process
Seasonal Solutions
The H-2B non-immigrant visa program serves American businesses in need of a temporary workforce, particularly in sectors like landscaping, seasonal hospitality, forestry, seasonal construction, manufacturing, and food packaging. H-2B employers who qualify for the program can employ returning seasonal workers year after year and benefit from an established workforce.
If you are in search of temporary or seasonal low-skilled workers but continue to face challenges in meeting the demand locally, the H-2B program may be your solution. Our expertise lies in navigating the H-2B guest worker program, ensuring your business can meet its peak season labor needs. Trust SWS to find the best filing strategy for your business and guide you through each step with confidence.
Your Agent from Start to Finish
Our H-2B Services
Strategizing Your Need
You will be partnered with a dedicated Manager to understand your business and strategize your job specifications to determine how the H-2B program can best meet your needs. Your Manager will be your primary contact throughout the process including worker coordination and post-arrival support.
Labor Certification
SWS will submit applications in accordance with H-2B regulations to your State Workforce Agency and the federal Department of Labor (DOL). Each application is rigorously reviewed to ensure the highest likelihood of approval.
Visa Petition
Upon approval from DOL, SWS will immediately file your visa petition with the Department of Homeland Security’s US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), assuming visas are available. SWS stays in contact with government and industry partners to monitor visa availability and H-2B cap relief options and requirements.
Foreign Worker Coordination
SWS works with select foreign worker agents to facilitate worker communication, visa issuance, and travel arrangements. All foreign worker agents are held to the highest ethical standards to ensure that your workers are treated fairly and in compliance with DOL requirements. Foreign worker agents are equipped to locate newly recruited workers as well as communicate with returning workers. Our established relationships with these preferred worker agents will streamline the H-2B process and take the guesswork out of foreign recruitment.
Compliance and Audit Support
The H-2B regulations can be cumbersome and non-compliance can be costly. At SWS we take compliance seriously and will provide you with the tools to understand your obligations. As part of our services, SWS will assist with written responses to routine government audits. Even after your workers arrive our team is always available to answer your questions.
Program Qualifications
H-2B Program Requirements
Temporary Need
The nature of the employer’s need must be a seasonal need, peakload need, or one-time occurrence. The seasonal or peakload need cannot exceed ten months in a twelve-month period. If you are new to the program, the Department of Labor (DOL) may require evidence in the form of payroll, contracts, or other documentation to support your temporary need.
Job Description and Location
DOL requires a separate application for each set of job duties in a specific geographic area (area of intended employment). Employers with more than one occupation or location may need to file multiple applications.
Required Wages
DOL will assign a prevailing wage determination based on your job duties and the area of intended employment. This determination is the initial step in the government’s filing process and should be initiated 150 days in advance of when you need the workers. These wages change annually and are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) surveyed wages for the position in your area.
Contact Us Today to Get Started
Are you in search of seasonal workers but finding it challenging to meet the demand locally? Look no further. Let the experts at SWS go to work for you.