H-2B Visa Program: FY 2025 Second Half Processing Updates

Latest H-2B Visa Trends and Employer Guidance

The H-2B temporary worker program remains a critical solution for U.S. businesses in seasonal industries. With FY 2025’s second half underway, here’s what employers need to know about application processing, visa availability, and regulatory changes.

Current Processing Metrics (August 2025 Data)

Recent U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) reports reveal:

• 8,928 approved H-2B cases for April–September 2025 employment periods

• 120,470 certified positions – highlighting sustained demand in:

  • Resort/hospitality operations

  • Landscaping services

  • Seafood processing plants

Pro Tip: Employers should monitor the USCIS H-2B Cap Count for real-time updates.

Breaking Down FY 2025’s Supplemental Visas

To alleviate workforce shortages, DHS authorized 64,716 additional H-2B visas through a December 2024 rule. Key allocations:

Returning Worker Provisions (44,716 Visas)

Timeframe	Visas Allocated	Status
April 1–May 14	19,000	Filled (4/18/25)
May 15–Sept 30	5,000	Open (since 4/21)

Country-Specific Allocation (20,000 Visas)

Available for nationals from:

• Central America (Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador)

• Haiti, Colombia, Ecuador, Costa Rica

As of March 2025: 12,862 visas remained in this category.

Critical Action Items for Employers

1. Filing Deadlines

• September 15, 2025: Final date for May–September returning worker petitions

• Immediate action recommended for country-specific allocations

2. Required Documentation

✔ Updated Form I-129 with ETA 9142-B-CAA-9 attestation

✔ Approved Temporary Labor Certification (TLC)

✔ Proof of temporary need (contracts, seasonal demand forecasts)

For a step-by-step filing guide, visit our H-2B Visa Application Resource Center.

What’s New in 2025? Key Program Changes

Effective January 2025, DHS implemented worker-focused reforms:

Change	Impact
Job Portability	Workers can switch employers upon petition filing (no USCIS wait)
Extended Grace Periods	10-day pre-employment entry + 30-day post-employment stay allowed
Stronger Enforcement	Increased penalties for recruitment fee violations

Strategic Alternatives When Caps Are Reached

If H-2B visas are unavailable, consider:

• H-2A Program for agricultural work

• J-1 Cultural Exchange for hospitality roles

• EB-3 Visa for permanent labor certification

Compliance Checklist:H-2B Visa Program

✅ Verify prevailing wage compliance

✅ Maintain petition copies for all workers

✅ Report employment changes within 10 days

For official policy documents, refer to the DOL Foreign Labor Certification page.

H-2B Visa Program