H-2B Temporary Non-Agricultural Worker Visa
For temporary or seasonal non-agricultural workers, such as hospitality, landscaping or construction labor.
The H-2B Temporary Non-Agricultural Worker Visa is a US work & skilled visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~US$205 visa fee; employer pays US$1,080 I-129 petition fee plus labor certification costs) and processing time (~Weeks once labor certification is approved (cap subject)), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the H-2B Temporary Non-Agricultural Worker Visa is for
For temporary or seasonal non-agricultural workers, such as hospitality, landscaping or construction labor.
No direct green card route; intended as temporary seasonal labor.
H-2B Temporary Non-Agricultural Worker Visa - eligibility criteria
- Employer obtains a temporary labor certification
- Need is one-time, seasonal, peak-load or intermittent
- Be a national of an eligible country (usually)
- No qualified US workers available for the role
- Intend to depart when the work ends
H-2B Temporary Non-Agricultural Worker Visa cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the H-2B Temporary Non-Agricultural Worker Visa (United States) is ~US$205 visa fee; employer pays US$1,080 I-129 petition fee plus labor certification costs, with an indicative processing time of ~Weeks once labor certification is approved (cap subject). Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov).
| Type | Temporary |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Employer files petition; visa stamped at a consulate abroad |
| Length of stay | Up to 1 year, extendable in increments up to a maximum of 3 years |
| Work rights | Temporary non-agricultural work for the petitioning employer only |
| Study rights | Not a study visa |
| Government fee | ~US$205 visa fee; employer pays US$1,080 I-129 petition fee plus labor certification costs |
| Processing time | ~Weeks once labor certification is approved (cap subject) |
| Route to PR | No direct green card route; intended as temporary seasonal labor. |
Pathway & next steps
No direct green card route; intended as temporary seasonal labor.
Many applicants also compare H-2A · H-2A Temporary Agricultural Worker Visa, H-1B · H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa. Run a free VisaChief check to see which US route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common H-2B Temporary Non-Agricultural Worker Visa pitfalls we fix
H-2B Temporary Non-Agricultural Worker Visa - frequently asked questions
How much does the H-2B Temporary Non-Agricultural Worker Visa cost?
The H-2B Temporary Non-Agricultural Worker Visa government fee is ~US$205 visa fee; employer pays US$1,080 I-129 petition fee plus labor certification costs. Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov) before applying.
How long does the H-2B Temporary Non-Agricultural Worker Visa take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~Weeks once labor certification is approved (cap subject). Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the H-2B Temporary Non-Agricultural Worker Visa lead to permanent residence?
No direct green card route; intended as temporary seasonal labor.
Can I work on the H-2B Temporary Non-Agricultural Worker Visa?
Work rights: Temporary non-agricultural work for the petitioning employer only.
Who can apply for the H-2B Temporary Non-Agricultural Worker Visa?
For temporary or seasonal non-agricultural workers, such as hospitality, landscaping or construction labor.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official United States government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov) - official United States immigration authority