On January 27, 2022, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Labor (DOL) announced the addition of 20,000 H-2B temporary nonagricultural visas for the first half of fiscal year (FY) 2022. These visas are for U.S. employers that are facing irreparable harm without additional workers and seeking to employ additional workers on or before March 31, 2022. DHS Secretary Mayorkas said,
“DHS is taking action to address the needs of our economy by making an additional 20,000 H-2B visas available to workers. We are providing employers with the resources and support needed to sustain their businesses while expanding lawful pathways to the United States. At the same time, DHS and DOL are protecting against the exploitation of H-2B workers.”
The H-2B program provides temporary work authorization to noncitizens that are hired for temporary labor or services in the United States.
• The employment must be for a limited period of time, such as a one-time occurrence, seasonal, or intermittent need.
• Employers seeking to hire H-2B workers must obtain a certification from the Department of Labor that proves there are not enough U.S. workers who are able, willing, qualified, and available to work.
• They must prove that the employment of the H-2B workers will not affect the wages and working conditions of similarly employed U.S. workers.
The additional H-2B visas become available to employers on January 28, 2022. This is the first time that DHS is making additional H-2B visas available in the first half of the fiscal year.
If you need assistance with H-2B visas, contact the experienced immigration lawyers at Godoy Law Office. Godoy Law Office is an established immigration law firm in Chicago and Lombard, Illinois, with attorneys who are ready to help you apply for legal immigration status if you are eligible. If you need help with an immigration issue, please contact our office at 630-912-0322.
Godoy Law Office serves the entire Chicago, Illinois area including DuPage, Cook, Kane, Will, and Lake Counties.
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