Changes announced in H-2 temporary work visas for 2025

• Changes in Temporary Work Visas
• What Requirements Will Be Implemented?
• Revealed Implementation Date

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced a new regulation modernizing the H-2A and H-2B temporary worker visa programs.

The implementation of these changes is scheduled for January 17, 2025.

The changes aim to enhance efficiency, strengthen labor protections, and provide greater flexibility for beneficiaries.

One of the most notable changes is the removal of certain administrative requirements.

News on Visas for Immigrants in the US

There will also be an extension of grace periods and the introduction of stricter measures to combat the improper charging of fees to workers.

Additionally, the new rules will allow for greater labor mobility and simplify the application process.

YOU MIGHT ALSO BE INTERESTED IN: Four countries will not be able to process the Green Card in 2025

The H-2A visas are designed for temporary agricultural workers, as detailed by ‘Vive USA.’

This allows foreign citizens to perform labor in agricultural fields such as fruits, cereals, and other products.

Applicants must have a U.S. employer who supports their application, pay a fee of $205, and present a valid passport.

On the other hand, H-2B visas are focused on non-agricultural temporary jobs, such as landscaping, construction, hospitality, and other trades.

These visas do not require academic degrees and are a key tool for filling positions where there is insufficient local skilled labor.

The regulation removes the requirement to limit petition approval to nationals of countries designated as eligible.

This ends the need to publish annual lists of authorized countries.

Now, workers can be selected regardless of their country of origin, expanding opportunities for employers.

One of the most significant measures is the extension of the grace period after employment ends, which goes from 30 to 60 days.

This change will allow workers to search for new jobs or prepare for their departure from the country without accruing illegal presence.

In addition, new penalties have been introduced for companies that charge unauthorized fees to applicants for these visas.

Authorities will be able to deny petitions submitted by employers who have committed labor or legal violations, strengthening the integrity of the program.

The rule also includes protections for whistleblowers, equating H-2 workers’ rights with those offered to H-1B visa holders.

These measures aim to foster a fairer and safer working environment. Another key innovation is «job portability.»

H-2 workers will be able to start working with a new employer immediately once the stay extension application is submitted.

This eliminates the need to wait for the petition’s approval, easing the transition between jobs.

With these changes, the government aims to strengthen a system that benefits both employers and foreign workers.

The measures are expected to reduce bureaucracy, ensure better working conditions, and respond to the needs of the U.S. labor market, according to ‘Vive USA.’

CLICK ON THE IMAGE TO LISTEN TO THE PODCAST